One common issue many male runners face is chafing – the uncomfortable and sometimes painful friction caused by repetitive skin-to-skin or skin-to-clothing contact. Choosing the right running underwear prevents chafing and ensures a comfortable and enjoyable running experience. This guide will help you understand the key factors to consider when selecting the best men’s running underwear to prevent chafing and provide recommendations for top brands and products.
Table of Contents: Best Men's Running Underwear Guide
Men's Running Underwear To Prevent Chafing
We want to introduce our top picks of men’s underwear designed for running. Our list has been selected on their ability to prevent chafing and enhance your running performance by making it more comfortable and enjoyable.
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New Balance Men's Mesh 6" Front Fly Boxer Brief
Hey, are you still there? We have one more on the list! Let me tell you about the New Balance Men’s Mesh 6″ Fly Front Boxer Brief, an athletic compression underwear perfect for your active lifestyle. These boxer briefs are made from polyester and spandex, offering a comfortable and supportive fit for all your workouts, including those long runs or intense gym sessions.
These shorts are perfect for staying comfortable during physical activity! They’re made with a unique fabric that wicks away moisture and allows your skin to breathe. You’ll be able to move freely thanks to the 6-inch inseam, and the front fly design makes them super practical on longer runs when you have a call of nature. New Balance also offer a no-fly version, but that’s just a personal preference.
Pros:
- Comfortable fit: Runners worldwide have raved about these boxer briefs’ comfortable and supportive fit.
- Styles and Colours: A huge range colours and designs to choose from.
- Moisture-wicking: Users who have left feedback appreciate the moisture-wicking effects that help keep them dry when doing sports or going to the gym.
- Breathability: Customers love the breathable mesh material, which keeps them cool even in hot weather.
- Quality construction: Many users are impressed with these boxer briefs’ overall quality and durability.
Cons:
- Waistband rolling: A few customers report that the waistband can roll down during activities, causing discomfort.
Danish Endurance Men's Sports Trunks Underwear
If you’ve read my other reviews and guide, you’ll know I’m a massive fan of this brand. Let me introduce you to Danish Endurance Men’s Sports Trunks Underwear! These trunks are crafted from a blend of polyamide, polyester, and elastane, providing comfort, support, and durability. They’re an excellent choice for running and other sports activities, as they offer moisture-wicking properties to keep you feeling dry and comfortable throughout your workouts.
The material is soft and stretchy, which means it’ll move with your body as you run, ensuring maximum freedom of movement. Plus, the elastic waistband keeps the trunks in place without digging into your skin or causing discomfort. You get 3 trunks in a pack, so these are great value for money.
Pros:
- Comfortable fit: Users love how these sports trunks provide a snug, supportive fit without being too tight or restrictive.
- Moisture-wicking: Reviewers appreciate the moisture-wicking fabric that helps keep them dry during their runs and workouts.
- Durability: Runners are impressed with the trunks’ durability, lasting through multiple washes and intense activities.
- Great value for money: Many users feel that Danish Endurance Men’s Sports Trunks offer excellent quality at an affordable price.
Cons:
- Material thickness: A few reviewers feel that the material is thicker than expected, which might not be ideal for extremely hot weather.
Runderwear Men's Running Briefs
Runderwear Men’s Running Briefs are designed to provide runners with optimum comfort, support, and a chafe-free experience during their workouts. These briefs are made from a blend of polyamide and elastane, offering moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties to keep users dry and comfortable throughout their runs. The seamless construction eliminates potential friction points, reducing the risk of chafing and irritation. Runderwear’s 360-degree stretch fabric allows for excellent freedom of movement and flexibility, while the elastic waistband ensures a secure and comfortable fit. The breathable material helps regulate body temperature, making these briefs suitable for various weather conditions. Overall, these are a really good option and the Runderwear brand was born by runners and all their designs are tailored to runners needs.
Pros:
- Chafe-free design: Runners appreciate the seamless construction, which effectively prevents chafing.
- Comfortable Running fit: Users praise these running briefs’ comfortable and supportive fit.
- Moisture-wicking: The moisture-wicking fabric is highly appreciated by reviewers for keeping them dry during workouts.
- Breathability: Customers report that the material is breathable, providing excellent temperature regulation during runs.
- Long Lasting: Reviewers mention that the briefs hold up well over time and through multiple washes.
Cons:
- Price: A few customers feel the price is relatively high compared to other running underwear options.
- Limited colour options: Some reviewers wish more colour choices were available for the Runderwear Men’s Running Briefs.
Runderwear Men's Running Boxers
Runderwear Men’s Running Boxers are designed to cater to the specific needs of runners, offering a comfortable and chafe-free experience during various running activities such as marathons, trail runs, or treadmill workouts. These boxers are made from a blend of polyamide and elastane, which provides moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties to keep runners dry and comfortable, even during long runs or intense speed sessions.
The seamless construction eliminates potential friction points, reducing the risk of chafing and irritation during repetitive running motions. With its 360-degree stretch fabric, Runderwear Men’s Running Boxers allow excellent movement and flexibility, making them suitable for different running distances and terrains. The elastic waistband ensures a secure and comfortable fit, while the breathable material helps regulate body temperature during varying weather conditions.
Pros:
- Anti-chafing design: Runners appreciate the seamless construction, effectively preventing chafing during various running activities.
- Comfortable fit: Users praise these running boxers’ comfortable and supportive fit.
- Moisture-wicking: The moisture-wicking fabric is highly appreciated for keeping runners dry during long runs or intense workouts.
- Breathability: Customers report that the material is breathable, providing excellent temperature regulation during runs in different climates.
Cons:
- High Price: A few customers feel the price is relatively high for two pairs of boxers.
Under Armour Tech Men's Boxer Briefs
The Under Armour Tech Men’s Boxer Briefs Underwear is an excellent workout option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The Under Armour Tech Men’s Boxer Briefs are made from polyester and elastane. These boxer briefs offer comfort and support during physical activities. The fabric is designed to wick away moisture and dry quickly, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable. The 4-way stretch construction allows for better mobility, while the performance waistband offers a secure fit without being too tight. Moreover, the anti-odour technology helps to keep the boxer briefs fresh and odour-free.
Pros:
- Comfortable fit: Reviewers appreciate the comfortable and supportive fit of the boxer briefs.
- Moisture-wicking: Users praise the moisture-wicking properties, keeping them dry during workouts.
- Lightweight and breathable: The fabric is lightweight and breathable, providing excellent comfort during physical activities.
- Very Durable: Reviewers report that the underwear holds up well over time and through multiple washes.
- Anti-odour technology: Users appreciate the freshness supplied by anti-odour technology.
Cons:
- Price: Some customers feel that the price is relatively high compared to other available options.
- Washing: It is recommended that you only hand-wash these boxers.
Roadbox Compression Running Shorts
Roadbox compression shorts are a great running choice, providing excellent comfort and fit. The flat seams help to reduce chafing, and the lightweight materials keep you cool while running 4-way stretch fabric perfectly fits your thighs, improving the comfort and compression of your legs. The material includes 88% Polyester and 12% spandex, which means Quick drying and super stretch, making them extremely comfortable with very little weight without restriction. Another thing that makes these Roadbox compression shorts a great choice is the inclusion of a pocket near the thigh area – big enough to hold your mobile phone. Want to know more? Read our full Roadbox compression shorts review for a deep dive into what this product offers.
Pros:
- Comfortable fit: Many reviewers mention the fit of Roadbox Compression Shorts, which provide support without being too tight or restrictive.
- Moisture-wicking: Users appreciate the moisture-wicking fabric that keeps them dry during workouts and helps prevent chafing.
- Affordable: Roadbox Compression Shorts are often praised for their affordability compared to other brands, making them an attractive option for those on a budget.
- Durable: Users report that the shorts are made from high-quality materials and hold up well through regular use and washing.
- Wide range of sizes: The shorts are available in various sizes, accommodating different body types and ensuring a proper fit.
Cons:
- Inconsistent sizing: Some reviewers report inconsistencies in sizing, with some pairs fitting differently.
- Waistband issues: A few users mention that the waistband can be too tight or roll down during activities, causing discomfort.
- Limited colour options: Some customers wish more colour choices were available for the Roadbox Compression Shorts.
Ronhill Running Briefs
Ronhill Running Briefs are popular among runners looking for a comfortable and supportive underwear option for their training runs, races, and even ultramarathons. These briefs are made from a blend of polyamide and elastane, providing a soft, stretchy, and moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you dry and comfortable, whether you’re tackling a 5K race or a long trail run. Ronhill is a very well-known brand in the UK, and its products are known to be high-quality and designed specifically for runners.
The elastic waistband ensures a secure fit without digging into your skin or causing discomfort, while the flatlock seams minimize chafing during repetitive running motions. Many runners appreciate the lightweight and breathable material that helps regulate body temperature during varying weather conditions.
Pros:
- Comfortable fit: Runners love these running briefs’ comfortable and supportive fit.
- Chafe-free design: Users praise the flatlock seams that help prevent chafing during long runs and high-mileage races.
- Lightweight and breathable: Customers report that the material is lightweight and breathable, providing excellent temperature regulation during runs.
Cons:
- Limited colour options: Only black or blue is available.
- Expensive: The price is high compared to other options in this guide.
Men's Running Underwear & Preventing Chafing Tips
We’ve listed our top picks, and we hope you found a pair that will suit your needs. Next, we’ll examine men’s running underwear and their key features, materials, benefits and other information. Afterwards, we’ll also look at ways you, as a runner, and prevent chafing when running and training.
Material Considerations In Men's Running Underwear
The fabric of your running underwear plays a significant role in preventing chafing. Thankfully, materials are specifically designed to keep you dry and avoid chafing by drawing sweat away from your skin. These fabrics are known as moisture-wicking materials, and some examples include:
- Polyester: A synthetic material that is lightweight, durable, and highly effective at wicking moisture away from the skin. It is also quick-drying and relatively affordable.
- Nylon: Another synthetic fabric that is soft, lightweight, and excellent at wicking moisture. Nylon is also known for its durability and resistance to abrasion, making it a popular choice for running underwear.
- Merino wool: A natural fibre that provides exceptional moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties. Merino wool is soft, breathable, and naturally odour-resistant, making it an excellent choice for running underwear. However, it may be more expensive than synthetic options.
- Avoid Cotton Underwear: Cotton may be comfortable for everyday wear, but it is not ideal for running underwear. Cotton absorbs moisture rather than wicking it away from the skin, which can cause the fabric to become heavy and damp, leading to increased friction and chafing. Cotton should be avoided at all costs as a material for running underwear.
Running Underwear Comfort & Fit
The fit and construction of your running underwear can significantly impact your comfort level and chafing risk. Keep the following factors in mind when selecting running underwear:
- Snug but not restrictive: Running underwear should fit snugly against your skin to minimize movement and reduce friction. However, it should not be so tight that it restricts your movement or causes discomfort. Look for underwear that offers a balance of support and freedom of movement. Alternatively, go for a material with a high level of stretch, and it will move with your body as you run.
- Flat or seamless construction: Seams can be a source of irritation and chafing, particularly when they rub against your skin during repetitive running motions. Look for running underwear with flat or seamless construction, which minimizes potential friction points where hotspots and chafing can occur.
- Elastic waistbands and leg openings: Elastic waistbands and leg openings can help keep your running underwear securely in place, preventing it from riding up or bunching, which can cause chafing. Ensure that the elastic is not too tight or restrictive, as this can also lead to discomfort.
- Proper sizing to avoid bunching or riding up: Choosing the correct size of running underwear is crucial for preventing chafing. Underwear that is too large may bunch up or move around, while too-small underwear may ride up or dig into your skin. Consult size charts and customer reviews to determine the best size for you.
Style Options Of Running Underwear
Several styles of men’s running underwear are available, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Consider the following options and choose the one that best suits your personal preferences and comfort needs:
- Briefs: Briefs offer minimal coverage and a snug fit where it matters, making them a popular choice for runners who prefer a lightweight and less restrictive option. They provide support without excess fabric that could cause chafing.
- Boxer Briefs: Boxer briefs combine the support of briefs with the added coverage of shorts, reducing friction between the thighs and providing additional comfort for some runners. They are an excellent option for those who prefer a balance of support and coverage and keep everything in place.
- Compression Shorts: Compression shorts are designed to provide muscle support and improve circulation during exercise. They typically offer a snug, supportive fit and extended coverage to reduce friction between the thighs. Some runners find compression shorts to be the most effective at preventing chafing. While you might not experience chafing on shorter runs like intervals or tempo efforts, longer runs, half-marathons, marathons, and ultramarathons often cause rubbing.
Special Features On Running Underwear For Men
Some running underwear includes additional features that can enhance comfort and performance. Consider the following options when selecting your men’s running underwear:
- Antimicrobial treatments: Antimicrobial treatments help prevent odour-causing bacteria from forming in your running underwear, keeping you feeling fresh and clean during your run. This feature can particularly benefit those prone to sweating.
- Mesh panels for ventilation: Mesh panels can increase breathability and ventilation in your running underwear, helping to keep you cool and dry during your run. Look for strategically placed mesh panels in areas prone to sweating, such as the crotch or lower back. We will be more inclined to sweat in the summer, but even in the Winter, we will sweat because running is a pretty intensive sport. When you combine the soreness of chafing and rubbing with extreme cold weather, the pain can sometimes be even worse than in the summer period.
- Pockets for storage: Some running underwear includes pockets for storing small items like keys, cash, or energy gels. If you prefer to run without additional gear, this feature can keep essentials close at hand. This can be useful on long runs where you need to carry your phone, bank card and keys. Whilst most running shorts do have pockets, having an extra one in your undershorts is always handy.
Tips For Preventing Chafing While Running
When it comes to running, chafing can be a real pain. In addition to selecting the right men’s running underwear, there are a few extra things you can do to avoid this uncomfortable experience. Keep these tips in mind and enjoy your runs without irritation:
- Properly fitting running apparel: Ensure that your running gear, including shorts, tights, and tops, fits snugly without being restrictive. Loose or ill-fitting clothing can contribute to chafing by causing excess friction and movement.
- Lubricants and anti-chafing products: To prevent chafing, use anti-chafing products like lubricants, Body Glide, or petroleum jelly. Apply liberally to areas prone to irritation, such as inner thighs and underarms. Check our guide for reviews on the best anti-chafing products for runners.
- Staying clean and dry: Maintaining good hygiene and keeping your skin clean and dry can help prevent chafing. Shower before your run and thoroughly dry your skin before getting dressed.
- Regularly Replace Worn-Out Underwear: Over time, running underwear can lose its shape, elasticity, and moisture-wicking properties. Inspect your running underwear regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you have a favourite pair, make sure you buy plenty of pairs just in case the brand changes the design.
Final Thoughts Running Underwear For Men
Investing in quality men’s running underwear is essential for preventing chafing and ensuring a comfortable running experience. While high-quality running underwear may come with a higher price tag, the benefits of improved comfort, reduced chafing, and enhanced performance make it a worthwhile investment.
The right running underwear can significantly impact your overall running experience. By selecting underwear that offers moisture-wicking properties, a comfortable fit, and chafing-prevention features, you can focus on your run without the distraction of discomfort or irritation. Take the time to find the best running underwear for your needs and preferences, and enjoy the benefits of increased comfort and improved performance during your runs.
Disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links, and I earn a small commission from any sale that occurs via my links. This, however, does not change my opinion; I always do my best to provide the facts and suggest products that will benefit my users. You pay no more and no less for using these links. It does, however, help to sustain my blog.
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