10 Best Men’s Workout Underwear For Any Exercise

Getting fit is a common goal for most people, and exercise is an essential part of staying healthy and relieving stress. One way to get motivated to go to the gym is by rocking stylish yet comfy athletic gear, and workout underwear for men is especially important.

Listen, I get it. Underwear is often the furthest thing from our minds and can weirdly be an expensive purchase. And because it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind, right?

But when it comes to working out, it’s crucial to find a great pair of high-performance underwear that’s supportive, moisture-wicking, and designed to reduce chub rub.

So we’ve gone ahead and done the dirty work of trolling manufacturer sites and reviewing underwear to find the best models for you so you can work out in comfort. In the end, it’s all about protecting the family jewels!

Here are the best workout underwear for men!

The 10 Best Workout Underwear for Men

1. Adidas Men’s Sport Performance Underwear

No more uncomfortable chafing: Guys, chafing is a major problem, especially around the crotch, groin, and thighs. Adidas’ Men’s Sport Performance underwear helps stop chub rub in its tracks so you can work out without itchy rash and chafe. These undies are made from a lightweight yet form-fitting fabric that doesn’t ride up either and has just the right amount of stretch to move when you move. There’s also no tag, so you won’t there’s no poking or scratching on your behind.

The only con we can find is that some men have reported that this underwear isn’t great when it comes to heat. So while it’s excellent at wicking moisture and keeping you dry, it doesn’t cool you down all that well in super hot conditions.

2. Neleus Men’s Compression Shorts

Compression for days: These Neleus Men’s Compression Shorts are the best holders for your boulders, even when you’re in the middle of a high-intensity workout. They’re built like compression shorts that fit your body closely, and they don’t ride up, cause wedgies, or chafe your thighs. These boxer briefs also feature a tagless construction, a soft and comfy waistband that doesn’t dig in, and a supportive crotchal region that supports the boys. Neleus has crafted these with a synthetic blend of polyester and spandex, two materials that help wick away moisture and dry quickly.

Also, to reduce overheating and promote breathability, these workout underwear are made with a thin layer of material. This means that some men have experienced issues with holes appearing during regular use, or strings coming loose around the crotch.

However, this doesn’t affect how well the underwear worked or fit, making them one of the best options for guys who prefer a tighter, more form-fitting underpants.

3. New Balance Men’s Boxer Briefs

Stretch to Impress: New Balance is one of the most popular men’s underwear brands, and it’s easy to see why. These New Balance Men’s Boxer Briefs are comfortable and affordable, while also featuring extra stretch. Perhaps one of the most noteworthy features of these boxer briefs is that they include what the company calls ‘four way stretch’ for ultimate freedom without feeling restricted by the fabric. Besides being stretchy, this underwear is also breathable and moisture-wicking.

If there is any downside to this underwear, it’s that the stretchiness and flexibility require thin fabric. Some guys find that the stitching comes undone faster than they would like, especially since underwear needs to be washed regularly. However, it is still some of the best workout underwear you can find.

4. Crazy Cool Stretchless Seamless Men’s Boxer Briefs

Stylish undies that are also functional: These Crazy Cool Stretchless Seamless Men’s Boxer Briefs are comfortable and designed to provide extra comfort and targeted ventilation where you need it most. The fit is much tighter than standard boxers, but an excellent option for those who want something supportive but don’t want something as tight as compression shorts. These are cut with a slightly shorter leg than other men’s workout underwear and come in a fun variety of colors and patterns.

One important thing to note is that reviewers have pointed out that these run small. We recommend ordering at least one size up and carefully reading reviews and the size chart to get a better idea of what size will fit your body type best. These also don’t have a ‘barn door,’ so you might want to consider a different option if that’s a deal-breaker. However, the underwear still manages to be comfortable and doesn’t have an irritating tag.

5. KAYIZU Brand Men's Underwear

Let’s the boys breathe: This KAYIZU Brand Men’s Underwear comes in a pack of six and is super desirable. They’re stitched from a blend of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, so you get undies that are super soft and breathable, as well as stretchy and comfortable.

The natural anti-odor properties of cotton will save you the discomfort and embarrassment of unwanted stink and allow air to flow through to keep you nice and cool. We have a feeling you’ll also appreciate how well the waistband fits and is made to stay in place. Plus, there’s no tag, so you don’t have to worry about being poked in the crack!

One con that may arise is that some men have experienced a bit of leg chafing. If you often suffer from chaffing or happen to have thunder thighs, consider ordering up a size for a fit better suited for your bod.

6. Under Armour Men's Tech 6-inch Boxerjock

Sport performance that won’t weigh you down: Under Armour has been the king of the sports game since 1996, and it’s all thanks to their stellar high-performance gear. So obviously, we had to throw their equally worthy Boxerjocks on this ultimate list of workout underwear for men.

These babies are constructed with a quality blend of polyester and elastane to produce a product that’s super soft and quick-drying with a four-way stretch that can’t be beaten. Did we mention these breathe incredibly well and stop odor-causing microbes in their tracks? Yeah, we have a winner here.

But if you’re a fella who appreciates super tight compression, these probably aren’t for you. They’re best for dudes who like a form-fitting style that doesn’t compress, with a six-inch inseam and a working fly.

You can  read our full Under Armour Boxerjock review here.

7. Hanes Men's 5Sports-Inspired Cool Dri Boxer Brief

Sport boxer briefs that don't break the bank: Nothing beats the winning combination of an affordable price and a crowd favorite brand that prioritizes comfort, and Hanes checks all the boxes. Their proprietary FreshIQ fabric material prevents odor-causing bacteria from running rampant in your pantaloons by wicking away moisture the second it leaves your body. Their Cool Dri fabric also helps regulate your body temp, so your buns don’t get uncomfortably warm throughout the day or during a workout. And the tag-free waistband is the cherry on top of an excellent pair of workout undies.

These underwear come in a convenient five-pack and a variety of colors that men appreciate. However, one little con is the legs may be a bit short for some people’s liking, especially if leg day is your favorite day.

8. Holure Men's Performance Compression Shorts

Support that holds you up when you need it most: The quality of Holure’s Performance Compression Shorts is backed up by nearly 2,000 reviews and a respectable star rating of 4.5 stars! That means you can rest assured that you’re getting something good with these polyester meets spandex workout shorts.

Designed with colorful flatlock seams that prevent skin irritation, as well as a quick-drying ergonomic compression, no matter what you’re doing, you’ll be cloaked in comfort while doing it. Your junk will also thank you for the airy material that keeps you fresh.

One thing to note is that these are made with a thinner, lightweight compression material. Some men prefer that, some don’t, so it’ll come down to your personal preferences. The waistband is also thin and may not provide the support you crave.

9. Champion Men's 6 Inch Compression Short

Keep the boys fresh even during the hardest of workouts: Champion’s six-inch compression shorts have been put on this earth to ensure your downstairs stays dry, fresh, and cool even in high temperatures. Constructed with Champion’s Vapor tech material, these compression underwear pull sweat off your body so it can evaporate before it has a chance to soak in. The legs have a six-inch inseam with flatlock seams that’s great for chafe-prone guys seeking something that won’t rub them the wrong way. Whether you’re looking for something to wear running, lifting, or your weekend soccer league, these will get the job done.

As much as we’re singing the praises of Champion’s compression shorts, the waistband can fit a little tight when it first arrives. Check out the size chart to find your perfect size to help avoid ill-fitting undies. But just know, with time, the elastic will ease up.

10. Jockey Men's Underwear Sport Microfiber Midway Brief

Swamp butt be gone: No man should ever suffer from swamp ass again, and these great microfiber briefs by Jockey may be the cure we’ve been looking for.

The sweat-wicking material deters the growth of stinky bacteria, dries quickly so you don’t have to sit in soggy shorts, and promotes airflow. Aside from the soft and hardworking fabric, the support these provide is also impeccable with its H-fly pouch and mid-rise full-coverage fit.

Taking care of your Jockeys is as simple as throwing them into the wash with like colors and drying as you would anything else.

Nothing in this world is perfect, and unfortunately, we’re here to share that these sports underwear run just a tad bit small. If you’re in between sizes or often run into leg opening or waistband issues, consider going up only one size.

Men’s Workout Underwear Buying Guide

Tighty whities don’t really cut it when it comes to working out - it lacks the comfort of a structured fit needed to support your body. And regular undies aren’t designed to deal with the sweat and heat that accompanies a good workout and can cause major jock itch and discomfort.

But there’s no need to worry - here are more tips to help you shop for the best workout underwear for men.

Best Fitting Men's Workout Underwear

Nobody wants any unnecessary bouncing around while working out - it just doesn’t feel great. Besides being uncomfortable, there’s always that constant fear of giving people around you an unwanted peep show. That’s where the importance of fit comes in.

When you’re working out, look for a pair of underwear that has a bit of compression to them. A compression fit offers support that keeps everything in place and can also help your muscles stay warm to reduce overextending or pulling them. If you don’t prefer a super tight fit, then we recommend something that’s at least slimmer cut and not too loose or baggy.

Another important aspect of fit is leg length. Chub rub and chaffing are nothing to play with, but you can completely prevent it by choosing underwear with a longer leg inseam. Different people have different preferences, but mid-length offers a great starting point to decide what’s most comfortable for you. They should fit mid-way on your thighs between your torso and your knees.

Best Moisture Wicking Men's Workout Underwear

Guys, sweat is gross, and ball sweat is even worse. We’ve all worked out and experienced the unpleasant sensation of having swamp butt when trying to run, lift, and overall improve our physique, and I think we can all agree it’s not great.

To avoid this discomfort, the best underwear for working out will be made with material that’s moisture-wicking and pulls sweat away from the body. Moisture-wicking materials tend to be close-fitting, but this increases how much support is available when trying to exercise. In general, the best fabrics for pulling sweat away from the body are made from synthetic fibers. The only con with some synthetic materials, are they can cause overheating.

Best Cooling Workout Underwear for Men

One of the most significant issues guys face when trying to buy workout underwear is heat. Many pairs of underwear seem to trap heat right around the critical bits, which can make working out unbearable. Add to the fact that too much exposure to heat can damage the giblets, and it gives a lot of guys reason to avoid wearing workout underwear that doesn’t properly regulate body temperature.

It’s essential to seek out comfortable underwear that works with you to actively ventilate and cool. Cotton or natural fibers are often considered the best materials for breathability and ventilation. They let in proper airflow that can help you stay cool and dry. However, some mesh or synthetics are great at heat control as well. Just be sure to avoid undies that are only made of synthetics, and instead try to find something with a solid blend of both.