The best underwear for men over 50 puts comfort first: a soft waistband that holds without digging in, a tagless finish, a breathable fabric such as cotton or modal, and a cut that matches how you actually spend your day. For most men that means a full-rise cotton brief or a cotton boxer brief, with a silky modal trunk for warmer days or travel.
Why your underwear needs change after 50
Bodies shift gradually. Weight often settles around the middle, thighs can change shape, and many men simply grow less patient with anything that pinches, rolls or itches. Lifestyle changes too: more time at a desk, in the garden, in the car or on long walks, and less time worrying about what's in fashion.
None of that calls for "old man" underwear. It just means the details that used to be minor now decide whether a pair feels good at 6 pm:
- Waistband: wide and soft rather than thin and tight.
- Rise: high enough to sit comfortably under a waistband that may now sit a little higher too.
- Labels and seams: fewer of them, and flat where they exist.
- Fabric: breathable and easy to wash, with enough stretch to move with you.
- Ease of putting on: a forgiving stretch fabric is simpler to step into than a stiff, narrow cut.
Choosing the cut: brief, boxer brief or trunk
There's no age-specific style, but some cuts suit an easygoing routine better than others. Here is how the three most useful ones compare.
| Cut | Leg coverage | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brief | None | Wide trousers, warm days, men who dislike fabric on the thigh | Leg openings that are too tight |
| Boxer brief | Mid-thigh | Walking, cycling, long days, preventing thighs rubbing | Hems that ride up if the size is off |
| Trunk | Short | Slimmer trousers, travel, a tidy look without a long leg | Very low rises if you prefer more coverage |
If you're unsure, start with one brief and one boxer brief in the same size and wear each for a full day. You'll know by evening which one you forgot you had on. Our guide on how to tell if your underwear fits lists the signs to check.
Classic briefs that stay comfortable all day
A well-made cotton brief is still one of the most practical things in a man's drawer. Look for a stretch blend so the fabric recovers after washing, and a waistband that's firm enough to stay put without leaving a red line.
Our cotton stretch briefs use 95% cotton and 5% spandex, have a tagless design and a sturdy elastic waistband, and come in sizes S to XXL in colours from black and grey to white and sky blue. If you like a simple, plain brief, the cotton tag-free briefs have no label at the back and a highly elastic waistband designed to keep its shape through long hours of wear, in sizes M to XXL.
Boxer briefs for walking, driving and long days
If you spend hours on your feet or behind the wheel, a mid-thigh leg is often the more comfortable choice because it keeps fabric between your thighs. The key is a hem that stays where it should; a size too small is the usual reason legs creep up. Our boxer brief leg length guide explains the options.
The cotton boxer briefs are made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex with a contoured 3D pouch and a waistband knit with spandex that spreads pressure evenly instead of digging in. They're machine washable and come in green, black and navy blue.
For a lighter, smoother feel, the modal trunks pair a soft, stretchy modal fabric with a tag-free finish and flat, smooth stitching, in six solid colours from S to XXL.
Fabric: cotton, modal or ice silk?
- Cotton blends feel familiar, breathe well and handle regular machine washing. A few percent of spandex stops them from bagging out.
- Modal is softer and drapes more smoothly. It suits men who find cotton a little rough or warm.
- Ice silk is very smooth and light, ideal for summer, holidays and packing light. Our ice silk trunks have a short 3 in (7.6 cm) inseam and a stretchy waistband with no binding.
Many men end up with a mix: cotton for everyday, modal or ice silk for warm weather and trips. For a deeper comparison, read our guide to soft underwear fabrics.
Getting the size right (again)
A lot of men buy the same size for decades out of habit. It's worth measuring your waist where the underwear actually sits, then checking the size chart on the product page. A few practical rules:
- If the waistband leaves a mark after a few hours, go up a size.
- If the fabric sags at the seat or the legs twist, try a size down or a different cut.
- If you're between sizes, the larger one is usually more comfortable in cotton; stretchier fabrics can often go either way.
- Replace pairs once the waistband loses its grip; worn-out elastic is the most common cause of rolling and riding up.
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Frequently asked questions
Are briefs or boxer briefs better for men over 50?
Neither is better in general. Briefs suit men who dislike fabric on the thigh and wear looser trousers; boxer briefs suit men who walk a lot or want to avoid thighs rubbing. Many men keep both.
What waistband is most comfortable?
A wide, soft elastic band that sits flat. Thin, tight bands are more likely to dig in or roll, especially when you sit for long periods.
Is cotton or modal better for everyday wear?
Cotton blends are the easy-care everyday choice. Modal feels softer and smoother and is a good pick if cotton feels warm or rough to you.
How often should I replace my underwear?
When the waistband stops holding, the fabric thins or the shape is gone. Rotating several pairs helps each one last longer.
Build a drawer that works for you
Start with a few comfortable cotton pieces from our men's cotton underwear collection, add a pair or two of briefs or boxer briefs in the cut you prefer, and keep something silky for warmer days. Every order ships in discreet packaging.
