Methodology
How we score.
Every brand gets one number between 0 and 10. That number is a weighted average of five criteria — nothing else feeds into it, and placement is never for sale.
Comfort
30%All-day wear with no chafe, dig, or waistband bite.
Fit
25%True sizing, leg-hold, and how well the cut stays put.
Durability
20%Elastic and fabric integrity after 30+ wash cycles.
Breathability
15%Moisture handling and airflow under heat and activity.
Value
10%What you get relative to the per-pair price.
What the score is not
- It is not a popularity measure. Brand size and marketing spend carry no weight.
- It is not sponsored. No brand can pay for a position, a re-score, or removal of a criticism.
- It is not one-size-fits-all. A brand that wins on breathability may lose on durability — the per-criterion breakdown on each brand page matters more than the headline number.
Current data status
The 12 brands listed are seeded with editorial estimates against the rubric above while long-term wear testing is underway. Scores will be revised as test results land.