You are reading this post means you are a new runner or thinking of regular running. But you don’t know if you should wear underwear with your running shorts or not. Although it depends on personal preference and other criteria like support, comfort, breathability, and others.
My two close friends are regular runners and they often join in marathons. According to them, if your running shorts already have built-in underwear and liners then you shouldn’t wear any underwear with them.
Are You Supposed To Wear Underwear With Running Shorts That Have A Liner Or Built-In Underwear
No, if your running short and already have a liner or built-in underwear then there is no need to wear underwear. Because the company provides liners and built-in underwear with running shorts to avoid regular underwear.
Regular underwear is not so breathable, movement-friendly, comfortable, and moisture-wicking for runners. We all know that during running our body temperature increases a lot, and in that time regular underwear can’t be as breathable as built-in liners or underwear.
Here We Will Tell You 3 Main Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Wear Underwear Under Your Running Shorts

Although we can show you lots of reasons why you shouldn’t wear underwear with your running shorts. But here we are showing 3 main reasons why you should avoid underwear under your running shorts if your shorts already have built-in liners
Reason 1: Moisture Management And Breathability
Moisture management and breathability is the main reason why running shorts have liners. Almost all brand provides built-in liners and underwear with running shorts.
Running shorts are designed to have moisture-wicking properties to help keep you dry and comfortable during your run. Wearing underwear underneath can potentially hinder the breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities of the shorts’ built-in liner. By going without underwear, you allow the fabric of the shorts to directly manage moisture and promote better ventilation.
Also, built-in underwear or liner will provide you with the same support that regular underwear provides us. So there is no need to wear extra underwear if your shorts already have a liner.
Reason 2: Chafing Prevention
Running shorts typically have a built-in liner or briefs that are designed to reduce chafing. This liner is often made of smooth and lightweight material that moves with your body and minimizes friction. Wearing additional underwear can introduce extra seams and layers, increasing the risk of chafing or irritation during your run.
So you need to choose such types of running shorts which are chafing preventable. Yes, chafing preventable running shorts can provide you good support during both long and short run.
For runners, chafing is so common during running, even sometimes running underwear that is designed with liners can cause chafing, because of poor-quality construction and design. That’s why you should choose the best running shorts to make your run more comfortable and enjoyable.
Reason 3: Comfort and Freedom of Movement
Going without underwear can provide a sense of freedom and allow for more natural movement. It eliminates the potential bunching or shifting of multiple layers and gives you a more streamlined and unrestricted running experience.
As we mentioned before these are the main reasons, and without these, there are some minor reasons also. But still, some runners prefer to wear underwear for added support, personal hygiene, or other reasons. So it’s up to you, whether you will wear underwear or not with your running shorts.
What you will do if your running shorts don’t have any built-in liners or underwear? Although most of athletic shorts have built-in underwear, there are some shorts available in the market which don’t have liners or built-in underwear.
If your running shorts don’t have built-in liners, then you should wear underwear.
Here Are 4 Important Benefits Of Wearing Underwear With Running Shorts
Underwear also provides some benefits to runners. But to get these benefits of course your underwear shouldn’t have any liners. So let’s see why you should wear underwear with your running shorts if they don’t have any built-in underwear.
1. Support
The main and most important reason is support. Underwear can provide additional support to the genital area during physical activities like running. This support can help reduce excessive movement and potential discomfort.
Traditional underwear help to keep man parts in the right place during running, which is the most important part of sexual health.
2. Moisture-wicking
Many types of underwear are designed with moisture-wicking properties, which help keep you dry by pulling sweat away from the body. This can be particularly beneficial during intense workouts or long runs, as it helps prevent excessive moisture buildup and potential chafing.
But of course, you have to ensure that your underwear is made of moisture-wicking technology. Otherwise, you should avoid this underwear.
3. Hygiene
Wearing underwear can act as a barrier between your body and the running shorts, helping to absorb sweat and minimize direct contact between your skin and the fabric.
This can be especially important for maintaining good hygiene, as it can reduce the chances of bacteria growth and associated odors.
4. Added protection
In some cases, the built-in liner or compression shorts that come with running shorts may not provide sufficient coverage or protection for individual preferences. Wearing underwear can offer an extra layer of protection and coverage, providing a greater sense of security.
Everything depends on your comfort and preference. If you want you can wear underwear, shorts with built-in underwear, and you can also go commando.
Do You Wear Underwear With 2 In 1 Running Shorts
2-in-1 running shorts means running shorts that are designed with built-in compression liner or brief. In that case, you shouldn’t wear any traditional underwear. The purpose of the built-in liner is to provide support, moisture-wicking properties, and reduce friction during physical activities.
Many runners find the built-in liner of 2-in-1 shorts to be sufficient on its own, eliminating the need for wearing separate underwear. However, personal preference may vary, and some individuals may still choose to wear underwear for added comfort or support.
Ultimately, whether or not to wear additional underwear with 2-in-1 running shorts depends on individual comfort and preference. It’s recommended to try them on and see how they feel during your runs. If you find that the built-in liner provides enough support and comfort, you may not need to wear separate underwear.
What Types Of Underwear To Wear With Running Shorts

Any underwear which is so breathable, moisture-wicking, minimalistic, chafing-free, comfortable, and movement-friendly can wearable with running shorts (if your shorts don’t have built-in underwear or liners).
For your convenience, we can recommend underwear styles to wear under running or athletic shorts. So let’s see some types of underwear which are preferred by runners.
Briefs:
Briefs offer a more traditional style and provide good support for the genital area. Look for briefs made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials to keep you comfortable during runs.
Trunks:
Trunks are similar to boxer briefs but have a shorter leg length. They provide a snug fit and can offer both support and freedom of movement.
Performance Boxer Briefs:
Performance boxer briefs are a popular choice among runners. They typically feature moisture-wicking fabric, a snug fit, and a longer leg length for added support and coverage.
Compression Shorts:
Compression shorts are not exactly underwear, but athletes use compression shorts as underwear. These types of shorts are designed to provide a tight and supportive fit. They offer muscle support, reduce muscle vibration, and can help improve blood circulation.
Compression shorts can be worn as standalone underwear or as an additional layer beneath running shorts. That’s why not only runners love to wear compression shorts. Not only runners but some swimmers also wear compression shorts under their swim trunks, but why? The same reasons, support, comfort, and security.
Hope you enjoyed this article, because all the information that we provided here all are the speech of professional runners. So we hope this article will help you to decide whether you will wear underwear with your running shorts or not.
If you have any questions about shorts, then let us inform in the comment box. We will help you by answering all of your questions.
