Sometimes traditional just works, as Peter Macfarlane finds out testing the EDZ Merino Wool Boxer Shorts.

The EDZ Merino Wool Boxer Shorts have a traditional underwear look to their layout which is not a bad thing – it should mean tried and tested features but brought to us in a hill walking ready fabric.

Peter Macfarlane recommends

The merino is also excellent for odour resistance and the boxers can be worn on extended trips between washes without too much of a pong developing.
Pros
  • fabric
  • fit
  • excellent fly design
Cons
  • short legs
Quick specs
Price: international shipping available / £24.99 (available from Amazon)
Weight: 92g, size large
Materials: 100% Superfine merino 200g
Features: elastic waistband, fly opening
Sizes: S – XXXL
Men’s version? briefs
edz.co.uk

The fabric is 200g merino wool which is a standard weight found on base layers and used here it makes for a warm and comfortable feel against the skin. The fabric has just enough stretch to it, so over extended use the boxers keep their shape well while allowing enough stretch for comfort and unrestricted movement.

The weight of merino is also excellent for odour resistance and the boxers can be worn on extended trips between washes without too much of a pong developing. The finishing is excellent, with flat seams throughout and a wide elastic waistband with a good stretch to it. This has been comfortable over extended use with a soft inner surface helping to avoid irritation against the skin.

There is a vertical centre seam at the back, which I thought might lead to a wedgie over time as the fabric panels either side stretched but I’m glad to report this hasn’t happened. However, for me the legs come up quite short and depending on the type of trouser I’ve used, sometimes the legs have ridden up a little as I walked. It’s mildly annoying but hasn’t caused any chaffing or irritation. I’d still like to see a longer legged version, though.

The fly opening is well executed. It’s set wide across the front of the Boxers and makes a good area of double fabric which is welcome on colder days. It’s easy to use, it reliably secures after use and it adds a little bit of flexibility in the fit as it allows an extra bit of stretch for different body shapes.

Testing conditions

Peter has a waist that sits around an average size large and has a fairly regular build. He wore the underwear with a variety of outdoor trousers and fabrics including relaxed fit non-stretch, stretch softshell and closer fit multisport leggings as well as regular casual use with jeans and other trousers. They’ve been tested across the seasons and on tracks, trails and bigger hill days on the Munros.

This review was first published in the June 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.