Best Running Underwear for Men of 2025

When it comes to choosing the best running underwear for men, several factors must be considered. Choose the wrong type, and you could be dealing with unpleasant chafing and painful skin irritations. Thankfully, there is no shortage of options for running underwear that will keep you dry, chafe-free, and comfortable for the long run.

But with so many choices, finding the right pair for you could prove challenging. What material should you search for? What inseam length do you want? Which ones are best for different types of weather?

Our devoted testing team at iRunFar is here to answer those questions and guide you in your selection. After thorough testing in various climates, our top pick for men’s running underwear was the Patagonia Men’s Sender Boxer Briefs – 6″ due to their comfort, quality, and breathability. We turned to the Saxx Underwear DropTemp Cooling Mesh Boxer Brief for hot weather, while we loved the Smartwool Men’s Merino Boxer Brief for cold runs. And for those looking for a solid, affordable option, the T8 Men’s Commandos Running Underwear was our top budget pick.

Once you’ve read the product reviews, you can peruse our buying advice, testing methodology, and frequently asked questions for more information about how to choose the right pair of running underwear.

Best Running Underwear for Men

• Best Running Underwear for Men: Patagonia Men’s Sender Boxer Briefs – 6″
• Best Running Underwear for Men — Runner-Up: ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief
• Best Budget Running Underwear for Men: T8 Men’s Commandos Running Underwear
• Best Hot-Weather Running Underwear for Men: Saxx Underwear DropTemp Cooling Mesh Boxer Brief
• Best Cold-Weather Running Underwear for Men: Smartwool Men’s Merino Boxer Brief

Best Running Underwear for Men: Patagonia Men’s Sender Boxer Briefs – 6″ ($35)

Pros:

• Incredible quality, comfort, and breathability

Cons:

• Basic colors and design
• No fly

The Patagonia Men’s Sender Boxer Briefs – 6″ are extremely lightweight, allow plenty of movement, and feel good whether you’re relaxing, running, or biking. This combination of comfort and versatility — plus Patagonia’s commitment to making quality products you can feel good about buying — lands them at the top of our list.

We wore these underwear in a wide range of temperatures, including on hot runs, and we experienced no issues with chafing. The recycled nylon-spandex blend is a mesh that wicked moisture well and dried quickly. In fact, these briefs set the standard for performance in essentially all the categories that we used to evaluate different pairs of underwear.

For us, these were the ones to beat, and no other brand could really match them. Like many Patagonia products, these briefs were made in a Fair Trade-certified factory.

The fit is true to size, and the only downside we found to this product is that it doesn’t have a fly, which may take it out of the running for some.

You can read our Patagonia Men’s Sender Boxer Briefs – 6″ review to learn more.

Material: 89% recycled nylon, 11% spandex mesh | Style: Boxer brief | Inseam: 6 inches | Fit: True to size

Shop the Patagonia Men's Sender Boxer Briefs - 6 Inch

Best Running Underwear for Men — Runner-Up: ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief ($32)

Pros:

• Very soft and lightweight
• Contains a fly

Cons:

• The wide waistband may not appeal to some runners

The ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is not a running-specific garment, but its comfort and breathability make it a go-to for any outdoor adventure.

These briefs are incredibly lightweight and designed for high-output activities. The mesh fabric — 90% nylon and 10% elastane — is comfortable and keeps you cool, and a wide waistband maintains its shape to keep the briefs in place. Finally, these briefs contain a fly, which is a make-or-break feature for some runners.

Overall, this quality product will provide comfort, breathability, and freedom of movement, whether running trails, hiking mountain passes, or cycling around town.

Material: 90% nylon, 10% elastane | Style: Boxer brief | Inseam: 6 inches | Fit: Snug

Shop the ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6” Boxer Brief

Best Budget Running Underwear for Men: T8 Men’s Commandos Running Underwear ($21)

Pros:

• Excellent quality for the price
• Designed by runners
• Super lightweight

Cons:

• You would need to buy three or four pairs for free shipping to the United States
• No fly

At just $21, the T8 Men’s Commandos Running Underwear provides tremendous value.

As the name implies, this underwear is incredibly lightweight: Weighing less than 1.4 ounces (40 grams), it is the lightest option we tested. A lack of inner thigh seams helps prevent chafing, and all other seams are incredibly smooth. It’s a comfortable, lightweight, and breathable pair of underwear designed by runners.

Based out of Hong Kong, the company uses Asian sizing for its products, so you should consider sizing up by half a size for optimal fit. Also, note that the company has various shipping rates based on where you live and the exchange rate. For example, a consumer in the United States would have to buy three or four pairs to receive free shipping. A shipping chart on the T8 website is straightforward to follow to determine if you’ll incur any shipping charges.

Material: 90% polyamide, 10% elastane | Style: Boxer brief | Inseam: 6 inches | Fit: Snug

Shop the T8 Men’s Commandos Running Underwear

Best Hot-Weather Running Underwear for Men: Saxx Underwear DropTemp Cooling Mesh Boxer Brief ($38)

Pros:

• Breathable and quick-drying
• Contains specific technology to keep cool in hot temperatures

Cons:

• Can ride up on your bottom
• Tight fit

The Saxx Underwear DropTemp Cooling Mesh Boxer Brief will keep you cool. With a 5-inch inseam and specific cooling and drying technology, this underwear will keep you cool and comfortable during hot summer training runs and hikes.

Saxx Underwear uses a proprietary fabric technology called DropTemp to wick sweat away quickly, allowing your body to cool down effectively. Our testing found their wicking claims valid, and we experienced no chafing from these briefs during our summer runs in the heat.

To increase breathability, they also contain mesh inserts at high-heat zones, and they feature what the brand calls a BallPark Pouch to keep everything secure. Finally, they have the coolest print designs of any underwear we tested.

Since they tend to fit tight, the brand recommends sizing up if you are between sizes.

Material: 85% recycled polyester, 15% elastane | Style: Boxer brief | Inseam: 5 inches | Fit: Tight

Shop the Saxx Underwear DropTemp Cooling Mesh Boxer Brief

Best for Cold Weather Running Underwear for Men: Smartwool Men’s Merino Boxer Brief ($48)

Pros:

• Comfortable in any temperature
• Quick-drying and odor-resistant

Cons:

• Slim fit
• Pricey

Thanks to its merino wool-nylon blend, the Smartwool Men’s Merino Boxer Brief is an excellent option in any kind of climate, but we especially loved it for cold morning runs.

The material features a nylon core with merino wool spun on the outside. This keeps merino wool next to the skin so that these briefs can utilize the natural temperature-regulating properties of wool to keep you cool when it’s hot and provide insulation when temperatures dip.

Our testing found they perform just as well in the summer as briefs designed for the heat, but we preferred them for cold weather. You can trust the wool-nylon blend to keep you dry and odor-free, a wide waistband to keep these briefs in place, and the flatlock seams to help you stay chafe-free. A double-front panel provides extra support and also contains a fly. These briefs are the shortest we tested, with an inseam of less than five inches.

Material: 88% merino wool, 12% nylon | Style: Boxer brief | Inseam: 4.75 inches | Fit: Slim

Shop the Smartwool Men's Merino Boxer Brief

Comparing the Best Running Underwear for Men

RUNNING UNDERWEAR	PRICE	MATERIAL	STYLE	INSEAM
Patagonia Men’s Sender Boxer Briefs – 6″	$35	Recycled nylon, spandex	Boxer brief	6 inches
ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief	$32	Nylon, elastane	Boxer brief	6 inches
T8 Men’s Commandos Running Underwear	$21	Polyamide, elastane	Boxer brief	6 inches
Saxx Underwear DropTemp Cooling Mesh Boxer Brief	$38	Recycled polyester, elastane	Boxer brief	5 inches
Smartwool Men’s Merino Boxer Brief	$48	Merino wool, nylon	Boxer brief	4.75 inches

How to Choose: A Buyer’s Guide for the Best Running Underwear for Men

Style

The first consideration when selecting the best running underwear for men is style: briefs, boxer briefs, or none at all. The latter option is more popular now, as makers of running shorts typically include quality liners in their shorts.

For those seeking an extra layer of protection and support, or those who run in shorts without a liner, briefs and boxer briefs are great options, with boxer briefs generally being longer than regular ones. All of the products we included in this guide are boxer briefs. Don’t think of running boxer briefs like regular boxers — they fit snugly instead of being airy and roomy. They are very similar to standard, non-running briefs and will keep everything in place.

Another important decision is fly or no fly. Our top pick, the Patagonia Men’s Sender Boxer Briefs – 6″, doesn’t have a fly, while our runner-up, the ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief, does. It’s an entirely personal choice based on how easy you want access to be if nature calls on the trail.

Comfort, Support, and Fit

Once you have a style in mind, it’s time to explore which underwear will provide the best comfort, support, and fit. You don’t want your underwear to sag, so selecting a pair with a solid waistband is crucial. Underwear with a wide waistband, like the ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief, is more likely to stay in place during a long run.

You also want to make sure you’re getting the correct size. The fit should be snug but not restrictive so that the briefs don’t ride up when you’re running or create uncomfortable pressure. Most of the briefs included in this guide, like the Saxx Underwear DropTemp Cooling Mesh Boxer Brief, have a snug fit but enough stretch to stay comfortable.

Underwear made with synthetic material, like the T8 Men’s Commandos Running Underwear, will wick away sweat, keeping you dry no matter the distance you are running. The merino wool-nylon blend of the Smartwool Men’s Merino Boxer Brief is also effective and will keep you warmer than synthetic materials when temperatures drop.

Chafe Prevention

A quality pair of underwear provides an extra layer of protection against chafing, something we can all embrace. When choosing the best men’s underwear for running, avoid cotton, which absorbs moisture, holds onto sweat, and can lead to chafing. It works for neither hot-weather nor cold-weather running. Instead, look for options that feature polyester or nylon, fabrics that stretch, wick away sweat, dry quickly, and work to keep you dry and chafe-free.

Underwear with flatlock seams can help you avoid chafing, and the lack of inner-thigh seams on the T8 Men’s Commandos Running Underwear provides additional comfort in high-friction areas.

Warmth

Choosing the right fabrics to place next to your skin when you run in the cold is important as you pile on the layers. Look for underwear made with merino wool that will keep you warm and comfortable without being scratchy. Our pick for the top underwear for cold-weather running was the Smartwool Men’s Merino Boxer Brief. Its merino wool/polyester blend will keep you warm, dry, and odor-free.

Designing with Flair

While it has nothing to do with performance, don’t overlook the appearance of underwear. Some brands stick with a basic design and color scheme, like black or gray, while others produce undies with vibrant colors and eye-catching designs to raise your stoke level.

Among our selections, the Saxx Underwear DropTemp Cooling Mesh Boxer Brief offers the most colorful and creative options.

Why You Should Trust Us

The iRunFar team includes road, trail, and ultrarunners with a collective 150-plus years of running experience. We began researching the best running underwear for men by thoroughly investigating this rapidly changing line of clothing before selecting a range of brands and styles for testing.

Our primary tester hails from the U.S. Midwest, so his late spring and summer testing occurred in all sorts of conditions: cool mornings, hot and humid days, and everything in between. And trust us, when it comes to underwear, he knows his stuff: He’s never once gone commando.

We stay current with new underwear options on the market and update this guide as we find new options that we love.

Frequently Asked Questions About Running Underwear for Men

Do I need to wear running underwear?

This is perhaps the most important question to answer before you spend time researching and buying a pair! The best men’s running underwear will provide support, wick moisture, and prevent chafing. Our top pick, the Patagonia Men’s Sender Boxer Briefs – 6″, is a lightweight option that checks all the boxes for what you should look for in a pair of running underwear.

Most running shorts now come with a built-in liner — see our best running shorts for men guide for specific guidance and product recommendations — which raises the question: Do I need a pair of underwear? The answer, of course, depends on personal preference. Many runners swear by running underwear because of their comfort and support, while others rely solely on the liner built into their running shorts.

You might consider the distance and speed you’re running as factors to guide your choice. If you’re out on the trails for a long, slow day, a good pair of running underwear will provide extra support and protection for the long haul. But if you’re running a workout or something quick on the roads, you might be just fine with lined shorts.

Perhaps the best way to determine if you prefer running with or without underwear is to try doing both!

What are the top factors to consider when choosing underwear for running?

Choosing the best running underwear for men isn’t as simple as grabbing the cheapest package off the store shelf or virtual cart. Whatever you choose needs to keep you comfortable and protect you from chafing in sensitive areas.

First, look for merino wool, polyester, or nylon options. These will wick moisture away instead of trapping it as cotton does. The nylon and elastane mix of the ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief fabric did a great job wicking sweat from the skin, while the merino wool-nylon blend of the Smartwool Men’s Merino Boxer Brief was effective at staying dry and odor-free.

Another major factor to consider is whether you want underwear with a fly. There are lots of good options in both varieties, but you may have a strong personal preference for one style or another. Running in thong-style underwear has become increasingly popular in hot and humid climates where you want to reduce the layers of clothing on your body. Or you can go commando and rely on the built-in liner that most running shorts come with.

Once you narrow down those particulars, consider whether you’d like a colorful design to add some flare.

Which type of underwear is best for running?

The best type of underwear for running is the one in which you are most comfortable. For most men, that means underwear that fits well, wicks away moisture, provides support, and doesn’t cause chafing. It also has to keep you cool in hot weather and provide insulation when temperatures plummet.

As far as materials go, we support merino wool for running in a variety of temperatures. The fabric works exceptionally well for runners, whether they are running through a furnace-like canyon, battling bitter-cold temperatures at high altitudes, or pushing through a rainy training run on hometown trails. That’s why we included the Smartwool Men’s Merino Boxer Brief as one of our picks in this guide.

Our selection for the best overall pair of underwear is the Patagonia Men’s Sender Boxer Briefs – 6″. These 6-inch boxer briefs are incredibly lightweight, allow for plenty of movement, and protect against chafing.

For those who prefer having a fly, the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is a great alternative. A lightweight boxer brief, this underwear stands out due to its comfortable and cooling mesh fabric.

How do I prevent chafing?

No one wants to chafe, especially in sensitive areas. Remember that a combination of heat, moisture, and friction causes chafing. The best way to protect yourself is to seek quality underwear made with technical fabrics such as merino wool, polyester, or nylon.

These materials work to combat friction by being breathable and wicking, and they can reduce irritation and chafing. If you’re worried about chafing on the inner thighs, consider the T8 Men’s Commandos Running Underwear, as it doesn’t have a seam there.

How do I ensure a comfortable fit?

Of course, the best option is to try on a pair at your local retailer. But we get it: online shopping is easier, and your preferred underwear may not be readily available where you live.

Without actually trying them on, the next best option is to turn to online research, starting with this guide. You should also consult the brand’s website and look for their sizing information. These charts are usually quite helpful in deciding between similar sizes. Most brands run true to size, but the T8 Men’s Commandos Running Underwear is in Asian sizing, so you’ll want to read the sizing chart on the company website.

Which type of underwear is best for running in hot weather?

High-quality fabrics will keep you as cool as possible in hot weather conditions and protect against chafing. You want underwear made with material that wicks away sweat and other moisture. When skin is hot and damp, the chance of irritation and chafing grows.

The best underwear we found for running in hot weather is the Saxx Underwear DropTemp Cooling Mesh Boxer Brief. These feature a recycled polyester blend and offer a unique cooling system with mesh panels on the sides to increase airflow in high-heat areas.

Which type of underwear is best for running in cold weather?

During the cold weather season, runners should wear multiple layers to protect themselves from cold-related ailments. In addition to freezing temperatures, it’s also important to consider wind chill.

Some models of underwear claim to resist the wind, but the trick is to dive deeper and see what materials are used to manufacture the underwear. Seek options like merino wool, polyester, and others designed to wick away sweat and provide warmth. The Smartwool Men’s Merino Boxer Brief has a double front panel to provide extra protection from the elements and is an excellent option for cold-weather runs.

You should also consider whether you will wear tights on cold days. If so, you don’t want bulky underwear that could bunch up and create discomfort.

Do I need different underwear for hot- and cold-weather runs?

Underwear has different jobs during hot- and cold-weather runs. In the heat, it needs to wick moisture to keep you dry and chafe-free. In the cold, it provides extra protection from the elements and much-needed warmth.

All of the underwear in this guide features materials designed to wick sweat and perform well on hot-weather runs. For running in the cold, though, the Smartwool Men’s Merino Boxer Brief stood out as our top pick.

Call for Comments

• Do you prefer briefs, boxers, or commando style?
• Do you select different pairs of underwear for running in different climates? What’s your go-to during hot weather, and what do you prefer in the colder months?
• What is most important to you when selecting running underwear?

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