Running underwear is a small gear choice with outsized consequences: the wrong pair can turn every mile into a fight against chafing, bunching, heat, or poor support. Two-in-one shorts can cause the same problems, though some work well. For many runners, underwear designed for exercise is the better bet.
Look for a close fit with a little compression, fabric that moves sweat and helps manage temperature, and a smooth feel against the skin. Those details can limit both friction and bounce. The picks below cover boxers, briefs, and panties, with options for different needs and budgets.
We tested underwear from brands including Tracksmith, Reebok, and Runderwear, comparing styles for comfort and support as well as features such as seamless construction, moisture management, and discreet fit. The list includes choices for women and men. If you're also tuning the rest of your kit, see our guides to men’s tights, women’s leggings, and hot-weather running gear.
The Best Running Underwear
- Best Overall: Women — Paradis Sport Natural Fiber Bikini ($32) / Men — Runderwear Running Boxer Shorts ($34)
- Best Budget: Women — Reebok Seamless Hipster Briefs ($33.99) / Men — Reebok Athletic Performance Boxer Briefs ($28.90)
- Best Breathable: Women — Balanced Tech Seamless Bikini Brief Panties ($17.99) / Men — Duluth Trading Armachillo Cooling Boxer Briefs ($27.50)
- Best Odor Control: Women — Smartwool Intraknit Bikini / Men — lululemon Built to Move Boxer
- Best Bikini/Briefs: Women — lululemon UnderEast Mid-Rise Bikini Underwear ($74) / Men — Reebok Quick Dry-Performance Low-Rise Briefs ($32.99)
What to Consider
For running underwear, fabric and construction decide whether a small annoyance stays small—or becomes the thing you think about for every mile.Choose fabric that manages sweat
Cotton holds moisture, leaving skin damp and creating conditions where bacteria can thrive. That can contribute to jock itch, yeast infections, and other rashes. Look for soft, stretchy synthetics such as nylon, polyester, and spandex; every pick in this guide uses synthetic fabric.Reduce friction at the seams
Chafing is a familiar problem for runners. Seamless, tagless designs cut down on potential irritants, while four-way stretch lets fabric move with your body and may reduce rubbing further. The mechanics are simple, but they matter over long distances. [Runner’s World explains how to prevent and treat chafing](https://www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/a20804421/how-to-prevent-treat-chafing/).Look for ventilation as well as wicking
Wicking fabric moves sweat away from the skin; breathability helps heat escape. Both affect comfort, and better moisture control can help limit the damp conditions associated with bacterial growth. In testing, the [Balanced Tech Seamless Bikini Brief Panties](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RUE4T56) and [Duluth Trading Armachillo Cooling Boxer Briefs](https://www.duluthtrading.com/s/DTC/mens-armachillo-cooling-boxer-briefs-83735.html?color=SKR) stood out for cooling, sweat-wicking comfort. Merino wool offers another route: the [Smartwool Intraknit Bikini](https://www.smartwool.com/en-us/women/apparel/underwear-bras/womens-intraknit-bikini/SW016940.html), our “Best Odor Control” pick, benefits from merino’s natural moisture-wicking and bacteria-fighting properties.Pick the cut you’ll want to run in
Men commonly choose briefs or boxer briefs; full boxers can feel too loose for running. Women can choose among briefs, hipsters, bikinis, thongs, and other cuts. Less coverage can help you stay cool, trim a little weight on race day, or avoid visible underwear lines beneath tights. More coverage, as with boxer briefs or hipsters, may offer the support some runners prefer. There’s no single right answer here. Fit is personal, so this guide includes options across styles.How We Selected
The recommendations draw on more than 30 years of running and over a decade reviewing running gear for Runner’s World. For the 2026 update, I tested underwear from leading apparel brands. Nylon and polyester performed comparably for moisture management and comfort. The bigger differences came from each brand’s fabric blend and the support it provided. Pieces with somewhat more spandex or elastane delivered the stretchy compression I preferred, so I gave those blends priority. I also looked for designs without seams or tags, strong wicking and breathability—especially in the “best breathable” and “best odor control” categories—and a useful range of cuts. I worked with Runner’s World editors and a women’s apparel tester with nearly 20 years of running experience to assess options for women and men. These are the products we tested and stand behind.Our Full Reviews
**Best Overall for Women: Paradis Sport Natural Fiber Bikini** [Paradis Sport Natural Fiber Bikini — $32 at paradissport.com](https://paradissport.com/collections/natural-fibers/products/natural-fiber-bikini)Paradis Sport Natural Fiber Bikini
The best thing about Paradis Sport’s Natural Fiber Bikini is how little you notice it during a run. Its lightweight, buttery-soft fabric sits smoothly beneath shorts or leggings, while a wide waistband stays flat instead of rolling. The Merrow Active seams help hold the leg openings in place without the bunching or chafing that can turn underwear into a distraction. It’s a past Gear of the Year winner, and the comfort case is easy to understand.
The fabric is 88% Micromodal and 12% Lycra. It’s breathable and moisture-wicking, and comes in several colors. The trade-off: it runs small, so check the sizing carefully. Sizes run from S to XL; wash it cold in the machine and line dry.
Paradis Sport was founded and is owned by a woman. The company grew from its founder’s frustration at not finding quality underwear designed specifically for active women. The bikini is one of three available cuts: you can also choose the thong or boyshort, depending on how much coverage you prefer.
