7 Best Running Underwear Of 2023, Per Running Coaches And Editors

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There's no time for chafing!

When it comes to literally going the extra mile, you don't want the thing keeping you from your next PR to be a bad case of chafing. That's why it's so important to invest in the best running underwear you can.

"When it comes to running, comfort is essential," says Melissa Kendter, CPT, a UESCA running coach and functional strength coach. "In order to perform your best, you need to feel your best, and that often starts with your apparel and what it’s made from." Running underwear that feels good will likely be made from moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric or lightweight material with a second-skin feel. You don't want anything that can lead to irritation or annoying chafing, and that can sometimes include underwear with tags or seams.

Instead, you should stick to underwear that you won't mind wearing for hours on end."You want running underwear that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and capable in the miles you are running," Kendter says. Yeah, there are plenty of options out there to choose from, but it can be hard to decide what gives you the best bang for your buck.

To help you skip the hard work, we consulted running coaches and runners on the Women's Health team of editors to curate a list of the best ones. See below for the best running underwear you can shop right now, according to running coaches and editors who run.

If you're looking for soft, stretchy running underwear that support you without digging in, these are it. They're tag-less and offer a seamless look that isn't visible under leggings. Fitness editor Jennifer Nied put them to the test during several races, and they always pass with flying colors.

"These undies are marathon-proof," Nied says. "They have gotten me through training for and running multiple marathons, so they've endured hundreds of miles and not a bit of chafing ever." She also confirms that the stretchy fabric doesn't dig in or create any visible lines.

The panties' construction also feature mesh fabric that allows them to wick away sweat, while making them more breathable. Reviewers only caveat are that they are so stretchy, it can often feel like it's too much. So, these aren't a great pick for you if you're looking for something with a little more compression.

Made from a mix of nylon and elastane, Nied loves the fabric on these ThirdLove underwear. "The fabric is super breathable, so they're comfortable even on the hottest muggiest days," she says. She also has a preference for the hipster. "The hipster style never rides up and seems to match up perfectly with the liner in running shorts."

Reviewers say they love the feel—very soft and stretchy–and style of these underwear. You can currently grab them in over 15 colors. But some customers reported that they don't do a great job at holding you in, and, for some, may even roll down. "They are a little too formless and stretch out by the end of the day," wrote one customer.

When it comes to activewear, Lululemon hasn't failed yet, especially for associate editor Becca Miller, who's currently training for a marathon. "Last time I trained and ran the NYC marathon in 2019, I swore by these," Miller says. "They're high-rise and ultra-smooth, which means minimal chafing and zero lines (that's something I care about even though I probably shouldn't haha)."

The underwear are also designed with a cotton gusset and added Lycra fiber, which helps the undies retain their shape and stretch, no matter how many times you wash them or wear them. Miller also enjoys that they're seamless. "The lack of seams make it so there is very minimal wear-and-tear and they don't rip or pull," she says.

Their only caveat is that some customers say that they may run a bit large. The undies are designed to be mid-rise, but some customers report they go too high in the front and back.

Made specifically for running, Kendter is a fan of the underwear from this brand. These running hipsters from Runderwear are made with 92 percent recycled plastic, and are designed to be lightweight, breathable, and anti-chafing. The underwear are also constructed without seams and labels to further prevent any rubbing.

Some reviewers say these underwear feel so comfy that you almost forget you have them on. The fabric is a little thicker, though, so they may not be the best for warm weather runs. Other customers, on the other hand, say that these panties gave them wedgies, so just make sure you're extra vigilant about choosing the right size to prevent an improper fit.

Amber Sayer, CPT, a UESCA running coach and writer at Marathon Handbook, is a Bombas fan. When it comes to comfort, they know a thing or two, and these velvety-smooth underwear prove it. The underwear was made with Bombas' SensElast technology, which helps the panties to lock in place against the skin, allowing you to move freely without worry of irritation.

The underwear are also designed with a blend of fabrics, including nylon and elastane, which keep them light, breathable, and quick-drying, even during your sweatiest runs. While the panties are designed to be no-show, unfortunately reviewers say that isn't the case because of the seam which runs along the back.

Several customers noted that the back seam isn't invisible under clothing and that it can sometimes feel uncomfortable to sit on. Still, countless other customers swear these are some of the comfiest undergarments they've ever worn.

Another recommendation from Sayer, New Balance's performance hipsters are designed from a lightweight blend of nylon and spandex, which keep them stretchy, breathable, and durable, even through all-day wear or extra sweaty runs. The underwear are designed to be seamless and to move with all your motions, so that they don't hinder your performance.

Customers say that they love that these underwear stay in place and do not ride up. "They hold everything in place and do not stretch out after a few hours of wear," one reviewer wrote. Users also say that they love that the fabric feels durable and not flimsy, like that of other lightweight fabric. However, some customers did note that the opening around the leg holes started to fray after a few washes, so it's something to keep in mind depending on how frequently you plan to use your running underwear.

Designed with four-way stretch that allows these underwear to conform to the body while not restricting movement, these panties were specifically designed for performance. Kendter is a fan of the brand since they make great run-specific underwear. They feature almost everything runners should want in a good pair of panties–quick-drying fabric that prevents moist and odor from setting in, tag-less labeling to prevent rubbing or chafing, and a seamless design.

Though their seamless design would lead one to think they don't show under clothes, several reviewers say that this pair does mark visible panty lines, though customers agree the underwear are very comfortable to wear. Customers say they love that the underwear are soft, stretchy, and durable, and that, for the most part, they have a great fit.

For the past few months, Women's Health editors have been researching the best running underwear to buy online. WH consulted two running coaches and fitness editor Jennifer Nied, and also vetted thousands of expert reviews to find the very best options available online.

It's up to you whether you want to wear underwear while running, and several(!) runners on the Women's Health team admit they don't and it hasn't affected their performance.

But Sayer recommends considering the type of running shorts or pants you're wearing before deciding if you're going to go commando. "Running shorts with a built-in liner, called a 'brief,' already have material that functions as underwear," Sayer explains. "Although some runners do double up and wear additional underwear with lined running shorts, these shorts are intended to be worn without underwear."

If you do add another layer of underwear to these, you risk overheating your crotch and gluteal cleft, and sweaty parts can cause odor and increase the risk of fungal and bacterial infections. "For this reason, I don’t recommend wearing underwear with lined running shorts unless it is the winter time and you need an extra layer of protection against the wind or cold weather," Sayer says.

If you want to avoid chafing, minimize sweating, and enjoy your running sesh overall, here are some things you should look for in running underwear.

Material

When it comes to fabric, you want to make sure your running underwear are comfortable, breathable, and that they wick moisture away. "Natural fabrics such as bamboo and cotton are breathable, but they can become sweaty because they do not wick moisture very well," says Sayer. Ideally, she recommends looking for underwear that has a blend that includes polyester or other sweat-wicking materials. "Spandex, polyester, and nylon are great breathable and lightweight materials that are moisture-wicking to keep you dry and prevent unpleasant odors from arising while running," Kendter says. She also recommends going for fabrics that have seamless construction to minimize chafing.

Fit

Speaking of chafing, making sure your underwear fit properly is of utter importance, since a bad fit can cause so much irritation you'll be temped to head home. Sayer recommends making sure your underwear fits properly so that there isn’t a lot of friction or movement between the underwear and your crotch or gluteal cleft (butt crack) when you run. "Otherwise, if the underwear is sliding around inside your running shorts, you can develop chafing, which is extremely painful and may lead to open sores that can get infected," she explains. But you also don't want your underwear to be so tight that they're uncomfortable. Kendter also recommends making sure your underwear are seam-free and tag-free to further prevent unnecessary chafing and rubbing.

Breathability/Moisture-Wicking

Things can get pretty hot and sweaty while you're running (or tackling other workouts), so make sure you stick to underwear with sweat-wicking and breathable qualities. "Sweat-wicking underwear is really helpful so that you don’t end up with a soggy bottom when you run," Sayer says. If you're unsure what panties pack these features, try shopping for ones marketed as athletic underwear. "Most underwear marketed as athletic underwear or running underwear use moisture-wicking materials for better temperature regulation and to increase breathability," Sayer explains.

Your underwear should be snug, but not so tight that they're uncomfortable. "You want to allow for four-way movement so that you are wearing a garment that moves with you and not against you," Kendter says. Making sure your underwear is snug will also prevent friction that can lead to chafing or irritation, Sayer adds.

Kendter also recommends opting for underwear that offers full-coverage. "Full coverage underwear is ideal as they keep your bottom totally covered and minimize risk for wedgies and the garment moving or sliding around while you are running," Kendter says.

Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.

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