Need some comfortable, lightweight and quick-drying undies for your next trip? Whether it’s a multi-day hike, a business trip or exploring the world, sustainable Merino underwear should be on your shortlist. Sandra and I have tested different underwear brands over the years โ from technical underwear (ExOfficio) to those made from natural fibres like Lyocell and Merino (Icebreaker and Macpac). Boxer briefs from Unbound Merino are now my underwear of choice after first trying them in 2021. Here is my complete, unbiased review.
Who is Unbound Merino?
Unbound Merino is a private Toronto/Canada-based clothing brand that designs and sells Merino garments for men and women. Their clothing has no flashy brand labels. Instead, words and phrases likeย simple,ย high-performance,ย versatile,ย pack and own less, andย freedom through simplicity describe the essence of the brand.
In 2016, united in their love for travel and noticing a gap in the market, the Unbound Merino founders started making merino products for travel and everyday use
What’s so special about Merino wool, and where does Unbound Merino wool come from?
Merino wool naturally has hypoallergenic properties and is breathable, moisture-wicking and odour-resistant, making it suitable for all seasons and various uses.
Unbound Merino co-founder Dan Demsky reportedly once wore one of their Merino Crew Neck T-shirts for 46 days straightโto work, hot yoga, and dining out. That’s 6 1/2 weeks of wear without a single wash. We would not recommend it, though, especially not with underwear.
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep. This breed of sheep produces one of the softest and finest wools in the world (more on that below). They are also extremely hardy. Merino sheep live in the freezing backcountry of the South Island of New Zealand and the harsh extremes of Australia (where Unbound Merino sources its wool).
For Full Disclosure
Unbound Merino approached us in 2021 and offered several garments for me to try (without requesting a review in return). The pack we received included a T-shirt, Boxer Briefs, All Season Crew Socks and All Season Ankle Socks. All were replacements for items on my packing list that had reached their end of life. At the same time, as with all our reviews, we received these free of charge: Our opinion can’t be bought. This article also contains affiliate links; we will receive a small commission if you purchase using these links.
Merino wool comes from hardy Merino sheep and has great natural properties
Are there differences in Merino wool?
Yes, there are. Merino wool is differentiated by micron size (the smaller the number, the softer the fibre):
| Wool Type | Measurement (in Microns) |
|---|---|
| Extra Ultrafine | 16.0 and under |
| Ultrafine | 16.1 to 17.5 |
| Superfine | 17.6 to 18.5 |
| Fine | 18.6 to 19.5 |
| Fine-Medium Wool | 19.6 to 20.5 |
| Medium | 20.6 to 22.5 |
| Strong | 22.6 upwards |
Each type is used for different purposes:
- (Extra) Ultrafine wools are usually blended with silk and cashmere to create fabrics for the high-end fashion market.
- (Super) Fine to Medium wools are used in most Merino knitwear, including Unbound Merino’s boxer briefs.
- Strong wools are harder-wearing and are thus generally blended with polyester and/or acrylic fibres to produce commercial mid-weight jersey wool.
Unbound Merino boxer briefs are made from 18.5-micron superfine merino wool
What should you look out for when buying Merino products?
Before buying a Merino product, review the following checklist:
- Is the Merino wool traceable to its source?
- Does the wool fibre come from mulesing-free wool farms?
- Are there regular audits of supply chain practices?
- Can you readily access information about the practices and audits?
- Are there care instructions on the clothing label?
The more positive answers and transparent disclosure, the more confident you can buy a sustainable and ethically made product.
How sustainably and ethically are Unbound Merino's products made?
According to Unbound Merino, the company works hard to choose reputable business partners committed to ethical standards and business practices compatible with the brand. Unbound Merino's suppliers are Woolmarkยฎ, RWS (Responsible Wool Standard), WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) and ISO 9001 certified to ensure inclusive, safe and healthy working conditions and environmental responsibility throughout the supply chain:
- Beyond being a sign of product quality confirmed by rigorous lab testing, Woolmarkยฎ-certified products have a unique batch number, enabling consumers to trace an item to the garment manufacturer. Unfortunately, Unbound Merino does not (yet) display that batch number on its garments.
- The RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certification program ensures that the supply chain meets specific requirements for land management, animal welfare, and social welfare. Mulesingโa surgical procedure that removes wool-bearing skin around a sheep's breech to prevent flystrike (a parasitic infection)โis strictly prohibited on RWS-certified farms.
- WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) certification requires compliance with 12 principles to ensure that apparel and footwear products are made ethically, humanely, and lawfully.
Unbound Merino asks that all suppliers pay above minimum wage (as per the laws of the country or the prevailing local industry wage) and that employees receive all legally mandated benefits. The Unbound Merino team also visits the factories (twice a year) to ensure they are close to the process and the people they work with.
Unbound Merino's suppliers are Woolmark®, RWS (Responsible Wool Standard), WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) and ISO 9001 certified
What has been my experience wearing Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs for over four years?
Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs Review
Overall
-
Comfort
(5)
-
Leg Length
(4.5)
-
Moisture Control
(5)
-
Durability
(5)
-
Drying Time
(5)
-
Sustainability
(4.5)
-
Value for Money
(4.5)
SUMMARY
Comfort
The Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs are very comfortable. Made from 18.5-micron superfine merino wool (plus 12% nylon and 4% spandex), they are soft yet firm without being restrictive (something I didn’t like about my Icebreaker briefs). The fabric is breathable, stretchy, and light but has enough support to hold everything in place. The crotch is supported top to bottom with a double layer for support, with the same reinforced stitching that is used in the Unbound Merino T-shirts.
Leg Length
Unbound Merino’s boxer briefs have the same leg length, 14cm/5.5in (measured on the inside leg), no matter what size you order. While this length is acceptable for me, someone with a size S brief might find it long. My ideal leg length would be 10 cm/4 inch. Maybe one day, Unbound Merino will make the briefs in two different lengths: 10 cm/4 inch sizes S and M and 14cm/5.5 inches for sizes L and up.
Moisture Control
I’ve worn these briefs in temperatures ranging from -5 degrees Celsius/23 degrees Fahrenheit (in wintry Sapporo, Japan, and Iceland) to 30 degrees Celsius/86 degrees Fahrenheit (hiking Mt. Rinjani in Lombok, Indonesia). I have not had any issues with feeling sweaty in my nether regions.
Durability
With a fabric weight of 180gsm (grams per square meter), the Unbound Merino’s boxer briefs are slightly thicker than the Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers (150gsm). I’ve worn them since May 2021, washing them once a week, and they have retained their shape and fit so far. No holes, nothing – now, that’s quality.
Drying Time
The Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs are designed to dry quickly, making them ideal men’s underwear for travellers. The woven elastic waistband is the last part of the Briefs to dry. But in testing the drying time between the ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh 3โณ Boxers, the Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers and the Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs, the Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs still dried the fastest.
Sustainability
While no comprehensive sustainability policy exists on their website, Unbound Merino answered our questions in detail (see above). The company appears to genuinely care about the sustainability and ethics of its supply chain. Greater transparency around their sustainability policy/supply chain due diligence and displaying the Woolmark batch number on its products would increase credibility (and our rating).
Value for Money
Unbound Merino boxer briefs currently retail for USD45 for a single pair (the price has remained the same for the past three years). However, when you buy a 2-, 3-, 5-, or 10-pack, the cost per pair reduces (up to USD33.50 per pair). This is comparable with similar brands, especially considering the value I place on the company’s relative transparency and ethical nature.
Pros
- Naturally odour-resistant and antibacterial
- Dries fast
- Tag-free
- Comfortable all year round and in any climate
- (Largely) biodegradable at the end of life
Cons
- More expensive than non-merino underwear
- Leg length could be shorter for smaller sizes
- Flyless underwear, thus, may not suit everyone
When are Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs NOT suitable?
I don’t wear my Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs when exercising, particularly running. There is just too much material for my liking. Instead, I use specialised running underwear as part of my running kit.
Are Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs the best travel undies?
After having worn (high-performance but synthetic) ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Boxers for nearly five years, I was happy to try underwear made from Merino wool. And I have… including Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers. However, over the past three years, I have only worn Unbound Merino boxer briefs, and I wouldn’t change a thing. While merino wool is naturally odour-resistant, I change my underwear daily. That said, if I were to do a multi-day hike and had to wear the same briefs the whole time, I’d feel comfortable doing so with these. So, yes, they are the best travel undies I have experienced.
Unbound Merino boxer briefs have no inside tags to prevent rubbing
In what sizes and colours can I buy Unbound Merino’s boxer briefs?
The Unbound Merino boxer briefs are available in sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL (true to size) and nine different colours, including black (the ones I have), blue, green, red and grey. As with underwear, boxer briefs cannot be returned or exchanged for sanitary reasons – so choose your colour and size wisely.
A minimalist design and stylish fit, the antibacterial, moisture-wicking Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs are designed to keep you cool and comfy in any climate.
How do you care for your Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs?
Look after your Unbound Merino boxer briefs, which will last for years.
Machine Wash
Wash your boxer briefs in water temperatures less than 40 degrees Celcius / 105 degrees Fahrenheit or on a wool program. If possible, use a wool-specific detergent. Do not use fabric softeners or products that contain bleach.
Hand Wash
Fill your basin with lukewarm water. If possible, use a wool-specific detergent. Leave your boxer briefs soaking for 15 minutes. Agitate the clothing and rub lightly together if necessary. Squeeze out excess water, but do not twist or wring. Thoroughly rinse.
Drying
Whether you hand or machine wash, I do not recommend putting your boxer briefs in a clothes dryer to extend their life. If you need a tumble dryer, set it to a low temperature.
Wash your Unbound Merino boxers at cooler temperatures and line-dry them to keep them in good shape for longer
Shipping, Taxes and Duties with Unbound Merino
Unbound Merino ships worldwide, making it easy for travellers everywhere to get their hands on high-quality, minimalist clothing. If your order is over USD150, shipping is freeโsimple as that. There's a flat shipping fee for smaller orders: USD10 within the US, USD15 to Canada, and USD20 to most other countries.
Orders are sent from the USA or Canada, depending on what's in stock. While the shipping process is smooth, it's good to know that taxes and duties might not be included in the priceโespecially if you're ordering from outside the USA.
If you're in the US, you won't need to worry about extra fees at checkout. Canadian customers may see GST/HST and import duties added when their order arrives, depending on the province. Local customs and import taxes might apply for those of us ordering from New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Union, or elsewhere. These are set by your country and are collected separately from your Unbound Merino purchase.
To avoid surprises, check your local import rules before you order. Combining items can be a smart way to save on shipping and possible customs fees if you're close to the free shipping threshold.
More recommended products from Unbound Merino
Below are the other Unbound Merino clothing items worn and recommended by the team from Minimalist Journeys. Check our full review of the Unbound Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt.
What underwear do you wear (when you travel) and why?
What are your criteria when buying underwear? Is price a major factor? Or does it matter more how sustainably and ethically made an item is? And if you have worn Merino underwear (whether Unbound Merino or another brand), what has been your experience?
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