Well, let’s hit the slopes, and find out!

Strap on your boots so we can explore the ten best long underwear for skiing for both men and women!

Disclaimer: To maintain genuineness and authenticity, Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products. Yet as an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Long Underwear Buying Considerations

Merino Vs. Synthetic Long Underwear For Skiing

We’d like to note that we are a website dedicated to Merino Wool Gear (hence the name), but we want to be objective with our reviews. It’s essential to look at the positives and negatives of Merino Wool as compared to other synthetic long underwear.

Merino wool is one of the best fabrics for keeping your microclimate – the area between your clothing and skin – warm. It wicks away moisture from your skin and holds your traps air and water vapor within the material. Merino also has odor-resistant properties, is incredibly soft on your skin, and can be versatile in any environment. Some of the downsides are that it can be pricey and can have durability issues if not cared for properly.

Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are incredibly breathable and quick-drying, which is excellent if you wipe out and get snow up your pant leg. They tend to be more durable and less expensive than Merino wool, as well. While synthetics don’t always provide the best insulation, it’s often enough to keep you warm. As the material is made from petroleum, it’s hydrophobic, meaning that it repels water and attracts oils. Thus, the smelly, oily secretions from your body tend to linger in the fabric. On top of that, it’s very environmentally friendly.

What’s Best For Skiing?

The decision of which long underwear material you should wear on the slopes is ultimately up to you. If you favor durability and a little bit of extra cash in your wallet, you may want to be on team synthetic. But we honestly prefer Merino, as we believe temperature regulation and comfort are the most crucial underwear factors while skiing.

We will focus mainly on the top Merino long underwear for a day on the slopes due to our preferences. Still, we’ll also go over some reliable non-Merino options for those of you who prefer synthetics. Let’s get started!

Best Long Underwear For Skiing: Tie

Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Leggings

100% Merino wool | 200 gsm | Slim fit | Price: $$$

Men’s Oasis Leggings | Women’s Oasis Leggings

Pros: Fantastic warmth-to-weight ratio | High performance | Sleek and stylish

Cons: User-reported fabric issues | The waistband is a bit snug

View Icebreaker Sizing Charts & Brand Review

Style meets functionality with Icebreaker’s Merino 200 Oasis Thermal Leggings for men and women. The 100% Merino wool jersey fabric is extra soft on your skin and offers ample breathability to regulate your temperature.

We love the choice of midweight, 200 GSM fabric density as it is sufficient enough to keep you warm in an ever-fluctuating alpine environment. Also, we feel that these Oasis leggings are one of the most multifunctional options on our list, as you can wear them as a standalone piece.

Although no pair of long underwear is perfect, we’ve seen a couple of reported issues. Some users have claimed that the waistband feels too tight, and others say that the fabric wears over time. It appears as the former may be due to personal preference, and the latter to improper care, as we have not experienced these issues personally.

Overall, we feel that any clothing crafted by Icebreaker is worth its weight in gold. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch, but Icebreaker should still be crowned co-king of the mountain with their Oasis 200 Thermal Leggings.

Smartwool 250 Base Layer Bottoms

100% Merino | 250 gsm | Slim fit | Price: $$$$

Smartwool Men’s Thermal Bottoms | Smartwool Women’s Thermal Bottoms

Pros: Excellent thermoregulation | Design improves comfort | Trusted outdoor brand

Cons: May stretch with improper care | Relatively slow-drying

View Smartwool Sizing Charts & Company Profile

Our co-best pair of Merino wool long underwear is none other than the Smartwool Merino 250 Bottoms. They are a bit thicker than their co-champion, making them slightly better in the warmth category. Still, despite being 250 GSM, these Merino bottoms are surprisingly breathable, offering plenty of temperature regulation as you navigate the mountain all day long.

The actual reason that we love these long underwear is Smartwool’s attention to detail within the design. It’s the little things like a thick Merino-lined waistband for maximum comfort and garment-wide flatlock seams to reduce irritation. Smartwool even redesigned their back gusset pattern due to user feedback, allowing for a much more supportive fit.

The fit is not too tight either, so that you can wear these bottoms as a mid-layer. But be careful as the fabric may deform over time with improper care.

Overall, it’s a no-brainer to put a trusted Merino brand like Smartwool as the co-gold medalist when it comes to the best long underwear for skiing.

Note: If you’re looking for a similar construction and reputation as the Smartwool 250 Bottoms, but don’t need as thick of fabric, check out their 150 bottoms. It’s the same design but doesn’t offer as much warmth protection.

Best ¾ Length Merino Long Underwear For Skiing

Ridge Merino Men’s Aspect 3/4 Bottoms

84% Merino, 16% Nylon | 180 gsm | 18.5 microns | Slim-to-Athletic fit | Price: $$

Pros: Excellent breathability | Comparatively more durable | Relatively inexpensive

Cons: Not as warm as other options | May be tight around larger calves

View Ridge Merino Sizing Charts & Company Profile

Suppose you’re sick of the sock-underwear-boot irritation combo but still want the protection provided with long underwear. In that case, the Ridge Merino 3/4-Length bottoms may be your best bet. They offer a supportive but not too restrictive fit. Their 180 GSM fabric provides sufficient warmth for sunny days on the mountain.

One aspect we love about the Aspect – and a lot of Ridge Merino clothing in general – is the dedication to the clothing’s longevity. By itself, Merino wool is sometimes too delicate to withstand the normal wear and tear of long skiing underwear. Ridge Merino utilizes an industry-leading (m)Force Merino technology, spinning the soft woolen fibers around a stronger nylon thread to improve durability and longevity. You get all the benefits of Merino and minimize some of the disadvantages in the process.

The calf holds are great for these specific thermals, but they may be a bit tight for those with tree trunks for legs. Also, for shorter people, the 3/4 length is more like 7/8, so keep that in mind.

Still, you truly can’t beat the price-to-quality ratio that Ridge Merino provides with this skiing underwear. They may be 3/4 length, but they are 1/2 the price of most of the competitors. We highly suggest the Ridge Merino Aspect leggings if you want to feel comfortable on the mountain without breaking the bank.

Minus33 Women’s Osceola 3/4 Bottoms

100% Merino wool | 235 gsm | 18.5 microns | Standard fit | Price: $$$

Pros: Soft & comfortable fit | Ideal length for ski boots | Good temperature regulation

Cons: User-reported sizing issues | Stretches with excessive use

View Minus33 Sizing Charts & Company Profile

Minus33 has crafted a simplistic yet aesthetically-pleasing pair of ladies leggings with these Osceola Midweight Wool 3/4 Bottoms. The 235 GSM fabric will keep your legs warm on the mountain but still allow for plenty of room to breathe.

The Osceola leggings’ minimalistic design may appear basic at first, but Minus33 has put so much detail into every inch of them. The waistband is covered and rises higher, sitting around the belly button. The gusset construction and flatlock seams reduce irritation and chafing. On top of that, the 3/4 inseam reduces any annoyance from “boot bulk.”

It’s important to note that these Merino bottoms are not as tight-fitting as many of the other pairs on our list. They have a much more relaxed fit, which is why some users have reported that they run a bit large. Minus33 suggests that you size down if you are looking for a more athletic fit.

Overall, we think the Osceola Minus33 3/4 bottoms aren’t just a fantastic pair of long underwear on the slopes. They also work well in the yoga studio, CrossFit gym, or even just lounging around the house.

Most Affordable Merino Long Underwear For Skiing

Meriwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms

100% Merino wool | 250 gsm | 18.5 microns | Regular-to-Loose fit | Price: $$

Men’s Base Layer 250 | Women’s Base Layer 250

Pros: Excellent price-to-quality ratio | Soft to the touch | Versatile

Cons: Stretches with heavy use | User-reported excessive pilling

View Meriwool Sizing Charts & Company Profile

The price of lift tickets is high, so if you want to hang out all day on the mountain, you will have to cut back the cost somewhere else. With the Meriwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms, you’re able to save a little bit of money without sacrificing warmth. It’s the perfect combination for a fun, wallet-friendly day on the slopes.

The 18.5-micron, 100% Merino wool feels super soft on the skin, while the 250 GSM fabric provides excellent temperature regulation. At the end of a long day, they won’t even stink either. You can use them again when you conquer the fresh powder the next day!

The fit is a little baggier than we expected, and for us, it seemed to be a bit tighter around our thighs than it was our waist. We didn’t see this as an issue, but it’s just a feeling we weren’t used to. According to some users, the fabric itself stretches with heavy use, but that’s typical with pure Merino clothing.

In the end, the Meriwool 250 Base Layer Bottoms are super-efficient in what they are meant to do: keeping your legs – and bank account – protected. Check out the variety of color options for both men & women below.

Best Long Underwear For Backcountry Skiing

Minus33 Katmai & Kenai Expedition Wool Bottoms

100% Merino wool | 400 gsm | 18.5 microns | Regular fit | Price: $$$$

Men’s Katmai Expedition Bottoms | Women’s Kenai Expedition Bottoms

Pros: Warmest pair on this list | Soft next-to-skin comfort | Surprisingly breathable

Cons: User-reported fit issues | Expensive

View Minus33 Sizing Charts & Company Profile

Skiing in the backcountry can be exhilarating. It’s like you are a polar explorer, testing your limits against both the beauty and brutality of nature to find that perfect line. Venturing into these uncharted territories often means unknown weather conditions. That’s where the Katmai and Kenai Expedition bottoms by Minus33 come in handy.

These Merino wool bottoms have a fabric thickness of 400 GSM, nearly twice as much as any of the other pairs on our list. For reference, that’s about six pieces of paper thick. You know they will provide excellent insulation, but the surprising thing is that they are also breathable despite their thickness. The soft, 18.5-micron fibers also feel super soft on your skin. The combination of protection and comfort sometimes makes it feel like you aren’t wearing any long underwear at all!

The fit itself is a bit relaxed, which has led some users to report sizing issues, but it’s not anything we have seen. Also, they are the most expensive pair of thermals on our list. But, with features like flatlock seams, structured gussets, a covered waistband, and 400 GSM of insulation, we feel like they are priced appropriately.

So, if you want to take an expedition into the unknown, make sure to stay comfortable and protected with these Minus33 Expedition long underwear.

Best Non-Merino Long Underwear For Skiing

Arc’teryx Rho LT Bottoms

Torrent: 84% Polyester, 16% Elastane | 175 gsm | Next-To-Skin fit | Price: $$$

Men’s Rho LT Bottoms | Women’s Rho LT Bottoms

Pros: Comfortable & snug | Unexpectedly warm | Excellent durability

Cons: Somewhat “staticy” | Limited versatility

In these reviews, we typically only focus on Merino wool gear (hence the site name). But, we feel like we would be doing you a disservice by writing an article about the best long underwear for skiing and not include the Rho LT from Arc’teryx. These super lightweight leggings are shockingly warm, and they hug your legs in all the right places.

With a well-established outdoor brand like Arc’teryx, you know you’ll be buying a finely engineered product, and the Rho LTs are no exception. The Torrent fleece fabric (84% polyester and 16% elastane – is brushed during manufacturing to give a soft next-to-skin feel and speed up moisture transfer away from your body. The elastic stretch and articulated pattern offer a fit that works with you as you move rather than against you. Heck, there is even a well-designed crotch gusset and zipper pocket!

As we try to remain objective with our reviews, it’s important to detail some of the cons. There have been reports that due to the Rho LT’s tight fit and brushed fleece, they offer limited breathability. These bottoms are also on the Merino spectrum’s pricier side, but we think the price point is fair with the sheer amount of extra features.

Overall though, the Arc’teryx Rho LT Bottoms are one of the most form-fitting, high-performing pair of thermals that we’ve tried. That’s why they make our list as the top pair of non-merino long underwear for skiing for both men and women.

Best Long Underwear For Skiing: Honorable Mentions

Ortovox 185 Rock’N’Wool Short Pant

100% Tasmanian Merino | 185 gsm |19 microns | Athletic fit | Price: $$$$

Men’s Rock’N’Wool Pants | Women’s Rock’N’ Wool Pants

Pros: Great breathability | Excellent fit | Quick-drying

Cons: Not the warmest | Relatively Expensive

These Rock’N’Wool short pants also have excellent design features that hinge on functionality. The athletic fit is not too loose or too tight, offering the right amount of support in all the right places. They hug your thighs and calves just ever so slightly but have a relaxed area around the knees for improved mobility.

The Ortovox Rock’N’Wool Short Pant also offers a stellar warmth-to-weight ratio. Still, they aren’t the warmest pair of long underwear that we’ve seen. In our opinion, they are best suited for spring skiing when temperature fluctuations aren’t as high. However, they do offer excellent breathability and relatively quick-drying than some of the other pairs of Merino long underwear on our list.

Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Bottoms

47% Merino /47% Polyester / 6% Elastane | 150 gsm | Tight fit | Price: $$

Men’s Alpine Onset Bottoms | Women’s Alpine Onset Bottoms

Pros: Super lightweight | Breathable | Quick-drying

Cons: Not for extreme temps | Reported seam issues

Suppose you are typically toasty in your snow pants and only need a small extra layer of protection. In that case, the Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Merino Bottomss may be your best choice. They are super lightweight and have excellent breathability properties. The fabric is a blend of recycled polyester and Merino wool, making them a perfect eco-friendly skier option.

The main issue (if you can call it that) we have with the Enigma bottoms is that they only have a fabric thickness of 150 GSM. In other words, they are not ideal for ultracold summit conditions. On top of that, some users have reported minor seam irritation and potential fabric snagging issues. Still, if you are looking for an ultralight pair of long underwear that still holds its weight, then check out the Outdoor Research Apline Onset Bottoms.

Patagonia Capilene Midweight Bottoms

100 % Capilene (recycled polyester) | 147 gsm | Relaxed fit | Price: $$

Men’s Capilene Bottoms | Women’s Capilene Bottoms

Pros: Weighs next to nothing | Relatively Inexpensive | Great Breathability

Cons: Fit a bit too relaxed | Reported durability issues

It’s tough to make a list of skiing gear and not include Patagonia. Their midweight Capilene bottoms are an excellent, budget-friendly choice for skiers of any skill level. Even though they are incredibly lightweight, they still offer adequate insulation against moderate alpine conditions through diamond-like shapes in the fabric that trap in hot air.

One issue we’ve seen with the Capilene midweight bottoms is that they feel too relaxed and saggy. We don’t 100% get the proper support that we would like from a pair of long underwear. It’s not like they perform poorly in the comfort department; it’s more of a personal preference.

Final Note: Best Long Underwear For Skiing

It’s the last call for the chairlift, and the sun is setting over the mountains on the best long underwear for skiing. We hope you’ve gained some knowledge about the multitude of factors that go into making a great pair of thermals as you carve down fresh powder. Always keep your legs warm and your tips up!

Remember to gather more information from as many sources as you can before purchasing any of these bottoms, as it’s you – not us – that will be wearing them on the slopes. All we try to do is impart a shred of insight and experience so that you can become a well-informed consumer.

If you want to learn more about Merino wool and other outdoor apparel, check us out on the socials below. Or just hang around a bit and read all the other reviews that we have to offer!

The post Best Merino Wool Long Underwear For Skiing appeared first on Merino Wool Gear.

**Updated April 2023**

Disclosure: To maintain genuineness and authenticity, Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products. Yet as an affiliate member, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Quick Merino Wool Underwear Buying Guide

Before we dive into each of our favorite pairs of Merino wool underwear, let’s take a quick look at some buying considerations and tips. Always understand your preferences and consult the individual company sizing charts before buying.

And remember, wearing good underwear should feel like you’re wearing no underwear.

Best Overall Merino Wool Underwear

Icebreaker Anatomica Boxer Briefs with Fly

83% Merino, 12% Nylon, 5% Elastane | 150 gsm | 4.5″ inseam | 6 colors | Price: $$$$

Comfort

80%

Odor Resistance

80%

Moisture Control

90%

Durability

70%

Pros: Great “ball pouch” contour | Supportive, but not restrictive | Breathable fabric

Cons: Runs small | May bunch for taller people | Design style not for everyone

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Our best overall pair of boxers is the Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers (with or without the fly). These underwear are the most breathable pair on our list as they are crafted from lightweight, 150 gsm fabric. The next-to-skin comfort of this thin fabric, combined with the natural odor-fighting powers of Merino wool, is excellent for any purpose. Icebreaker underwear is perfect for trekking through the wilderness, traveling across the country, or simply commuting to work.

When it comes to comfort, we personally feel like their construction is top of the list. The contoured ‘ball pouch’ provides a supportive, snug environment and allows for plenty of mobility. The waistband is not only comfortable but crafted from high-quality elastane, which so far has lasted us over a year without deforming. The shorter 4.5” inseam also prevents any bunching up of fabric, no matter how tight or relaxed your pants are.

While our experience has been nothing but fantastic, some other users feel that the seam design can be irritating. They have said that there is a front seam in the crotch area that can be annoying at times, and the overall design causing them to readjust every so often. Again, this is not our experience, but you need to understand the entire picture. We believe this is due to the sizing running a bit small and slim.

Since the  New Zealand-based Icebreaker specializes in Merino wool, you know their underwear is going to be one of the best on the market. They use CoreSpun nylon to give a little extra strength to the thin Merino fabric. Unfortunately, the longevity of these boxers has come under fire by many users, with some saying that they form holes after only a year or two of use. We have not had that same experience, so we cannot confirm or deny it, but it is something to look out for.

Check Price on Icebreaker

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Close Runner-Up

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Ridge Merino Men’s Ridge Boxer Briefs

83% Merino, 12% Nylon, 5% Spandex | 170 gsm | 6″ inseam | 6 colors | Price: $$

Comfort

80%

Odor Resistance

80%

Moisture Control

80%

Durability

70%

Pros: Excellent price-to-quality ratio | Reduced bunching & ride-up | Good waistband

Cons: Long inseam not great for shorter people | Launder with care | May run large

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Ridge Merino is a small company making a big impression within the world of Merino wool apparel. These boxers have a unique design featuring soft, 18.5-micron fibers that will keep you comfortable in almost any situation.

Like many other underwear on this list, the Ridge Merino boxers use a nylon core technology to increase long-term durability. In this specific case, their technology is a proprietary fabric technique known as (m)Force. While there isn’t too much documentation about this fiber blend, it’s clear that the wool base reinforced with synthetics will improve these boxers’ life span.

These boxers didn’t take the top spot because although the construction is sound, we find the longer 6″ inseam unsuitable for everyday use. It’s comfortable, but can sometimes be a bit much when you have to wear business casual clothes. The thicker 170 gsm fabric is breathable but not as breathable as some other Merino wool underwear. Plus, other users have commented that they tend to run a bit big, so consult the size charts carefully.

We do, however, think that the Ridge Merino boxers are an excellent choice for almost any situation, especially if you are a bit on the taller side. They’ll keep you snug, comfy, and odor-free throughout your active day.

Check Price on Ridge Merino

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Best Merino Wool Boxers for Travel

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Smartwool Men’s Merino 150 Boxer Brief

87% Merino, 13% Nylon core | 150 gsm | 6.5″ inseam (med.) | 5 colors | Price: $$$$

Comfort

75%

Odor Resistance

80%

Moisture Control

90%

Durability

75%

Pros: Super soft | Lightweight, breathable fabric | Trusted Merino brand

Cons: Cumbersome waistband | Sizing runs a bit small | Expensive

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The Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer Brief is one of the best pairs of boxers for active travelers. They are breathable, odor-resistant, possess a similar nylon core, fabric weight, 6.5″ inseam, fly, and so much more. On top of that, they are super quick-drying, so if you have to hand wash your clothes in the sink of a hostel, they’ll be ready to wear the next day. They are definitely in the top three pairs of Merino underwear. The only real issue we have is the waistband design and overall comfort levels.

Smartwool created a super thick (1.5″) waistband for their Merino boxers, which can be a little snug for our liking and cuts a bit into our stomachs when we bend at the waist. The inside is lined with Merino wool, which feels smooth, but gets sweaty pretty quickly due to the spandex combination. Still, this thicker band may be best for travelers who need an extra bit of protection if they are wearing a hip belt.

Some users have complained of holes forming after a few years, but we have not experienced that issue. Most likely, this is due to improper care, so make sure to follow the washing instructions for Smartwool men’s underwear.

Overall, these Smartwool Boxer Briefs genuinely live up to the company’s outstanding reputation.

Check Price on Smartwool

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Best Merino Underwear for Hiking

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Minus33 Men’s Acadian BoTTOMS

100% Merino wool | 170 gsm | 8″ inseam | 5 colors | Price: $$$

Comfort

90%

Odor Resistance

80%

Moisture Control

75%

Durability

65%

Pros: Smooth 17.5-micron fibers | No leg ride-up | Several colors available

Cons: Reported durability issues | Sewn-in waistband irritation | Legs may be snug

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If you want to hit the trail for a few days, you’ll only need one pair of underwear if you pack the Acadian Boxers from Minus 33. They have a long, 8″ inseam, which is best to wear under loose-fitting clothing. The super-snug construction and thin, covered waistband also prevents any ride up. Also, the soft, 17.5-micron fibers provide excellent comfort and help avoid unnecessary chafing. Combine all that with a UPF rating of 25, and you’ve got a great pair of hiking underwear from Minus33.

The two issues we’ve consistently seen with the Acadian boxers are the overall durability and lack of versatility. Unlike many of the other underwear on this list, these boxers are constructed of 100% Merino wool, which, unfortunately, isn’t as durable as products that use corespun nylon. There have been instances where holes form quickly, but much of that has to do with proper care. The second issue is that the 8″ inseam and tight construction are great for the outdoors but not the best for everyday use. They can feel awkward worn underneath tight clothing.

Overall, suppose you are highly active and constantly on-the-go. In that case, we highly suggest the Acadian boxers. Still, if you live more of a sedentary lifestyle, you may want to choose another pair.

Check Price on Minus33

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Best Merino Wool Boxers

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Woolx Breathe Boxer Shorts

85% Merino, 12% Nylon, 3% Spandex | 150 gsm | ~4″ inseam | 1 color | Price: $$$$

Comfort

75%

Odor Resistance

90%

Moisture Control

90%

Durability

65%

Pros: Relaxed, free-flowing fit | Extremely breathable | No bunching

Cons: Minimal support | Fly closure not for everyone | Limited variety

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If you love bumming around the house in your boxers, then the Woolx Breathe Boxer Shorts are for you. These underwear are uber comfortable and breezy as the loose fit comes from the traditional somewhat-baggy design. And since the inseam is shorter (~4″), you shouldn’t experience bunching, even with tight-fitting pants.

Their light, airy feel separates these Merino wool boxers from the rest. The ultralight, 150 gsm material, in combination with the relaxed fit, promotes maximum airflow. And even though Merino wool is odor-proof, the better the airflow, the less you stink.

The only improvement we would suggest is the construction of the fly. While it’s nice that it’s hidden, there isn’t a lot of fabric overlap to hide your, well, you get it. Other pairs of underwear tend to have just a bit more room to cover up. Maybe a button would be nice to help tuck everything away. Then, they’d be exactly like the old-school boxer style we love.

Finally, we’d like to address the lower durability ranking. This does not mean the fabric is weak. In fact, Woolx uses a wool-synthetic blend to improve material strength. The reason it’s lower is that the looser fit is more prone to snag on zippers. So, if you’re wearing jeans, be careful before you zip up!

Check Price on Woolx

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Best Budget Merino Wool Underwear

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Meriwool Men’s 160 Boxer Briefs

100% Merino Wool | 160 gsm | ~7″ inseam | 4 colors | Price: $$

Comfort

65%

Odor Resistance

90%

Moisture Control

70%

Durability

60%

Pros: Great price-to-quality ratio | Excellent odor control | Reportedly dryer-safe

Cons: Questionable durability | Known bunching issues | Tag in an uncomfortable location

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Merino wool underwear can be expensive. It may seem like paying $30+ for a pair of boxers, but some budget options are available, like the Meriwool men’s boxer brief. They have excellent odor resistance, and the 160 GSM fabric provides better-than-average breathability. Still, the comfort and durability have some questions.

First, many users have reported that the sizing is a bit too big, which can cause bunching. For us, we feel like they just don’t get the overall contours correctly: some parts are a bit snug, while others can be too loose. However, our tester was a bit on the shorter size, so their comfort and construction may be a good fit for taller individuals.

Additionally, when it comes to durability, the Meriwool boxers leave a lot to be desired. We have not seen any issues on our end, but other users have reported some holes forming within six months of wear. Still, we feel like they have an excellent price-to-quality ratio. Many of these issues stem from the way users care for their underwear, so to avoid this issue, make sure to read the Merino wool care guide.

Overall, if you’re looking for odor-proof, breathable boxers – but don’t want to break the bank – then the Meriwool Men’s boxer briefs are a great choice.

Check Price on Amazon

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Best Multi-Pack Bundle Deal

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Unbound Merino Boxer Brief – 5 Pack

84% Merino, 12% Nylon, 4% Spandex | 180 gsm | ~6″ inseam | 5 colors (you choose) | Price:$$$$$

Comfort

75%

Odor Resistance

85%

Moisture Control

85%

Durability

90%

Pros: Huge savings | Top-notch durability | Made for travel

Cons: No fly | Length may feel long for some | Sizing runs small

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We’ve already mentioned this, but Merino wool can be expensive. There’s no questioning that. However, if you are genuinely committed to switching up your wardrobe, there are discounts & deals out there for you. One of these deals is this 5-pack of Merino wool boxer briefs from Unbound Merino. By purchasing in bulk (whichever colors you choose), you’ll save $40. That’s a discount of $8 per pair! And if you opt for the 10 Pack, you save $115, or $11.50/pair!

But it’s not just the dollar amount that makes this bundle our favorite deal. Unbound Merino is a unique brand as they craft clothing specifically for travel. And these boxers are made for the wear-and-tear of trekking around the world. The 180 gsm material is slightly heavier than some other underwear on our list. Also, since there is no fly (which we like – but it’s up to you), there are fewer chances of any loose fabric tearing. Therefore, the longer they last, the more bang for your buck!

While we have not experienced any issues with fit, some users have reported that the sizing runs small, and sometimes the inseam runs long. We suggest scanning over their sizing charts if you’re interested.

You have no excuse to throw out all your old, ratty boxers anymore. The Unbound Merino Boxer Brief 5-pack is an opportunity to start with a fresh rotation of boxer briefs. And if you’re not ready to take that step just yet, test out a single pair instead!

Check Price on Unbound Merino

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Complete Merino Wool Underwear Buying Guide

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When it comes to buying Merino wool boxers, or any underwear for that matter, it’s essential to know what to expect. You should base your purchases not always on your initial feelings but through a thorough analysis. It’s your hard-earned money, and the underwear you buy should be the best fit for you.

You’ll want to consider four buying considerations: overall comfort, odor resistance, moisture management, and durability. Let’s break down each one individually.

Comfort

When it comes to comfortable underwear, the top rule is that you should not even realize you are wearing any. There should be no skin irritations, ride-ups, wedgies, constriction, flopping, or anything. You should feel like you are going commando.

That being said, there are a few factors that directly affect your underwear’s comfort level. The top aspect is material, but since we are strictly focusing on Merino wool, all of these underwear are crafted with fineness and smoothness in mind.

The other factors that differentiate this underwear’s comfort from each other are the overall construction and features. Let’s take a look at some.

Click on each feature below to learn more about it! Pictured underwear are the Smartwool Merino 150 boxer briefs.

Inseam (Thigh Spot)

The sweet spot where everything fits like Goldilocks is called your thigh spot: once you discover it, you’ll never shop for underwear the same again.

To find your thigh spot, you’ll need to understand the distance between the crotch and the leghole, known as the inseam. Taller people should search for a longer inseam (6-9″), while shorter people should opt for a shorter inseam (3-6″). If you’ve been hitting the squat rack lately, you may want to opt for a shorter inseam (or no inseam at all) since the leg holes may be too constricting for your massive quads.

In the end, it’s all about personal taste, but if you’re unsure where to start, opt for a 6” inseam to find your thigh spot.

Ball Pouch

Life already has you by the balls, so don’t let your underwear do the same. The “ball pouch” should be nicely contoured to provide support and comfort to your boys. They mustn’t be too curved, though, because your boys don’t want to be flopping around all day.

Ease of Access

Sometimes, you just need to get in and out quickly, which is why many underwear come equipped with a full-access fly. Sometimes though, the fly stitching may get worn out and begin to irritate you. If having a second escape route is necessary, try to look for a functional fly design without too many frills.

Style

Boxers, Briefs, tighty-whiteys? Everyone has their personal preference when it comes to underwear style. Still, when it comes to comfort, whichever type you choose should provide comfort without being too constrictive.

Waistband

The spandex band that snaps to your hips is often overlooked but is one of the main factors affecting comfort. If the degree of elasticity is too high, then it may feel like your underwear is strangling your midsection. Too low, and you’ll constantly be readjusting to avoid the dreaded plumber’s crack. When looking for underwear, take a look at the sizing charts and type of fit. You may have to go up or down a size, depending on the product.

Seam Type

Even the softest fabric can be ruined by a poorly placed seam. It’s crucial, especially for next-to-skin garments like underwear, to have flat seams that basically feel non-existent. Some companies may use piping seems to improve aesthetics, but sometimes it may compromise comfort. Be sure to look at the use of a gusset (diamond-shaped extra piece of fabric), which improves fit and increases seam irritation.

Odor Resistance

Your nether region is a petri dish for bacteria. The warm, moist microclimate gives these tiny microorganisms a luxurious five-star resort to snack on the fats and proteins that you secrete. As they break down these secretions, they release foul-smelling, acidic byproducts. So, to control the odor, we must minimize the bacteria.

Luckily, Merino wool is naturally antimicrobial as a portion of lanolin – the waxy substance in wool – remains trapped in the fibers even after the Merino scouring process. That’s not to say you should rock your Merino wool underwear for weeks at a time, but it does help.

Compared with synthetics and cotton, you’re getting much better odor control with Merino wool. Although, not all of these underwear are processed the same. Some companies use 100% pure merino wool, while others use corespun Merino wool around nylon. Others even add in antimicrobial technology to increase Merino’s natural defense mechanism. Look for tried and tested odor reviews on Youtube or here at Merino Wool Gear to better test each underwear’s stench defense.

Moisture Control

Let’s face it: one of the worst feelings in the world is the dreaded “swamp butt.” It’s something taboo, but we all have dealt with it at some point in our lives. Luckily, Merino wool underwear provides unique breathability and moisture control so that your nether regions stay dry all day long.

When it comes to breathability for Merino wool boxers, you want to look into the fabric’s thickness, usually specified in gsm. For example, a standard pair of MW underwear is about 150 gsm, which is about two sheets of paper thick. Anything below that number will provide excellent breathability but come with a weaker durability rating. Anything thicker will be more durable and offer better thermal regulation but may cause a more humid microclimate.

Durability

Unfortunately, Merino wool is not as durable as some of the other underwear materials on the market. Polyester and Nylon have a higher strength-to-weight ratio than Merino but often have breathability and odor problems. To get the best of both worlds, shop for Merino apparel that is corespun with a small percentage of synthetic (5-25%) to help improve durability and fabric life.

If you want to increase the durability of your Merino wool clothing, you should try the following:

• Wash them less
• When washing, pair with denim or other rough fabrics to reduce pilling
• Do not dry unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer
• Keep away from sharp, puncturing material

Check out our Ultimate Merino Wool Care Guide for more information.

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Final Note: Best Merino Wool Underwear For Men

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Wow, what a guide, right? We really outdid ourselves this time. You now know the immense benefits that Merino has when it comes to next-to-skin fabrics like underwear. You’ve gone on a brief journey through some of the top products. Heck, you may have even learned a thing or two.

Now, it’s up to you!

Whichever pair of Merino wool boxers you purchase, you should always research all your potential options. Don’t get your panties in a bunch, though, as we clearly did the leg work for you. Puns aside, here’s your chance to purchase the best pair of Merino underwear that is right for you!

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