The Best Exercise Underwear for Men, According to Fitness Experts

Not all guys choose to wear underwear while running, especially since mostrunning shortshave built-in underwear. But if you do want that extra layer Rich Velazquez, chief operating officer and coach atMile High Run Club, prefers this close-fitting Under Armour style. “They dry quickly post-workout, the three-inch fits comfortably under any exercise short, and have about a two-year shelf life,” he says. “They also fit close enough to the skin where they don’t ride up.”

If your runs take you out to the trail, or even the local park, opt for a pair from outdoorsy brand ExOfficio that are designed to handle the elements. “They’re light, breathable, antimicrobial, and quick-drying,” says Barron Cuadro, founding editor ofEffortless Gent. “If you’re a hard-core wilderness guy, you can wash these in a river and they’ll be dry within an hour, so they can definitely handle a sweaty workout.”

Under Armour styles were popular among many of the experts we asked. Ian Taylor, editor-in-chief of men’s style siteFashionBeans, recommends their “really stretchy” pairs for leg days at the gym when you’ll be doing a lot of squats or lunges. The ArmourVent style also got a mention from Megan Collins, founder of menswear siteStyle Girlfriend.

Another flexible option for weightlifting comes from ecofriendly brandNice Laundry. Each purchase comes with a prepaid mailing label, so you can swap out your old underwear and socks, which the company then recycles. “Their boxer briefs are made from this stretchy modal that is ultra, ultracomfortable, so they’re great at the gym,” says Isaac Hindin-Miller, DJ and author of menswear blogIsaac Likes.

Whether you’re riding outside or sweating indoors on a spin bike,SwerveinstructorJason Tranrecommends these Adidas underwear for cycling. “They don’t ride up my leg, they absorb sweat, and are super soft and comfy,” he says.

When he’s looking for exercise underwear,Ben Wegman, founding trainer and chief curriculum officer atFhitting Room, a high-intensity-training boutique-fitness studio in New York, says, “I want to stay cool, comfortable, and feel ‘supported.’” He saysRhone’s boxer briefs are his “top choice, hands down,” because they are secure and supportive. Unlike other brands, he likes that they don’t make him “feel like I’m being suffocated by some crazy spandex fabric.”

This lightweight, four-way stretch pair from Lululemon is designed to feel like a second skin when you’re doing workouts with a lot of jumping and fast movements. Collins likes these for guys because of the quick-dry, sweat-wicking material that’ll keep you cool.

[Editor’s note: Lululemon’s Lock ‘Em Down Line has been replaced by the License to Train underwear line, which is available in5”and7”boxer cuts for $38.]

Chris Brinlee Jr., an alpine athlete and professionalphotographer, calls these Icebreaker briefs his “go-to underwear for everything that I do.” Since his “everything” includes mountain climbing in New Zealand and backpacking in the Dolomites, this pair is clearly up to the challenge of any outdoors adventure. “They look nice and have a great cut, but most notably, they’re made from merino wool,” he says. “Merino is incredibly breathable and is naturally antimicrobial — they don’t stink.”

Whether you’re playing pickup basketball or on a ZogSports softball team, these athletic shorts have a snug, supportive fit and also a hint of compression to keep muscles feeling strong. Collins says, “You might not look like a football player wearing them, but I swear to God you’ll feel like one.”