Imagine you’re about to go for a jog, and you have the age-old question: should I wear underwear with running shorts? It’s a personal choice based on preference, comfort, and style.
It may seem trivial, but there are several factors to consider when choosing whether or not to wear underwear with running shorts. When it comes to performance benefits, wearing underwear beneath your running shorts can provide an extra layer of support and help reduce chafing.
Also, if the shorts are lightweight and not too tight, this extra layer can help reduce unwanted friction from the fabric. And in the rare instance that a wardrobe malfunction may occur, underwear can help prevent any awkward exposure. However, some people find that wearing underwear can be constricting and uncomfortable, impacting performance.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what works best for your body and workout routine. Try out a few different options to get a feel for which one works better for you.
Wearing the right underwear while running can have major benefits, whether you’re an athlete or a casual jogger.
Benefits of wearing underwear with running shorts
Here are 10 reasons why it’s important to wear underwear with running shorts:
1. Increased comfort:
Wearing underwear helps avoid chafing and other discomfort caused by your shorts when running, especially for longer distances. The fabric of the underwear helps reduce any irritation from rubbing against your skin. And the extra layer of fabric helps wick away moisture, keeping you cooler and more comfortable.
2. Hygiene:
Not wearing underwear can leave you more prone to infection due to sweat, friction, and other debris that can cling in between. For example, sweat and dirt can accumulate between your skin and the shorts when running long distances, leading to bacteria growth. Therefore, wearing underwear can help keep you clean and hygienic.
3. Visibility:
If you decide against wearing underwear, it can be uncomfortable if someone catches a glimpse of your private parts when you bend over or stretch during your run. Moreover, it can be quite embarrassing if you have to show up at work or a gathering in the same clothes.
4. Protection against the Elements:
Wearing layers of protective clothing such as underwear will provide an extra layer of protection against wind chill, rain, and sunburn damage on your skin during outdoor runs. And the underwear also helps absorb sweat, keeping your shorts from soaking up excess moisture.
5. Support and Control:
Underwear with compression fabric or special waistbands helps keep everything in place while providing support around the waistline and abdominal area, so there is less risk of slipping off or flapping around while running. Many runners opt for compression shorts because they provide extra support, comfort, and control.
6. Improved Blood Flow:
Compression materials also promote better blood circulation, improving performance when exercising over extended periods. Nowadays, various underwear and shorts with these features are available to help athletes improve their running performances. According to some experts, tighter-fitting shorts can even help to improve oxygen uptake and reduce lactic acid build-up in the muscles.
7. Time Savings:
Wearing underwear under running shorts means fewer trips to the washroom or locker room – meaning more time spent actually doing what you love! Interestingly, tech-savvy runners are beginning to wear high-performance underwear with UV protection and sweat absorbency – perfect for those long runs. And these underwear are also designed to be breathable and lightweight.
8. Sweat Repellent Benefits:
Some brands now make breathable fabrics that are designed specifically for flexibility, sweat repellency, ventilation, thermal regulation, and moisture-wicking abilities. These features combine to provide much-needed comfort during long-distance runs. In addition to all this, these fabrics are designed to be durable and flexible.
9. Durability:
Underwear provides an extra layer of cushioning between the outer layer of fabric that makes up your shorts and delicate skin to prevent any potential ripening after long hours of training. And because most underwear is designed to be lightweight, it won’t add extra weight and bulkiness. As a matter of fact, they’re designed to be “floating” fabrics that move with the body rather than against it. And this helps keep your shorts from wearing out faster.
10. Versatility:
Investing in a few different styles of good quality athletic underwear allows for greater versatility when choosing attire for sports such as basketball, volleyball, or football, or just day-to-day activities like lounging around the house. However, it’s important to remember that breathable and sweat-wicking fabrics are best suited for running activities.
Summary
The benefits of wearing underwear when running are numerous. It helps to keep you hygienic, increases visibility and protection from the elements, provides compression and control, and improves blood flow and time savings.
In addition, underwear with sweat-repellent features provides comfort during long-distance runs. Finally, they are durable, lightweight, and versatile for running and various other activities. All in all, wearing underwear when running is definitely something to consider.
Happy running!
