Icebreaker Anatomica Brief

As near perfect as can be. Great fit, ideal support that's typically difficult to find, the moisture management of Merino wool and as comfortable as can be. I've bought four more pairs since the first ones cause I never want to wear cotton underwear again. Highly recommended, but you may have to raid the piggy bank.

I'm 5'9", 180ish pounds with a typically 32 inch waist and a muscular physique. The mediums were a perfect fit. At the risk of bragging, I typically have a difficult time finding briefs that provide adequate support and in that category, boxers or so called, boxer briefs — asinine idea..., are really out of the question. 

Hey, some women need that four or five clasp bra, I need drawers that provide support. Sorry for the TMI but there is nothing worse than being uncomfortable in that area. Icebreaker appears to be one of the only companies out there that realize that fact and make a brief along with their boxer line and these do not disappoint.

Shape/cut, stretch, support, breath-ability and softness all are just top of the line. Comfort is miles above any of the synthetics I've tried and without the stink that is inherent with synthetics not to mention that feeling like your wearing a plastic bag on your ass.

I do a lot of paddling trips in the summer, camping on islands, next to rivers and in the typical infamous Northeast humidity. I can wash these in a minute or two and hang them to dry before hitting the sac, they will be dry when I wake and long before. I have no issues zipping off the legs of my hiking pants, going for a swim and hitting the trail, they will be dry in no time and never uncomfortable. No grief with putting another bottom layer over them in the winter.

The material is a bit on the thin side, especially on the side panels, kind of equivalent to a 150 weight Merino but after putting one pair through near daily use for over a year, I can say they wear well and don't lose their shape/stretch out like cotton. I did eventually put my finger right through one of the side panels while pulling them on one day but it did take quite a while. Any thicker and they might start to hold more moisture/take longer to dry, so I guess the fabric weight has to be a compromise with durability. After more than a year of constant use it is hard to fault them, until you look at replacement cost.

Great for regular travel too as you can get away with two pair for even a long term trip. The Merino does not support the growth of bacteria and you can get away with multiple day use but it's a breeze to wash them out, ring them in a dry towel and hang in your hotel room, they will be dry in an hour or so.

Only thing I don't like about them is I can't live without them now and they aint cheap! They are also notoriously difficult to find, even on the net and even on Icebreakers' website. I guess they only do occasional production runs. I keep my eyes open for them and snag them whenever I can find them at a reasonable price.