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Best Running Underwear
For vanity purposes, all of us want running underwear which looks flattering and stylish. After all, even if they aren’t visible to the public, they’re visible to you and that’s what’s important. This is why we compiled the list of top ten so feel free to read through it and choose the one for you!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
Underwear for running is typically made of different fabrics than standard underwear. Regular underwear usually has cotton, nylon, or natural and synthetic fibers in it. These sort of materials don’t wick moisture very well and can get wet quickly each time you work out or run. Underwear designed explicitly for running use fabrics that can wick moisture and dry quickly, along with being flexible and lightweight.
This will serve to keep you cool so that you don’t overheat when you run. Running underwear need to be breathable, and it also needs to prevent chafing and riding up as well, since both of these things can be very uncomfortable while you are on the go. Many of these types of underwear are also made to be compressible and provide plenty of support but are also very flexible so that they don’t restrict your movements. Depending on the style of best underwear for running and the manufacturer, the materials you’ll find can vary widely.
Fabrics do usually tell us how well the underwear will perform while you are on the trails, and also how durable the underwear will be. However, regardless of how long-lasting you want your underwear to be, the primary thing you’ll want to consider when evaluating material is a comfort. As long as the material feels soft and comfortable for you, then you’ll probably enjoy wearing the pair of underwear each time you run.
Some materials you will find in these types of underwear include the following:
Synthetic fibers:
A lot of underwear designed for runners are made with synthetic fibers, including nylon, polyester, spandex, or some combination of those materials. All of these materials are long-lasting and strong, and also ventilate well and dry quickly, making them popular choices for runners.
Combed Cotton:
Cotton is a very comfortable material that doesn’t chafe when you wear it, which makes it feel great each time you put it on. However, sweat can build-up on the inside of cotton underwear, making you feel very wet the more active you are.
Coolmax Fabric:
Coolmax fabric is a polyester blend that ventilates well, dries out well, and is very durable.
Egyptian Cotton:
Egyptian cotton is very soft and comfortable and designed to feel great against the skin. However, just like combed cotton, it doesn’t ventilate well, and you could wind up with a lot of moisture build-up if you aren’t careful.
Italian Nylon:
You get a four-way stretch feature with this fabric, which is very flexible and moves as you move. Also, this type of nylon features antimicrobial agents which help keep odor from building up and prevents other health problems.
Pima Cotton:
Made as a combination of Egyptian and American cotton, this cotton is very soft and comfortable when worn. However, just like the other cotton fabrics on our list, Pima cotton does not ventilate well or dry quickly.
Spandex: Spandex makes the underwear stretchy, supportive, and comfortable. Due to this often used in the compression socks. Also, spandex can ventilate well and won’t cause moisture build-up problems.
Fit
The fit is a significant factor to consider when you are shopping for running underwear. Fit contributes to the overall comfort and feel of the underwear, and you want to make sure you purchase underwear that gives you the support, flexibility, and comfort you need as you run. You don’t want underwear that fits too tightly since some of this underwear can compress, and then you wind up losing blood flow and cutting off circulation, which can cause discomfort and impact how well you run.
If you get underwear that is too big, it can chafe and offer inadequate support. While these types of lingerie do tend to fit more loosely around the hips than regular underwear, you should feel a lot of compression in both your thigh and leg areas (check our guide on the best compression sleeves). Also, you want to make sure your underwear feature good elastic bands that keep the underwear in place and don’t rub on your skin.
To make sure you get a pair of underwear that will fit you correctly, remember that the measurements for fit will depend on the size of your waist. So, to get underwear that will fit you the best, make sure you measure the size of your waist before making your purchase. Well-fitting underwear is essential for running, just like the running tights, so make sure you also check out the sizing chart provided by the manufacturers, so you know you are purchasing the correct size.
Durability
How durable your underwear is will depend a lot on the thickness of the design, and the materials that make up the underwear. First, the thickness is something that can increase durability in this type of underwear, but because many runners want lightweight products, a lot of underwear is made to be thin and lightweight, and won’t always be as durable as you might want it to be. However, this problem isn’t exact of all brands, but it does tend to hold for many of the more lightweight, thin offerings you’ll find in these types of underwear.
Also, materials can affect the durability of your underwear. If the underwear is designed with high-quality materials, then it will be most likely built to last much longer. One way to check out the durability of the products you are interested in is to read up on some reviews and see how the underwear fared for other people.
Also remember that while durability is essential, it’s not going to be as important as comfort or fit when buying this type of underwear. You need to focus more on what will help you boost your performance, since most of the time, underwear isn’t too expensive to replace.
Value
The price of the underwear on our list can vary, but there are various options that run from expensive to average to affordable. While some pairs of underwear do cost more, they also tend to be more durable and offer more high-quality materials. So, that’s something you’ll want to consider along with a price.
Also, we’ve noted value where we saw fit on our product list, but that’s also something you may want to take a closer look at. Typically, running underwear will cost you more than normal underwear, but it still is decently cost-effective, especially considering what you’ll get in performance.
Top 10 Picks
1. New Balance Dry Fresh Boxers
New Balance’s Dry Fresh Boxer Briefs are made with thin material that helps the underwear ventilate well, and also makes them very comfortable. Plus, they feature a fly opening, which is a nice bonus.
Read moreMaterials
Comprised of 87% polyester and 13% spandex, these boxer briefs are made not to chafe, since they are designed with a thin material that doesn’t feature many seams. These boxer briefs also have some excellent mesh panels that help them regulate temperature as you sweat.
Fit
These boxer briefs are made to fit you snugly and are flexible enough so that they always feel great each time you wear them. They also have an excellent waistband which helps make them fit quite well.
Durability
Designed to be long-lasting, this underwear won’t stretch out too quickly or wear out too quickly. So, you will get some use out of them.
Value
New Balance’s Dry Fresh Boxer Briefs are cozy in the average price range, so they aren’t cheap or overly expensive. For the price, you’ll get a good pair of underwear to work out in.
2. Tesla Shorts
Tesla Men’s Compression Shorts were designed to double as either underwear or shorts, and also help to flatten your rear area. Designed with flexibility in mind, you’ll love how great you feel each time you wear these shorts.
Read moreMaterials
Designed from polyester and spandex, you’ll get a lot of flexibility and freedom to move easily when you wear these shorts. Also, the fabric has a UPF 50+ protection designed into it, helping to block out the sun.
Fit
For compression shorts, these are a bit loose. If you do want compression, you might need to size down. The waistband on these shorts are excellent and help offer a fantastic fit.
Durability
Since Tesla Men’s Compression Shorts are made to be affordable, they aren’t as durable as some of the other options we’ve provided on our list. However, they are cheap and easy to replace and still bring you a great product.
Value
Tesla Men’s Compression Shorts are very affordable, and one of the best performing shorts on our list for the price. While they don’t last as long as some other options, they also cost much less.
3. ExOfficio Give-n-Go Bikini Brief
The Give-n-Go bikini brief is a feminine addition that is comfortable, breathable, and durable. They are a great option for travel, exercise, or everyday use. They are marketed as a bikini cut but provide a bit more coverage and come up slightly higher.
Read moreMaterials
This comfortable pair of feminine running underwear is made from 94% Nylon and 6% Lycra Spandex. The materials are comfortable and soft on the skin. Additionally, these bikini briefs are finished with an antimicrobial treatment that prevents bacteria build-up and odors. They are highly breathable and quick drying.
Fit
Women have raved about the comfort of this underwear. The stretch diamond weave mesh fabric provides great mobility, and the underwear stays in place. The elastic waistband measures ⅝” and isn’t too tight. They are listed as a bikini brief but have more coverage and a higher rise than a traditional bikini. One downside to this style is that it shows panty lines with tight pants or shorts.
Durability
For the most part, these are very durable. The fabric of the underwear feels delicate, but with proper care and washing, this underwear will be your go-to for many years. One reviewer claimed that after a few years, the waistband started to stretch out.
Value
Here comes the real downside, the price. This is an expensive pair of underwear, but as you can see, they are comfortable, quick-drying, breathable and long-lasting. Considering that you could replace your entire underwear drawer with just a few pairs of these makes them a great investment.
4. Reebok Breathable 3 Briefs
If you want a high-performing pair of comfortable boxer briefs, then you’ll probably want to consider what Reebok Men’s Performance Boxer Briefs have to offer. Designed to be breathable and comfortable, these shorts are excellent for runners.
Read moreMaterials
The fabric on Reebok’s boxer briefs is manufactured from 90% polyester and 10% spandex, making them soft and also flexible. The spandex makes sure your freedom of movement isn’t restricted, and these boxer briefs also do a great job of ventilating.
Fit
Reebok’s boxer briefs fit pretty accurately, so you should be okay ordering the size you are most familiar with. You get a relaxed fit with these, but they also are very comfortable.
Durability
Reebok’s boxer briefs are durable and do last for some time. So, you’ll get more bang for your buck if you purchase these comfortable boxer briefs.
Value
These boxer briefs come in packs of three and are very affordable as a result. For the comfort you’ll get when you wear them, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the value you get when you buy them.
5. Under Armour Power in Pink
If you are tired of panty lines or looking forward to feeling like you're not even wearing underwear, this thong is a great option. It features four-way stretch and great breathability. There is no tag and the seams are laser cut, drastically reducing your chances of chafing.
Read moreMaterials
This thong-style underwear is made from 75.8% Nylon and 24.2% Elastane. As you can tell from the high content of elastane, they have great stretch. The edges of the underwear are laser cut, providing a smooth finish and no hems. Additionally, they are treated with anti-odor technology to keep you feeling fresh throughout your entire workout.
Fit
Almost every reviewer agrees that these underwear run true to size. They have four-way stretch and are well structured. They stay in place no matter the activity and offer excellent breathability. Additionally, there is no tag or hems to cause chafing. Many women say that it feels like they are wearing nothing at all.
Durability
Unfortunately, this isn’t a strong point for the Under Armour thong. The material is thin, as you would expect, making it slightly less durable than we would hope for. Reviewers say that it is best to hand wash them or use the delicate cycle on your machine and leave them to air dry.
Value
While the price of this small piece of fabric is quite high, they have many great features. One of which is that Under Armour is donating ten million dollars of its Power in Pink sales to the John Hopkins Cancer Center for breast health and education.
6. Saxx Men's Kinetic
Saxx’s Kinetic boxers are made to give you everything you’ll want and need each time you hit the trails and run. Made to be comfortable and flexible, they also provide plenty of ventilation to keep you going strong all day long.
Read moreMaterials
Comprised of 85% nylon and 15% spandex, you get both the comfort against your skin and the level of stretchy flexibility you want with these boxer briefs. Also, you get plenty of ventilation with these boxer briefs, which will keep you very comfortable on your runs.
Fit
Saxx’s Kinetic Boxers are designed to offer some compression, and also dry out quickly. They provide a lot of support and do a great job of not chafing.
Durability
Saxx’s Kinetic Boxers are very durable and come with long-lasting materials that prevent them from wearing out. You’ll get a lot of use out of these boxers.
Value
Saxx’s Kinetic Boxers are very durable and high in quality, but they do run on the expensive side of things as far as cost is concerned. So, you will get a long-lasting pair of underwear, but you might have to spend a bit of money on them.
7. ExOfficio Give-n-Go Boxer Brief
ExOfficio’s Give-N-Go Boxer Briefs are designed to boost your performance when you run, made with lightweight materials and an excellent ventilation system. The bring you the level of comfort and flexibility you’ll really want each time you hit the trails.
Read moreMaterials
Comprised of a combination of nylon and Lycra spandex, you get a pair of boxers that feels smooth and is also very comfortable. These materials also prevent the boxers from chafing or riding up whenever you are running and on the go.
Fit
You get a relaxed fit with these boxers, which means they do feel comfortable but might not have as much support as some of the other options on our list. However, they do offer a lightweight, effective fit for those that don’t mind the room.
Durability
ExOfficio’s Boxer Briefs are made to be durable, and you’ll be able to get quite a bit of use out of them. So, you won’t have to worry about them wearing out too quickly or easily while you work out.
Value
The price of these boxer briefs can really fluctuate depending on where you purchase them from, so keep an eye on that. However, other than that, they are fairly average in their price range.
8. Adidas Climalite
Adidas’s Men’s Sport Performance Climalite Boxer Brief Underwear is made to bring you a comfortable pair of underwear that can easily adapt to changes in body temperature, keeping you happy. Comprised of 91% polyester and 9% spandex, this pair of underwear will bring you a lot of versatility.
Read moreMaterials
The fabric designed into this underwear is both lightweight and very soft, so you’ll stay cool and dry as you run or workout. Designed with Climalite technology, this underwear breathes well and offers effective temperature regulation.
Fit
The fit of these boxer briefs is very comfortable, and they are made to be soft. Plus, they feature a lot of flexibility with the elastic designed into the underwear so that they won’t restrict your movement.
Durability
While the Adidas Men’s Sport Performance Climalite Boxer Brief Underwear offers a bevy of nice features, they do have some durability issues. The fabric is known to stretch out after some use.
Value
These boxer briefs do run on the more expensive end when compared to basic boxers, but they are pretty average in price as far as sports underwear is concerned. So, the price isn’t too bad on these boxer briefs.
9. Under Armour HeatGear Sonic Shorts
Under Armour’s HeatGear Sonic Compression shorts give you an extra boost in length when you run, and do a great job of boosting your performance when you run. These shorts are made to be flexible while offering plenty of compression and support.
Read moreMaterials
Made from 84% polyester and 16% elastane, these compression shorts are made to prevent both riding up and chafing issues. You also get technology that cuts back on odor and an excellent ventilation system.
Fit
Designed with a 4-way stretch system, these compression shorts are made to fit well and offer the right amount of support when you run. Plus, they also come with flatlock seams, which makes them very comfortable to wear.
Durability
Made with high-quality materials, Under Armour’s HeatGear Sonic Compression shorts are durable and long-lasting. You’ll be able to get a lot of use out of them.
Value
These compression shorts run in the average price range, so they are a good investment for the price. You’ll love how comfortable they feel and all of the other features they offer.
10. Adidas Climacool Cheekster
With the majority of this list being either boxers or briefs, the Adidas Climacool Cheekster is a more than welcome addition with a stylish and feminine fit. Flat seams ensure that panty lines are virtually invisible under leggings or even yoga pants, while the stretch polyester fabric ensures a comfortable fit that moves with you.
Read moreMaterials
Made of a polyester and spandex blend, the Adidas Climacool Cheekster are made with breathability and comfort in mind. The fabric stretches for a comfortable fit, while the micro-mesh fabric allows for airflow to keep you comfortable all day long, even in warmer weather. These come in five color options: black, grey, teal, purple, and a pink floral design that's quite eye-catching.
Fit
This best underwear for running comes in four size options: XS/S, M, L, XL. The 4-way stretch spandex allows for a comfortable fit, though some users do report that these can run small. The semi-cheeky fit is feminine and comfortable, flat seams make panty lines virtually nonexistent, and a tag-free design allows for a smooth and non-itchy fit.
Durability
Made with a high-quality stretch fabric, the Adidas Climacool Cheekster is designed to last you a long time. The polyester design means that these are not likely to shrink or fade in the laundry, either, which is good since they run a tad small.
Value
While these are slightly more expensive than the average pair of underwear, the comfortable fit and exceptional breathability make these a worthy investment.
Sources
- , Best Running Underwear Reviewed and Tested, Informational Running Website
- , The Best Underwear for Running, Informational Running Website