Not that we pose all that much in our underwear, but if we had to, the Icebreaker Anatomica would be our first choice. Unfortunately, some of the design features that make them look handsome also take away from the otherwise high performing attributes of these boxer briefs. We think that if the seams were adjusted, they would be in contention in our winners' circle.
Performance Comparison
One of the best way to test underwear is field use in a variety of settings and situations.
Comfort
There are some things Icebreaker does really well. The quality of their merino wool is excellent, and the wool they use is core spun, meaning the wool fibers are wrapped around nylon for increased durability. We like how light and stretchy the fabric felt, and the waistband is agreeably low profile. We also appreciated the extra room in the front, allowing the boxer briefs to feel supportive but not constricting.
The one thing we didn't like about the Anatomica is the seams. There are a lot of seams underneath the crotch, which when worn with many layers or when on a bike seat, were annoying. We also could feel the piping rub a bit when worn under thick work or winter pants, which could lead to chafing in time.
We found the piping at the seams to be annoying and unnecessary on an otherwise nice pair of boxer briefs.
Breathability
The fabric of the Anatomica is nice and light, as is the waistband which allows for breathability. We also appreciate the high-quality merino wool allowing for good temperature regulation to avoid swampiness.
Odor Control
Like all merino wool boxer briefs in this underwear review, the Icebreaker pair didn't hold onto excess odor. Especially because the Anatomica is thin and stretchy, it seemed to air out even quicker than some of the other merino pairs.
The Icebreaker Anatomica packs down small for a pair of wool underwear. Here they are next to a CAMP Nano Carabiner for scale.
Durability
Although the Anatomica feels pretty lightweight, held up pretty well during our testing period. The sewing is tight, and there aren't any flyaways at the seams. There are a few very minor pills, but that's to be expected with merino. One tester who has owned these underpants for a year has noted that the fabric wears thin before other travel pairs he has tested, though. This is the trade-off for lightweight, quick-drying skivvies — they just won't last as long.
The Anatomica dried surprisingly quickly for a pair of wool underwear.
Drying Time
The Icebreaker boxer briefs were one of the faster pairs of underwear in our drying tests. In the sun they only took about an hour and fifteen minutes to completely dry out on a sunny winter day in southern Utah. Between the light fabric and minimalist waistband, they're an easy pair to wash and dry for the next use.
Value
The Icebreaker pair is expensive, and since it doesn't last as long as some other models, it's tough to call it a great deal. They look great, though, and for some testers, are definitely comfortable enough. These are a great pair of underwear, but just not our favorite for the price.
Conclusion
While we generally like the Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers, a small redesign could make this a much better pair of boxer briefs. The fabric, waistband, and the fit are fantastic, but the seams seem somewhat poorly placed, and we think the piping on the sides and front could lead to chafing. They do look good, but we think there are slightly better choices out there.
