The Best Running Underwear of 2026 for Women and Men

I’m going to put it bluntly: most underwear sucks for running, and so do most (but not all) two-in-one shorts. The bad ones bunch, snag, chafe, overheat, or undersupport; all of which make for a horrid running experience. For most people, it’s better to go with a specially designed pair of underoos crafted specifically for athletic performance.This type of underwear is made of snug, yet slightly compressive material that wicks moisture, helps regulate temperature, feels smooth on the skin, and minimizes bouncing. We kept these factors in mind when determining which boxers, briefs, and panties provide the best comfort and support to help you perform at your best—minus any chafing.We tested picks from top brands like Tracksmith, Reebok, Runderwear, and many more, evaluating different styles of underwear that were seamless, moisture-wicking, discreet, and more to really get a sense of what the best options were for different types of runners. After careful consideration, these are our picks for the best running underwear for both men and women.For more ways to stay comfortable as you log those miles, check out our reviews of the best tights for men, leggings for women, and hot-weather running gear. The Best Running Underwear Best Overall: Women - Paradis Sport Natural Fiber Bikini / Men - Runderwear Running Boxer Shorts​Best Budget: Women - Reebok Seamless Hipster Briefs / Men - Reebok Athletic Performance Boxer Briefs​Best Breathable: Women - Balanced Tech Seamless Bikini Brief Panties / Men - Duluth Trading Armachillo Cooling Boxer Briefs​Best Odor Control: Women - Smartwool Intraknit Bikini / Men - lululemon Built to Move Boxer​Best Bikini/Briefs: Women - lululemon UnderEast Mid-Rise Bikini Underwear / Men - Reebok Quick Dry-Performance Low-Rise Briefs​What to ConsiderHow We SelectedI’ve been running for more than 30 years, over the course of which I’ve tried running apparel of every variety and learned what separates the best from the blah. This firsthand experience has informed over a decade of reviewing running gear for the likes of Runner’s World.While updating my recommendations for 2026, I tested underoos from all the leading apparel brands. I found that both nylon and polyester provided comparable moisture-wicking and comfort, but that different brands’ proprietary blends delivered varying levels of support. As a result of this, I prioritized options that had slightly higher levels of spandex or elastane, which did the best job of providing that stretchy compression.I also sought out underwear that lacks seams and tags to reduce chafing, and has high levels of moisture-wicking and breathability (especially in our “best breathable” and “best odor control” categories). Finally, I suggested a range of fits to ensure that there’s something to suit most personal preferences.From there I collaborated with Runner’s World editors and a women’s apparel tester with nearly 20 years of running experience to determine the best running underwear for women and men. The picks ahead are all the best options that we’ve tested and stand by.Our Full ReviewsProsSoft, buttery smooth modal materialSeveral colors to choose fromMoisture-wicking and breathable lightweight fabricKey SpecsMaterial88% Micromodal 12% LycraSize RangeS-XLWashing InstructionsMachine wash cold and line dryA past Gear of the Year winner, the Natural Fiber Bikini is a featherlight, buttery smooth garment that you forget you’re wearing underneath your leggings or shorts. A wide waistband prevents rolling and fits flat against your skin. There’s no bunching or chafing; the Merrow Active seam doesn’t poke and keeps the leg openings in place.Paradis Sport is woman-founded and owned, its origin story inspired by the founder’s frustration that there was no quality underwear specifically made for active women.The Natural Fiber’s cuts aren’t limited to bikini; you can get it as a thong or boyshort depending on your preference of coverage.ProsSuperior support prevents bouncingOutstanding moisture-wicking helps with comfort and odorSeamless and anti-chafingConsInconsistent availabilityKey SpecsMaterial92% Polyamide, 8% elastaneSize RangeXS-XXLWashing InstructionsMachine wash and dryRunderwear is known for its supportive underoos, and that’s especially important for men. With its gusseted crotch, the company’s Running Boxer delivers paramount support while providing plenty of stretch for mobility. The material is also smooth to the touch, breathable, and great at wicking moisture.Its seamless design eliminates chafing, and while the fit is deemed “boxer,” there isn’t any of the bagginess you’d typically find in such a cut. Beyond running, I really like these for hiking or long days of walking as they feel comfy through movement of any kind. Really, the only issue is the inconsistent availability, so be sure to buy a few pairs whenever they’re in stock.ProsExcellent cost for its good qualityStays in place while movingConsLarger bodies may find them tight around the thighsKey SpecsMaterial94% Nylon, 6% SpandexSize RangeS-XLWashing InstructionsMachine wash and dryThe price of Reebok’s Hipster Briefs is hard to beat, especially considering their high quality and the fact that they’re offered in packs of five. The seamless, smooth fabric feels great on the skin, and it stretches well without slipping out of place. Effective moisture management keeps things dry and comfy, and excellent breathability keeps the temperature down.While Reebok is known for offering value products, it also typically offers fairly reliable quality—something we can also confirm based on our testing. The only thing we noticed was that women with especially large thighs may find them a bit snug, but beyond that these are great for anyone running on a budget.ProsExcellent quality and durabilitySupportive crotch pouch keeps things in placeConsSizing runs somewhat smallKey SpecsMaterialNylon, SpandexSize RangeS-XLWashing InstructionsMachine wash and dryReebok once again delivers excellent bang for your buck. I found that the seamless, tag-free design completely eliminates chafing, and the material is great for regulating sweat and temperature. The structured pouch at the crotch also provides plenty of support without becoming restrictive.I was very impressed by their durability, as my pairs have held up admirably after more than a year of regular use and washes (this also adds an extra bit of value since you don’t have to worry about constantly buying replacements). The size does run somewhat small, so I’d suggest buying a size up if you’re worried about a tight fit.ProsLight and airy for superior temperature managementSuper soft against the skinConsA bit tight in the posteriorKey SpecsMaterial92% Nylon, 8% ElastaneSize RangeXS-XLWashing InstructionsMachine wash and dryOur tester loved how the material in these felt by every measure. She reports that the fabric feels soft and smooth against the skin, the moisture-wicking is excellent, and—most important for this category—they are as light and airy as can be. Even over the course of long runs or gym sessions, they never felt overly warm.Their outstanding breathability not only kept her cool but also helped reduce sweating. Moreover, their excellent stretchability provided plenty of mobility, and the seamless design helped reduce chafing. They are somewhat tight in the rear, so big-bootied wearers may find them restrictive. But if the fit is right, the breathability is great.ProsNoticeably great breathabilityDries fast for improved comfortLong lasting durabilityConsWaistband may be tight for someKey SpecsMaterial91% Nylon, 9% SpandexSize RangeSM-4XLWashing InstructionsMachine wash and dryAs a particularly sweaty guy myself, I’m impressed by the outstanding breathability of Duluth Trading’s Armachillos. Not only do they keep me cool, but they are excellent at wicking moisture and drying quickly. I tested mine while running through the tropical heat and humidity of a Mexican beach town, and if they’ll keep things cool there, they’ll do the same anywhere.The only issue that some may run into is the somewhat tight waistband, which could be restrictive to the point of chafing if the fit isn’t perfect. But the durability is excellent, and well worth the slightly above-average price.ProsMerino blend is great at fighting odorMaterial feels super softConsSlim fit may be too tight for some bodiesKey SpecsMaterial39% Merino Wool, 39% Lyocell, 15% Nylon, 7% ElastaneSize RangeXS-XLWashing InstructionsMachine wash cold, tumble dry lowFor those looking to fight the buildup of funk, Smartwool’s super-soft Merino blend material is the way to go. Not only does Merino have antibacterial properties that help prevent odor, it’s great for moisture wicking and breathability, further warding off unwanted smells.The Intraknit Bikini is also soft against the skin, and pleasantly stretchy while in motion. Our tester reports that they’re great for running, as well as yoga and gym workouts—all situations where it doesn’t hurt to have some extra odor prevention. Just note that the slim fit may be too tight for some bodies, but the material feels fantastic.ProsExcellent moisture wicking helps prevent odorComfortable and stretchy for any activityConsPricey for a single pairKey SpecsMaterial76% Nylon, 24% Lycra ElastaneSize RangeXS-XXLWashing InstructionsMachine wash cold, tumble dry lowFighting odor is often a matter of reducing moisture, and to that end lululemon’s Built to Move Boxers go above and beyond. I’ve found that they are unrivaled at wicking and drying sweat, and offer better-than-average breathability. And having tested them over many workouts and washes, I noticed that they don’t build up odor over time like many other options have a tendency to.Four-way stretch allows for unimpeded motion, and they are nicely supportive where it’s needed most. Like all lululemon products, they certainly don’t come cheap, but the durability is excellent, so you can count on them to last.ProsOutstanding comfort in any situationBetter looking than most running pantiesConsMid-rise may not be for everyoneKey SpecsMaterial88% Modal, 12% Lycra ElastaneSize RangeXS-XXLWashing InstructionsMachine wash cold, tumble dry lowOur tester loved the Underease not only for running, but for a little bit of everything. She reports that the soft material feels great against the skin, the fabric is delightfully stretchy, and you can tell while wearing them that the overall quality is excellent. She even liked how they looked more than most running underwear, which doesn’t hurt.They also offer a healthy dose of support in the rear, which can be hard to find with bikini cuts. While the mid-rise waistline may not be the first choice for every wearer, these are an outstanding option for anyone looking for bikini coverage.ProsStays in place without riding up in the rearGood breathability and moisture-wickingConsNot the best durabilityKey SpecsMaterial92% Polyester, 8% SpandexSize RangeS-XLWashing InstructionsMachine wash and dryIn a world that’s been taken over by boxers, many men still prefer the support and trimmed-down coverage of briefs, but it can be hard to find running briefs that don’t ride up in the rear. Reebok has gotten the recipe right with their Quick Dry-Performance Briefs, delivering a snug fit that stays in place as you run.The briefs manage sweat and heat well, and the material feels soft and smooth on the skin. In terms of comfort, they’re outstanding, though they can suffer from some durability issues, as I got the sense that the waistband could wear out relatively quickly. But for a comfy set of running briefs, they win.Nick Hilden is a writer, globetrotter, and jack-of-many-talents who has written gear reviews for the likes of Runner’s World, Popular Science, Men’s Health, Thrillist, the Daily Beast, the Los Angeles Times, Greatist, and the Manual, and his lifestyle, culture, and tech writing has also appeared in Scientific American, Afar, Salon, Vice, Healthline, and many others. Before entering journalism some 15 years ago, he worked as a bartender, brewery manager, sound engineer, recording and touring musician, cook, teacher, and in a variety of other trades. These days, he lives all over the world, performs music sporadically, and spends a lot of time thinking how to best improve his Honda Element conversion.