I’ve been a runner for as long as I can remember. I love the lifestyle that comes with getting out in the open country, the way running clears my head, and how easy it is to explore the city by pounding the pavement.
You know what’s not cool about running?
Finding the right underwear. The struggle is real, my friend.
So in the spirit of ending the struggle once and for all, I’ve embarked on a mission: to find better undies.
You can laugh all you want—I need this in my life. My wife (who I met on a trail run) is all for it.
In fact, she has embarked on the mission with me.
Our first test subject is Runderwear—an underwear brand specifically designed for the one obstacle runners just don’t seem to be able to beat: chafing.
Let’s see how they did.
Runderwear Men's Underwear
First, let's review Runderwear's underwear for men.
Runderwear Men’s Running Boxer Shorts
The Basics
Runderwear Men’s Running Boxer Shorts can be bought individually or as a 3-pack, and come in Black, Navy, and Blue.
The sizing is pretty decent, catering from small to XXL across the entire range.
There is a solid amount of chafing protection built into the boxer short, thanks to it’s 5” inseam and silicone taping grip around the leg hem.
Pros
- Silicone grippers in the legs stop ride-up in its tracks, to let you focus on running
- 5” inseam protects thighs
- No side-seams to minimize chafing even more
- Lightweight and moisture-wicking
- Fast drying and breathable, due to micro-perforations in the fabric
- Firm but stretchy, thanks to a super silky 92% Polyamide / 8% Elastane blend
- True to size
- True to the Runderwear No Chafing Guarantee
- Ultra-durable
- Easy machine wash up to 40 degrees
Cons
- Slight pilling between the thighs after a few months of use, but nothing that impacts comfort or performance
Best For…
Wet weather and summer runs, long distances where solid air flow can transform your running experience, and all-terrain exploration.
Runderwear Men’s Merino Running Brief
The Basics
Runderwear Men’s Merino Running Brief only comes in one color: grey. But if your running gear is more about functionality than style, even a quick glance over the Runderwear merino line is going to be a game changer.
Merino wool is considered the ultimate in all-weather, second-skin comfort. This ultra-breathable material is naturally moisture-wicking, drawing sweat away from your body and circulating air easily.
Combined with its ability to maintain the temperature close to your skin, and with Runderwear’s built-in breathable mesh panels, you’ve got a premium underwear experience for even the most demanding conditions.
I chose the Runderwear Men’s Merino Running Briefs over the Merino Boxer Briefs for one reason: I wanted to know if the No Chafing Guarantee could still deliver in a brief. Generally, I find briefs more comfortable on the open road, but boxers are generally known to help protect the inner thigh.
Pros
- No labels or OTT branding to chafe, rub, and irritate while you run
- Mesh panel perforations improve air flow around your skin and help wick away moisture
- 360 degree design means no chafing, grating seams assaulting your skin
- Flatlock stitching keeps edges flat and minimize rubbing
- Merino wool is naturally created to maintain temperature—keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer, no matter how far you run.
- Naturally anti-bacterial and anti-microbial—so it fights odors
- Quick drying for competitive long-distance races where you have a little time to stop and clean up before you hit the road again.
- Moisture-wicking merino can absorb up to three times its own weight—keeping you drier for longer
Cons
- They only come in one color—grey
Best For…
Long-distance competitive running for lightweight, fast drying, anti-bacterial high performance, and all through winter.
Runderwear Women's Underwear
Now let's review Runderwear's women's line.
Runderwear Anti-VPL Running Hipster
The Basics
Runderwear Women’s Anti-VPL Running Hipster is an ultra-lightweight offering from the award-winning runners’ underwear brand. The Anti-VPL hipster is sold on its own, or in a 3-pack, and comes in Black and Nude.
The size range for women is slightly smaller than the men’s offerings, stretching from small to extra-large, but no XXL for the curvier runners in the game.
According to my wife, visible panty lines (VPL) are a big deal. I don’t get it, to be fair, but then I also don’t have a problem seeing my wife’s underwear when we head out for our morning jog.
So I’m taking her word for it. VPL = bad. Anti-VPL Anti-Chafing underwear = good.
Pros
- The Nude color with white branding still looks clean and classy after 18 weeks of wear and washing
- Moves with the body so less irritation and rubbing
- Incredibly lightweight 90% Polyamide, 10% Elastane fabric
- Thin, second-skin feel
- Washes quickly and dries within minutes
- Fabric designed to wick moisture away, keeping things dry and comfortable no matter how far she ran
- Label-free for smooth, no-irritation wear
- Seamless 360-degree technical design means the underwear sits flush to the skin and hides that pesky VPL I hear so much about.
(I stared hard at her butt all day, every day and didn’t notice any VPL—if it helps.)
Cons
- Only offers sizes up to XL.
Best For…
Wearing under leggings or fitted running shorts, where VPL could be an issue. Also great for just chilling out around the house or doing a bit of yoga.
Women’s Merino Running Brief
The Basics
You know how I was raving about the Men’s Merino Brief? Ditto for the Women’s Brief, according to my wife.
Available in grey only, and again limited to sizes small to extra-large, the Runderwear Women’s Merino Running Brief features breathable mesh panels, temperature-controlling, ultra-premium merino, and the epitome of moisture absorption.
Pros
- Anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and great for washing and drying on the go
- Seamless 360-degree design and flatlock stitching for less irritation
- Absorbs up to 3 times its own weight in moisture to keep you dry even on the longest runs
- Superb comfort even on long runs, and incredibly soft for a barely-there underwear experience
- Long-lasting and durable merino wool pills less and maintains its shape for longer
Cons
- Shrinks if you try to tumble dry
Best For…
Winter runs, long-distance running adventures, and out-of-town getaways. Why out of town getaways? Because if you can only take one pair of underwear, you should make it this pair.
