Some runners, including myself, prefer to run commando. But some people feel better when running if they wear underwear under their running shorts, pants, or leggings. Let’s see what underwear is good to wear while running and which underwear is best.
When running, it is best to wear underwear that is smooth, stretchy, has few stitches, dries quickly, and absorbs and wicks away sweat. Odor resistance is an advantage. Avoid cotton underwear when running and instead wear polyester, nylon, or underwear made of natural materials.
In the rest of this article, I will explain what are the important features of running underwear that your underwear should have. And later on I will show you which underwear is the best choice for women and men.
If you want to skip the theory and see the best running underwear right away, then click here.
What underwear do you wear when running?
During running, much friction is created in the upper legs and intimate areas. Therefore, choosing running underwear plays an important role in whether or not we will be comfortable while running. This is especially true when running longer distances (half marathons and marathons).
If you don’t want to run without underwear, it is important that your underwear has these features:
- It has a smooth base that does not irritate the skin,
- stretchy, and does not get in the way when running,
- breathes well to keep skin fresh for longer,
- absorbs and wicks sweat so that it does not build up on the skin and does not increase the chafing of the underwear against the skin,
- made of quick-drying materials so that the underwear can absorb even more sweat generated during the run,
- prevents odors.
The best materials for running underwear
The best materials for running underwear are polyester, nylon, bamboo, and modal. The first two are synthetic materials that breathe well, wick sweat, and dry quickly. The last two are natural materials that breathe well, wick sweat, absorb it, and dry quickly.
I chose bamboo as the best material for my gym underwear. Here you can read the 7 reasons why I chose it.
| Bamboo | Modal | Polyester | Nylon | |
| Breathability | Is a breathable material like cotton. | Is a breathable material like all natural materials. | Is more breathable than nylon and as breathable as natural materials (cotton). | Is breathable material, but not as polyester, because it is made to keep out cold and heat. |
| Moisture absorption | Absorbs and repels moisture and dries quickly. | Modal is up to 50 percent more absorbent than cotton. | Doesn’t absorb moisture and is quick drying material. | Absorbs moisture and is quick drying material. |
| Sweat repellency | Repels sweat away from the skin. | Repels sweat away from the skin. | Repels sweat away from the skin. | Repels sweat away from the skin. |
| Comfort | Light-weighted, warm, soft, and smooth material. Even more than cotton. | Keeps a soft and silky texture even after frequent washing. | Light-weighted and smooth material. | Light-weighted, warm, soft, and smooth material. |
| Odor resistant | Bamboo is odor resistant. | Modal is odor resistant. | Synthetic materials such as polyester are NOT odor resistant, which means you may have a bad smell from sweating. | Synthetic materials such as nylon are NOT odor resistant, which means you may have a bad smell from sweating. |
| Production | A natural material that doesn’t require insecticides and pesticides for processing. | Semi-synthetic material made of cellulose from beech trees. | It is a synthetic material, often made from recycled plastic. | A synthetic material made from reacting carbon-based chemicals. |
| Antibacterial | Bamboo has antibacterial and antifungal activity. | Modal has antibacterial properties that help prevent odors | By itself, polyester is not antibacterial material. Until chemicals are applied to the fabric. | Nylon has antibacterial activities. |
It is not recommended to wear cotton underwear for running because cotton absorbs a lot of moisture and quickly becomes damp. When cotton becomes too wet, it stays wet and dries very slowly. It is, therefore, not suitable for sporting activities such as running because wet underwear accelerates skin chafing, leading to irritated skin and chafing.
My pick of the best underwear for running:
- Best Overall for Women: Balanced Tech Classic Seamless Hipster Brief Bikini Panties at Amazon
- Best Overall for Men: Under Armour The Original 6” Boxerjock at Amazon
- Men’s Bamboo Underwear: youlehe Men’s Bamboo Underwear
- Women’s Bamboo Underwear: Women’s Bamboo Underwear
- Best Budget for Women: Reebok Seamless Hipster Panties at Amazon
- Best Budget for Men: New Balance 6″ Boxer Brief Fly Front with Pouch at Amazon
- Best Anti-Odor: New Balance Women’s Ultra Comfort Performance Seamless Hipsters at Amazon
- Best for Long Distance Runs: Under Armour Pure Stretch Hipster at Amazon
- Best for Chafing: Runderwear Running Briefs at Amazon
- Best Thong: Under Armour Pure Stretch Thong at Amazon
- Best Quick-Drying: ExOfficio Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs at Amazon
- Best Seamless: New Balance Ultra Comfort Performance Seamless Bikini at Amazon
The best running underwear – for men and women
Best Overall for Women: Balanced Tech Classic Seamless Hipster Brief Bikini Panties
Price: $21.99 for 3 pack
Material: 92% Nylon, 8% Elastane
Description: The Balanced Tech bikini briefs feature tag-less labeling, reinforced edges for higher durability, and all-around no-seam sewing for enhanced comfort. Enjoy your day to the fullest without chafing or any annoying irritations that come with average boxer briefs & panties.
Helpful Review: “Wearing this brand for 10 years. They simply do not wear out and hold their shape for years. They’re great for travel because they wash and dry quickly. They may not be the sexiest, but they are so comfortable and set up high enough to give a little bit of tummy control. My panty lines show when I am wearing pants a little bit I wish they didn’t do that, but at my age, I don’t care.“
Get your Balanced Tech Classic Seamless Hipster Brief Bikini Panties.
Very Popular Among Men: Under Armour The Original 6” Boxerjock
Price: $20
Material: 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane
Description: These underpants fit perfectly to your body and, thanks to the smooth and stretchy base, you don’t even feel like you’re wearing them. People who buy one piece of this underwear are usually so satisfied that it is not their last piece.
Helpful Review: “I originally bought these for exercise but found them so comfortable I’ve now got ten pairs and wear them daily. They offer great support, are very light, and wick moisture away quickly. The legs stay in place, and they dry almost instantly when washed. One point I would make is to wash without fabric softener, as with all fabrics of this kind, it will make them water-resistant. So as I must wash them separately, I can’t give the full five stars.“
Get your Under Armour The Original 6” Boxerjock.
Men’s Bamboo Underwear: youlehe Men’s Bamboo Underwear
Price: $25.99 for 4 pack
Material: 95% Bamboo Fiber and 5% Spandex
- Can be Machine Washed
- Healthy natural materials, friendly to skin, no irritation.
- Soft and breathable. Good elasticity. Wicking properties
- Fashion design, three-dimensional cut. Sexy and comfortable.
- Bright color, no fading, feels smooth.
Helpful Review: “I work my a$$ off at work running around all day and get so sweaty stuff starts to itch during my shift, so I started replacing all my underwear and socks with bamboo when I found out how it wicks compared to other material: when I wear these, I can go the entire shift without feeling itchy at all. All the bamboo underwear I’ve bought so far runs big, though. I am glad I ignored the size chart and went with a small one, it’s not accurate. I wear a 32-inch pant size, but the small size of the product, “7 Pack(black)-open Fly-018,” fits perfectly. At least they’re not as huge as Colorfulleaf boxers and trunks, those are enormous even in small! These seem to be well-constructed and I imagine will hold up just fine. They also look really nice, feel soft, and have a wiener hole. Wiener hole for the win!“
Get your youlehe Men’s Bamboo Underwear.
Women’s Bamboo Underwear: Women’s Bamboo Underwear
Price: $25.99 for 5 pack
Material: 95% Bamboo Viscose Fiber and 5% Spandex
- Can be Machine Washed
- Healthy natural materials, friendly to skin, no irritation.
- Soft and breathable. Good elasticity. Wicking properties
- Fashion design, three-dimensional cut. Sexy and comfortable.
- Bright color, no fading, feels smooth.
Helpful Review: “I would have given these panties 5 stars. I have super sensitive skin, and these are by far one of the most comfortable and non-irritating pairs that I’ve tried. The only problem is, out of the three pairs that I received in my order, one of them already had a hole in the hip area near the seam. I didn’t even get a chance to wear them! I realize they are made out of delicate material, but it seems there needs to be more quality control before packaging. I was really disappointed. I will probably buy more, but I hope they’ll fix this problem in the meantime!“
Get your Women’s Bamboo Underwear.
Best Budget for Women: Reebok Seamless Hipster Panties
Price: $24.99 for 5 pack
Material: Nylon/Spandex Blend
Description: Greatness doesn’t come from standing still, Living an active life enables people to be their best selves. Built with a workout in mind, these hipster briefs are seamless and tag-free, so you can stay comfortable.
Helpful Review: “Best underwear I’ve ever bought! Comfortable for curvy ladies!! Breathable for high-moving jobs! Great workout undies. Cute too.”
Get your Reebok Seamless Hipster Panties.
Best Budget for Men: New Balance 6″ Boxer Brief Fly Front with Pouch
Price: $18.98 for 3 pack
Material: 90% polyester and 10% spandex
Description: A quick-wicking design and mesh gusset moves sweat away from your body, which will keep you cool and dry. They are perfect for working out, running, skiing, skateboarding, football, baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, soccer, and hiking.
Helpful Review: “It’s the fourth time I’ve bought this model, different design. I love them, they are very comfortable, light, and cool, fit very well to the body, do not climb from the legs, also do not make balls on the spring of the waist. The front opening is very comfortable and manageable. The first boxers I bought them according to the size indications of the product, but they were great!!! I am waist size 32, I’m a fitness, and I got a very good size Ch. The other designs I have purchased the size Ch. Highly recommended product.“
Get your New Balance 6″ Boxer Brief Fly Front with Pouch.
Best Anti-Odor: New Balance Women’s Ultra Comfort Performance Seamless Hipsters
Price: $18.98 for 3 pack
Material: 87% Nylon, 13% Spandex
Description: Made from a lightweight nylon/spandex blend, this seamless hipster underwear is stretchy, breathable, and durable! Panties from New Balance will eliminate odor and absorb moisture, keeping you fresh, cool, comfortable, and dry all throughout the day. Thanks to their comfortable design and comfortable materials, these briefs will be the ideal underwear for running.
Helpful Review: “I love these! They hold everything in place and do not stretch out after a few hours of wear. I can wear them under leggings just fine. They even give me a** a little extra shape!“
Get your New Balance Women’s Ultra Comfort Performance Seamless Hipsters.
Best for Long Distance Runs: Under Armour Pure Stretch Hipster
Price: $25 for 3 pack
Material: 100% Nylon
Description: Under Armour’s mission is to improve all athletes through passion, design, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. This underwear is designed to fit your body perfectly. It supports your body, stays in place all day, and absorbs sweat. Thanks to the laser cut, this underwear has no seamed edges, making it more comfortable while running.
Helpful Review: “I work out a few times a week (Orangtheory and Pilates), and had been experimenting with different workout underwear. I used to try and wear thongs because I hate underwear lines, but I love these because I get more support with a nearly invisible panty line (if you have thicker leggings, you won’t see the line, otherwise there is a faint line if you are looking for it!). I wear these outside of working out, too!“
Get your Under Armour Pure Stretch Hipster.
Best for Chafing: Runderwear Running Briefs
Price: $25
Material: 92% Polyamide, 8% Elastane
Description: Lightweight, anti-chafing underwear for those who love to be active… Born by runners, made for activity. Whether it be running, jogging, hiking, walking, or any other sport – this underwear is designed to keep you chafe-free, guaranteed.
Helpful Review: “Finally, after running for 8 years, I decided to try these. And oh my god, I don’t know how I’ve survived without them! They are perfection, they stay perfectly in place (and I have a big booty and thighs), and are so freaking comfortable! I wore them for the first time for a half marathon and was a nervous wreck lol, but thankfully had no chaffing or any other issues! Would be happy to pay this much for the perfect undies again!“
Get your Runderwear Running Briefs.
Best Thong: Under Armour Pure Stretch Thong
Price: $25
Material: 68% Nylon,32% Elastane
Description: Super-soft stretch fabric delivers excellent all-day comfort for any activity so you can easily wear them daily when you’re active. Laser-cut edges offer a hem-free construction for a smoother, more flattering silhouette so you don’t get sensitive and irritated skin while running.
Helpful Review: “Please know I researched before buying these, and I’m so glad I got them. I have been wearing them for over three months, and I am giving up VS (been buying Their underwear for over 17 years only) because these are sleek and practical. I might still get sexy stuff from VS, but I’m definitely getting these from now on. I have them in black, and I got them because I had an infection, and I haven’t gotten anything since switching to wearing these while exercising. Sorry for the Gross details, but I’m hoping to help anyone else out there who might have had a struggle in that department.“
Get your Under Armour Pure Stretch Thong.
Best Quick-Drying: ExOfficio Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs
Price: $18
Material: 94% Nylon/ 6% Lycra Spandex
Description: Those panties are lightweight and comfortable enough to be worn all day, this bikini brief is also durable enough for whatever your schedule demands — from work or errands to adventures farther from home. Its quick-drying feature also makes this the ideal underwear for travel.
Helpful Review: “Bought these for a trip to Peru. I spent a few days in the jungle where it was so humid that the dry wool socks I hung in my room overnight were damp by morning…but the exofficio undies I washed and hung were dry! At least as dry as anything could be in such humidity and no breeze. To compare, I washed a pair of normal undies (cotton blend?) the same night, and they did not dry for 3 days!
These weren’t the most flattering fit for me, but I would definitely take them for travel and camping. They were really easy to wash in the shower or sink the night before, and most importantly, actually dried in a short amount of time. I imagine if you had them outside in the breeze or sun, they would probably be dry within the hour. Just remember to roll them up in a towel after washing to get the more extra moisture out before hanging them up.”
Get your ExOfficio Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs.
Best Seamless: New Balance Ultra Comfort Performance Seamless Bikini
Price: $18.98 for 3 pack
Material: 93% Polyester, 7% Spandex
Description: With a strong focus on comfort, performance, and style, they are designed to have no showing seams or lines. With a 93% Nylon and 7% Spandex mixture, they will feel silky smooth but stays stretchy for any activity.
Panties will eliminate odor and absorb moisture, keeping you fresh, cool, comfortable, and dry all throughout the day.
Helpful Review: “Nylon is a much stronger fiber than polyester, and I have looked they don’t make any men’s underwear out of nylon. It just keeps everything in place. The last thing ya want is stuff moving around when you’re running a marathon. I’ve been running 25-35 miles a week in these for months. I prefer them to the more expensive Reebok panties that I ran my last marathon in. They should be marketed to men.“
Get your New Balance Ultra Comfort Performance Seamless Bikini.