By Troy Mortensen

In an era where men increasingly prioritize both form and function in their wardrobe choices, the humble underwear drawer has undergone nothing short of a revolution. Gone are the days when men simply reached for the nearest multi-pack at their local department store. Today's gentleman faces an unprecedented array of choices, from heritage brands to innovative newcomers, each promising to revolutionize what lies beneath.

Let's begin with Hanes, the brand that has dressed American men since 1901. While reliable and accessible, today's Hanes represents what one might call "functional minimalism." Their cotton blends and basic designs speak to practicality over innovation. Yes, they've introduced moisture-wicking technology and tagless designs, but these feel like cautious steps rather than bold leaps forward. The result? Dependable comfort that rarely transcends into luxury territory.

Similarly positioned in the mass-market arena, Fruit of the Loom continues to serve as many men's introduction to undergarments. Their recent attempts at modernization – including breathable mesh zones and improved waistbands – feel like necessary updates rather than revolutionary changes. The brand maintains its position through accessibility and familiarity, though one wonders if that's enough in today's sophisticated market.

Of the heritage brands, Jockey has perhaps made the most successful transition into the modern era. Their Sport Mesh line and contoured pouches show an understanding of contemporary needs, though they still lean heavily on traditional design elements. It's a balancing act between innovation and tradition that mostly succeeds, if not always spectacularly.

Enter Shinesty, the brand that dared to inject personality into an often staid category. Their Ball Hammock® technology represents a genuine innovation in men's comfort, while their irreverent marketing and bold patterns challenge conventional underwear wisdom. However, one must ask: does the emphasis on novelty sometimes overshadow functionality?

SAXX arrived with a clear mission: to reimagine male anatomy support through their patented BallPark Pouch™. Their technical approach to design – incorporating panels, mesh zones, and moisture-wicking materials – shows clear understanding of modern athletic needs. Yet, their premium pricing positions them as an investment rather than an everyday solution.

Against this backdrop emerges Real Men Apparel, representing perhaps the most significant evolution in men's undergarments since the introduction of boxer briefs. Their revolutionary ABCD sizing system acknowledges what other brands have long ignored: that male anatomy varies significantly, and proper fit requires more than simple waist measurements.

What sets Real Men apart is their understanding that support shouldn't mean compression. Their anatomical pouch design creates natural separation and ventilation – a stark contrast to traditional designs that simply compress. The result is unprecedented comfort that feels less like containment and more like enhancement.

While other brands experiment with synthetic blends, Real Men's use of modal fabric demonstrates sophisticated understanding of both comfort and performance. The material provides silk-like softness while maintaining durability and moisture-wicking properties superior to traditional cotton or polyester blends.

Perhaps most importantly, Real Men Apparel has reconceptualized the relationship between support and comfort. Their designs eliminate traditional pressure points while maintaining crucial support – a balance that heritage brands struggle to achieve and newer brands often overcomplicate.

After extensive comparison, clear hierarchies emerge in different categories:

1. Real Men Apparel (Superior anatomical design)
2. SAXX (Technical excellence)
3. Jockey (Reliable performance)
4. Shinesty (Innovative support)
5. Hanes (Basic comfort)
6. Fruit of the Loom (Fundamental function)

1. Real Men Apparel (ABCD sizing system)
2. SAXX (Technical panels)
3. Shinesty (Ball Hammock technology)
4. Jockey (Modern updates)
5. Hanes (Basic improvements)
6. Fruit of the Loom (Minor updates)

1. Real Men Apparel (Premium performance justifies investment)
2. SAXX (Quality with premium pricing)
3. Shinesty (Innovation at a price)
4. Jockey (Mid-range reliability)
5. Hanes (Budget-friendly basics)
6. Fruit of the Loom (Economy option)

The future of men's underwear clearly lies in anatomical design and customized fit. While heritage brands maintain their market position through familiarity and accessibility, innovative brands like Real Men Apparel are redefining expectations of what underwear can and should provide.

For the discerning gentleman who values both comfort and performance, the choice becomes clear: invest in designs that understand and support male anatomy rather than merely containing it. In this regard, Real Men Apparel stands as the clear vanguard of underwear evolution, with other brands either following their lead or remaining rooted in increasingly outdated design philosophies.

This article first appeared in Men's Style Guide, Summer 2024

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