1. Quick list
2. Best overall
3. Best for running
4. Best anti-chafing
5. More recommendations
6. Buyer's guide
All too often, people overlook the importance of their underwear when running or playing sports. You might get away with using sub-par underpants for short, sharp bursts of activity, but once you start exercising for longer, the discomfort caused by inadequate undies becomes abundantly clear—especially if you’re a runner.
One option is to go without underwear, which is why many pairs of gym shorts or running shorts come with a built-in inner brief or a tight under-layer to provide you with the support normally provided by dedicated undies. However, for many this doesn’t quite do the job, and the unpleasant issue of chafing can arise. So it’s definitely worth investing in a couple of sets of sports underwear from the list below.
How I Test Sports Underwear
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My main sport is running and I've tested all of the below on several runs of various speeds and lengths. I’ve also used them for gym workouts, as well as lower-intensity activities like walking and yoga. I’m looking for comfort and for fast-drying fabrics that never get clammy during long activities.
The Quick List
If you need a quick guide to the top sports underwear options, you’ll find that here, and you can click any of the picks to jump to my full review. The main buying guide also contains some other great options.
Best overall
These boxers are good value and comfortable for all sports, and they’ve proven exceptionally long-lasting for me. I've used pairs regularly for several years without any undue wear and tear.
Best for running
Runderwear’s boxers have gripping strips on the legs to stop them riding up, and they are comfortable and a reliable option for avoiding chafing thanks to the seam-free design.
Best anti-chafing
These boxers are made from soft bamboo fabric and are longer than most, which along with the anti-chafing panels on the inner thighs does help reduce the risk of friction for those who suffer from thigh-rub.
Most comfortable
Another set of bamboo trunks, these are not as good as others for very sweaty activities because the fabric gets soggier than synthetic stuff, but they’re supremely comfortable for prolonged use during less intense sports.
Best Overall
Under Armour made its name by producing comfortable, sweat-wicking base layers that helped to keep you cool during intense exercise—and all the properties that made those base layers great work just as well, if not better, in the Boxerjock underwear. I’ve used Under Armour’s excellent underwear for years of regular running and never had the slightest problem with chafing or any other discomfort.
Best For Running
The biggest name in running underwear, with a product that offers unrivalled comfort thanks to a seamless, sweat-wicking design that guarantees a chafe-free run. There are a range of underwear styles in Runderwear’s line-up but our favourite is the boxer, which has gripping strips on the bottom of the legs to stop them riding up mid-run.
Best Anti-chafing
Step One’s excellent sports underwear is made from soft bamboo fabric that wicks sweat and dries quickly. The star attraction is the UltraGlyde panels on the inner thighs that reduce the risk of chafing in one of the most common problem areas for runners. There’s very little to dislike about the pants, although the themed colour names such as Black Currants and Juicy Plums are a tad tiresome.
Most Comfortable
The natural characteristics of bamboo fabric—which is soft on the skin, wicks sweat and resists odors—make it the perfect material to use for sporty underwear. These exceedingly comfortable pants have a long cut and don’t ride up during runs or other workouts, and that design also helps to reduce the risk of thigh chafing on longer runs.
I did find that the thicker material used retained sweat more than synthetic fabrics, so if you’re heading out for a very sweaty session then the BAM pants aren’t ideal. But they’re perfect for activities at lower intensities, even prolonged ones, thanks to the high level of comfort on offer.
More Recommendations
Glance at these form-fitting boxers and you may think they’re inside out. In fact, Saxx has placed the nicer-looking, softer seam next to your body. All underwear from this American brand have a nifty ball pouch which keeps ’em separated from the skin on your leg, but this particular pair also have a gripping material around the leg openings to keep everything in place.
These long boxers are made from a soft and breathable fabric and have a couple of key features. The Coccoon is a pocket to keep your private parts separated from your thighs to minimise chafing, while the X-Fly is, well, an X-shaped fly that allows for faster access when required. The latter never came in all that handy during testing – how fast does access really need to be? – but the Coccoon pocket is a nice addition, and in general the material used makes the boxers comfortable for long runs or workouts.
The USP of these undershorts is the wide waistband, which is designed to provide added support to the abdomen and thereby enable you to push harder for longer in workouts. I can’t say that I noticed a substantial boost to my performance while wearing the pants, but they are undoubtedly comfortable to use for strength sessions and runs.
Will you get questions when the waistband on these boxers rides above your trousers and people see the name Comfyballs? Yes, you will, but it’s worth suffering a few awkward moments because the underwear really does live up to its name. The Performance boxers in the Comfyballs range are made with Coolmax fabric to keep your comfortable and dry, even during long training sessions. I’ve worn Comfyballs for runs ranging right up to a marathon and never been disappointed.
Sports Underwear Buyer’s Guide
What’s the difference between sports underwear and normal underwear?
The key difference is in the materials used to make sports underwear. These are lightweight and moisture-wicking, so they don’t soak up sweat like cotton pants will. This reduces the risk of chafing and also keeps you dry and comfortable during long workouts.
Other features of sports underwear can include pouch designs that keep male private parts separated to reduce rubbing, plus grip strips that keep the pants in position so they don’t ride up during exercise.
Do you need underwear to run?
The quick answer here is no. Most running shorts have built-in briefs so you don’t need underwear as well, and if you use half tights instead of classic running shorts then the tight fit provides the support you need.
However, although I’ve tested the best running shorts that you can happily run in without pants, I still tend to use sports underwear on all my runs. It’s more comfortable and I’ve found it reduces the risk of chafing.
How does sports underwear help prevent chafing?
As mentioned above, the main way is with moisture-wicking materials. This stops the fabric soaking up water and holding it against your skin, which often creates irritation. The other way underwear can help is with long boxers or half tights that cover the inside of your thighs. This creates a physical barrier in an area where many people are prone to skin-on-skin rubbing, especially when running.
You can find out more about how to prevent and treat chafing here, and if you are concerned about it then remember a set of the best running shorts can help, while the best running socks will reduce the risk of rubbing causing blisters on your feet.
How much does sports underwear cost?
Sports underwear is more expensive than regular underwear – a set will usually cost $15-30/£18-30. There are both cheaper and more expensive exceptions to this rule, and note that it’s a product that often pops up in big sales, such as around Black Friday, especially from dedicated underwear brands like Runderwear.
