If youre fine with synthetic I highly recommend the under armor compression shorts. They arent "shorts" they are compression underwear. I originally used them to workout in but I started using them on backpacking trips and back country hunts and they work great. Ive worn one pair for a week + and they didnt smell rancid. No chaffing and no bunching up either.
I wish badlands still sold the Algus boxer my favorite ones ever. I’ve been on a mission to find the right boxers. I have spent 100s of dollars on boxers over the last few months trying to find the ones I’m still looking I’m about to try the UA boxerjocks I’ve tried kuiu first lite Sitka Duluth bull pen and at least 8 other brands some as much as 65 a pair. The bad part is you can’t feel them before you buy and you can’t return them which I understand. I got 2 pairs for 85 bucks of one brand and they suck no fly they ride up and now I’m stuck with them..
For me the 32°Cool boxer briefs from Costco have been great. They breathe very well and keep my goods where they should be. I have very large legs and have not yet had a problem with them climbing/bunching like I have with some other brands.
Your basics shouldn't be boring. Shop our collection of breathable long boxers. Add style to that underwear drawer you said you would fold a few months ago.
As far as briefs, Saxx and ex officio are good. I've beat the hell out of those doing work, and they've been bulletproof so far. I was surprised to see all of my KUIU, BlackOvis, and Sitka merino form holes pretty quickly, and that was just daily wear—nothing really stressful.
I picked up some Eberlestock Lochsa stuff on sale a few months ago, and it's impressing me. I'm sure it will be more durable than the KUIU and Sitka. It's not cheap but it's very good baselayers imo.
If someone could build a merino that's as durable as synthetic, I would convert 100% too. It just doesn't seem possible to build something in a natural fiber that is as durable as synthetic.
I wouldn't try to wash anything with zippers in a machine with it. It will fall apart. I'm down to hand washing my Merino stuff.