10 Best Underwear for Football Players

When it's game time, you want your full focus on the ball. That means every part of your equipment better be ready to play, all the way down to your underwear. Anything less than that is just a distraction.

Because there's nothing worse than when your compression runs loose, your waistband doesn't stay up, or a seam rubs you the wrong way. You shouldn't have to deal with that on the regular, and you certainly don't want that to happen on the field.

A quick internet search for "best men's football underwear" pulls up countless options. But if you're new to the game or unhappy with your current brand, it's hard to know where to start!

First things first, we recommend checking out underwear with sweat-wicking fabric, so you stay dry and fresh throughout entire game. You'll also want to put quality fit at the top of your list because no one has time for chafing in the heat of the game. 

And lastly, depending on preference, you have to consider if you want or need supportive cup protection in your football underwear.

But don't worry, we're about to go deeper and cover all of the need-to-know basics so that you can choose a killer pair of men's football underwear that works for you. And we even go above and beyond to recommend our favorites all in one convenient place! 

We're not playing around when we say that these top ten underwear for football are a touchdown. Check em' out below.

Top 10 Football Underwear

1. Shock Doctor Compression Shorts with Bio-Flex Supporter Cup

Football compression shorts with flexible cup supporter included: For men seeking a protective pair of high-end football underwear, Shock Doctor is the brand name to trust. They've been in the cup business for years and consistently deliver a fit that naturally hugs the body and stays in place during gameplay.

This specific pair of shorts have a solid compression fit that's made from antimicrobial material that plays as hard as you do. It works to pull moisture away from your body quickly, so gross bacterial growth and odors are stopped in their tracks immediately. The cup included with your purchase is also designed to ventilate so you can rest assured that the family jewels are in good hands.

2. New Balance Men's Dry Fresh 6" Boxer Briefs

Stay fresh and cool in these 6” compression briefs with a side pocket: New Balance knows just how vital a dry pair of boxers are when you're active. Whether you're playing football, training, or getting fit with any other sport, these polyester and spandex blend briefs quickly wick away sweat. The mesh guest ensures you get proper ventilation and keeps you from overheating.

Designed to have a four-way stretch, the compression fit is tight to your body but doesn't restrict your movement. They've also been constructed with a no-ride inseam that keeps your undies in place and effectively eliminates unwanted irritation or chaffing. Did I mention these have a sewn-in side pocket so you can have your phone on you at all times?

3. Starter Men's True Compression Short

Budget friendly compression athletic shorts from Starter: There's nothing we love more than a killer deal, and it doesn't get much better than this with these authentic compression shorts from Starter. And you don't have to worry about the affordable price affecting the quality because these bad boys rock a solid review rating on Amazon.

What people love most about these compression shorts is how comfortable they are. Made with "stretch-star" technology and flatlock stitching that reduces friction, you'll find nothing but free movement here. The blend of polyester and spandex that makes up Starter's "dri-star" fabric also ensures that you stay cool and dry even at peak fitness levels.

4. CompressionZ Men's Professional Compression Shorts Underwear

Compression fit that actually supports active movement: It's frustrating when a pair of athletic boxers claim they're compression, but then what you get is just a close-fitting pair of briefs. What's up with that? But these CompressionZ underwear stay true to their name and are made with a high-performance fit that supports your downstairs and keeps you comfortably in place.

Aside from extreme compression, these are also made to move with you when you need them to stretch the most. They're breathable, sweat-wicking, and sewn with a long 10" leg inseam for the promise of zero chafe. However, be warned, with tight compression comes a possibility that sizing may run small, so be sure to check the size chart and reviews carefully.

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

Boxer jocks from UA with fantastic breathability: It's no secret that Under Armour is at the top of the pack for best football brands, and their reputation precedes them with these high-rated men's tech 6-inch boxerjocks. Designed with a four-way stretch, insane breathability, and anti-odor protection that doesn't quit, you'll forget you're even wearing underwear with these insanely comfortable athletic shorts.

This particular item even comes in a wide variety of color options so you can have fun with your underwear. They also are sold in a 2-pack so you can get your money's worth with a high-quality product. But you don't have to take my word for it; there are nearly 2,000 reviewers who only have raving things to say about this pair of football underwear from Under Armour.

6. Adidas Men's Sport Performance ClimaCool Boxer Brief

Adidas ClimaCool breathable shorts that are a crowd favorite: If ventilation and moisture-wicking is a high priority for you, look no further than these popular ClimaCool sport-performance boxer briefs from Adidas. Made with micro-mesh technology that's a blend of polyester and spandex, you'll stay extremely dry and cool while working out with these on.

You also don't have to worry about any irritating or nasty chafe because the soft, tagless waistband coupled with the smooth flat stitching, guarantees maximum comfort. The legs also rock a no bunching in-seam, so they stay in place all day.

7. DEVOPS Men's Sports Performance Active Compression Cool Dry Baselayer Shorts

Compression shorts that are cooling and have a convenient phone pocket: Gone are the days when you have to figure out what to do with your phone during a workout! The pocket on the side of these cooling compression shorts ensures that you can accurately track your workouts and gains without losing your phone.

And for days on the field, you get UV protection from 99% of harmful rays sewn right into the fabric. These are fantastic for football, training days, and the gym! We have a feeling you'll also love the convenient 3-pack these are sold in, so you can experience triple the joy of excellent football underwear. That means less shopping for you.

8. Under Armour Men’s Football 6 Pocket Girdle

Durable compression girdle from Under Armour: Constructed from Under Armour's HeatGear fabric, this girdle delivers comfortable compression that keeps you cool and dry. It also ensures that all sweat is effectively wicked away and that any dampness evaporates quickly to minimize chafe and discomfort. This girdle also rocks stellar anti-odor technology by zapping bacteria before it can cause a stink.

This UA girdle has six pockets for football pads to adequately protect you from hard hits during the game. However, the pads aren't included, so you'll need to purchase them separately.

9. Nike Pro Compression Training Short Dry Fit

Moisture wicking material that cools you down during workouts: Nike Pro fabric is a material that continues to deliver impressive durability and a high-performance fit. It not only boasts high compression that supports your hardworking muscles, but it also keeps you feeling cool even at your hottest.

Comfort is at the forefront with the design and construction of these Nike Pro training shorts. The gusset is sewn with a darted pouch for excellent support. The elastic waistband features a heat-sealed jock label, so you don't feel the stinging rub of a traditional tag during your workouts. These are also pretty easy on the eyes.

10. Reebok Men’s Compression Long Leg Performance Boxer Briefs

Budget friendly compression shorts for football and other sports: These performance boxer briefs from Reebok are a long-lasting, durable product that athletes love. They're extremely easy to take care of and don't require any special washing instructions to maintain their stretch and quality. That means you can focus more on your football strategy and less on the shrinkage and care of your underwear.

Designed with a long leg inseam of 9", these won't ride up like other sport boxers and cause unwanted bunching. The fabric is a polyester and spandex blend that creates a superior moisture-wicking technology to rapidly pull sweat away from your body. The tagless waistband is also a nice perk.

Best Football Underwear Buying Guide

Best Moisture Wicking Underwear for Football

There's nothing worse than going through a training sesh or a full-on game in a pair of sticky and damp compression shorts.

Luckily, the world of underwear has blessed us with some quality sweat-wicking material that is as tough as you. So before you press that purchase button, here's what you need to know when it comes to choosing quick-drying undies.

We recommend checking what kind of material your new sport boxers are made of because that is key to determining how sweat-resistant and quick-drying they are.

Fabrics like high-tech polyester fiber, mesh spandex, and a blend of synthetic fibers are excellent options that ensure your underwear doesn't absorb moisture but instead takes it off the skin for an immediate quick-dry feeling.

Best Anti-Chafing Underwear for Football

Best Football Underwear With Cup Protection

Another feature to consider is cup protection. Back in the day, it was super common for men to rock a pair of compression shorts with a cup supporter and protector.

Today, it's not nearly as common to find athletic underwear with a cup pocket, but it's an option available on the market for those who want it.

When shopping around, some pairs come only with a sewn-in cup pocket so you can choose your own support that fits your body best.

Other products come as a set with both underwear and the cup for your convenience at a budget-friendly price. If you want football underwear that works with cup supporters, be sure to read the details carefully!