Underwear is an essential that most guys don‘t think much about – until you find the perfect pair. Once you experience underwear that is supremely comfortable, keeps you cool/dry, and fits just right under clothes, there‘s no going back to cheap multipacks.
In recent years, brands like Mack Weldon and Tommy John have made it their mission to reinvent men‘s basics from the ground up. Using proprietary fabrics/designs and focusing on quality construction, they promise underwear that looks good and performs even better on an everyday basis.
But with similar price points and devoted fans, choosing between Mack Weldon and Tommy John underwear largely comes down to personal preferences around style, fit, and features. This in-depth comparative review covers all the key differences to consider across these popular underwear brands.
Mack Weldon Underwear Overview
Founded in 2012 by Brian Berger and Michael Isaacman, Mack Weldon set out to rethink men‘s basics using a "clean-sheet" design approach not bound by existing industry conventions. Unhappy with the underwear options available at the time, they saw an opportunity to develop never-before-seen fabrics and implement stricter quality control standards for a consistent, premium fit and feel.
Mack Weldon underwear goes through a meticulous design process leveraging 3D modeling and craftsman patterns. On the manufacturing side, they work with ethical factories around the world specializing in knitting, dying, cutting, and sewing.
Mack Weldon‘s designer fabrics blend natural fibers like cotton and wool with high-performance synthetics (and even silver threads) engineered explicitly for underwear. Key material innovations include:
- 18-Hour Jersey: A cotton and modal knit that sits for 18 hours before cutting for added softness
- Silver: Underwear woven with pure silver threads for temperature regulation and antimicrobial properties often used by pro athletes
- AIRKNITx: A lightweight microfiber with moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and breathable qualities
On top of using advanced fabrics, Mack Weldon is uncompromising when it comes to fit and construction elements like pouch contouring, no-roll waistbands, and lay flat seams. The result is underwear engineered for true next-to-skin comfort.
Tommy John Underwear Overview
Husband and wife Tom Patterson and Erin Fujimoto founded Tommy John in 2008 seeking to "reimagine men‘s essentials from top to bottom." Having worked corporate jobs in apparel and private equity, they left their careers to focus on designing better underwear after years of discomfort from riding up, bunching, and general ill-fit.
Tommy John uses a range of premium fabrics sourced from Italy, France, Portugal, and Japan selected explicitly for underwear construction, with modal and pima cotton blends being signatures. They also incorporate multiple patented designs into their products:
- Contour Pouch: An anatomical 3D pouch eliminating exterior seams that chafe
- Quick Draw Fly: A horizontal fly opening allowing easier bathroom access
- Stay-Put Waistband: A dual-layer waistband that doesn‘t loosen or roll
Similar to Mack Weldon, Tommy John is meticulous when it comes to material quality, unique fabric blends, and precision manufacturing. All products go through months of fit testing and iterations before reaching market. The result is a polished, almost clinical aesthetic and locked-in fit.
Now that we‘ve covered the underwear philosophies and material innovations behind Mack Weldon and Tommy John, let‘s compare specific products head-to-head.
Mack Weldon vs. Tommy John Boxer Briefs
Mack Weldon Boxer Brief Options
Silver Boxer Brief
- Price: $34
- Fabric: 84% Supima cotton, 10% X-Static silver, 6% spandex
- Features: Antimicrobial, thermo-regulating, stay-put legs, no-roll waist
AIRKNITx Boxer Brief
- Price: $28
- Fabric: 50% polyamide, 33% polyester, 17% elastane
- Features: Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, seamless
Tommy John Boxer Brief Options
Second Skin Boxer Brief
- Price: $36
- Fabric: 91% modal, 9% elastane
- Features: Quick-dry, stretch retention, stay-put waistband
Air Boxer Brief
- Price: $42
- Fabric: 78% nylon, 22% spandex
- Features: Cooling, sweat-wicking, anti-microbial, seamless
Verdict: While both brands use ultra-soft modal fabric blends, Mack Weldon adds unique technical elements like silver threading and a slightly more relaxed fit. Tommy John‘s offerings prioritize a "second skin" snugness through added spandex and construction. For boxer briefs, Mack Weldon brings more innovation and versatility, though Tommy John excels at a barely-there feel.
Mack Weldon vs Tommy John Trunks
Mack Weldon Trunk Options
Silver Trunk
- Price: $32
- Fabric: 84% Supima cotton, 10% X-static silver, 6% Lycra spandex
- Features: Antimicrobial, breathable side panels
AIRKNITx Trunk
- Price: $26
- Features: Lightweight, quick-dry, seamless, anti-odor
Tommy John Trunk Options
Second Skin Trunk
- Price: $36
- Fabric: 91% modal, 9% elastane
- Features: Non-chafing contour pouch, stay-put waistband
Air Trunk
- Price: $40
- Fabric: 78% nylon, 22% elastane
- Features: Cooling, sweat-wicking, anti-microbial
Verdict: For trunks, Tommy John leans into its signature ultra-snug second skin style even more aggressively. The added spandex takes contouring and stretch to another level for a barely-there feel. Mack Weldon offers greater versatility for guys looking for a balance of features, fit and coverage.
Mack Weldon vs Tommy John Briefs
Mack Weldon Brief Options
18-Hour Jersey Brief
- Price: $20
- Fabric: 47.5% cotton, 47.5% modal, 5% spandex
- Features: Enzyme-washed softness, breathable
AIRKNITx Brief
- Price: $24
- Fabric: 50% polyamide, 33% polyester, 17% elastane
- Features: Lightweight, quick-dry, seamless
Tommy John Brief Options
Second Skin Brief
- Price: $30
- Fabric: 91% modal, 9% elastane
- Features: Non-chafing contour pouch, stay-put waistband
Cool Cotton Brief
- Price: $27
- Fabric: 86% pima cotton, 14% spandex
- Features: Breathable, quick-dry, stretch retention
Verdict: For traditional cotton briefs, Mack Weldon offers greater value and a relaxed fit. The 18-Hour Jersey stands out through custom fabric innovations focuses on unbelievable softness. Tommy John tailors its signature second skin aesthetic towards briefs for a barely-there feel that isn‘t everyone‘s cup of tea.
Mack Weldon vs Tommy John Boxers
Mack Weldon Boxer Options
18-Hour Jersey Knit Boxer
- Price: $28
- Fabric: 47.5% cotton, 47.5% modal, 5% spandex
- Features: Custom-knit softness, gusseted crotch
Woven Boxer
- Price: $28
- Fabric: 98% cotton, 2% spandex
- Features: Button-fly, tailored fit
Tommy John Boxer Options
Second Skin Boxer
- Price: $34
- Fabric: 91% modal, 9% elastane
- Features: Non-pilling fabric, stay-put waistband
Cool Cotton Boxer
- Price: $31
- Fabric: 86% pima cotton, 14% spandex
- Features: Breathable, quick-dry, stretch retention
Verdict: Tommy John‘s relaxed boxers skew towards a snugger "second skin" fit, while Mack Weldon focuses on premium natural fabric blends for timeless casual comfort – giving them the advantage here. The 18-Hour Jersey stands out in particular through unmatched softness.
Long Underwear Comparison
For thermals and base layers worn in colder weather, both brands offer premium options:
Mack Weldon WARMKNIT
- Price: $58
- Fabric: 43% modal, 38% Thermolite polyester, 15% wool, 4% spandex
- Features: Warm, breathable, moisture-wicking
Tommy John SleekHeat
- Price: $60
- Fabric: 91% polyester, 37% rayon, 6% spandex
- Features: Lightweight warmth, sweat-wicking, quick-dry
The smart-fabric blend and waffle knit construction of the Mack Weldon WARMKNIT brings better insulation, making it our top choice for cold weather underwear.
Quality & Durability Comparison
A key justification for investing in premium underwear brands like Mack Weldon and Tommy John is exceptional construction and durability that extends the usable life. How do they compare?
Mack Weldon focuses on quality assurance across fabric development, prototype sampling, fit reviews, production audits, and lab testing. Tommy John has an equally rigorous focus on material standards, factory processes, and defects prevention. Most underwear components like waistbands and stitching go through stress and endurance benchmarking.
Independent testing suggests both brands generally achieve 300+ wears and washes before showing signs of deterioration – vastly outpacing cheaper options failing after several months.
However, Tommy John seems more prone to issues with unusual temple wear, fabric holes, and stitching coming undone according to customer reviews. Mack Weldon has some reports of waistband problems as its most common quality complaint.
While Tommy John likely still beats out other premium underwear competitors on longevity, Mack Weldon gets the slight edge for everyday construction and durability. Their fabric innovation and treatments add stain/odor resistance and antimicrobial properties that help extend usable life. Simple designs with fewer seams and panels also contribute to resilience.
For those curious, our guide to extending the life of your underwear has tips working for either brand.
Sizing & Fit Comparison
The optimal underwear fit ultimately comes down personal preferences around coverage, support, and how much compression you desire.
Mack Weldon offers a more relaxed and roomier fit focused on lightweight, unrestrictive comfort rather than significant compression. Their waistbands have elastic without being overly tight and leg openings are cut closer to mid-thigh. The signature AIRKNITx fabric adds noticeable stretch and breathability. Those that dislike clingy spandex blends around the thighs will appreciate Mack Weldon‘s approach.
Tommy John leans into a snugger "second skin" aesthetic for all of its underwear lines. The added spandex and elastane boast exceptional stretch and recovery to cling tightly rather than loosely hang. The contours, support, and lift are immediately noticeable compared to regular underwear. However, the tighter fit isn‘t for everyone.
When it comes to sizing, both brands offer a wide range that runs true-to-size. Tommy John incorporates some taller sizing to accommodate longer torsos and legs. Mack Weldon allows for more room through the leg openings and crotch.
Ultimately Tommy John prioritizes an ergonomic contoured silhouette, while Mack Weldon focuses on lightweight breathability – so try each to determine which finish and feel you prefer.
Pricing & Value Comparison
Mack Weldon and Tommy John command premium pricing in line with other high-end underwear brands:
| Mack Weldon | Tommy John | |
|---|---|---|
| Boxer Briefs | $28 – $36 | $36 – $42 |
| Trunks | $26 – $32 | $36 – $40 |
| Briefs | $20 – $24 | $27 – $30 |
| Boxers | $28 | $31 – $34 |
At face value, Tommy John is priced at a slight premium mostly due to addSpandex blends an some unique patents around their proprietary designs.
However when you account for typical discounts and promos:
- Mack Weldon: Volume discounts only
- Tommy John: 20% for first order & referrals, 20% student/teacher/military discounts, + frequent sales
…the effective prices end up being very close.
Ultimately both brands generally live up to their premium pricing in terms of material quality and construction. Tommy John excels at an ergonomic second-skin fit, while Mack Weldon uses technical fabric innovations you won‘t find elsewhere. While cheaper than luxury designer labels, neither are budget friendly – but do offer upgrades in comfort, support and durability compared to standard mass-market underwear choices.
Customer Ratings & Reviews
Being internet darlings, both Tommy John and Mack Weldon have been broadly reviewed across ecommerce sites, blogs and YouTube:
- Tommy John – 4.4 out 5 stars across 4500+ reviews
- Mack Weldon – 4.6 out of 5 stars across 1500+ reviews
The overall sentiment for both brands skews very positive, with most customers commenting on improved comfort, better fit, and underwear that looks and feels premium. Negative feedback seems centered around:
Tommy John
- Durability/quality control issues
- Thigh leg openings being too snug
- Restrictive pouch contour
Mack Weldon
- Waistband durability problems
- Initial fabric tightness requiring break-in
- Lack of compression support
As touched on earlier, Tommy John seems to have a slight edge in complaints around unusual wear and tear issues that shouldn‘t be happening with premium underwear. On the other hand, some Mack Weldon customers report needing a few weeks of wear for full softening and stretch.
Shipping, Returns & Exchanges
Mack Weldon
- Free shipping over $50
- Free returns within 30 days
- Try-on guarantee: refund if you don’t love your first pair
Tommy John
- Free shipping over $50 domestically, $150 internationally
- Free returns within 45 days
- Best Pair Guarantee: keep your first pair free if you’re not fully satisfied
The hassle-free returns policies of both brands enable no-risk trial and switching sizes if needed. Tommy John notably offers free returns up to 45 days from purchase compared to Mack Weldon‘s 30. Their Best Pair Guarantee also lets you keep your first pair even after refunds.
One limitation is Tommy John only offers domestic free shipping at $75+ compared to Mack Weldon‘s $50 threshold. They also charge duties/taxes for Canadian shipping.
Overall Tommy John has a slight edge in shipping/returns flexibility, but both facilitate easy underwear trial.
Mack Weldon vs Tommy John: Verdict
Mack Weldon and Tommy John both deliver premium underwear that justifies upgrading from standard multipack offerings. Using advanced fabrics and precision construction, they solve key pain points like ill-fit, riding up, moisture retention and general discomfort that plague lower-quality underwear options.
Tommy John stands out through its unwavering commitment to a "second skin" aesthetic achieved through strategic spandex blends and anatomical shaping. The signature contour pouch and quick-release fly bring unique ergonomic innovations. If a barely-there fit is your priority, Tommy John owns that positioning.
Mack Weldon differentiates itself through technical fabric innovations offering temperature regulation, odor resistance, moisture wicking and other performance benefits. The aesthetic skews more casual and relaxed versus Tommy John’s cleaner precision-tailored look. Mack Weldon also competes aggressively on price while offering specialty fabrics you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Ultimately there‘s no universally "best" option between these brands. Choose Tommy John if you prioritize an ergonomic silhouette and locked-in support. Go with Mack Weldon for technical fabric innovations in a relaxed fit. You can‘t go wrong starting with either brand if looking investing in quality underwear that actually lives up to its premium pricing in comfort, performance and durability.
