Tommy John Men's Second Skin Trunk 4" Review: Premium Comfort at a Premium Price

Finding underwear that stays put, feels soft, and holds up after washing shouldn’t be this hard. The Tommy John Second Skin Trunk 4” promises to solve those problems with a blend of 90% modal and 10% spandex, a stay-put waistband, and a horizontal Quick Draw fly with contour pouch.

I tested these trunks through workouts, errands, and couch time to see if the $36 price tag holds up against cheaper boxer briefs and other men’s underwear brands. The fabric impressed me right away, though the overall picture isn’t entirely spotless.

What I Liked About the Tommy John Second Skin Trunk

These trunks got several things right. Here are the highlights from my testing.

Second Skin Modal Fabric

The fabric on these Tommy John boxer briefs is the standout feature. Modal is a plant-based textile derived from beech tree pulp, and it feels noticeably different from standard cotton underwear. On first touch, the material has a silky smooth quality — not quite silk, but close enough that you notice the difference immediately.

Unlike traditional cotton briefs that can pill and wear thin, modal resists pilling and maintains its softness through repeated washes. The 10% spandex blend adds four-way stretch without making the trunks feel clingy or restrictive.

Stay-Put Waistband

The waistband on these trunks is thicker than what you get with most underwear brands. That extra width helps it grip without digging in, and it does not roll up during movement. I noticed fewer marks on my waist compared to elastic-heavy alternatives from Hanes and similar brands.

The tagless design adds to the comfort. No scratchy labels, no irritation — the waistband stays flat and secure throughout the day.

Contour Pouch and Quick Draw Fly

The horizontal fly design takes a day or two to get used to if you’ve spent years with vertical openings. Once the adjustment period passes, the Quick Draw fly feels intuitive and provides quick access without fumbling. The contour pouch offers supportive natural shaping without compression.

Multiple reviewers call the horizontal fly a feature that other underwear companies should adopt, and I agree that it works well in practice.

Breathable and Non-Pilling

These trunks are machine washable and do not develop lint balls or fuzz the way many cotton blends do. The naturally breathable modal fabric keeps things cool without moisture buildup, which matters during warm weather or active days.

The non-pilling construction means the shorts maintain their clean appearance wash after wash — a meaningful advantage when you’re spending more per pair.

Versatile for Any Activity

I wore these during workouts, running errands, and lounging at home. The stretchy fabric moved with me during all of those activities without riding up or bunching. The 4-inch inseam sits well under trousers and casual shorts alike, making these trunks versatile enough for daily wear.

What Needs Improvement

No underwear is perfect, and these trunks have a few areas worth noting.

Premium Price Point

At $36 per pair, these trunks cost significantly more than standard underwear from Hanes or similar brands. A three-pack of basic cotton boxer briefs runs under $15. The modal fabric and design features justify some premium, but replacing your entire drawer gets expensive fast.

If you are on a budget, Calvin Klein offers similar styles at $15 to $30 per pair with comparable comfort.

Durability Concerns

Some long-term users report holes developing in the crotch and seat area after several months of regular washing. One reviewer noted elastic falling apart after just a few washes. My pair held up during my testing period, but these reports are frequent enough to warrant caution.

At this price point, underwear should last well beyond a single season. The durability complaints are the biggest knock against an otherwise strong product.

Sizing Inconsistency

Sizing can vary across different Tommy John fabric lines. One Amazon reviewer had to exchange for a size up because these ran smaller than expected compared to other brands. The sizing chart lists S (28-30) through XXL (43-46), but ordering your usual size may not guarantee the right fit.

If you are between sizes, consider sizing up. The stretchy modal fabric accommodates a slightly looser fit without feeling baggy.

How It Compares to Other Men’s Underwear

The premium men’s underwear market has several strong options. Here is how the Tommy John Second Skin Trunk stacks up.

vs Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey

Mack Weldon targets athletic use with antimicrobial silver technology built into the fabric. That makes it a better pick for heavy workouts and sweat management. Tommy John wins on softness — the micro modal fabric feels noticeably more luxurious against your skin than Mack Weldon’s jersey knit.

Choose Mack Weldon if your priority is gym performance. Choose Tommy John if everyday comfort and fabric feel matter more.

vs Lululemon Always In Motion

The Lululemon Always In Motion boxer brief is the closest competitor in terms of overall quality. Some reviewers give Lululemon a slight edge, though the consensus is that both are excellent and it comes down to which fabric feels best on your skin.

Lululemon’s trunk sits at a similar price point. Tommy John’s Quick Draw horizontal fly and contour pouch give it a design advantage, while Lululemon’s athletic heritage makes it better for high-intensity activity.

vs Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch

Calvin Klein offers the most budget-friendly alternative at $15 to $30 per pair. The classic minimal aesthetics hold up well, and the cotton stretch fabric feels soft enough for daily wear.

Tommy John’s modal fabric and proprietary design features justify the higher cost for those who prioritize comfort. But if you are building out your underwear drawer on a budget, Calvin Klein delivers solid quality without the premium markup.

Final Verdict on the Tommy John Second Skin Trunk 4”

The Tommy John Second Skin Trunk delivers on its core promise: underwear that feels noticeably better than standard cotton boxer briefs. The modal fabric, stay-put waistband, and Quick Draw fly combine into a package that justifies attention from anyone shopping for premium men’s underwear.

I am giving it a 4.4 out of 5.

The durability concerns and $36 price tag hold it back from a higher score. If the brand can address the longevity issues some users report, this trunk would earn a near-perfect rating.

Bottom line: If you value comfort over cost and want a pair of trunks that stays put, feels soft, and performs across workouts and daily wear, the Tommy John Second Skin Trunk is a smart buy.