The Best Breathable Trunks for Hot Weather 2024

Stay-cool underwear options for the hot summer months.

Whether you live in a warm climate, or the summer months are starting to roll around, a high-quality pair of breathable boxer briefs is underwear that you’ll never regret reaching for in the drawer.

Because we’ve all felt it before.

The swampy, pooling of sweat in our seat (commonly known as “swass”) that leaves you damp, sticky, and miserable.

But if you thought this was an unfortunate reality that you were resigned to live with, here’s some good news for you.

Swass is a treatable discomfort.

For reasons unknown, underwear has been an overlooked and underappreciated factor in staying cool.

It certainly shouldn’t be, however, as it’s the first thing you put on and the layer that rests right against your skin.

It makes perfect sense that when you incorporate breathable fabrics and garment features into the design of underwear, it can help to regulate body temperature and wick away moisture.

This in turn helps you stay cooler and drier for longer, whether you’re out in the sweltering heat or simply going about your everyday routine.

Here, we’ve rounded up the best breathable trunk options for hot weather in 2024.

Stock up on your favorites and stay cool this summer.

How We Make Our Picks for Best Breathable Trunks

Every pair of underwear falls somewhere on the breathability spectrum.

Lots of underwear brands claim their trunk underwear has great breathability but certain options certainly perform better than others.

From extensive testing of men’s underwear options in hot and humid circumstances, we’ve found that 2 characteristics significantly boost underwear breathability.

1. Extra Lightweight Fabric 

When the temperature rises and your body starts to sweat, there’s nothing worse than damp and heavy fabric sticking to your body.

The weight of the fabric before it gets damp and how it handles sweat will play a big role in overall breathability.

The Tommy John Air Trunks feature incredibly lightweight mesh fabric.

Typically, the best option is going to be a mesh fabric or a naturally breathable material with a permeable construction.

Not only does the permeability of these fabrics allow heat and sweat to move away from your body but it also helps your underwear dry faster. 

2. Strategic Ventilation

The major obstacle in designing breathable underwear is creating a garment that maintains its structural and functional integrity.

In other words, underwear that’s super lightweight and permeable is useless if it doesn’t perform the other necessary features.

The Mack Weldon AIRKNITx Trunks utilize strategic ventilation for improved breathability.

This balance can be achieved through strategically placed ventilation in optimal spots.

Adding ventilation to the spots where it’s needed most will go a long way in keeping you cool while still offering other key aspects like comfort and support.

Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by The Underwear Review. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.

1. Tommy John Air Trunks

The Tommy John Air Trunks feature a signature feather-light Air Mesh fabric that’s extra breathable, quick-drying, and weighs in at a mere 2oz.

Shop at Tommy John: Tommy John Air Trunks

Tommy John’s Air Trunks utilize a 4-inch inseam, stay-put waistband, comfortable contour pouch, and a Quick Draw horizontal fly.

2. Mack Weldon AIRKNITx Trunks

The Mack Weldon AIRKNITx Trunks feature a breathable performance design that keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable with moisture-wicking capabilities and targeted cool zone construction.

Shop at Mack Weldon: Mack Weldon AIRKNITx Trunks

Shop at Mack Weldon: Mack Weldon AIRKNITx HD Trunks

Mack Weldon’s AIRKNITx Trunks utilize a supportive flyless pouch, a comfortable no-roll waistband, and a stay-put legs design to minimize any fabric bunching. These trunks are also available in rich HD colors.

3. Gregg Homme Room-Max Air Trunks

The Gregg Homme Room-Max Air Trunks are crafted with a soft high-end micro mesh fabric that’s incredibly soft and breathable. These trunks have great stretch, a comfortable fit, and a stable one-inch waistband that’s great for everyday wear.

Shop at HisRoom: Gregg Homme Room-Max Air Trunks 

Gregg Homme’s Room-Max Air Trunks have a unique inner front panel construction that provides a gentle lift for improved freedom and slight volume enhancement.

4. 2(X)IST (X) Sport Mesh No Show Trunks

The 2(X)IST (X) Sport Mesh No Show Trunks feature a performance-ready mesh fabric that’s extra lightweight and breathable. These trunks are stretchy and moisture-wicking for a dry and comfortable all-day fit.

Shop at 2(X)IST: 2(X)IST (X) Sport Mesh No Show Trunks 

2(X)IST’s (X) Sport Mesh No Show Trunks have a smooth and streamlined microfiber elastic waistband and a clean turn back hem. These trunks sport a low-rise design, seamed 2-ply contour pouch, and a no-show leg binding.

5. Pair of Thieves SuperFit Trunks

The Pair of Thieves SuperFit Trunks feature no-chafe seams and cooling mesh fabric that’s soft and cool-to-the-touch. These trunks are designed with unique micro ventilation throughout, resulting in superior breathability.

Shop at Pair of Thieves: Pair of Thieves SuperFit Trunks 

Available on Amazon: Pair of Thieves SuperFit Trunks 

Pair of Theives’ SuperFit Trunks utilize a comfortable polyamide and spandex fabric blend that offers comfort and moisture-wicking ability. These trunks have an extra soft waistband that’s tag-free and stays-put.

6. Jack Adams Air Fit Trunks

The Jack Adams Air Fit Trunks feature dual pouch technology that lifts and supports in the front for extra comfort. These trunks have a soft and stretchy cotton and elastane fabric blend with great breathability.

Available on Amazon: Jack Adams Air Fit Trunks 

Jack Adams’ Air Fit Trunks utilize a contour pouch with excellent support, flat seams to reduce chafing, and a low-rise fit that sits just below the waistline.

7. SAXX DropTemp Cooling Cotton Trunks

The Saxx DropTemp Cooling Cotton Trunks feature incredibly fast moisture-wicking DropTemp Technology to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable. These trunks have a super soft feel with comfortable 4-way stretch.

Shop at SAXX: SAXX DropTemp Cooling Cotton Trunks 

Available on Amazon: SAXX DropTemp Cooling Cotton Trunks 

SAXX’s DropTemp Cooling Cotton Trunks are designed with non-chafing Flat Out Seams, a patented BallPark Pouch to reduce friction, and a stay-put anti-roll waistband.

8. Nike Dri-FIT Ultra Comfort Trunks

The Nike Dri-FIT Ultra Comfort Trunks feature an extra soft fabric with added stretch for comfort and sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology to move sweat away from your skin for quicker evaporation.

Shop at Nike: Nike Dri-FIT Ultra Comfort Trunks

Nike's Dri-FIT Ultra Comfort Trunks sport a specially constructed pouch to provide optimal support and a 4-inch inseam length.  

9. Under Armour Tech Boxerjock Trunks

The Under Armour Tech BoxerJock Trunks are a sporty boxer brief option great for both physical activity and everyday wear. These trunks have an incredibly soft and breathable fabric blend with sweat-wicking capability to keep you cool and dry.

Shop at Under Armour: Under Armour Tech BoxerJock Trunks

Available on Amazon: Under Armour Tech BoxerJock Trunks

Under Armour’s Tech BoxerJock Trunks feature a performance waistband that stays put without constricting. These trunks have 4-way stretch and no side or back seams for extra comfort and mobility.

10. New Balance Trunks

The New Balance Trunks are a sporty hybrid that feature soft moisture-wicking fabric with 360-degree stretch for activity. These trunks eliminate any fabric bunching on the legs and forego side seams for a smooth fit under clothing.

Available on Amazon: New Balance Trunks

New Balance’s Trunks have a wide and soft waistband, mesh gusset for breathability, and a fly opening. These trunks utilize a polyester and spandex fabric blend that comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

11. Adidas Performance Trunks

The Adidas Performance Trunks are a sporty hybrid that feature an athletic fit with quick-drying fabric. These trunks have a soft and stretchy feel with smooth stitching for extra comfort.

Shop at Adidas: Adidas Performance Trunks

Available on Amazon: Adidas Performance Trunks

Adidas’ Performance Trunks utilize a functional no-gap fly and a tagless waistband with a soft feel that stays in place.

Here's What to Look for When Buying Breathable Underwear

When the hot summer months arrive, keeping cool becomes a priority for everyone.

One of the best ways to beat the heat can be found in your clothing choices.

Breathable garments, including underwear, help tremendously with your body’s ability to regulate temperature and keep from overheating.

While cotton fabric has long been considered the most breathable choice for underwear, fabric type is really just one aspect to consider if you’re looking for breathable underwear options that will keep you cool and dry.

For example, think about what happens to cotton when it gets wet (i.e. when you sweat).

The fabric gets damp and heavy, absorbing the moisture rather than dispersing it.

Underwear that also takes sweat and moisture management into consideration will help you stay cooler and drier for longer.

Because it’s not that you don’t want sweat to happen.

Sweat is a good thing. It’s your body’s natural process of cooling down.

So, when browsing for breathable underwear to help you stay cool in hot weather, keep an eye out for underwear designed to assist your body’s temperature regulation process.

Look for underwear with breathable fabrics and design elements, such as cooling vents or breathable mesh, as well as sweat-wicking technology that will remove moisture from your skin.

This combination of design features, both the breathable and the moisture-wicking, will help you stay cooler, drier, and more comfortable in hot conditions.

If you’re looking to add some great trunks to your rotation, be sure to also check out our list of the Most Comfortable Trunks and the best trunks Available on Amazon.

And for more breathable underwear options, check out these Best Breathable Picks.