Here's How You Can Reduce Leg Rolling for Boxer Briefs
Stay comfortable and bunch-free with these recommendations.
If you’re a guy that wears boxer briefs, then we can pretty much guarantee you know this feeling.
That slightly uncomfortable, unfortunately awkward, constant adjustment-requiring feeling when the legs of your boxer briefs bunch and roll up your thighs.
While you may have thought you were resigned to live with this pesky nuisance, there are actually a number of ways you can address it.
And the best place to start is understanding what causes the bunching and what factors to look for when purchasing boxer briefs.
Here, we’ll cover the 3 most important factors that impact leg rolling in boxer briefs, what you can do to reduce this annoying problem, and offer our picks for the best anti-bunching boxer briefs.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by The Underwear Review. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
Leg Rolling Factor 1: Fabric Type
Let’s start with an important factor that might not have even crossed your mind when it comes to boxer brief leg rolling: fabric type.
The basic rule here is that lighter fabrics tend to roll, bunch, and ride up more than do thicker and more durable fabrics.
For example, 100% cotton fabric is a common choice for underwear because it is lightweight, breathable, and inexpensive.
However, if you’ve ever worn cotton boxer briefs then you know how they’re prone to losing their shape throughout the day, leading to uncomfortable bunching and rolling.
In this case, there’s not much that can be done. It’s simply the nature of the fabric.
Luckily, underwear brands today have begun incorporating a variety of fabric blends into their product offerings that outperform simple cotton fabric.
One such popular choice among high-quality underwear brands is a micro modal and spandex fabric blend.
This fabric choice is very soft, breathable, and durable, and the addition of spandex provides a bit of stretch to help with staying put and retaining garment shape throughout the day.
Another option that’s growing in popularity is a polyester and spandex fabric blend.
This fabric has been popular among athletes for many years in the form of compression shorts, and can now be found in sporty hybrid options that are suitable for both activity and everyday wear.
This fabric fits like a second skin and its stretchy compressive properties help boxer brief legs stay put while still retaining a full range of motion.
Leg Rolling Factor 2: Garment Design
For those that hate leg rolling and bunching from their boxer briefs, another factor to look at is the actual design and construction of the boxer briefs you’re wearing.
Now, what do we mean by this?
While some may be under the impression that all boxer briefs are constructed and designed in practically the same way, there’s actually quite a bit of variety among options available today.
For example, boxer briefs that implement anatomical design features that take into account how your body is shaped and how it moves, which can lead to improved comfort and function.
If you’re considered about leg rolling in your boxer briefs, always keep an eye out for options that mention design features specifically aimed at combating it, such as a “no ride-up leg design” or a “stay-put leg design.”
These features are usually achieved through a combination of stitching, garment cut, fabric type, and other seemingly subtle details that can end up helping leg bunching quite a bit.
Boxer brief options that prioritize leg rolling in their overall design tend to do a much better job at preventing it than those that don’t.
Also, don’t forget that these features won’t work very well if your boxer briefs aren’t sized correctly.
Always check the brand’s sizing guide to ensure you’re getting the best fit for you.
Leg Rolling Factor 3: Leg Length
Our final factor addresses the boxer brief legs directly: leg length.
The standard leg length of boxer briefs, also referred to as an inseam, is right around 5 to 6 inches.
So, if you’re browsing boxer brief options, you’ll find that most have this length or one close to it.
However, you may also notice that this length typically rests about mid-thigh, which can present a few problems if you’re hoping to keep those legs from bunching up.
The reason why is because there’s a lot of action going on in this area. Right above, you have several hip muscle groups that are engaged in a wide range of motion.
Any time you’re sitting, standing, twisting, squatting, bending, and so on, there’s going to be some rolling, twisting, and bunching from the garment that you’re wearing over this area.
In general, the shorter your boxer brief leg length (i.e. the less fabric you have on your leg) the less chance it has of rolling or bunching up.
For this reason, some guys prefer the shorter leg length that trunks provide, which is typically around 3 inches.
Of course, if you’d like to eliminate the leg rolling altogether, you also have the option of briefs.
And it’s worth mentioning that today’s designs have come a long way from the tighty-whities of old.
But if you don’t want to go shorter in your leg length, certain longer boxer brief leg lengths can also be effective.
Long boxer brief versions tend to be about 8 to 9 inches in length.
Often times as more of the fabric and garment design is extended over your thigh, the less it is affected by movement from above.
Additionally, the sporty fabric blends we mentioned above can be especially effective in this regard, as you’re essentially increasing the coverage of the stretchy fabric and its compressive pressure to help keep the legs in place.
Here Are The Best Boxer Briefs to Reduce Leg Roll: Our Top Picks
Now that we’ve covered the causes of leg rolling and what to look for when purchasing boxer briefs, check out our top picks for the best anti-bunching boxer briefs available today.
These picks will keep you comfortable and bunch-free while still allowing your legs a full range of motion.
1. Tommy John 360 Sport Boxer Briefs
The Tommy John 360 Sport Boxer Briefs feature a signature stretch fabric that prevents riding up and wedgies even during high intensity workouts. These boxer briefs have a stay-put waistband and offer the perfect amount of coverage and support.
Shop at Tommy John: Tommy John 360 Sport Boxer Briefs
Tommy John’s 360 Sport Boxer Briefs are a great hybrid option with a performance design that’s comfortable enough for everyday wear. These boxer briefs have a supportive contour pouch and a Quick Draw horizontal fly.
2. All Citizens Elite II Boxer Briefs
The All Citizens Elite II Boxer Briefs feature a signature Paradise Pocket pouch design for adjustment-free comfort. These boxer briefs have incredibly soft performance microfiber that’s durable, breathable, stretchy, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying.
Shop at All Citizens: All Citizens Elite II Boxer Briefs
All Citizens’ Elite II Boxer Briefs utilize a no leg-roll Power Grip design with laser-cut leg grippers lined with soft silicone for incredible hold. These boxer briefs also sport mesh breathe zones for added airflow and ventilation where it’s needed most.
3. Mack Weldon Stealth Boxer Briefs
The Mack Weldon Stealth Boxer Briefs feature a hybrid seamless construction with body mapping technology. These boxer briefs have a stretchy nylon, polyester, and spandex fabric blend that fits and feels like a second skin.
Shop at Mack Weldon: Mack Weldon Stealth Boxer Briefs
Mack Weldon’s Stealth Boxer Briefs are a great hybrid option for both working out and everyday wear. These boxer briefs have a flyless MotionCTRL pouch, a smooth bonded waistband, and are even seawater and chlorine safe.
4. Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Briefs
The Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Briefs feature a signature 18-hour jersey fabric that is incredibly soft and designed for everyday wear. These boxer briefs utilize mesh cool zones for breathability and added stretch for mobility.
Shop at Mack Weldon: Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Briefs
Mack Weldon’s 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Briefs have a comfortable and tagless no-roll waistband, as well as a stay-put leg design to reduce bunching and shifting. These boxer briefs are available in multiple colors and patterns.
5. Tommy Hilfiger Everyday Microfiber Boxer Briefs
The Tommy Hilfiger Everyday Microfiber Boxer Briefs are a great blend of comfort and function with four-way stretch for improved mobility. These boxer briefs have brushed fabric for extra comfort and a sleek elastic waistband that provides an exceptional fit.
Available on Amazon: Tommy Hilfiger Everyday Microfiber Boxer Briefs
Tommy Hilfiger’s Everyday Microfiber Boxer Briefs feature a comfortable polyester and elastane fabric blend with a moisture-wicking finish to keep you dry. As their name suggests, these boxer briefs are a great option for everyday wear.
6. David Archy Micro Modal Boxer Briefs
The David Archy Micro Modal Boxer Briefs feature a silky soft micro modal fabric with a 3D contour pouch for the perfect blend of room and support. These boxer briefs have durable seam construction, a stay-put waistband, and a no-ride up leg design.
Shop at David Archy: David Archy Micro Modal Boxer Briefs
David Archy’s Micro Modal Boxer Briefs utilize an ultra-soft micro modal and spandex fabric blend for a comfortable fit with a touch of stretch. These boxer briefs come with a free refund or exchange if you’re not completely satisfied.
7. Under Armour BoxerJock
The Under Armour BoxerJock is a sporty hybrid of compression shorts and boxer briefs great for both physical activity and everyday wear. These boxer briefs feature incredibly soft and breathable fabric with sweat-wicking capability to keep you cool and dry.
Available on Amazon: Under Armour BoxerJock
Under Armour’s BoxerJock has a performance waistband that stays put without constricting. These boxer briefs have 4-way stretch and no side or back seams for extra comfort and mobility.
If you're all about comfort when it comes to your boxer briefs, be sure to check out our list of the Most Comfortable Boxer Briefs.
