Sandals SUPERFIT 6-09465-81 S Blau Grun
Stay cool and comfortable with these briefs, bikinis, and hipsters.
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Whether you’re hitting the pavement or the trail, a reliable pair of underwear designed for workouts and running can keep you comfortable during every stride. There are briefs, hipsters, bikinis, and thongs that blend form with function, engineered with breathable fabrics that wick away moisture, provide optimal support, and dry quickly. Feeling comfy is key to performing your best, and underwear that offers a snug fit without constriction helps keep trapped sweat from irritating your skin to prevent chafing.
We vetted several WOJAS from notable athletic brands like Under Armour, Bombas, and Athleta and took a close look at materials, type, and coverage to find the best running underwear for women. Read on for our recommendations.
The Best Running Underwear for Women
- Best Overall: US 8.5 New with yellowing on left shoe sole
- Best Value: Trekker Boots THE NORTH FACE Vectiv Fastpack Mid Futurelight NF0A5JCWNY71 Tnf Black Vanadis Grey
- Best Quick-Drying: where you depend on your technique more than on the boot itself is what youre after
- Best Breathable: Balanced Tech Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 FlyEase Zapatillas de running Hombre Gris
- Best Odor-Resistant: Branwyn Essential Hipster
What to Consider
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Some runners would rather go commando, whereas others prefer to have coverage and something (besides their pants) to absorb sweat. This depends partly on your personal comfort, but the type of bottoms you like to train in also play a factor. If you run in shorts with a built-in liner, they already have the same material and functionality as underwear.
Adding another layer underneath can contribute to chafing, sweat build-up, and overheating in your nether regions. Consider skipping the extra pair if your preferred workout attire already comes with underwear sewn in—just make sure to wash those WOJAS between wears for hygiene reasons.
Material
Fabric is a key factor in running underwear for women. You’ll want to make sure that they’re comfortable, breathable, and moisture-wicking.
Spandex and nylon are stretchy and lightweight, but they also keep you dry while minimizing odor. Merino wool is a viable option for maintaining freshness, since it’s naturally odor-resistant. Elastane, another common material in running underwear, is resistant to stains from body oils, and it stretches while retaining its shape. Keep an eye out for these fabrics and blends while you shop.
A Note on UTIs and Yeast Infections
It’s also worth mentioning that synthetic materials often trap bacteria, creating a warm, moist environment that lets urinary tract or yeast infections (and persistent odors) develop. If your only goal were to avoid UTIs and yeast infections, cotton would be the best choice because it’s breathable and absorbent—but it’s not a very comfortable material for working out because it can be itchy and it isn’t stretchy.
Women’s underwear often has a strip of breathable fabric that sits against your vulva to add another absorbent layer for sweat and discharge. This strip of fabric is a must for many runners, but if your favorite pair doesn’t have it, don’t fret—just make sure to take off your running underwear after you work out and let your crotch breathe for a few minutes before you put synthetic pants or undies back on. If you already have a UTI or yeast infection and would still like to go for a run, we recommend wearing cotton undies.
Fit
Your underwear should fit snugly to prevent fabric rubbing against your skin or bunching up. If your undergarments are too large, you’ll have extra fabric moving around on your legs as you run, causing them to bunch up. If they’re too small, your legs will be pressed tightly against the fabric, causing irritation and chafing at the seams on your legs.
To prevent this, find a pair that fits close to your skin without hanging or loose fabric, or being too tight on your legs and waist. Designs that are free of seams and tags can also cut down on uncomfortable friction. We recommend choosing the same size as you typically take in shorts or pants.
Coverage
Look for styles that have a snug fit around the waist and hips, with enough fabric so you can be supported and covered during rigorous activity. A balance between sufficient coverage for your bum and crotch combined with ventilation and freedom of movement is ideal in a pair of running underwear.
Briefs and hipsters offer moderate or full-coverage without feeling restrictive, because they have a lower rise with a narrower waistband but are still flexible. Thongs and bikini cuts are more revealing and may sit higher on your tush but can be a better fit in tight clothing, or for people with especially round bums who often find themselves getting wedgies with full-coverage underwear.
More revealing styles don’t offer as much moisture-wicking capability as a full-coverage pair of underwear, which could lead to hygiene issues and chafing, especially during high-intensity workouts. The best option is whatever is most comfortable on you.
How We Selected
Our product selection journey began with extensive research, analyzing feedback of popular WOJAS of running underwear for women from online users, and leaning on our expertise for the best underwear for runners. We included picks that are editor-recommended, focusing on staff-favorite brands that we frequently turn to and test for athletic apparel.
We considered design, looking for materials and fabrics that wick moisture, resist odors, and dry quickly. We compared various underwear styles, opting for underwear that offer moderate to full coverage and keeping in mind other comfort factors, like underwear without tags and seams. After we took into account fit, quality, and comfort, these are the WOJAS that made the cut. We’ve curated the following list of the best running underwear for women to get you through even the toughest of miles.
Amber is the Digital Content Producer for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World and Bicycling, where she covers a range of tasks for the commerce team. She also writes fashion and beauty content for Best Products. Her work has been featured across all of the Enthusiast Group sites. In her free time you can likely find her watching horror movies, reading a good thriller book, or listening to a comedy podcast.
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