Not all cotton underwear for men is the same. There's a difference between a budget three-pack from the supermarket and a properly made pair designed to last. Here's how to tell them apart.

Check the cotton quality. Look for combed cotton or ring-spun cotton. These processes remove short fibres and impurities, leaving a smoother, softer, stronger fabric. Regular cotton is fine. Combed or ring-spun is better.

Look at the weight. Heavier cotton (measured in grams per square metre) generally means more durable. Too light and it'll thin out quickly. You want something substantial enough to handle regular washing without going see-through.

Assess the cut. Cotton underwear for men comes in all shapes — boxers, briefs, trunks, boxer briefs. Boxer briefs are the practical choice for most blokes. They support without restricting, sit flat under clothing, and work for almost every occasion.

Check the waistband. A waistband that rolls, flips, or digs in will ruin an otherwise good pair. It should be wide enough to sit flat, elastic enough to stay up, and soft enough not to leave a mark.

See where it's made. Locally made cotton underwear for men is generally held to higher quality standards. Australian-made means designed for the local climate, not just adapted from offshore production.

Think about your drawer. A mix of weights and cuts makes sense. A few heavier pairs for everyday wear, something lighter for warmer months. Barramundies makes cotton underwear for men that ticks every box on this list. Aussie-made, properly constructed, and built for real comfort.