Best Merino Wool Underwear in 2023

Because it is the item of clothing you put on first and the one that you take off last, your underwear likely comes into closer contact with your skin than the majority of the other items in your wardrobe. 

And when you include in complications like pack hip belts and sweat, it may be worthwhile to invest in something more technical than the typical three-pack of cotton underwear that you would normally buy. 

Think back to the first time you experienced high-thread-count sheets; it will feel more comfortable, but the features that regulate moisture will completely revolutionize the way you live your life.

What could be superior to a reliable set of undergarments? A comfortable pair of underpants crafted from Merino wool, what a luxury! Merino wool is a sort of wool that Merino sheep produce. If you are not familiar with this type of wool, you should learn more about it. 

It is well renowned for being exceptionally soft and comfy. It also has natural moisture-wicking characteristics, which means that it will keep you dry regardless of how busy you are. This quality contributes to its widespread popularity. 

Because Merino wool is inherently resistant to the growth of microbes, using it will allow your underwear to maintain a pleasant aroma throughout the day. Have no idea where to go for a decent set of underwear made of Merino wool? Please look at the list that we have below to discover yours.

Our Top 8 Picks for the Best Merino Wool Underwear:

1. Minus33 Merino Wool:

100% Merino Wool | 25 UPF Rating | For All Seasons | 17.5 Micron | Jersey Knit

If you bring the Acadian Boxers from Minus 33, you’ll only need to bring one pair of underwear when you go hiking for several days. This is because they are designed to be worn with only one other item of underwear. 

They feature a long inseam that measures 8 inches; thus, it is recommended that you wear them underneath baggier clothes. The extremely form-fitting structure and the narrow, covered waistline eliminate any possibility of riding up. 

Additionally, the fibers measure 17.5 microns in diameter, making them exceptionally comfortable and assisting in preventing chafing that isn’t essential. When you combine all of that with a UPF rating of 25, you have a fantastic pair of underwear to wear when hiking.

The general lack of durability, as well as a lack of adaptability, has been something that has been a recurring problem with the Acadian boxers. In contrast to the majority of the other underwear items on our list, these boxers are made entirely of Merino wool, which, regrettably, does not have the same level of durability as items made with core-spun nylon. 

There have been reports of holes appearing unexpectedly; however, most of the time, this is due to a lack of adequate maintenance. The second problem is that although the 8-inch inseam and the close-fitting design are ideal for usage in the great outdoors, they are not ideal for use in everyday life. When worn under constricting garments, they may give the wearer an uncomfortable feeling.

Let’s say you have an active lifestyle and are always doing something. In that case, we strongly recommend that you go with the Acadian boxers. If you have a more sedentary lifestyle, you might want to select a different pair of shoes.

Product Features:

• 100% Merino Wool constructed to be “First-On-Last-Off” ultimate comfort premium athletic clothing.
• Because it is treated with the most advanced technologies for simple maintenance, merino wool may be washed and dried in a machine.
• Your Minus33 boxer briefs are designed to wick sweat away naturally.

2. MERIWOOL Men’s Boxer Briefs:

17.5-Micron | 100% Merino Wool | Breathable | Wicking & Odor Resistance| Exceptional Customer Care

You can anticipate the material to be of great quality because the Meriwool Merino underwears are from a different company besides Icebreaker, specializing in clothes made of merino wool for those who spend time outside. 

The silky smooth texture of these boxes makes them ideal for wearing daily in any weather; nevertheless, they shine brightest on chilly days when you have a lot of physical activity planned.

You’ll be able to tell when Merino wool is doing its job because of the natural moisture-wicking and odor-resistant features it possesses. These properties work to keep sweat away from your body and give you a sensation of being refreshed. 

The fabric has a great level of breathability, so it dries quickly, but it also doesn’t make you uncomfortable if you wear them while they are drying. 

Hikers give these boxer briefs such excellent marks because Meriwool provides a satisfaction guarantee for 90 days and a warranty that lasts for a whole year. I do not doubt that this is one of the reasons why.

The fact that these underwear were so comfortable on the skin and so reasonably priced in comparison to other luxury brands were both factors that contributed to our favoring them. If you like your hiking boxers to have a somewhat longer cut and a fly is vital to you, they are an excellent option for any wanderer.

Product Features:

• Black boxer briefs made of one hundred percent merino wool and designed for men.
• Silky-smooth fineness of ultrafine 17.5-micron Merino wool that is 100 percent natural and unprocessed offers the highest comfort for those with sensitive skin.
• Maintaining your body’s temperature during the summer or the winter.
• It is perfect for pairing with long johns, winter gear, snow outerwear, and serving as an additional layer of insulation when it is chilly outside.

3. Icebreaker Merino Men’s:

Slim Fit Wool Boxer Briefs | Merino Wool Layers | Longevity| 83% Merino Wool,12% Nylon, 5% Elastane

These boxers are available in a variety of sizes. Icebreaker is one of the most well-known merino wool companies in the world, and the company specializes in manufacturing base layers for athletes who participate in outdoor activities. The Anatomica boxer briefs are one of Icebreaker’s most popular products.

They have an excellently comfortable fit thanks to the contoured pouch and the elasticated waistband, and the length is also satisfactory. On the exterior, the flatlock seams protrude further than usual, despite their intended intention to reduce the likelihood of chaffing on the garment’s interior. 

This may make the seam last longer or improve its aesthetic appeal, but I’m not sure how comfortable they’d be sitting on a bike saddle all day.

Despite the heavy-duty sewing, the Icebreaker Anatomica is great for trekking and a great everyday pair that you can take traveling with you that will last a long time. The anti-odor features truly do work!

Product Features:

• Designed with a combination of merino wool that is extremely comfortable, elastic, and long-lasting, fitted with the support and comfort features you want for your everyday life and your weekend excursions.
• Features a corespun fabric with elastane and nylon for a comfortable feel close to the skin.
• Icebreaker provides outdoor clothes and accessories to keep you toasty from head to toe.

4. Smartwool Men’s Merino:

Super Soft | Breathable Fabric | Longevity| 56% Merino Wool, 44% Polyester

One of the most comfortable pairs of boxers for men who are always on the go is the Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer Brief. They have the same nylon structure, fabric weight, 6.5-inch inseam, fly, and many other characteristics, and they are airy and resistant to odors. 

On top of that, they dry quite quickly, so even if you have to wash your clothing by hand in the sink of a hostel, you won’t have to wait long to put them back on your back to wear the next day again. There is no question that these are one of the best three pairs of Merino underwear. The only significant problem we have is the waistline design and the general degree of comfort.

When it comes to their Merino boxers, Smartwool designed a very thick waistband that measures 1.5 inches, which can be too constricting for our tastes and digs a little bit into our bellies when we bow at the waist. 

The interior is lined with Merino wool, which has a silky feel but tends to become damp and sticky owing to the mix of spandex and other materials. However, this more substantial band may be preferable for travelers who require an additional measure of protection and are already using a hip belt.

Although there have been reports of customers seeing holes developing after using the product for a few years, we have not encountered this problem. 

Because improper care is almost certainly to blame for this issue, the washing recommendations for Smartwool men’s underwear must be strictly adhered to. Overall, the Smartwool Boxer Briefs truly live up to the amazing reputation that the firm has earned over the years.

Product Features:

• Lightest weight Merino jersey fabric has a nylon core, making it more durable, but it still has Merino wool on the inside near the skin.
• Chafing can be prevented with the use of a flatlock seam structure.
• Completely operational fly.

5. Outdoor Research Men’s:

Lightweight | Musling Free | Contrast Stitching| Roll Elastic Waist

Merino wool is combined with nylon and spandex in this stretchy and abrasion-resistant material, which also features a significant proportion of merino wool. This ensures that they do not bunch up in the thigh area and provides a lovely, close-to-the-skin fit without feeling too constricting.

The low-profile waistband has an anti-roll construction that prevents it from bunching up beneath the hip belts of a backpack. This keeps the wearer comfortable. 

The fit of the Alpine Onset boxers isn’t the finest thing about them; the best thing is the moisture-wicking qualities, which are second to none and make the boxers seem like they have an incredible amount of breathability. Not to mention all of the other advantages of merino wool, such as how lightweight it is, how quickly it dries, and its effectiveness against odor.

Although they were intended specifically for use when hiking, the fit and feel of these will make you want to put them on whenever possible. These hiking boxers are the ideal all-rounder for those who prefer a shorter cut but want the greatest breathability and quality. 

They perform well in hot and cold circumstances, making them the perfect hiking boxers for people who prefer a shorter cut.

Product Features:

• Fast-Drying, moisture-wicking, breathable, lightweight, muslin-free, and odor-resistant are the key features of this fabric.
• Contrast stitching and a functional fly on this underwear.
• Constructed with flat seams, a low-profile non-roll elastic waistband, and a gusseted crotch area.

6. Arc’teryx Phase SL Boxer Men’s:

100% Merino Wool| Comfortable Fit | Elasticized Waistband| Lightweight

The Arcteryx takes merino wool mixes to another level by winding merino wool fibers around a nylon thread. This results in a product with all the advantages of merino wool and a core made of very durable nylon. 

According to the research conducted, the material produced via core spinning is up to 20 percent more robust in burst tests and up to 50 percent more resistant to abrasions.

When you wear these boxers on summer treks, the elastane included in the fabric makes it extremely soft and elastic, which allows you to feel free and comfortable the entire time. 

The Satoros have a quite tight fit, but because the fabric is so airy and elastic, they are not constricting, and we felt that the length was just perfect on the leg. The fit is close. 

The elasticized waistband and gusseted crotch allow for the most movement flexibility of any underwear we tried. The comfort they provide adjacent to the skin is unparalleled.

The Arcteryx is likely the greatest boxer briefs for hiking that we have ever tried, but we expected them to be the best considering how much they cost. 

If you are going on a lightweight vacation and can only afford to take minimum stuff, these would be our number one recommendations. If money isn’t a problem for you, you could acquire a pair of each color.

Product Features:

• Fabric with a mechanical stretch that allows for complete freedom of movement.
• The use of flatlock construction results in increased comfort adjacent to the skin.
• The stretchiness of the cloth gives you additional freedom of movement. Patterning.
• The garment is anatomically shaped to ensure a comfortable fit.
• Crotch that has been gusseted to maximize comfort and range of motion. Configuration of the Waist and Belt.

7. Icebreaker Merino Men’s Anatomica Boxer:

83% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 5% Elastane | Pull-On Closure | Elasticized Waistband| Lightweight

The Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers are now our top-performing pair of boxers across the board (with fly). Due to the lightweight fabric (150 GSM) that these underwear are constructed from, we consider them the most breathable pair we provide. 

The natural odor-fighting abilities of Merino wool and the next-to-skin comfort of this lightweight fabric make Merino wool a perfect choice for any application. Icebreaker makes underwear ideal for various outdoor activities, including hiking in remote areas, cross-country trips, and even the daily commute to work.

When it comes to the comfort they provide, we believe their construction is at the top of the list. The anatomically shaped ‘ball pouch’ offers a secure environment that is also supportive, and it does not restrict the wearer’s mobility in any way. 

The waistline is comfortable and made from high-quality elastane, and it has not deformed in any way despite having been worn for more than a year at this point. No matter how snug or loosely you wear your pants, the shorter inseam of 4.5 inches will prevent any fabric from bunching up in unwanted places.

While we have had nothing but a positive experience with this product, other customers have reported that the seam design can be annoying. 

According to their mentioned, there is a frontal seam in the crotch region, which may be bothersome at times. The general design causes them to have to reposition themselves every so often. 

Again, this is not our experience, but you must understand the situation completely. We think this is because the sizes tend to run on the more petite and slender side.

Because Icebreaker, which is situated in New Zealand, specializes in Merino wool, you can be sure that their underwear will be among the best found on the market. 

They employ CoreSpun nylon to provide the delicate Merino fabric with a little bit of additional strength. Unfortunately, the durability of these boxers has been questioned by many customers, with some claiming that holes begin to appear in them after only a year or two of regular wear. 

As a result of the fact that we have not had the same experience, we cannot confirm or deny that it occurred, but it is something to watch out for.

Product Features:

• Designed using a merino wool blend that is very comfortable, elastic, and long-lasting.
• The core-spun fabric, which contains both nylon and LYCRA, provides a comfortable feel against the skin.
• Icebreaker is an outdoor apparel brand that will keep you toasty from head to toe.

8. Ridge Merino Men’s Ridge Boxer:

83% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 5% Spandex| No Stink | Elasticized Waistband| Lightweight

Ridge Merino has already made a name as a relatively new player in the market for clothes made from Merino wool. These boxers offer a unique design using soft, 18.5-micron fibers to keep you comfy in practically any scenario.

The Ridge Merino boxers, much like many of the other items of underwear on our list, make use of nylon core technology to boost their long-term durability. 

In this scenario, their technology is a specialized working method with fabric (m)ForceTM. Even though there isn’t much information about this fiber combination, it is evident that the wool basis supplemented with synthetics will make these boxers last longer.

These boxers have a longer inseam that measures 6 inches, making them inappropriate for day-to-day wear, even though their construction is high quality. Although it is comfy, it may be too informal for some situations, such as when you have to dress formally in casual attire. 

Although the fabric has a breathability rating of 170 GSM, it is not quite as breathable as other types of Merino wool underwear. Additionally, previous customers have mentioned that they tend to be larger. Therefore, it is important to review the size charts carefully.

However, we believe that the Ridge Merino boxers are a wonderful choice for any circumstance, particularly if you are on the taller side of the spectrum. These boxers come in a charcoal gray color. Thanks to how well they fit, you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable or stinky throughout your busy day.

Product Features:

• Merino wool is both soft and durable thanks to (m)Force Merino, which involves spinning Merino wool around a nylon core to increase its strength and decrease its abrasion.
• Merino wool makes up 83 percent of the total, with nylon and spandex making up the remaining 12 percent.
• Closes with a pull-on tab.

How to Search for the High-Quality Underwear Made of Merino Wool: Buying Guide

It is crucial to know what to anticipate before purchasing any underwear, whether boxers made of Merino wool or any other type. You shouldn’t make purchases based on how you initially feel about anything; rather, you should do careful research beforehand. Because it’s your own money, you should make sure that the underwear you choose is comfortable and flattering to you.

Comfort:

The most important guideline to follow when shopping for comfortable underwear is that you shouldn’t even be aware that you are wearing any. No skin annoyances, ride-ups, wedgies, tightness, flopping, or anything else should occur. You ought to have the impression that you are going commando.

The amount of comfort provided by your underwear can be directly impacted by a few different things. The material is of the utmost importance; however, since we are solely concentrating on Merino wool, each piece of underwear has been produced, emphasizing its fineness and silkiness.

The general build and the characteristics of this underwear are the other variables that separate the level of comfort it provides from that of other underwear.

Waist Band:

Although it is easy to ignore, the spandex band that fastens around your hips is one of the primary elements contributing to comfort. If the degree of elasticity is excessively high, your underwear may make you feel like it squeezes your stomach.

If you set the level too low, you will have to make regular adjustments to prevent the dreaded plumber’s crack. When shopping for underwear, it is important to consider the sizing charts and fit style carefully. Depending on the product, you might need to go up or down a size from what you normally wear.

Ease of Access:

Because there are occasions when you need to get in and out of something fast, several underwear styles have a fly that opens completely for easy access. However, there are times when the fly stitching can become worn out and cause you some annoyance. 

If you absolutely must have a second means of egress, you should search for a practical fly pattern that does not have excessive embellishments.

Durability:

Your underwear should be sturdy enough that it won’t break apart the first time you get caught on a rock and meet all of the other criteria, such as being comfortable, wicking away sweat, and providing adequate ventilation. 

In contrast to other types of wool, Merino wool can be laundered in a washing machine and the rest of your items, contributing to its reputation for durability and longevity. 

Synthetic boxers are also pretty robust. They keep their form extremely well; however, they do not have the same odor-controlling or insulating capabilities as natural boxers, which might be a problem while camping during the winter.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Bottom Line:

Underwear made from Merino wool is an excellent option for individuals seeking quality underwear that is both pleasant and long-lasting. This fabric is particularly comfortable because it is made from the fibers of the merino sheep, which are some of the finest fibers in the world. Merino wool is also lightweight and breathable. 

If you are in the market for some new underwear that you can wear all day long without experiencing any discomfort, we strongly suggest that you give a pair of merino wool underpants a try.