Bare It All
Looking for premium men’s underwear that combines comfort, style, and quality? Our in-depth review of 2(X)IST will help you decide if this popular brand deserves a spot in your underwear drawer. Known for their innovative designs and premium materials, 2(X)IST has established itself as a go-to brand for men who want both comfort and style.
Brand Overview
2(X)IST (pronounced “to exist”) is a New York-based underwear brand that has been a key player in the men’s underwear market for over 30 years . Originally targeting gay men, the brand has expanded its appeal to a broader audience while maintaining its reputation for fashionable, well-made undergarments.
The brand offers its products through their official website (2xist.com) and select department stores including Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. However, as they note, 2(X)IST.com carries the largest selection and exclusive online styles you won’t find elsewhere.
Manufacturing & Ethics
2(X)IST manufactures its products in facilities across the globe, including Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, and China. What’s reassuring is their commitment to ethical production standards. All their factories are socially compliant according to US standards and must be WRAP-approved (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production), ensuring fair compensation and safe working environments for employees.
The company takes production quality seriously, with members of their US-based production team making regular visits to overseas factories. While production is global, their design, marketing, ecommerce, warehouse, and customer service teams remain based in the United States, combining global manufacturing efficiency with American design sensibilities.
Fit & Size Range
Finding the right size is crucial for underwear comfort, and 2(X)IST provides detailed measuring guides on their website. They recommend measuring your chest, waist, and hips to determine your perfect fit.
For bottoms, they suggest comparing your waist and hip measurements to their size chart. They also offer helpful advice: if you’re on the lower end of a measurement range, you might want to try the next size down for a slimmer fit; if you’re on the upper end, consider sizing up for more comfort.
A practical tip they offer is that your underwear size typically follows your pant size, making it easier to choose when shopping online. This attention to sizing details shows 2(X)IST’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Support Pouch / Shapewear
One of 2(X)IST’s standout features is their contoured pouch design, which provides excellent support and comfort. Many of their underwear styles feature supportive contour pouches with functional keyhole flies, ensuring both support and convenience.
Their underwear is engineered to provide adequate support without being restrictive, with reinforced areas where needed. This contoured design makes 2(X)IST particularly popular among men who prioritize proper support and comfort throughout the day.
Waistband Variety Options
2(X)IST offers various waistband styles across their product lines. While the attached documents don’t provide extensive details about waistband variety, we can infer from their product descriptions that they offer both logo-emblazoned elastic waistbands and more subtle options depending on the collection.
The brand puts thought into their waistband design, ensuring they’re comfortable for all-day wear without rolling or digging into the skin. This attention to detail extends to all aspects of their underwear design.
Material Options
2(X)IST stands out for its diverse fabric options, each designed for specific comfort and performance needs:
- Essential Cotton: 100% cotton for natural comfort
- Cotton Stretch: Cotton with elastane for flexibility
- Pima Cotton: Higher quality cotton for enhanced softness
- Modal/Modal Rib: Made from bamboo, feels silky and keeps you cool
- Dream: A blend of cotton, modal, and stretch for luxury feel
- Sliq/Mood: Polyester and spandex blend with moisture-wicking properties
- Nylon Speed Dri: Polyester and spandex blend for performance, featuring moisture-wicking and lightweight mesh
This variety allows customers to choose materials that best suit their lifestyle, whether they need everyday comfort, workout performance, or luxury loungewear.
Durability & Build
2(X)IST emphasizes quality construction in their products. Their underwear features strong reinforced leg openings that minimize shifting and riding up – a common complaint with lesser brands. The stitching is typically robust, with particular attention to high-stress areas.
The different fabric blends are chosen not just for comfort but also longevity. Their performance fabrics like Sliq/Mood and Nylon Speed Dri are designed to maintain shape and performance even after repeated washing and wear.
Style Variety
Style is 2(X)IST’s playground, and they’ve got options galore. Their underwear spans briefs, trunks, boxer briefs, and jocks, each with its own spin on modern masculinity. You’ve got low-rise cuts for that daring edge, classic fits for timeless appeal, and sporty designs for the active crowd. Beyond underwear, their apparel includes tees, tanks, loungewear, and swimwear, all designed with the same attention to sleek lines and bold aesthetics.
What sets them apart is the mix of minimalist and statement pieces. Some items keep it simple with clean cuts, while others pop with vibrant prints or unique detailing. It’s a wardrobe for every mood, whether you’re feeling subtle or ready to steal the spotlight.
Color & Patterns
The brand offers a wide spectrum of colors beyond the basic white, black, and gray. Their collections include both bold, vibrant colors and subtle, sophisticated tones. They also create seasonal collections with unique color palettes.
Pattern options range from simple stripes and color blocking to more adventurous prints. The brand balances trendy designs with timeless classics, allowing customers to express their personality while maintaining style longevity.
Value for Money
2(X)IST positions itself as a premium underwear brand, with prices higher than mass-market options but competitive within the luxury underwear segment. While not the cheapest option on the market, the quality of materials, construction, and design justifies the price point for many customers.
The brand frequently offers promotions and discounts, including free shipping on domestic orders over $60. They also have a loyalty rewards program where customers can earn points for activities on the site, including referrals and purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts.
Brand Experience
2(X)IST has created a comprehensive shopping experience both online and in select retail locations. Their website features detailed product information, size guides, and customer service options. They accept various payment methods including PayPal, Amazon Pay, major credit cards, and Apple Pay.
Customer service is available via phone (1-877-597-5827) from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST Monday through Friday, or via email at customerservice@2xist.com. They also offer a 30-day return policy for unworn, undamaged, and tagged items, with prepaid return shipping labels available for domestic orders.
The company has been working to improve its customer experience, implementing data-driven personalization strategies. According to Klaviyo Data Platform, 2(X)IST launched an RFM-based promotion strategy with targeted messaging through retention flows, Meta campaigns, and direct mail, achieving a 3.4x return on ad spend for certain campaigns .
Sustainability, Ethics & Innovation
While 2(X)IST doesn’t extensively market sustainability initiatives in the materials reviewed, they do emphasize ethical manufacturing practices through their WRAP-approved factory standards. This focus on fair labor practices aligns with growing consumer expectations for ethical business operations.
The brand continues to innovate in fabric technology and design, regularly updating their collections with new materials and styles. Their performance-focused fabrics demonstrate an ongoing commitment to improving the functionality of their products.
Former 2(X)IST CEO Tom Speight (now with ALPHX) highlights the brand’s history of innovation in the underwear market , suggesting a legacy of pushing boundaries in men’s underwear design and comfort technology.
Barebuff’s Top Picks
Based on our research, here are some standout 2(X)IST products worth considering:
- Cotton Stretch Boxer Brief 3-pack – Perfect everyday underwear with a supportive contour pouch and reinforced leg openings to prevent riding up
- Modal Briefs – For those who prefer silky soft comfort with excellent breathability
- Sliq/Mood Performance Underwear – Ideal for active lifestyles with moisture-wicking properties
- Pima Cotton Collection – For those who prefer premium cotton with enhanced softness
- Ibiza Swim Short – If you’re looking to extend your 2(X)IST collection to swimwear, these are worth checking out
Final Verdict
2(X)IST delivers on its promise of providing premium men’s underwear with attention to comfort, support, and style. Their diverse fabric options, thoughtful design features like contoured pouches, and variety of styles make them a solid choice for men seeking to upgrade their underwear drawer.
While they sit at a higher price point than basic brands, the quality, comfort, and durability justify the investment for many customers. Their ethical manufacturing commitments and customer-focused shopping experience further enhance the brand’s appeal.
Whether you’re looking for everyday basics, performance underwear for workouts, or more fashion-forward pieces, 2(X)IST offers options that combine functionality with style. Their three decades in the market speak to their consistent delivery of products that meet men’s needs and expectations.
For guys who want to feel confident, comfortable, and stylish from the first layer up, 2(X)IST deserves serious consideration. After all, when it comes to underwear, comfort is king – and 2(X)IST wears that crown well.