Interestingly, this may have been the most commented post I’ve ever put up on Instagram. It turns out that running underwear is a hot topic! And I get it, we all have reasons, but if you know you need the coverage, let’s chat.
Some runners prefer to run commando, while others prefer to run with an extra layer underneath their shorts, pants, or capris.
If you choose to wear running underwear, the one you pick can have a big impact on your run and how comfortable you feel. The best choices are made with technical fabrics that are breathable and wick away sweat to keep sensitive areas dry and comfortable.
Also, they can stop painful chafing and itching.
Whether you’re looking for bun huggers, women’s running underwear, or running briefs we’re going to talk about must-have features and help you find exactly what you need.
Should You Wear Underwear When Running?
If you want to. The results are about 50/50 when asking runners whether they wear underwear or go commando, this applies both to running in tights and in shorts with a built in liner.
Personally, I couldn’t imagine running in sweaty underwear, especially during my time living in Miami. Though now I do enjoy them with my compression tights on long runs.
But for others it’s a comfort factor and so if you feel you need them then this post is for you!
- Ditch the cotton which is a breeding ground for bacteria when you sweat
- Wet cotton could be causing body acne
- Underwear could increase or decrease your potential for chafing, that all depends on what you wear
- Technical fabrics like polyester and spandex blend are important for that moisture wicking
Are you supposed to wear underwear with running shorts?
Again this is a personal preference, but no the liner that is built in is designed to be worn in place of underwear. It allows for more breathing, it should prevent chafing and eliminates an additional piece of gear to wash.
If the shorts have no liner, then yup you probably want to snag a pair of the underwear for running ideas below.
7 Best Women’s Running Underwear Options
In complete transparency, I’m of the run commando camp 80% of the time. So I had to ask around for your favorites and agree to test out some when I might not usually choose to wear them…you’re welcome.
We’re going to start with the ladies workout underwear.
Many of them are very similar so I won’t do an in depth break down, but instead share notable features about that style.
#1 Most Recommended – Exofficio
Price: $18 – $30 depending on style
Material: Nylon, elastane
Moisture-wicking: Yes
Quick-drying: Yes
These came up more than any other brand among trail running fans and was one I hadn’t heard of previously, which I actually think is pretty excellent. If they come up without that standard runner brand name they must be good.
They have a variety of styles, so you can get your high wasted to your briefs and even your crazy thongs. Sorry, but if you’re choosing the thong I just can’t figure out why you won’t go commando in your run shorts.
#2 Super Soft – Oiselle Flyte Seamless Underwear
Price: $26
Material: Poly/nylon/spandex blend
Moisture-wicking: Yes
Quick-drying: Yes
I’m a big Oiselle fan, not just for their gear, but for the way they focus on supporting women. These are a mid-rise and come in both a black and beige option, to help control odor and keep you comfortable.
SO light and so comfy, you honestly won’t remember that you put them one, which is the entire goal!! Great for your run or other days running errands in the summer heat.
#3 Good Value – New Balance Breathe Hipster Underwear
Price: $15 for 3-pack
Material: Nylon, spandex
Moisture-wicking: Yes
Quick-drying: Yes
Thank goodness they changed the name from panty because everything else about this bikini style is right on par with what you need.
Cheaper than so many of the other running brand names, a variety of colors and sizes, and no tags to worry about, this seamless underwear is designed to help eliminate odor (a staple I appreciate in all running gear).
✅The NB three pack wins the best value for price award.
#4 Most Available Sizes – Balanced Tech Hipster Brief Seamless
Price: $18 for 3 pack
Material: Nylon, elastane
Moisture-wicking: Yes
Quick-drying: Yes
This brand is new to me, but has almost 1,600 five-star reviews on Amazon and lots of votes for it in the women’s running group I polled. Coming in x-small to x-large, I think it’s also the biggest size range and color offerings.
It’s also the highest nylon count in the listed running underwear, which means it should dry super quick
❎Best for all sizes.
#5 Cheapest – Reebok Seamless Hipster Briefs
Price: $25 for 5-pack
Material: Nylon, spandex
Moisture-wicking: Yes
Quick-drying: Yes
This is another great option if you’re looking to a budget-friendly option that features technical fabrics that are quick-drying! These have a seamless design that helps fight chafing and even pantry lines. No tags either!!
What’s best is that they don’t lose their shape over time and also stay put, so you won’t have to worry about having to adjust them during your run!
#6 Merino for Odor – Branwyn
Price: $36.00
Material: Seamless merino wool
Moisture-wicking: Yes
Quick-drying: Yes
This new to me brand is female-owned and I love that.
After testing out the seamless design in the Chicago marathon and track workouts, I can say they felt fantastic and lived up to their reputation of being soft, natural, odor-resistant, and moisture-wicking. These features are all thanks to being merino wool.
Over the last year, they have increased the variety of styles from hipster to bikini. They all come in shades of nude which will fit many different skin tones.
#7 Runner Up Merino – Tracksmith Brighton Briefs
If you like the merino wool features (and I do), then here’s a secondary option from a brand you might already know exactly how it fits you! We tend to find their gear runs a bit small and a bit pricey.
But good gear lasts.
Price: $50.00
Material: Seamless merino wool
Moisture-wicking: Yes
Quick-drying: Yes
What do male runners wear for underwear?
All right gentleman, let’s talk! I’ve often chatted about nipple chafing while running, what a painful thing you have to deal with, but honestly had to sit my husband down for a little talk about ummm this chafing.
From him and fellow runners, I collected these general themes in men’s underwear:
- Compression shorts are great under regular running shorts
- Wicking underwear is also nice, but usually needs to be tight
#1 Additional Layers – Under Armour Compression Shorts
Price: $25
Material: Polyester, elastane
Moisture-wicking: Yes
Quick-drying: Yes
These come in both a 6 and 9 inch length, which is useful depending on your height and personal preference. These are really performance boxers that I suppose you could wear alone, but most won’t.
The 9 inch has less chance of ever riding up, but may simply feel too long for some guys.
#2 No Chafing – Runderwear
Price: $30
Material: Polyamide, elastane
Moisture-wicking: Yes
Quick-drying: Yes
They have a chafe-free guarantee, which would be HUGE for me in making a selection. Seamless, breathable and “designed to move with your body” with a 5 inch inseam
#3 No Stink – Duluth Buck Naked Performance Boxer Briefs
Price: $23
Material: Nylon, spandex
Moisture-wicking: Yes
Quick-drying: Yes
Touted as almost feeling like you’re wearing nothing at all these fit the lightweight bill, but also have anti-odor technology and let’s be honest it’s a great thing for ALL our running gear.
Running Briefs Bun Huggers
I’ve given these their own section because they aren’t underwear, they’re the whole gear! Nothing covering them up, just like a bikini bottom you’d head to the beach in, they’re ready to be worn.
My friend and a fellow running coach Toni wore these a lot during her summer training and I honestly just wanted to give her mad props every time I saw it.
They tend to be seen mostly in track meets or on the elites in marathons, but truly you can use them anytime if you like them.
Why do Runners like Bunhuggers or Race Briefs?
- No seams to deal with, less potential issues to slow you down
- Less fabric when it’s so hot
- More mobility
The two most common brands I see on runners (not in a team uniform) are Tracksmith Race Brief and Rabbit.
Which Type of Underwear is the Best for Running?
Underwear could increase or decrease your potential for chafing, that all depends on what you wear. The best underwear for running is all about keeping a few things in mind when picking which ones to go with.
Here are the most important factors to look for when buying running underwear:
Material
Cotton is the most commonly used fabric for underwear. But if you’re looking for a pair to use for more intense exercise, you’ll probably want something lighter and more flexible, with more sweat-wicking properties.
Plus, cotton is a breeding ground for bacteria when you sweat and wet cotton could be causing body acne too! So as a general rule, stay away from cotton. Instead, look for wicking fabric.
Technical fabrics like polyester, spandex blend, and merino wool are important for that moisture-wicking.
Style and Fit
You’ll need a pair of underwear that can keep you supported while you pound the pavement or trails, but that isn’t too restricting or doesn’t interfere with your natural movement.
Running underwear comes in a variety of styles, including thongs, hip huggers, boxer briefs, boyshorts, and bikini briefs. For everyday wear, pick underwear with a style and fit that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Make sure you get a comfortable enough fit without it riding up! The last thing you want is to be distracted by a wedgie on your early morning run.
Seams
Seams that are too thick, too bulky, or have too many raised edges can be irritating or cause chafing. Instead, look for seamless underwear or underwear with minimum or flatlock seams, which indicates the raw edges were sewn together to eliminate excess fabric.
Sweat-Wicking Properties
I’ve mentioned this under the section on materials, but it’s so important it warrants another mention.
The last thing you want is for your underwear to soak up all the sweat at the end of a run and feel wet. Not only will it feel heavy and uncomfortable, but it’ll also lead to rubbing and chafing. And we’re not even talking about all the bacteria that are probably breeding there!
Keep an eye out for sweat-wicking properties. Some fabrics have the ability to wick sweat away from the skin as it forms, keeping wearers cool all day. This was one of the most important factors I considered when evaluating running underwear.
Plus, anti-microbial or anti-odor properties are a big bonus to make them last longer.
How Do I Keep My Underwear From Chafing When I Run?
If this is happening then you’re running in the wrong stuff or need to spend more time with your Body Glide.
Chafing is caused by friction between skin and a fabric that’s moving. If the fabric is too rough, too big or well gets too sweaty then it starts to cause issues.
All the reasons we want to make sure to NOT run in cotton.
Now that you’ve got your great runderwear, checkout one of these yearly Underwear Runs to show them off!
Looking for more reviews to find the best things for your run?
Checkout our full page of my must have running gear reviews and guides to save you time searching and money! I share what’s worked for me and fellow runners, along with what wasn’t worth the price tag.
A few common requests for running accessories:
- Best Running Hats
- Best running socks (lightweight to compression)
- Best compression tights for runners
- Best running heart rate monitors
More gear you want to know about? Let me know.
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