While some runners choose to go commando, others prefer to run with an extra layer under their shorts, pants, or capris. Depending on the activity, underwear choice can dramatically affect performance and comfort while running. The best options are made with technical fabrics that are breathable—wicking away sweat and keeping sensitive areas dry and comfortable. They also fight painful chafing and irritation.
Look for underwear for running that is made of material that is lightweight, quick-drying, and stretchy. Anti-odor technology is also a nice feature to have. A range of available sizes as well as seamless and tagless designs make for a comfortable and chafe-free run. We researched underwear for running based on material, seams, style, affordability, and fit for both men and women.
Reviewed & Approved
Our best overall selection for women is the Balanced Tech Seamless Underwear for their stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric that provides support and minimizes chafing. For men, a top choice is the Under Armour The Original 6" Boxerjock made with HeatGear fabric and anti-odor technology.
Here is the best underwear for running, according to a certified running coach.
Our best overall choice, with exceptional moisture control, comfort, and durability, these bikini briefs from Balanced Tech are ideal for running, even when you’re slogging out some serious, sweaty mileage. Made with a soft, lightweight nylon and elastane fabric, the four-way stretch hugs and conforms to your body, providing excellent support. With a mid-rise waistband, they provide modest coverage without any visible panty lines.
Best Overall for Women
Balanced Tech Women’s Classic Seamless Hipster Brief Bikini Panties
Comfortable and durable
Exceptional moisture-wicking
Seamless and tagless
No panty lines
Not available in plus sizes
Only come in packs of three or six
The seamless style minimizes chafing, while the anti-odor and moisture-wicking technologies keep you dry, fresh, and comfortable. They also manage to keep you wedgie-free and don’t slide down as you’re running.
Available in sizes 0 to 18 in multiple colors, these quality briefs are a stellar value.
Price at time of publication: $22 for black/grey
Key specs:Materials: Nylon and elastane | Underwear Style: Bikini briefs | Care: Machine wash and air dry
For exceptional mobility and comfort, it’s tough to beat these men’s Boxerjock boxer briefs from Under Armour. They’re made with a stretchy fabric that quickly pulls moisture away from the skin, so chafing during your long training runs isn’t an issue. Plus, UA’s anti-odor technology helps prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Best Overall for Men
Under Armour Men’s The Original 6’’ Boxerjock
Allows for good range of motion
Excellent moisture-wicking
Odor-resistant
Comfortable fit
Pricier than some other options
May not be long enough for big and tall men
With a glove-like fit, these underwear are snug, but not too tight that they dig into your skin. Lightweight and tagless, they almost feel like you’re not wearing anything under your shorts.
Choose from multiple colors and sizes S-5XL to find the perfect option for your next run.
Price at time of publication: $24 for small in black
Key specs:Materials: Polyester and elastane | Underwear Style: Boxer briefs | Care: Machine washable and tumble dry low
While this running underwear is pricier than other budget buys, thanks to optimal fit and technical, quick-dry fabric, it’s still a good deal for a high-quality item. Made with lightweight, stretchy performance fabric, these seamless hipster panties from Reebok don’t lose their shape over time. They also stay put, so there’s no need to adjust on the run or worry about them slipping down.
Best Budget for Women
Reebok Women’s Seamless Hipster Panties 5-Pack
Affordable
Seamless design
Comfortable and soft
Don’t bunch or ride up
Don’t come in very small sizes
Only available in a five-pack
The seamless design fights chafing and panty lines and they’re available at a reasonable price. Available in a package of five, they come in a variety of colors in sizes 4 to 18.
Price at time of publication: $24 for small in all-black
Key specs:Materials: Nylon and spandex | Underwear Style: Hipster | Care: Machine wash and line dry
Men can stock up on these affordable boxer briefs from the trusted running brand New Balance, so they don’t have to worry about finding their favorite pair in the hamper. Made of a lightweight polyester-spandex fabric, they’re breathable and wick away sweat, keeping you feeling dry and fresh on the run.
Best Budget for Men
New Balance Men’s 6" Boxer Brief Fly Front with Pouch
Affordable
Exceptional moisture-wicking
Comfortable
Don’t bunch or rub
Not seamless
Only come in a three-pack
These comfortable boxer briefs are also known for their soft and cool feel against your skin. The four-way stretch fabric supports you every step of your run, while the no-ride inseam saves you from irritating bunching and chafing.
Fade-resistant and crafted with quality in mind, they come in sizes S-XXL and they’re available in a wide variety of colors.
Price at time of publication: $19 for medium in black
Key specs:Materials: Polyester and spandex | Underwear Style: Boxer briefs | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry low
If you frequently run outdoors in warm weather, these hipster briefs from REI would be a perfect addition to your running attire. Made from anti-odor technology and polyester mesh fabric, they wick away moisture to keep you cool and dry. The stretchy material also helps them to fit like a glove, staying in place as you run.
Best Anti-Odor
REI Co-op Active Hipster Underwear
Anti-odor
Quick-drying
Comfortable and soft
Moisture-wicking
Pricier than some other options
Limited color options
Available in sizes 00 to 16, they’re extremely quick-drying, making them a good choice for road trips or other times when you need to do a quick wash of undergarments in the sink.
Price at time of publication: $19
Key specs:Materials: Polyester and spandex mesh | Underwear Style: Briefs | Care: Machine wash and air dry
Distance runners need underwear that won’t ride up, bunch, or chafe, and these briefs from Under Armour check all those boxes. Made from a super-soft stretch fabric, they provide a snug but comfy fit and exceptional moisture-wicking capabilities.
Best for Long Distance Runs
Under Armour Women’s Pure Stretch Hipster
Don’t ride up or slide down
Quick-drying and moisture-wicking
Comfortable
Durable
Only available in a three-pack
Limited color options
The high hipster cut and snug fit provide modest coverage, and they’re tag-free to avoid rubbing or skin irritation. Stylish and comfortable, this durable option is perfect for female runners who want to stay dry and chafe-free.
Additionally, they come in sizes XS-XL, and they feature Under Armour’s anti-odor technology to keep you feeling fresh.
Price at time of publication: $25
Key specs:Materials: Elastane and nylon | Underwear Style: Briefs | Care: Machine wash and air dry
With a snug fit and moisture-wicking capabilities, Runderwear briefs keep you dry and comfortable, no matter how many miles you’re logging. The seamless technology and flatlock edging provide protection from chafing and irritation, and the technical fabric helps with temperature control, so you’ll stay cool when it’s hot, and warm when running in the cold.
Best for Chafing
Runderwear Running Briefs
Don’t ride up and slide down
Quick-drying and moisture-wicking
Comfortable fit
Durable
Expensive
Limited color options
Lightweight and durable, Runderwear briefs are available in sizes 4 to 18. While they certainly aren’t cheap, fans swear by the quality and performance and say they’re well worth the price.
Key specs:Materials: Polyamide and elastane | Underwear Style: Briefs | Care: Machine wash and line dry
For women who love comfort and optimal performance, thongs may be the underwear of choice. This pair from Under Armour is lightweight yet durable—featuring a four-way stretch fabric that’s breathable and quick-drying. The super-soft edges offer a smooth, virtually invisible fit and the laser-cut design offers a wide range of movement.
Best Thong
Under Armour Pure Stretch Thong
Quick-drying
Comfortable fit
Don’t ride up and slide down
Tagless and seamless
Limited color options
Not available in plus sizes
The tagless, seamless design also helps to eliminate chafing, and the anti-odor technology features outstanding wicking capability, so you don’t have to worry about them bunching up or digging in. If you like to wear underwear when running but don’t want to feel like you’re wearing them at all, these are a great pick.
Key specs:Materials: Nylon and elastane | Underwear Style: Thong | Care: Machine wash and air dry
Featuring exceptional quick-drying and moisture-wicking capabilities, ExOfficio underwear are ideal for preventing irritation and chafing on the run. They’re dry and ready to wear within hours after washing, making them a great companion for active vacations. They also have just the right amount of elasticity, so they’re snug enough to stay in place and don’t bunch or ride up.
Best Quick-Drying
ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs
Quick-drying
Odor-resistant
Comfortable fit
Breathable
Pricier than some other options
Limited colors
These bikini briefs are odor-resistant and antibacterial, so you can keep the funky smells under control.
Available in sizes 0 to 18, ExOfficio briefs are an ideal choice to keep you dry, cool, and comfortable.
Price at time of publication: $18 for single pair medium in black
Key specs:Materials: Nylon and spandex | Underwear Style: Briefs | Care: Machine wash and air dry
If you equally hate chafing and visible panty lines, these bikini briefs from New Balance may be the right ones for you. The seamless and tagless design helps you avoid painful irritation and creates a smooth appearance under clothing. Plus, the nylon and spandex blend offers a lightweight feel that wicks away moisture and eliminates odor, keeping you fresh, cool, comfortable, and dry.
Best Seamless
New Balance Women’s Ultra Comfort Performance Seamless Bikini
Seamless and tagless
Anti-odor
Very breathable
No visible panty lines
Not available in plus sizes
Only available in a three-pack
These durable briefs won’t fade or lose their shape, even with repeated washings. Available in sizes 4 to 16, they come in a variety of colors.
Key specs:Materials: Nylon and spandex | Underwear Style: Bikini briefs | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry low
What to Look for in Underwear for Running
Materials
Avoid cotton underwear for running, since it absorbs moisture and holds onto sweat. Opt for smooth and stretchy fabrics that are quick-drying and will wick away sweat, such as polyester or nylon, to keep you dry and comfortable.
Final Verdict
Seams
Thick, bulky seams with raised edges can feel irritating or rub uncomfortably to cause chafing. Look for seamless underwear or ones with minimal or flatlock seams, which means the raw edges were sewn together so there’s no extra fabric.
Style and Fit
Whether you prefer bikini briefs, boxer briefs, boyshorts, hip huggers, or thongs, you can find running underwear in all types of styles. Choose a style and fit of underwear that you feel comfortable and confident in for everyday wear.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As an avid runner, running coach, certified personal trainer, and fitness writer, Christine Luff has researched and tested lots of running gear and attire. She knows that the right undergarments can make the difference between a mediocre run and a fantastic one.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it necessary to wear underwear while running?
- Some running shorts have built-in underwear so it’s not necessary to wear underwear underneath them. Runners may also choose to go commando under a pair of compression shorts or tights. However, some runners do like to wear underwear when running because of the extra support and compression they provide. A high-quality pair of underwear that fits properly can also give runners some more protection against chafing.
Some running shorts have built-in underwear so it’s not necessary to wear underwear underneath them. Runners may also choose to go commando under a pair of compression shorts or tights. However, some runners do like to wear underwear when running because of the extra support and compression they provide. A high-quality pair of underwear that fits properly can also give runners some more protection against chafing.
