It’s not easy to know whether or not it’s acceptable or the "right thing" to wear anything at all under your running shorts.
After a little research, we’ve managed to find some useful info about the dos and don’ts of wearing garments under your running shorts.
Hopefully, it’ll shed some light on the topic. So read on to discover whether or not you should be wearing undies with your running shorts.
To Wear or Not To Wear Undies with Your Running Shorts – The General Rule
In broad terms, it’s considered a real “no-no” to wear anything under your running shorts. And for good reason too. If you’re wearing underwear under your running shorts, this extra layer of fabric can lead to some particularly uncomfortable chafing.
Most quality running shorts provide you with a built-in extra liner that means you don’t have to wear underwear.
The polyester blends used in running shorts offer you a great fit, have superb stretching capabilities and manage the moisture that develops around your groin so that you have no chafing or discomfort.
It’s not really a fashion statement or a case of appearance here. If you’re going for a run, you want to be protected from damp, sweat and chafing as much as possible.
So, unless you really need to, it is best not to wear anything under your running shorts.
The Benefits and Disadvantages of Wearing Underwear with Your Running Shorts
Of course, there will be times when it’s absolutely necessary to wear something under your running shorts.
We know from doctors that the warm and wet environment created during your run is the perfect place for bacteria to grow.
So, for this reason alone it would be beneficial to wear something under your running shorts so that any sweat and damp can be caught.
The fabric used to make your underwear is of course really key here. If you’re not happy to go commando, then you’ll need to ensure that your underwear is made from a suitable moisture-wicking material.
Performance underwear wicks away the moisture during a run or a workout, ensuring that the damp is taken away from your body.
However, if your running shorts have been designed so that they wick away the moisture, then you’ll probably not need to wear any extra underwear.
These days, the majority of the running shorts out there have been made from ultra-modern, antibacterial materials and a fabric mix that will help with that all-important wicking.
Is There a Time and Place for Underwear Under Running Shorts?
As we’ve already discovered, there will be times when it is definitely necessary to keep your undies on under your running shorts.
But it pays to be prudent when it comes to the style and fabric you choose for your underwear.
Top Tips for Wearing Garments Under Your Running Shorts
For Men:
We know that you might need to keep some underwear on under your running shorts now and then. Sometimes you may need to provide your nether regions with some support, so that everything stays nicely in place while you’re running or working out.
If this is the case, perhaps think about purchasing running shorts that already provide you with an internal underwear section – giving both support and comfort.
These days, running shorts with built-in liners are pretty much standard. The liners used in running shorts have been made to guarantee a snug fit and that very much needed support while you’re running.
The decision to wear underwear under your running shorts is definitely yours to make, but do be sure that you are happy with the fabric and the fit, otherwise, you’re asking for a very uncomfortable and chafing run!
For Women:
When you’re needing a bit more comfort or support while you run, wearing underwear under your running shorts is perfectly fine provided you make sure you choose a fabric that breathes and doesn’t irritate your skin.
A great big “no” to lace or satin (neither breathe, neither wick the moisture away, and both can chafe). If you’re planning on wearing undies in this situation, then do choose cotton; it is the best fabric to choose when you’re exercising, as it breathes and has an innate tendency to wick away the damp.
Then again, modern synthetic materials have been developed now to ensure that you are kept dry. On top of that, they are flexible, provide support, and make sure that the sweat is removed from your body.
Also, be sure to choose underwear that has flat seams. You’ll find otherwise that your skin gets chafed by the stitching.
What Underwear Should You Wear Under Running Shorts?
If you want the protection, comfort and other benefits of wearing underwear under running shorts, it's important that you pick the right pair. Otherwise you're in for a world of chafing, wedgies and potential infections.
Luckily, we've put together quite a few buying guides to help you find the perfect underwear for runners.
Main Reasons for Choosing Running Shorts with Built-In Underwear
- There’s no riding up – running shorts that provide built-in underwear don’t ride up (like your undies would). So, you don’t have to keep stopping your run to readjust your underwear as it’s causing you hassle and is uncomfortable under your running shorts.
- Moisture-wicking – your cotton briefs are all very well, but they will reach the point when they are completely soaked precisely where you don’t want them to be. Running shorts with built-in undies are made from moisture-wicking material, so you’ll feel cooler and also drier during your run.
- Not so many layers – running shorts with built-in underwear are usually made of thin material. Having no extra layer of underwear beneath your shorts will make you feel less bundled up and more comfortable.
- No chafing – definitely one of the bigger advantages to wearing no underwear under your running shorts is that you’ll have no chafing. That’s definitely a good thing!
