The Duel: Saxx Platinum vs. lululemon A.I.M.
Time to upgrade your unmentionables, gentlemen.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Let’s face it, we can’t ski all the time. Sometimes we have to travel somewhere to go skiing. Or we have to work at non-skiing jobs so we can afford to go skiing. Or, very rarely, we need to take a day off from skiing to recover for future skiing. On those days off the hill, social norms dictate that we change out of our shredding uniform and into our civvies. Social norms also dictate that those civvies cover underwear.
With that in mind, I’ve taken one for the team and stacked up new casual brief offerings by Saxx and lululemon, two brands that have recently started investing serious time and engineering in men’s unmentionables. After testing them multiple days on the Outdoor Retailer trade show floor and numerous flights from ski area to ski area, here’s the down-low on Saxx’s new Platinum undies and lululemon’s Always in Motion (A.I.M.) briefs.
Saxx Platinum Briefs
It’s no secret that the guys at SKImag.com are fans of Saxx. We reviewed their now-famous Ballpark pouch when the brand first arrived on the action sports scene a few years ago, and I credit my review of the Saxx Blacksheep Long Johns as one of the reasons I’m now employed by the magazine. Needless to say, I was anxious to get into the brand’s soft, everyday boxer brief option.
And I wasn’t disappointed. The key feature of any Saxx below-the-waist product is the Ballpark pouch. Two breathable mesh panels hold and support the family jewels in ways no guy thinks he needs until he tries it, and then he’ll likely crave this physical support for the rest of his life.
But the other features of the Saxx Platinum undies are also baller. The Modal® fabric is soft and comfy all over, including the Ballpark pouch region. Add in a few different color options and a relaxed fit, and, safe to say, I’m pretty happy with all the feels of the Platinum.
Check out gear from the future: Outdoor Retailer Showstoppers 2019
The only thing that was less than perfect about the Platinum is the elastic waist strap. While the strap on Saxx’s Vibe is a perfect combination of comfort and resilience to imperfect posture, the Platinum’s narrower waistband tended to crease while sitting during long meetings, which, while not uncomfortable, became annoying as the day stretched on.
MSRP: $35, saxxunderwear.com
lululemon Always in Motion (A.I.M.)
Considering how much I swear by Saxx, I initially greeted the new men’s underwear from lululemon with apprehension. When I opened the box, I wondered how I could live without the support of the Ballpark pouch. But, in the name of product testing, I gave the lulu skivvies a shot.
If the Modal® fabric of the Saxx Platinum is extraordinarily soft, the lululemon A.I.M. briefs’ own Modal® fabric seems to be just a touch more comfortable. It feels as if there’s more spandex blended into the A.I.M.’s fabric, meaning there’s no discomfort whatsoever while wearing them during activity.
Read More: Used & Abused Gear Reviews
The slightly wider waist strap on the lululemon A.I.M. briefs does not crease like the Saxx Platinum either, and the fabric handles moisture well. And while there are no mesh panels in the “ballpark,” the A.I.M. does have notably comfortable frontal support nonetheless.
MSRP: $28, lululemon.com
The Verdict
Without the Ballpark pouch on the lululemon A.I.M. briefs, I have to give this duel to the Saxx Platinum boxers. Granted, if you have tried the Saxx pouch and didn’t immediately fall in love with it, the lululemon option is worth a shot for incredible comfort with above-average support.