When you go for long runs, there will be a lot of friction that might cause skin irritation and chafing. Therefore, choosing the right underwear is very important because it is designed seamlessly, made of breathable fabric, and has moisture-wicking properties that keep your intimate area dry and fresh. In addition, some fabrics can help control odor and core temperature. Also, the right running underwear will allow you to run longer and better. Keep scrolling to check out our top picks!
13 Best Running Underwear To Keep Chafing And Wedgies At Bay
1. Best For Every Day Wear: POKARLA Ladies’ Mid-Rise Cotton Briefs
POKARLA’s women’s running underwear is made of 95% combed cotton with 5% spandex and is pre-shrunk for a snug fit. The leg openings are bind-proof, which not only prevents chafing but also keeps panty lines hidden. With a soft covered waistband, these women’s running briefs feature a wide double-layered crotch that allows your skin to breathe. As the material is given a Pre-Shrinking Treatment, it won’t shrink further in the wash and lose its shape, making it a great choice for everyday wear. Pros
Pack of 5 briefs Breathable Moisture-wicking crotch Retains shape Eliminates visible panty lines Bind-proof leg openings
Cons
Some may find the waistband to cause digging
2. Best Full Rear Coverage: Reebok Women’s Seamless Hipster Briefs
These Reebok running underwear are both tag-free and seamless, allowing you to run for long hours. A blend of nylon and spandex is used to keep the fabric flexible and not restrict your range of motion. With a relaxed waistband, this seamless running underwear sits gently on the waist and doesn’t slide down or cause any discomfort. Logo detailing is present on the right hip while the rear offers full coverage. Pros
Seamless leg openings Full rear coverage Relaxed waistband Pack of 5 underwear Stretchable Tag-free
Cons
The crotch might not be breathable
3. Best Anti-Chaffing: Wealurre Cotton Panties
Wealurre’s anti-chafing running underwear combines 95% combed cotton and 5% spandex. The panty lines are no-show, so you can don this pair confidently under your leggings. With a floral pattern, the wide lace trim forms the waistband, is high-rise, and causes no scratching owing to its softness. Both breathable and stretchable, these are good running underwear as they remain resistant to fading, shrinking, irritating. Pros
Pack of 5 underwear No visible panty lines No-scratch lace waistband Shrink-resistant Fade-resistant Non-irritating
Cons
The waistband might roll down from time to time
4. Best Odor-Resistant: Balanced Tech Women’s Seamless Hipster Briefs
Balanced Tech offers the best panties for running that come in a pack of 6 made with 92% nylon and 8% elastane. The labelling is tagless to prevent any irritation while the no-seam construction frees you of any visible panty lines. Wicking moisture away from the body, repelling odor, and drying quickly make these the ideal running underwear to prevent chafing. The 4-way stretch fabric keeps you moving dynamically without any restrictions. Pros
Set of 6 underwear Tagless No-seam construction Moisture-wicking fabric Breathable Odor-resistant
Cons
Some may find it to stretch easily
5. Best Lightweight: ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Bikini Brief
ExOfficio’s got the best underwear for running to prevent chafing as it is lightweight and features mesh for enhanced breathability. To keep you smelling fresh, the brand incorporates an odor-reducing Silvadur treatment while the waistband offers a good stretch and retains shape. The 94% nylon and 6% Lycra fabric dries quickly, making it ideal for high-intensity sports and even travel. Made with a diamond knit, this is good underwear for running as it offers optimal stretch. Pros
Available in 12 colors Lightweight Odor-resistant Breathable mesh Quick-drying fabric Waistband retains shape
Cons
Might not hide panty lines
6. Best Breathable: Ocojoce Women’s Hipster Underwear
Ocojoce’s sports running underwear offers full rear coverage, so you needn’t worry about it riding up. Its breathable mesh construction keeps you cool while you workout and prevents overheating. A combination of odor-resistant and moisture-wicking technology keeps crotch sweat away to give you a fresh feeling whenever and wherever you may go. Tagless, the spandex leg openings lie gently without causing any irritation on the skin. Pros
Pack of 5 underwear Full rear coverage Double-layer waistband Moisture-wicking Odor-resistant Tagless
Cons
Not seamless
7. Best Coverage: LALESTE Low-Rise Seamless Boyshorts
LALESTE’s best boxer briefs for running hug your body and provide full coverage with absolutely no seams showing. The waistband is double-layered and stays put with no rolling down or bunching up during your runs. A double-layer crotch is added that is breathable and provides relief when used during your period. For a lasting fit, these tag-free running boxer briefs are pre-shrunk and feature bind-proof leg openings. Pros
Double-layered crotch and waistband Full coverage Pre-shrunk Bind-proof leg openings Breathable and moisture-wicking Don’t ride up
Cons
Might not be color-fast
8. Best Comfortable Fabric: New Balance Women’s Ultra Comfort Performance Seamless Bikini
New Balance provides the best underwear for running with a composition of 93% nylon and 7% spandex. Showing no lines of seams, this piece of clothing offers a good stretch to keep performing your best. The lightweight fabric allows skin to breathe, eliminates any odors, and is tagless, so you can run in absolute comfort. Repelling all moisture, these ladies’ running panties keep you dry of sweat. Pros
Pack of 3 underwear No visible panty lines Lightweight and comfortable fabric Breathable Odor-resistant Tagless
Cons
Some may find the waistband to roll
9. Best Moisture-Wicking: Under Armour Women’s Hipster Underwear
This Under Armour running underwear is made with a super soft fabric that stretches optimally to support your run. The edges are laser cut and give you a flattering silhouette owing to the smooth hem-free construction. You can move in an unrestricted manner, the material stretches 4 ways and controls odor with an innovative anti-odor technology. Under Armour’s printed underwear for running tights is a must-have for enhanced performance. Pros
Soft Laser cut edges Hem-free design Odor-controlling 4-way stretch fabric
Cons
Might induce a wedgie
10. Best For Machine Wash: Runderwear Women’s Athletic Underwear
Runderwear’s award-winning boxer briefs with support have no tags or seams, so you can wave goodbye to all skin irritation. The fabric is both lightweight and technical, carefully wicking sweat away from skin to keep it dry. Micro-perforations are placed strategically to optimize your core temperature and keep airflow consistent. 92% polyamide and 8% elastane used in Runderwear’s best athletic boxer briefs gives you full coverage. Pros
Tagless Seam-free Lightweight Moisture-wicking Breathable Full coverage
Cons
Might not retain shape with prolonged use
11. Best Seamless Edges: Runderwear Women’s Thong
Runderwear offers the best thong for running, which uses a functional flatlock edging finish to minimize chafing. The technical fabric is moisture-wicking and allows the skin to breathe with the micro-perforations placed carefully. Lightweight, this underwear is composed of 92% polyamide and 8% elastane for the right amount of stretch. Machine washable, this piece of clothing is a dream for runners. Pros
Flatlock seams Moisture-wicking Lightweight Breathable Machine washable Stretchable
Cons
May not be available in any other color
12. Most Durable: New Balance Women’s Hipster Seamless Underwear
This seamless running underwear by New Balance is made of 63% nylon and 37% spandex offering a 4-way stretch. The smooth and lightweight material has enhanced breathability and is moisture-wicking to keep you fresh — no matter how many miles you run. With seamless edges that are laser cut and a tagless construction, these absorbent running underwear keep you comfortable. Pros
Available in 9 colors 4-way stretch Lightweight Laser cut seamless edges No visible panty lines Tagless design
Cons
Some might find them to ride up
13. Runderwear Women’s Hipster Underwear For Women
To allow you to run completely chafe-free, Runderwear’s Women’s Hipster is constructed with moisture-wicking and breathable fabric. The waistband is elasticated and stays put to support you through casual and long distance runs. Made with 360° seamless technology that features flatlock edging, the absence of tags and seams will keep your skin irritation-free. The fabric is durable and resistant to fading, giving it a long lifespan. Pros
Moisture-wicking Seam-free Tag-free Breathable Color-fast
Cons
Some may find the waistband slightly tight
Now that we’ve looked at some of the best running underwear on the market, let’s learn how you can choose the right one for you.
What To Look For In Running Underwear
Fabric
When looking for a pair of underwear, keep in mind that stretchy materials like polyester and nylon are your best picks as they dry quickly and repel sweat to keep you fresh. You must avoid materials like cotton as they hold onto moisture and absorb sweat, becoming heavy.
Seams
Keep away from seams that are bulky or thick as they can rub against skin to increase irritation. Flatlock or minimal seams are usually sewn together in such a way that there’s no extra fabric remaining. This will keep you chafe-free by reducing friction.
Fit
Before purchasing underwear, get your thigh, hip, and waist measurements. When trying them on, ensure that the fit isn’t so restrictive that it cuts off breathing or leaves behind marks. At the same time, your underwear shouldn’t be loose and baggy as it can slide off on your run.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article is Priyam Gupta, a fitness fanatic who understands the importance of wearing the right clothes to give you the best support as you run. Running with ill-fitting or uncomfortable underwear can lead to chafing and irritation. Priyam chose these products based on their material, design, ergonomic properties like shrink-resistance and fade-resistance, and more. Are you supposed to wear underwear when you run? Generally, running shorts are specially lined to keep skin safe from chafing. However, this might not be enough for some people so they might need to choose anti-chafe underwear for added comfort. Are briefs or boxers better for running? If your main goal is to prevent chafing, boxers might be a better option as they come down the thighs. Can you wear a thong while running? As long as you find running in a thong comfortable, you can do so. But keep in mind that this kind of underwear can cause irritation to the clitoris due to the high amount of friction. Thongs designed specially for runners might be more suitable. Are you supposed to wear underwear with running shorts? No. Do not wear your underwear under running shorts to prevent chafing. Running shorts usually have a secure inner lining, so another cloth underneath can lead to heavy sweating and irritation. Do women’s running underwear contain elastic? Yes. Women’s running underwear has elastic waistbands that provide a proper grip. How can I keep running underwear clean? Wash your underwear with mild soap immediately after wearing them to keep them clean and hygienic. What should I do if my underwear causes chafing? Put some powder in your underwear to soften the fabric, or apply a teaspoon of petroleum jelly inside your thighs to lubricate the area and prevent chafing. You may also use an anti-chafing cream on your thighs to stop your skin from rubbing harshly against itself. What underwear should I wear under tights? G-string underwear or a thong is the best to wear under tights as their seamless borders remain invisible.
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