Most of the running shorts have a liner inside that resembles a pair of underwear. This feature tends to confuse many individuals who question its purpose and whether it is helpful or not.
However, as a marathon runner, I can confidently assure you that this feature is highly beneficial for runners. Its advantages are numerous, and it plays a crucial role in enhancing comfort and performance during running sessions.
I understand that there is a lot of curiosity surrounding the topic of built-in underwear in running shorts. So, let’s dive right in and explore all the information you need to know about this feature.
Top 5 reasons behind built-in underwear in running shorts:
There are many reasons for running shorts have built-in underwear. These reasons are very effective for increasing the running experience. But I will cover the main 5 reasons here.
1. Prevents chafing:
As a runner, I know that chafing is very annoying while running. It is nothing but a result of skin-to-skin or skin-to-fabric friction which can be exacerbated by sweat or moisture.
Most of the running shorts liners fabric can able to hold tightly to our skin that can avoid friction. As a result, the liner can help to reduce chafing. So we can enjoy a chafing-free running experience.
If you are interested to find out the best running shorts to prevent chafing click more>
2. keeps sweat and moisture away:
The primary function of the liner inside running shorts is to wick away sweat and moisture from your crotch. As you perspire during a run, the moisture-wicking fabric of the liner allows sweat and moisture to evaporate, keeping you dry and comfortable.
The lightweight material of running shorts, often made of technical fabrics like polyester, elastane, spandex, and nylon, enhances breathability, drying, and cooling capabilities. This ensures that the built-in underwear keeps you feeling cooler and drier throughout your run.
The breathable liners also allow moisture to escape naturally while providing a good fit that offers freedom of movement without being too loose or baggy.
3. Offers support for men:
Running shorts often feature a built-in liner that serves several purposes, including providing support for men’s genitals. This support is particularly beneficial for men, offering the right amount of support and motion control during runs.
During longer distance runs, the male body experiences physiological changes such as redirected blood flow and slight retraction of the scrotum and penis, akin to the sensation of entering cold water. However, before these changes occur, the liners inside running shorts act as a protective barrier, ensuring modesty and preventing discomfort or unwanted visibility.
Even while running, the liners in running shorts offer adequate support without excessive compression, thanks to the lightweight materials they are made of. They effectively control excessive motion, maintaining modesty and ensuring that one’s genital area remains securely supported.
It’s worth noting that the built-in liner is not as supportive as a separate jockstrap, which is specifically designed to provide maximum support. However, the liner still provides a reasonable level of support, although it may not match the support offered by a regular jockstrap.
4. Prevent shorts from riding up:
Running shorts with a built-in liner offers a solution to a common problem that many women face: shorts riding up during workouts. This issue can be frustrating and uncomfortable. However, when wearing shorts with a built-in liner, there is minimal risk of the underwear riding up, unless the shorts are ill-fitting.
If you have ever found yourself constantly adjusting your shorts or underwear because they are getting wedged or riding up, opting for lined shorts can solve this problem. With the built-in liner, you can avoid the embarrassment of having to readjust your shorts or underwear in the middle of a run or workout.
The presence of a built-in liner in running shorts prevents them from riding up, ensuring that your movements during running or exercising are not restricted. So, if you’ve been struggling with shorts that ride up and hinder your movements, choosing running shorts with a built-in liner can be a game-changer.
So now you can say goodbye to the inconvenience of pulling down your shorts or underwear mid-run issue. Enjoy your workouts without the distraction and discomfort of constantly adjusting your clothing, thanks to the benefits offered by the built-in liner in running shorts.
5. One less layer:
Wearing running shorts with a built-in liner offers a practical advantage, particularly in hot weather. While some runners opt for tights in colder temperatures, the concept of “less is more” rings true when it comes to warmer days.
By opting for running shorts with a built-in liner, you eliminate the need for separate underwear, resulting in one less layer of clothing. This reduction in layers is particularly advantageous in hot and humid conditions.
The built-in underwear in running shorts is typically made of thin and breathable fabric, allowing better airflow to your crotch area. The loose-knit design facilitates air circulation, helping you feel fresh and cool even during longer runs.
By choosing shorts with a built-in liner, you experience the benefits of enhanced ventilation, allowing air to flow more freely, and reducing the risk of overheating during intense physical activity in the heat.
The key difference between regular underwear and built-in underwear in running shorts!
Built-in underwear is a common feature in most running shorts, serving the purpose of eliminating the need for wearing separate underwear while providing the benefits that underwear offers.
Unlike regular underwear, the built-in liner in running shorts is specifically designed to cater to the demands of running, offering support, comfort, and moisture-wicking properties.
On the other hand, regular underwear may not provide the same level of benefits and comfort during running compared to built-in underwear in running shorts.
While it is expected in men’s running shorts to provide a secure fit, it is noteworthy that women’s running shorts also incorporate this feature.
By including built-in underwear, running shorts ensure that both male and female runners can enjoy the convenience and functionality of this specialized garment during their runs.
Is this beneficial to have running shorts with built-in underwear?
The inclusion of built-in underwear in running shorts offers numerous benefits for runners. Firstly, the use of lightweight and breathable materials in the built-in liner enhances ventilation, effectively keeping runners cool during hot and humid runs.
Additionally, the built-in liner provides an added layer of modesty, ensuring that there is no unwanted visibility or discomfort while running. Runners can feel confident and at ease knowing that their attire offers appropriate coverage and support.
The inclusion of a built-in liner in running shorts offers a superior alternative to separate underwear, providing enhanced comfort and minimizing friction.
Overall, opting for running shorts with built-in underwear proves to be a superior choice, providing optimal comfort, convenience, and performance for runners.
Do You Still Need to Wear Underwear When Wearing Lined Shorts?
The presence of built-in underwear in running shorts eliminates the need for wearing additional underwear, offering several advantages.
Firstly, it ensures a fresh and breathable environment within your upper leg area, enhancing comfort during workouts. The built-in underwear is designed to provide a lightweight and unrestricted feeling, allowing for ease of movement and enhancing the overall wearing experience.
Therefore, wearing an extra layer of underwear becomes redundant when using running shorts with built-in underwear.
However, it is worth mentioning that it is entirely optional to wear underwear with built-in running shorts, and individuals may choose to do so if they prefer. Ultimately, the decision to wear additional underwear with built-in running shorts is a personal choice, depending on individual preferences and comfort levels.
Can You Cut The Lining?
While some individuals may find the built-in underwear in running shorts uncomfortable, they may choose to remove it by cutting it out. This process involves pulling out the lining from the inside and carefully cutting it closest to the seams.
We all know why running shorts have liners (Why Do Running Shorts Have Liners). In this case, cutting the lining improperly can lead to potential disadvantages. To determine the best option, it is recommended to purchase both lined and unlined shorts and try them to see which provides the best fit and comfort.
(Note: When attempting to cut the liner, caution must be exercised, particularly if the shorts have hidden pockets. In such cases, it is recommended to cut around the pockets at the top seam and secure them in place through sewing. This ensures that the functionality of any existing pockets is not compromised during the removal of the liner.)
What can be used instead of built-in liners?
If you prefer not to wear running shorts with built-in underwear, there are several measures you can take to enhance your running comfort. Here are a few options to consider:
Wear underwear:
When faced with such a situation, it is advisable to wear your underwear beneath the shorts for added comfort and support. However, it is crucial to select underwear that goes beyond the ordinary.
Look for underwear specifically designed to prevent chafing and effectively wick away sweat and moisture. By doing so, you can avoid potential discomfort while running.
Regular underwear may not possess the necessary features to keep you comfortable during long runs, such as a marathon. Wearing separate underwear alongside your running shorts might not provide the same level of runner-friendly benefits as built-in underwear.
The purpose-built liners in running shorts are designed to address the unique needs of active individuals. To avoid such drawbacks, it is advisable to prioritize underwear that is specifically designed for athletes.
Try Compression shorts:
If you prefer not to wear running shorts with built-in underwear, an alternative option is to invest in high-quality compression shorts. Compression shorts are typically crafted from stretchy materials like lycra, spandex, and nylon, offering excellent support for runners.
These shorts are designed to fit snugly against your legs, promoting better airflow and keeping your legs cool during your runs. Additionally, the compression feature helps prevent uncomfortable chafing by minimizing friction on your legs.
One advantage of compression shorts is that their tightness eliminates the necessity for wearing separate underwear. The close-fitting nature of compression shorts provides ample support and coverage, reducing the need for an additional layer.
This can enhance your comfort and convenience while running, allowing you to focus solely on your performance.
Choosing not to wear underwear while running is bad?
Choosing to run without underwear can be a personal preference for some individuals seeking maximum comfort. However, it’s important to consider the potential disadvantages if your running shorts lack a built-in liner. Without a properly fitting liner, you may experience several drawbacks.
Firstly, a loose-fitting liner fails to provide the necessary support and security, potentially leading to discomfort and chafing in sensitive areas. Additionally, the absence of underwear can result in less effective containment of sweat and any accidental openings in the shorts.
To address these issues, it is advisable to select running shorts with a well-fitting and supportive liner. This ensures a snug and comfortable fit, minimizing the risk of chafing and providing modesty and protection.
Final words:
In summary, running shorts with built-in underwear provide multiple benefits for runners, such as preventing chafing, managing sweat and moisture, offering support, and providing convenience. While the choice to wear additional underwear with these shorts is a matter of personal preference, the built-in liner typically offers sufficient support and comfort for the majority of runners.
If you would like further information or have any questions on this topic, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Have a wonderful day!