The underwear drawer upgrade you didn't know you needed.
Women's boxer shorts are one of those things that once you try them, you don't go back. Comfortable, breathable, no riding up, no digging in, no spending the day thinking about your underwear at all - which is honestly the goal. Just genuinely comfortable pants that stay where they're supposed to.
OddBalls' ladies' boxer shorts come in two fabrics - soft stretch cotton and buttery bamboo viscose - across a huge range of patterned, plain and partnership designs. The kind of women's boxers you'd actually choose for the print, not just default to because everything else was uncomfortable. This guide covers everything: why women's boxer shorts work, cotton vs bamboo, how to get the sizing right, and which OddBalls styles are worth knowing about.
Table of content
Why Women's Boxer Shorts?
The straightforward answer: because they're the most comfortable cut of underwear going, and comfort shouldn't be a male-only privilege.
Women's boxer shorts sit at the top of the thigh with a relaxed fit around the leg - no tight elastic cutting into skin, no riding up during the day, no adjusting required. For anyone who finds briefs too minimal, thongs genuinely baffling, or standard women's underwear consistently uncomfortable, boxer shorts are the answer.
They're also genuinely versatile. Women's boxers work under jeans, leggings, dresses, pyjamas - the relaxed fit means no visible lines and no bunching. They're the underwear that works with everything precisely because they're just comfortable enough that you forget about them.
"Your underwear drawer called. It wants an upgrade."
Cotton or Bamboo? Choosing the Right Women's Boxer Shorts
OddBalls does women's boxer shorts in two distinct fabrics - both worth knowing about, for different reasons.
Women's Stretch Cotton Boxer Shorts
Made from a 95% cotton, 5% elastane blend, OddBalls' cotton women's boxer shorts offer soft, breathable all-day comfort with just enough stretch to move with you. Recently redesigned with a side seam for an even better fit, these are the updated version of a bestseller - and the improvement is noticeable.
The contrast elasticated waistband sits securely without digging in, and durable overlock stitching reduces irritation and prevents ride-up - the two things that make or break everyday underwear. Regular fit, elasticated waist, soft cotton that gets better with every wash.
Best for: Everyday wear, all-year-round comfort, anyone who prefers the soft, cosy cotton feel next to skin.
Women's Bamboo Viscose Boxer Shorts
Made from 92% bamboo viscose and 8% elastane (with breathable mesh panels for extra ventilation), OddBalls' bamboo women's boxer shorts are in a different comfort category entirely. Buttery soft, naturally moisture-wicking and quick-drying - the kind of fabric you notice immediately.
The longer leg length is designed specifically to prevent ride-up, backed up by an anti-chafe gusset that keeps everything in place regardless of what you're doing. Breathable mesh panels add airflow where it's needed most, making these the natural choice for sport, travel, hot weather or anyone who runs warm.
Best for: Sport and active wear, hot weather, travel, anyone who prioritises breathability and moisture management.
The Prints: Patterned, Plain and Partnership Designs
OddBalls' women's boxer shorts come across three design categories - so whether you want something bold, something understated or something that references a specific obsession, there's a print for it.
1. Patterned Designs
The OddBalls bread and butter. Bold, colourful prints across a constantly rotating range of designs - animals, patterns, abstract prints, seasonal specials. The ones people notice and ask about.
2. Plain Designs
For anyone who wants the comfort and quality of OddBalls without the print. Clean colourways in the same soft cotton or bamboo fabric - the everyday staple that works under everything.
3. Partnership Designs
OddBalls' licensed partnership collections bring some of the most recognisable characters and brands to your underwear drawer - from iconic TV and film licences to sports partnerships. The prints that mean something beyond just looking good.
All three categories are available across both the cotton and bamboo boxer short styles - browse the full women's boxer shorts collection for the current range.
How to Wear Women's Boxer Shorts
As everyday underwear. Under jeans, trousers, skirts or dresses - the cotton fit works under most clothing without bunching or VPL issues.
For sport and activity. The bamboo boxer shorts specifically - moisture-wicking, anti-chafe gusset, breathable mesh panels. Designed to move with you and keep you comfortable during exercise.
For travel. Bamboo's quick-drying, lightweight properties make the bamboo boxer shorts the practical choice for travel - they wash and dry fast and take up minimal space.
As loungewear. OddBalls' bold prints make women's boxer shorts genuinely worth wearing around the house - paired with a matching bralette or a simple top, comfortable enough for a full lazy day in.
As pyjama bottoms. Paired with a loose top or sleep bralette, women's cotton boxer shorts are a straightforward alternative to a full pyjama set. Breathable overnight and comfortable enough that you won't think about them.
Women's Boxer Shorts vs Other Styles
Cotton boxers vs bamboo boxers:
Cotton is softer and more natural-feeling; bamboo is more technical with better moisture management and breathability. For everyday wear, cotton. For sport, travel or hot weather, bamboo.
Browse: Women's Cotton Boxer Shorts · Women's Bamboo Boxer Shorts
Women's boxers vs briefs:
Briefs have a fitted leg and more structure; boxers have a relaxed leg. If you find briefs ride up or dig in, boxers are almost certainly more comfortable.
Women's boxers vs seamless:
Seamless is designed to disappear under clothing; boxers are designed to be comfortable first. For very fitted or sheer clothing, seamless is the better call.
Women's Boxer Shorts - FAQs
What are women's boxer shorts?
Women's boxer shorts are a relaxed-fit underwear style designed and sized specifically for women - similar in cut to men's boxers, but made for a women's fit. Known for being comfortable, breathable and low-maintenance throughout the day.
What's the difference between OddBalls' cotton and bamboo women's boxer shorts?
OddBalls' cotton women's boxer shorts (95% cotton, 5% elastane) are soft, breathable and ideal for everyday all-year-round wear. The bamboo viscose boxer shorts (92% bamboo viscose, 8% elastane) are more technical - moisture-wicking, quick-drying and featuring an anti-chafe gusset and breathable mesh panels, making them better suited for sport, travel or hot weather.
Are OddBalls women's boxer shorts good for sport?
The bamboo viscose boxer shorts specifically are designed for active wear - moisture-wicking fabric, an anti-chafe gusset to prevent ride-up, and breathable mesh panels for airflow. The cotton boxer shorts are better suited for everyday wear rather than intense activity.
What fabric are OddBalls women's boxer shorts made from?
OddBalls offers two options: cotton boxer shorts (95% cotton, 5% elastane) and bamboo viscose boxer shorts (92% bamboo viscose, 8% elastane with breathable mesh panels). Both are soft, comfortable and available in the full range of OddBalls prints.
Do women's boxer shorts ride up?
OddBalls' women's boxer shorts are specifically designed to prevent ride-up. The cotton style features overlock stitching and a secure elasticated waistband; the bamboo style has a longer leg length and anti-chafe gusset to keep everything in place throughout the day.
How do I size women's boxer shorts?
Measure your natural waist and compare against the OddBalls size guide. Don't rely on standard S/M/L which varies between brands. If between sizes, size up for a more relaxed fit.
Do OddBalls women's boxer shorts come in plain colours as well as patterns?
Yes - OddBalls' women's boxer shorts are available in patterned designs, plain colourways and partnership/licensed prints. Browse the full women's boxer shorts collection for the current range across all three.
Can you wear women's boxer shorts as pyjamas?
Yes - OddBalls' cotton ladies' boxer shorts work well as pyjama bottoms paired with a loose top or bralette. The breathable cotton fabric is comfortable overnight and the bold prints are worth wearing beyond just underwear.
How do I care for OddBalls women's boxer shorts?
Wash at 30°C, avoid bleach and harsh detergents, do not tumble dry, iron or dry clean. For the bamboo boxer shorts specifically, the gentle wash helps preserve the bamboo viscose fibres and keeps them soft for longer.
Shop Women's Boxer Shorts
Soft stretch cotton or buttery bamboo viscose. Patterned, plain or partnership prints. Proper sizing, no ride-up, all-day comfort. Browse the full OddBalls women's boxer shorts range and find your perfect pair.
Browse: Women's Boxer Shorts · Women's Briefs · Bralettes · Size Guide