The worst thing about some briefs is that they're usually way too big and they come up too high. These are lower rise and don't come up past your bellybutton. The cotton is soft and just right in terms of thickness. They did not shrink in the wash. The mediums fit perfectly. Im a 32-34 inch waist depending on the manufacturer. In Gap jeans, I wear a 33 waist and the mediums fit great. Theres not too much fabric in the seat. The front is more than accommodating so it doesnt strangle the gentlemans area but it does offer some support. The color is fairly saturated and is a true black, which does not rub off onto skin. The elastic waist band is comfortable, just about perfect width. Wearing them to work out was the ultimate test: they didn't bunch up or slip down and kept everything where it was supposed to stay. The weight of the cotton is just right making them cool and comfy even during an hour of cardio. Ill back to buy more since these worked out so well.