The Best Underwear for Running, Recommended by a Running Coach

Best Overall for Women

Balanced Tech Women's Classic Seamless Hipster Brief Bikini Panties

4.6

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Our best overall choice, with exceptional moisture control, comfort, and durability, these bikini briefs from Balanced Tech are ideal for running, even when you’re slogging out some serious, sweaty mileage. Made with a soft, lightweight nylon and elastane fabric, the four-way stretch hugs and conforms to your body, providing excellent support. With a mid-rise waistband, they provide modest coverage without any visible panty lines.

The seamless style minimizes chafing, while the anti-odor and moisture-wicking technologies keep you dry, fresh, and comfortable. They also manage to keep you wedgie-free and don’t slide down as you’re running.

Available in sizes 0 to 18 in multiple colors, these quality briefs are a stellar value.

Price at time of publication: $22 for black/grey

^{Key specs:
Materials: Nylon and elastane | Underwear Style: Bikini briefs | Care: Machine wash and air dry}

Best Overall for Men

Under Armour Men's The Original 6'' Boxerjock

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For exceptional mobility and comfort, it’s tough to beat these men’s Boxerjock boxer briefs from Under Armour. They’re made with a stretchy fabric that quickly pulls moisture away from the skin, so chafing during your long training runs isn’t an issue. Plus, UA’s anti-odor technology helps prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

With a glove-like fit, these underwear are snug, but not too tight that they dig into your skin. Lightweight and tagless, they almost feel like you’re not wearing anything under your shorts.

Choose from multiple colors and sizes S-5XL to find the perfect option for your next run.

Price at time of publication: $24 for small in black

^{Key specs:
Materials: Polyester and elastane | Underwear Style: Boxer briefs | Care: Machine washable and tumble dry low}

Best Budget for Women

Reebok Women's Seamless Hipster Panties 5-Pack

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While this running underwear is pricier than other budget buys, thanks to optimal fit and technical, quick-dry fabric, it's still a good deal for a high-quality item. Made with lightweight, stretchy performance fabric, these seamless hipster panties from Reebok don't lose their shape over time. They also stay put, so there's no need to adjust on the run or worry about them slipping down.

The seamless design fights chafing and panty lines and they're available at a reasonable price. Available in a package of five, they come in a variety of colors in sizes 4 to 18.

Price at time of publication: $24 for small in all-black

^{Key specs:
Materials: Nylon and spandex | Underwear Style: Hipster | Care: Machine wash and line dry}

Best Budget for Men

New Balance Men's 6" Boxer Brief Fly Front with Pouch

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Men can stock up on these affordable boxer briefs from the trusted running brand New Balance, so they don’t have to worry about finding their favorite pair in the hamper. Made of a lightweight polyester-spandex fabric, they’re breathable and wick away sweat, keeping you feeling dry and fresh on the run.

These comfortable boxer briefs are also known for their soft and cool feel against your skin. The four-way stretch fabric supports you every step of your run, while the no-ride inseam saves you from irritating bunching and chafing.

Fade-resistant and crafted with quality in mind, they come in sizes S-XXL and they're available in a wide variety of colors.

Price at time of publication: $19 for medium in black

^{Key specs:
Materials: Polyester and spandex | Underwear Style: Boxer briefs | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry low}

Best Anti-Odor

REI Co-op Active Hipster Underwear

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If you frequently run outdoors in warm weather, these hipster briefs from REI would be a perfect addition to your running attire. Made from anti-odor technology and polyester mesh fabric, they wick away moisture to keep you cool and dry. The stretchy material also helps them to fit like a glove, staying in place as you run.

Available in sizes 00 to 16, they’re extremely quick-drying, making them a good choice for road trips or other times when you need to do a quick wash of undergarments in the sink.

Price at time of publication: $19

^{Key specs:
Materials: Polyester and spandex mesh | Underwear Style: Briefs | Care: Machine wash and air dry}

Best for Long Distance Runs

Under Armour Women's Pure Stretch Hipster

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Distance runners need underwear that won’t ride up, bunch, or chafe, and these briefs from Under Armour check all those boxes. Made from a super-soft stretch fabric, they provide a snug but comfy fit and exceptional moisture-wicking capabilities.

The high hipster cut and snug fit provide modest coverage, and they're tag-free to avoid rubbing or skin irritation. Stylish and comfortable, this durable option is perfect for female runners who want to stay dry and chafe-free.

Additionally, they come in sizes XS-XL, and they feature Under Armour’s anti-odor technology to keep you feeling fresh.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key specs:
Materials: Elastane and nylon | Underwear Style: Briefs | Care: Machine wash and air dry}

Best for Chafing

Runderwear Running Briefs

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With a snug fit and moisture-wicking capabilities, Runderwear briefs keep you dry and comfortable, no matter how many miles you’re logging. The seamless technology and flatlock edging provide protection from chafing and irritation, and the technical fabric helps with temperature control, so you’ll stay cool when it’s hot, and warm when running in the cold.

Lightweight and durable, Runderwear briefs are available in sizes 4 to 18. While they certainly aren’t cheap, fans swear by the quality and performance and say they’re well worth the price.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key specs:
Materials: Polyamide and elastane | Underwear Style: Briefs | Care: Machine wash and line dry}

Best Thong

Under Armour Pure Stretch Thong

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For women who love comfort and optimal performance, thongs may be the underwear of choice. This pair from Under Armour is lightweight yet durable—featuring a four-way stretch fabric that's breathable and quick-drying. The super-soft edges offer a smooth, virtually invisible fit and the laser-cut design offers a wide range of movement.

The tagless, seamless design also helps to eliminate chafing, and the anti-odor technology features outstanding wicking capability, so you don't have to worry about them bunching up or digging in. If you like to wear underwear when running but don't want to feel like you're wearing them at all, these are a great pick.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key specs:
Materials: Nylon and elastane | Underwear Style: Thong | Care: Machine wash and air dry}

Best Quick-Drying

ExOfficio Women's Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs

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Featuring exceptional quick-drying and moisture-wicking capabilities, ExOfficio underwear are ideal for preventing irritation and chafing on the run. They’re dry and ready to wear within hours after washing, making them a great companion for active vacations. They also have just the right amount of elasticity, so they’re snug enough to stay in place and don’t bunch or ride up.

These bikini briefs are odor-resistant and antibacterial, so you can keep the funky smells under control.

Available in sizes 0 to 18, ExOfficio briefs are an ideal choice to keep you dry, cool, and comfortable.

Price at time of publication: $18 for single pair medium in black

^{Key specs:
Materials: Nylon and spandex |  Underwear Style: Briefs | Care: Machine wash and air dry}