In this article we’re going to be asking if you should be wearing underwear with running shorts, and looking specifically at many different types of running shorts that people wear, so that you can feel the most comfortable when you’re out trying to better yourself.
So without any further delay, let’s get started.
Wearing Underwear With Running Shorts
As you might imagine, the answer to this question isn’t too simple. Different shorts fit differently, and people are built differently too.
Whilst we’ll get into more details below about different specific types of running shorts, overall it’s a pretty clear ‘potentially’ if you want a straightforward answer to this question. Simply put, sometimes you do, sometimes you don’t.
This non straightforwardness continues too, with men doing a combination of:
Not wearing underwear because they’re wearing running shorts with a liner
Not wearing underwear because of the comfort of ‘going commando’
Wearing underwear under regular running shorts without classic liner
Always wear underwear regardless of the type of running shorts
And many, many more. In short, nobody really knows. So if you’re looking to take one thing away from this article, then understand that people will do whatever feels the most comfortable, as that’s the most important thing for you.
Now that that’s out the way, let’s take a look at some different styles of running shorts that people wear, in order to see what is the most comfortable to pair them with.
Compression Shorts
Compression shorts are an easy one to answer. This is because they’re typically made from a flexible material like nylon or spandex, and if they fit properly, will make contact with your skin whilst you move around.
This makes for a really lightweight and dry fit, that’ll compress against your muscles whilst you run, allowing for maximum flexibility and freedom, whilst giving your legs air whilst moving.
Altogether this means that you’re not going to want to wear underwear when wearing compression shorts, this is because wearing underwear would only get in the way of the shorts, and would remove their ability to closely hug your muscles, which would take a lot of the point out of wearing the compression shorts in the first place.
If you’re a fan of compression shorts then you’d probably already know this, but steer clear of underwear when wearing them! The difference is night and day.
Running Tights
Similarly to compression shorts, as the name suggests running tights aim to hug closely to the skin whenever you’re wearing them.
This can mean that wearing underwear can get quite uncomfortable when wearing it with running tights.
That’ll put you off your workout, and you’ll end up just wanting to take your underwear off more than anything else. It can get itchy, warm, and distracting and just isn’t worth it.
Because of the nature of running tights, you might be worried about your modesty down there (or maybe not!) In which case, wearing a long shirt or hoodie will cover up the area, and if you’re still worried about it, then maybe choosing a different option on this list is a better idea for you.
Otherwise some people wear jockstraps down there for some much needed support when working out. Just don’t wear underwear with these!
Running Shorts With Liner
Running shorts with liner are often thought to be the middle ground between these very tight options above, and the looser and other free-er flowing options that you have available to you.
Similarly to the tighter fitting options above though, running shorts with a liner are built WITH a liner so that you don’t need to wear underwear underneath them!
Think of running shorts with liners built in as almost like a 2 in 1 combo, you’ll get all of the comfort and support you need from the interior liner, and the outside is very loose and flows nicely whilst you exercise, whilst also protecting your modesty of course!
If you’d rather wear underwear whilst wearing running shorts with liner, then of course that’s your decision and is completely up to you.
If you find them comfortable to wear with liner on the inside of the shorts then great! But you can always remove the inner liner to wear underwear if that’s something that you want to do.
But there are a few disadvantages to wearing boxers with running shorts with an interior liner, let’s take a look at some of these.
One Less Layer
Whilst your working out, regardless of whatever exercise it is you’re doing, you’re going to be warm and sweaty.
Having one less layer on under what you’re wearing will do wonders for your comfort and therefore your overall workout.
On top of that, the liner under the running shorts is generally designed to be a skin hugging, but breathable layer, putting underwear between them and your skin is only going to make you more hot and uncomfortable, but it’s also going to reduce the effectiveness of the running shorts altogether.
Underwear Rides Up
If you’re going for it when you’re exercising, then you’ll know how sometimes underwear can ride up whilst you’re moving.
This can be a frustrating and workout-ruining experience as you’ll be focused on your underwear riding up rather than actually working out.
Running shorts with an inside liner are specially designed to hold their ground on your legs, and won’t ride up whilst you’re out running.
Reduce Chafing
Wearing underwear whilst working out can sometimes result in chafing between your legs due to the underwear not being designed for such high movement, or it simply not reaching far down enough to protect you from this.
Running short liner is perfect at stopping chafing due to its length, and it’s ability to hug your skin tight, so there’s no way you’ll be chafed after working out.
Wearing Underwear With Shorts
In a few particular scenarios though, it is advisable to wear underwear with shorts whilst working out.
In particular football and basketball shorts aren’t designed for running, so wearing either of them with underwear is going to be a solid idea.
Altogether, if shorts don’t have that inner lining, then you should be wearing underwear with them.
Final Thoughts
Wearing underwear under attire that’s specially designed for running can sometimes be a hindrance, and can sometimes ruin your run altogether.
The simple fact of the matter is that most (if not all) of these styles of running shorts are designed to be worn without underwear, so wearing it is only going to make you warm, unventilated, and because of this, uncomfortable.
If you like wearing underwear with these shorts though, go for it. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, if you’ve not given no-underwear a go though, give it a shot.
It might change your workout lifestyle altogether.
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!
