9 Best Underwear for Working Out: Ultimate Comfort and Performance
Choosing the right underwear for your workouts can make all the difference. Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or practicing yoga, comfort and support are crucial. The last thing you want is to be distracted by chafing or constant adjustments.
In this guide, you’ll discover the 9 best underwear options designed specifically for working out. These picks offer the perfect blend of breathability, moisture-wicking, and durability to keep you focused on your performance. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to your new favorite workout essentials.
Material Matters: Best Fabrics for Workout Underwear
Choosing the right fabric for your workout underwear is crucial for comfort and performance. Different materials offer unique benefits that can make a big difference during physical activities.
Moisture-Wicking Fabrics
Look for moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester and nylon blends. These materials pull sweat away from your skin to keep you dry. For instance, polyester is lightweight and dries quickly, making it perfect for high-intensity workouts. Fabrics with added spandex provide stretch, ensuring a snug fit that moves with your body.
Breathable Materials
Seek out breathable materials such as mesh or cotton blends. Mesh fabrics enhance airflow, reducing overheating and keeping you cool. Cotton blends offer comfort and absorbency but should be mixed with moisture-wicking fibers to avoid staying damp. Aim for fabrics labeled as “breathable” to ensure they cater to intense physical activities.
Support Is Key: Underwear for High-Impact Workouts
When it comes to high-impact workouts, you need underwear that provides exceptional support and comfort. Let’s dive into the best options available.
Compression Shorts
Compression shorts are a top choice for high-impact activities. These shorts snugly fit your body, offering significant muscle support and reducing vibration, which can enhance your performance and endurance. By stabilizing your muscles, they help prevent strains and injuries. Popular materials for compression shorts include spandex and polyester blends, known for their stretch and moisture-wicking properties, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout your workout. Check brands like Nike, Under Armour, and 2XU for high-quality options.
Supportive Briefs
Supportive briefs offer another excellent option for high-impact workouts. These briefs provide ample support to your midsection and lower body, helping to keep everything in place during intense movements. Look for briefs with a snug fit but enough flexibility to avoid restriction. The waistband should be firm to prevent slipping without digging into your skin. Fabrics like nylon-spandex blends are ideal, combining strength, flexibility, and moisture management. Brands like Hanes, SAXX, and ExOfficio offer briefs designed specifically for active lifestyles.
Comfort is Crucial: Underwear for Low-Impact Activities
When engaging in low-impact activities like yoga or walking, comfort remains a top priority. Your underwear should offer gentle support and feel almost invisible.
Seamless Underwear
Choose seamless underwear to avoid chafing and irritation. Their smooth design eliminates bulky seams that can dig into your skin during slow, controlled movements. Brands like Lululemon and Commando offer excellent seamless options, ensuring your underwear stays discreet under leggings or shorts.
Lightweight Options
Opt for lightweight options made from breathable fabrics like cotton or modal. These materials provide a soft touch while wicking moisture away, keeping you dry. Look for underwear from brands like Calvin Klein and Jockey known for their lightweight, comfortable designs in low-impact activities.
Durability and Flexibility: Underwear for Regular Gym-Goers
When you’re a regular at the gym, your underwear needs to be both durable and flexible. The right pair can make all the difference in your workouts, ensuring comfort and longevity.
Stretchable Fabrics
Choose underwear made from highly stretchable fabrics for maximum flexibility. Materials like spandex-infused blends are ideal as they provide the stretch needed to accommodate a range of movements during exercises like squats and lunges. For example, Under Armour’s HeatGear fabric is designed to move with your body, offering superior flexibility and comfort.
Long-Lasting Materials
Opt for underwear fabricated from long-lasting materials to withstand frequent washes and intense workouts. Nylon and polyester blends are excellent choices because of their durability and ability to retain shape over time. Brands such as ExOfficio and Adidas use these robust blends to ensure your underwear remains in great condition even after numerous gym sessions.
Style and Fit: Choosing Underwear That Looks and Feels Good
Choosing the right underwear isn’t just about functionality; it’s also about style and comfort. The right pair should look good and feel even better while you work out.
Form-Fitting Choices
Form-fitting underwear provides the necessary support and ensures no bunching or discomfort during your workout. Options like compression shorts and boxer-briefs mold to your body, offering both support and flexibility. Look for materials with a good stretch, such as spandex or spandex blends, to maintain shape and provide a snug fit. Notable brands like 2(X)IST and Calvin Klein offer excellent form-fitting options that keep you comfortable throughout your workout session.
Stylish Designs
Styling is essential even in workout underwear. Brands like Lululemon and Reebok combine functionality with aesthetic appeal, offering designs that make you feel confident. Whether you prefer bold patterns or subtle hues, find a pair that matches your style. Many brands have collections that include trendy colors and patterns without compromising on support and comfort. By choosing stylish designs, you’re not only investing in comfort but also boosting your workout motivation.
Health and Hygiene: Antimicrobial and Odor-Resistant Underwear
When it comes to workout underwear, health and hygiene are crucial. Choosing antimicrobial and odor-resistant fabrics can make a big difference in your comfort and confidence.
Antimicrobial Properties
Antimicrobial properties keep your underwear fresher for longer by fighting off bacteria and germs. Fabrics such as Merino wool, treated polyester, and certain synthetic blends are often infused with antimicrobial agents. Under Armour’s Boxerjock and Smartwool’s PhD series use these technologies to help prevent bacterial growth, reducing the risk of skin irritations and infections.
Odor-Resistant Technology
Odor-resistant technology ensures that your underwear remains smell-free even during intense workouts. Brands like ExOfficio and Lululemon employ advanced odor control treatments in their activewear. Silver ions, for example, are used in ExOfficio’s Give-N-Go underwear to neutralize odor-causing bacteria, while Lululemon’s Silverescent™ technology integrates silver threads directly into the fabric. These technologies help maintain freshness, so you can focus entirely on your workout, not on unwanted odors.
By choosing underwear with antimicrobial and odor-resistant features, you’ll improve your workout experience significantly.
Top Picks: The 9 Best Underwear for Working Out
Let’s dive into the top picks for workout underwear that combine comfort, support, and cutting-edge technology.
- Under Armour Men’s Tech 6-Inch Boxerjock
- Features a moisture-wicking system.
- Provides a 4-way stretch for better mobility.
- Uses anti-odor technology to keep freshness.
- Smartwool Men’s Merino 150 Boxer Briefs
- Made with Merino wool for natural moisture management.
- Offers thermoregulation to keep you cool and warm when needed.
- Includes flatlock seams to reduce chafing.
- ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief
- Features a breathable mesh fabric.
- Dries quickly to keep you comfortable.
- Uses antimicrobial treatment to reduce odor.
- Lululemon Always in Motion Boxer
- Made with Silverescent™ technology to prevent odors.
- Features a seamless construction for extra comfort.
- Offers 3D knit support to fit perfectly.
- Saxx Kinetic Boxer Brief
- Provides semi-compression fit for muscle support.
- Uses BallPark Pouch™ for friction-free support.
- Made with breathable and quick-drying fabric.
- Nike Pro Men’s Shorts
- Designed with Dri-FIT technology to keep you dry.
- Offers a snug fit for muscle support and stability.
- Includes flat seams to prevent irritation.
- Reebok Performance Briefs
- Features Speedwick fabric for enhanced breathability.
- Provides targeted mesh panels for added ventilation.
- Designed with a low-rise waistband for flexibility.
- Adidas Sport Performance Climalite Boxer Briefs
- Made with Climalite fabric to wick moisture.
- Provides a tagless design for maximum comfort.
- Offers a soft waistband for a snug fit.
- New Balance Men’s 6″ Boxer Brief Fly Front with Pouch
- Features fast-drying technology.
- Offers a reinforced fly for convenience.
- Provides a comfortable, stretchy fit.
Conclusion: Selecting Your Ideal Workout Underwear
Choosing the right workout underwear can significantly enhance your exercise routine by providing the comfort and support you need. With options from top brands like Under Armour, Smartwool, and Lululemon, you can find underwear that offers breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and antimicrobial fabrics.
Consider what matters most to you, whether it’s odor resistance, moisture management, or muscle support. Each brand and product has unique features designed to meet various needs, ensuring you stay comfortable and focused during your workouts.
Investing in quality workout underwear is a small but impactful step toward achieving your fitness goals. Take the time to explore these options and find the perfect fit for your active lifestyle.
