Whilst it can be annoying, especially as it seems to serve as an added layer during a warm and sweaty run, you might be surprised to know that having it there is actually really useful.
In fact, after reading this article you will never want to buy shorts without them again.
They are indeed underwear meaning it isn’t necessary to wear actual underwear underneath – mind blowing, right?
Whilst it looks like you have an extra pair of underwear within those shorts, they are actually referred to as a lining.
Not only that, you may have also noticed that they are made from a completely different material compared to the real underwear you are wearing.
Instead, they are usually made from a specialized material that will wick away all that sweat from down there, meaning that you stay fresh and dry.
This also means no nasty skin infections, which can only be a good thing!
You might also notice that your running shorts have different types of lining, with one having a compression feel to it, whilst the other reminds you of your usual underwear.
The difference for both is that the compression style will protect you more if chafing is a problem, so opt for that style if you want to counteract that.
The latter is more breathable, and likely to feel a little more comfortable too.
Does That Mean You Don’t Have to Wear Underwear With Lined Running Shorts?
The good news is, you don’t need to wear any underwear if you are wearing lined shorts, in fact, it is much better if you don’t (that’s to those who are still considering putting on that underwear!).
The reason those shorts are lined is to act as underwear – much better underwear – than the ones you have.
It will wick all that sweat away and keep you ever so cool in the crotch area. This means less sweat and no infections.
If you do plan on wearing underwear anyway, then you will find that the lining is now useless. It cannot do its job at all if you are adding a layer of fabric in between you and the short’s lining.
Is There An Advantage to Wear Shorts With Underwear Built-In?
There is an advantage to wearing lined running shorts, and that is the fact it will keep you dry in the crotch area.
Without it you will suffer with lots of sweat, and especially if you plan a long run like a half marathon, then you might suffer with infections in the long run.
This is because the fabric is more breathable and wicks sweat away unlike actual underwear which will just store it and let your skin get away with producing all that sweat – eeew.
Not only that, if you suffer with chafing, then the built-in lining can help to reduce that. Chafing causes skin to rub against each other, and if left to do its job can cause skin problems.
Sweat causes all that skin rubbing to feel a lot worse too, so it makes sense that you will not only want to protect your skin, but also wick away all that darn sweat.
Lastly, having lined running shorts means you can forgo real underwear. That gives you one less thing to think about when getting prepped to run.
Is There Anything You Can Wear Under Lined Shorts?
If going running without any underwear at all gives you the heebie jeebies, then you will be happy to know that there are things you can wear under your lined shorts.
One of these is compression shorts, especially if the shorts you are wearing do not include these, so it is the regular underwear style.
Not only do they compress the muscles, but they act in the same way as the lining by wicking away all that sweat.
However, don’t wear underwear under those compression shirts, they will act as your underwear!
Another thing you can wear is underwear made especially for running.
It will have similar properties to the lining in the shorts, and will likely make you feel more comfortable knowing that you have not gone full commando.
Another option is Speedos. They are a firm favorite of many runners due to their comfortability and fit.
However, they may not be as breathable as other options, and during the summer they can feel extra warm.
Is There A Possibility Of Removing The Underwear In Running Shorts?
Yes you can remove the underwear from inside the running shorts, but you will also ruin them.
The trick is to turn the underwear outside of the shorts and cut away the material without snipping into the shorts themselves.
However, it is a good idea not to do this, because one day you might realize the benefits of wearing such a thing, especially if you are out on a long run.
If you really, really don’t want to have a lining in your running shorts, then buy a pair that doesn’t have the option available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions when it comes to the underwear inside those running shorts
Should You Wear Underwear With Running Shorts With A Lining?
The best thing to do is not to wear underwear alongside running shorts with a lining. It has been created to move with your body as you run, as well as to wick away all that sweat.
If you wear regular underwear, you remove all the advantages.
What Might A Male Athlete Wear Under His Shorts?
Most of the time a male athlete wears compression shorts because it adds extra support to their movement.
Compression shorts also have the ability to wick away sweat, so can be an option for those who do not want to go commando under their running shorts.
Is Underwear Needed During Running?
When it comes to underwear, it is most definitely a preference thing.
There are great alternatives to actual underwear that help to remove sweat and keep you feeling cool in the crotch area.
That being said, if you don’t wear underwear against a regular pair of running shorts with no lining, then you will find yourself feeling very sweaty down there, so opt for at least something that will remove all that sweat.
This way, your skin will stay healthy too! The last thing you will want is a skin infection.
Final Thoughts
Whilst you might have originally thought that the thin-like material inside those running shorts were just another thing to get annoyed about, now you might just be glad that it is there.
It has many advantages, one being to wick away sweat from you know where.
It is breathable and also takes out the job of trying to find appropriate underwear that will stay breathable whilst you become sweaty when running.
So, now that you know why running shorts have underwear fitted into them, will you be forgoing the real underwear for just shorts? Oh, absolutely!
Hi, I’m Richard Harris and I have been running for almost 20 years now. Since a young teenager with a little baby fat still clinging on for dear life, I have been obsessed with this simple form of cardio.
Not only have I enjoyed running every single day for two decades, but I have also been fascinated by the countless marathons and races offered around the USA. I love watching these races, and I’ve even participated in some of them too!
