Like shopping for all active apparel, you want fabrics that breathe easy, fight odor, wick away sweat, and don’t cost a fortune. For running and other high-intensity activities, a supportive design helps too. Here’s everything you might want to look for to find the best running underwear for you.
The Right Fabric
First off, forget cotton. It’s heavier than synthetic fabrics, holds onto odors, and takes forever to dry (which can breed bacteria). If you’re looking to go with all-natural fabrics, opt for Merino wool. It offers all the same great features and properties as synthetic fabrics, but it almost always costs more. For the ultimate in lightweight, quick-wicking, odor-fighting fabrics that are affordable, go with a polyester blend. A mix of mostly nylon with a dash of Lycra spandex is usually best, as these blended fabrics are all of the above, plus they hug the body well without being too tight.
Quick-Wicking
The ability for fabric to pull moisture (in this case sweat) away from your skin is critical to staying cool, dry, and comfortable on your runs. Every pair of running underwear we recommended above is quick-wicking and—bonus—quick-drying.
Anti-Odor
Some fabrics (like Merino wool) are naturally good at fending off odors. Others add a targeted treatment to keep bacteria and funk at bay. Investing in high-quality, properly treated running underwear can go a long way toward keeping you fresh and comfortable on the move.
Price
Budget is almost always a concern. Thankfully, even the best running underwear doesn’t cost a fortune. If you’re a regular runner, but don’t necessarily hit the pavement (or the trail) every day, buying a single premium pair might be ideal, as you’ll have a day or two between runs to wash and dry them. If you’re looking for the most affordable option, the New Balance 3-pack above is the way to go without breaking the bank.
Support
Look for underwear that has a tight to compressive fit. This can help minimize chafing in your thigh and groin area. Plus, it gives you added support and a psychological benefit of feeling “locked in,” so you can focus on your run without worrying about what’s going on with your running shorts.
Other Features
As you might imagine, most running underwear features a straightforward design. The only real “bonus” feature we’ve seen in some of the best pairs is a built-in pocket or two. This is nice to have if you like taking your phone and maybe an ID or house keys with you.
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