Men's underwear gets worn close to the skin, so it needs to be soft and comfortable. It should also lift and support the bits without clinging too tightly. We've asked stylists, fitness professionals and others for their recommendations on the best underwear for men.

Boxer briefs are a good option for most guys – the extra fabric covers and defines while the higher waistband offers a more supportive fit. They work well for taller and bigger men who can often find that other men's underwear bunches up against their thighs.

The classic jock is another underwear style that has gone from functional to high fashion, combining the support of a jockstrap with the shape and coverage of a brief. They're a good choice for gym or other high-impact activities.

Long underwear, also known as long johns are perfect for those colder days both inside and out. They're favoured as a thermal layer by lovers of winter sports and the great outdoors, but they're also gaining popularity with some men as loungewear and even nightwear.

Most men don't think a lot about their underwear, and that's fine – but it's important to have a quality pair. Look for cotton with a high staple length that's spun into yarn that feels smooth against the skin, is light and airy and lasts well. If you want to go for a more luxurious fabric, La Perla (formerly Grigio Perla) is a brand that makes all-cotton men's briefs and knickers at reasonable prices.men's bamboo underwear