When a person shops for sports gear, the most important items that they usually look for are suitable tees, trousers, and sneakers. Did you know that underwear is a clothing item that is just as indispensable, if not more so?
In this article, we will be looking at the best underwear for male runners, as well as looking into the aspects that you should consider (and avoid) while shopping for them.
So, let’s get started!
How To Choose Underwear As A Runner
As a runner, there are certain aspects that you need to consider when picking out a new pair of underwear. In fact, these aspects should be considered for all your running clothing, but particularly your underwear.
The easiest way to remember the three most important factors when buying suitable underwear is to remember your ABCs:
- Absorbency
- Breathability
- Comfort
Below, we will go through each of these points in detail, showing you exactly why they are so significant to take into consideration.
Absorbency
When it comes to wearing underwear while running, you should avoid wearing certain materials, such as cotton.
Cotton keeps humidity and perspiration in your skin, which increases the chance of chafing. One run in a pair of cotton underwear is all it takes to discover how uncomfortable it can be.
The heat and moisture produced during workouts is trapped when you slip on your underpants.
Moisture-wicking is useful in this situation. You will feel more at ease if your underwear can wick sweat from your skin and return it to the atmosphere quickly.
Chafing is also more likely to occur on damp skin. The chafing soreness becomes scorching more quickly as your body temperature rises and sweat builds up.
Undergarments constructed of sweat-wicking material swiftly evaporates moisture, keeping your skin fresh even when you are perspiring profusely.
Not only does this make you feel more comfortable, but it will also stop the growth of bacteria in your underwear.
Many companies who employ sweat-wicking fabric in their men’s underwear have enhanced the functionality of their material by combining it with additional tools and features, including odor-elimination, antibacterial textiles, and temperature management.
Therefore, when searching for underwear to wear while running, or even exercising in general, you should research the absorbency and sweat-wicking qualities of the undergarments.
Breathability
By enabling sufficient air movement, your clothing should be able to start the process of sweat evaporating from your skin. This rule applies to all of your running apparel, not just your underpants.
Men’s ventilated underwear promotes effective air movement, leaving the user drier when they begin to perspire. Underwear with an integrated mesh panel, or multiple panels, promotes fast moisture evaporation from your skin.
You should avoid broad waistbands when thinking about breathability because they can generate extra sweat during exercise, which will collect around your waistline and create chafing there.
Also, you should avoid wearing windproof running briefs since they restrict airflow and circulation.
Comfort
When searching for the greatest underwear, or any type of clothes for that matter, comfort should be your primary concern. You need to avoid using bulky, poorly ventilated materials for the most comfortable fit.
Alternatively, you should look for seamless, form-fitting undergarments that are created from a lighter fabric. When you’re performing repeated movement activities, chafing can be decreased by wearing smooth, tailored underwear.
Find some light, snug underwear that won’t ride up or otherwise move around while you work out. You want to be able to focus on what you’re doing and not be distracted by being forced to alter your underpants.
What To Avoid While Looking For Running Underwear
Now that you know what you should look for while shopping for running underwear, we are now going to look at what you should avoid.
This time, you will need to remember the following abbreviation: TLC. You can remember this by reminding yourself that, while you exercise, you should show yourself (and your private parts) some TLC… or, ‘tender, loving care’.
TLC, in this instance, stands for:
- Tightness
- Looseness
- Cheap material
Once again, below, we will go through each of these factors in greater detail, so you can understand why they need to be avoided.
Tightness
Chafing may happen when you wear an outfit that is excessively tight, since your skin will be pressing against the garment. Your skin will quickly become irritated by this increased friction, notably in delicate places.
Chafing on the upper body and close to the armholes of clothes is frequently caused by tight clothing, but thigh and crotch chafing is much more frequently caused by loose clothing (more on that later).
When people wear this kind of clothes and then engage in strenuous physical activity, like endurance sports, the chafing caused by tight clothing is exacerbated.
People who sweat a lot are more susceptible to chafing because tight clothing combined with moisture causes severe chafing. Workout gear that is too tight absorbs moisture, which makes chafing worse over time.
Looseness
While it’s vital to avoid wearing clothing that is too tightly fitted while working out, you also don’t want to wear apparel that is too baggy. Skin-to-skin friction can create chafing when you are wearing too-loose clothing.
As was previously noted, loose clothing can chafe since it does not stop the skin from sliding up against itself. Men’s running shorts shouldn’t be so loose that they don’t provide any security for your skin when you purchase them.
In any locations where you are susceptible to chafing, such as your thighs and crotch, look for clothing that fits comfortably while offering you a cushion between your skin and the garment.
Cheap Material
Lastly, you don’t want to skimp out on good quality clothing just because you have found something cheaper. This should go without saying, but ‘cheaper’ rarely ever equals to ‘better’.
We’re not saying that you should spend hundreds of dollars on a single pair of underwear, but you also shouldn’t buy a pair that costs little to nothing. The quality of the material will ensure that the underwear won’t tear easily, which is never fun when you’re in the middle of a jog.
Additionally, cheaply made underwear may also cause discomfort while you are actively moving. There is nothing worse than itchy, scratchy underwear when you are trying to complete a workout.
Therefore, you would be much better off paying a little extra while buying a pair of underwear to ensure comfort and reliability for the foreseeable future.
Best Underwear For Running
1. TSLA Men’s Compression Shorts Baselayer
These undergarments are intended to be worn throughout the year since it dissipates heat, and draws perspiration from your body, which has a cooling impact on your body.
It is constructed of 87 percent polyester, and 13 percent spandex, which results in a non-abrasive and elastic material, providing an extraordinary flexibility that gives wearers a wider range of movement.
This underwear is tough, holding a UPF of 50+ to shield your body from damaging UV rays. This underwear’s design senses moisture, allowing for two-way circulation and an incredibly rapid drying rate.
Pros
- Helps shield skin from UV radiation.
- Resilient.
- Extra motion is possible due to elasticity.
Cons
- Thin and transparent.
- Can be a little tight.
- The front seam can be quite uncomfortable for some men.
You can purchase this product at Amazon.com.
2. Under Armour Men’s Original Series Boxerjock
Ninety percent polyester and ten percent elastane make up this thin underwear. As a result of its ability to wick moisture away, it will keep your skin fresh even throughout strenuous activities.
This is a comfortable option because it has supple HeatGear fabric with a four-way stretch structure that makes it easy for you to bend in any position.
The mesh front fly panel, which advantageously features a free-opening mechanism, makes sure that your skin will receive adequate ventilation.
Additionally, this underwear has anti-odor technology to stop the development of bacteria that produce odors. Since the performance waistline is not overly restrictive, your hips won’t chafe. For most athletes, this tight-fitting underwear is a particularly convenient option.
Pros
- Clients are kept fresh and comfortable due to the fabric.
- The front has an open fly.
- Dries rapidly.
Cons
- Quite expensive compared to others on this list.
- Considered excessively snug by some.
- This underwear would be more popular without tags.
You can purchase this product at Amazon.com.
3. Nike Pro Compression Training Short Dry Fit
Male runners love this performance underwear. They provide a tight fit, but don’t restrict blood flow, so they remain comfortable.
It provides snug, glove-like support from the four-way stretchy material, which allows you exceptional movement as you move.
The polyester blend fabric will remove moisture and perspiration from your body to keep you dry as you run, and the flat stitching won’t chafe or irritate you.
Additionally, the ergonomically designed seams will give you a wide range of motion, and will prevent you from becoming restricted or constrained while moving.
The Nike 3″ compression shorts are a fantastic option if you’re seeking for boxer shorts that won’t make you run more slowly.
Pros
- Stretchy material that does not restrict your movement.
- Comfortable yet supportive.
- Polyester fabric soaks up moisture and perspiration.
Cons
- Has been reported to be slightly itchy around the crotch area.
- May tear after lots of use.
- Quite expensive.
You can purchase this product at Amazon.com.
4. New Balance Men’s Dry Fresh Brief
The coziness and effectiveness of this underwear are priorities in its design. It includes a special, four-way stretch fabric that is 87% polyester and 13% spandex to give you total flexibility of movement and rapidly wick perspiration from your skin for rapid dryness.
A mesh gusset, a fly opening, and a sophisticated design make this underwear perfect for a variety of sports. These features all contribute to your satisfaction.
It has an aerodynamic waistline that is stretchy and versatile, making it gentle and comfy. Additionally, this underwear is antibacterial to ward off odors. Finally, since there are no side seams, layering is simple with this garment.
Pros
- Comes with a mesh gusset.
- Waistband with elastic for increased stretch.
- Has an open fly.
Cons
- Sizes are quite small.
- Have been known to hitch up during exercise.
- Moisture wicking could be better.
You can purchase this product at Amazon.com.
5. Adidas Men’s Relaxed Performance Climalite Boxer Brief Underwear
This underwear is composed of 100% polyester, which will keep you dry and cool as you exercise, and it has been treated with a special material that inhibits bacterial odors. This makes these boxer briefs ideal for runners during the summer.
They have comfortable elastic waistbands, non-chafing embroidery, and a front supportive pouch that is double lined.
These don’t slide up your leg while you sprint, diverting your attention from your goal. They stay in place, no matter how fast you’re moving.
Moreover, you can choose the specific style you desire because this underwear is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They come in bundles of 2, so if you’d like, you can have two distinct designs.
Pros
- Comfortable and supportive.
- Multiple colors and designs to pick from.
- Keep you dry and cool during exercise.
Cons
- Thin material.
- Can feel quite sticky due to the material.
- Stretch out after a couple of months of use.
You can purchase this product at Amazon.com.
6. ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Flyless Brief
94 percent nylon and 6 percent lycra® spandex make up this undergarment. You can exercise regularly with this mesh material since it is quick-drying, airy, and wicks away perspiration.
Regardless of how frequently the underwear is washed, the odor-resistant, antimicrobial technology will keep you smelling fresh.
This underwear is designed to move with a fly-less brief shape. Men’s training underwear made of this lightweight diamond-knit design are really pleasant to wear since it adjusts to provide a perfect fit.
This underwear can get cleaned, laundered, and fully prepared for usage in a short amount of time thanks to the quick-drying material and ergonomic waistband that adapts to your shape without compressing you too tightly.
Pros
- Includes ability to reduce odor.
- Excellent for commuting and exercising.
- The material extends to make each movement comfortable.
Cons
- Waistband flexibility degrades gradually.
- The waist often rides up.
- Sizes are quite large.
You can purchase this product at Amazon.com.
7. SAXX Underwear Co. Men’s Kinetic Boxer
With its technological capability, this underwear provides friction-free retention, and is made to be functionally comfortable.
These undergarments employ reversed stitching, which is different from traditional procedures and places the smoother, gentler side of the stitches on your skin to lessen discomfort and provide you with an itch-free session.
To provide customers a pleasant and airy feel, it is constructed of 85% nylon and 15% spandex. With its nine-panel design and innovative, ergonomic comfort pouch, these underpants provide you with 3D support around your glutes, thighs, quadriceps, and hamstrings.
You will stay fresher for longer thanks to the anti-odor technology and moisture-wicking fabric. It aids in the skin’s moisture evaporation and is made to battle perspiration.
Pros
- Provides 3D capabilities for the most comfortable possible use.
- Supple and permeable material.
- A variety of designs are available.
Cons
- After numerous wears, the waist band begins to tear.
- The back mesh is transparent.
- Quite expensive.
You can purchase this product at Amazon.com.
A Buyer’s Guide For Men’s Running Underwear
The list above is filled with 7 of our top picks for suitable underwear for workouts. Each of them are great for strenuous workouts, and should last you a while.
That means that, even if you opt for some of the more expensive undergarments in the list, at least you can rest assured that you won’t need to buy a new pair in the foreseeable future.
Each pair holds a fair amount of ‘pros’, but out of the seven, we would say that the TSLA Men’s Compression Shorts Baselayer is the best on the list. This underwear is extremely reliable and versatile, and isn’t overly expensive.
However, if you have a higher budget to spend, we do recommend trying out the Nike Pro Compression Training Short Dry Fits, or the Under Armour Men’s Original Series Boxerjocks.
Final Thoughts
So, there we have it! Those were our picks for the greatest underwear for male runners on the market today. Each of them have proved to be popular with the public, and therefore, we have no doubt they will serve you well.
It is so important to look for underwear that is absorbent, breathable, and comfortable, so don’t forget your ‘ABCs’ while shopping for new undergarments!
Additionally, don’t forget to give yourself some ‘TLC’ by avoiding tightness, looseness, and any cheap material while shopping for some running underwear.
We hope you found this article informative and helpful.
Happy shopping!
