The Best Breathable Trunks for Hot Weather 2023
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 2023.
Stock up on your favorites and stay cool this summer.
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. Tommy John Cool Cotton Trunks
The Tommy John Cool Cotton Trunks are designed for everyday wear with a breathable and moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cooler and drier than regular cotton. These trunks have a comfortable and supportive contour pouch.
Shop at Tommy John: Tommy John Cool Cotton Trunks
Tommy John’s Cool Cotton Trunks feature a soft Pima cotton and spandex fabric blend with stretch to provide comfortable mobility. These trunks have a 4-inch inseam and a signature horizontal fly.
3. 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.
4. David Archy Breathable Air Trunks
The David Archy Breathable Air Trunks feature an extra soft and breathable bamboo rayon fabric with a unique pore structure that allows for premium air permeability.
Shop at David Archy: David Archy Breathable Air Trunks
David Archy’s Breathable Air Trunks have a relaxed fit with seamless fitting tech for a great feel against your skin. These trunks utilize a comfortable stretch waistband and a 3D Pouch design for a perfect mix of support and freedom.
5. Separatec Bamboo Rayon Breathable Trunks
The Separatec Bamboo Rayon Breathable Trunks feature naturally soft and breathable bamboo fiber with a 3D pouch design for an extra free fit.
Shop at Separatec: Separatec Bamboo Rayon Breathable Trunks
Separatec’s Bamboo Rayon Breathable Trunks utilize a highly elastic waistband for comfort and an innovative sewing technology that reduces friction and provides a soft feel.
6. Nike Dri-FIT Ultra Stretch Micro Trunks
The Nike Dri-FIT Ultra Stretch Micro Trunks feature a soft brushed fabric with sweat evaporating Dri-FIT technology to keep you dry and comfortable.
Shop at Nike: Nike Dri-FIT Ultra Stretch Micro Trunks
Shop at HisRoom: Nike Dri-FIT Ultra Stretch Micro Trunks
Nike’s Dri-FIT Ultra Stretch Micro Trunks utilize 4-way stretch for a complete range of motion, wide hems to keep from bunching up, and a functional fly for convenience.
7. 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.
8. 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.
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. 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.
11. 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.
Shop at FreshPair: Jack Adams Air Fit Trunks
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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
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 our top picks for the Best Trunks Available on Amazon.
For other breathable underwear options, check out these Best Breathable Picks.
