The 7 Best Men's Athletic Underwear for Every Type of Workout

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collage of men's athletic underwear on a blue-green background
white lululemon always in motion boxers on a blue-green background
grey under armour tech 6" boxerjocks on a blue-green background
black nike pro men's shorts on a blue-green background
navy tommy john 360 sport brief 2.0 on a blue-green background
navy adidas sport performance boxer briefs on a blue-green background
grey smartwool merino sport 150 boxer briefs on a blue-green background
black david archy bamboo rayon trunks on a blue-green background
The best men's athletic underwear are made of breathable, sweat-wicking materials and have a slight compression fit.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com

Sure, going commando for your workouts will help prevent sweat and odor-causing bacteria from sticking to your nether regions. But exercising with boxers and briefs has some perks, too: For one, you're less likely to irritate the skin in your genital area, which can lead to jock itch and other issues.

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And two, men's athletic underwear is not like the cotton tighty-whities you slip on every day. Workout underwear is made of supportive, breathable and sweat-wicking materials so it doesn't restrict movement and provides comfort.

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Choosing workout underwear comes down to fit, fabric and design. Check out the best men's athletic underwear and get expert tips on what to look for when shopping for the perfect pair.

At LIVESTRONG.com, we prefer to use gender-neutral language, but manufacturers typically market athletic underwear according to gender. Men's workout underwear is built to support greater weights and tends to be longer in length or roomier in the front due to anatomical differences. So people with penises or bigger bodies may want to opt for athletic underwear marketed as men's.

How We Chose

We chatted with a urologist, a doctor of physical therapy and some of the most active guys we know to find out their favorites. Then we narrowed down their picks based on the following criteria:

  • Fit
  • Comfort
  • Material

Learn more about how we cover products here.

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1. Lululemon Always in Motion Boxer 5"

Always In Motion Boxer 5"

Light compression, moisture-wicking fabric and a roomy front make these Lululemon boxer briefs a staple.

These quick-drying Lululemon's boxers are great for going from the gym to the grocery, thanks to their breathable lycra fabric, says Koushik Shaw, MD, a urologist at the Austin Urology Institute.

Designed for working out, this men's athletic underwear has a roomy and supportive pouch for those with a penis. They also offer mild compression but don't make your body feel constricted while you train, says California-based physical therapist Jereme Schumacher, DPT.

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These boxers are available in 5- and 7-inch lengths in S to XXL.

2. Under Armour Tech 6" Boxerjock

Men's UA Tech 6" Boxerjock

Love a HIIT workout? These boxer briefs from Under Armour are made to handle the toughest of workouts without chafing.

Under Armour's sporty boxers have a four-way stretch, allowing you to move in every direction without restriction, Schumacher says. Plus, their seamless construction is great for preventing friction between your privates during your workout, Dr. Shaw says.

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If you have a problem keeping your drawers up while exercising, these boxers also have a fitted performance waistband that keeps them from falling.

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These boxers are available from size S to 5XL.

3. Nike Pro Men's Shorts

Nike Pro Men's Dri-FIT Shorts

A classic choice for being active everyday, these Nike shorts can be worn on their own or under looser shorts.

You can wear these versatile Nike Pro shorts as a base layer or as is. Because of their snug yet stretchy fit, they're perfect for just about any kind of workout, but especially if you're running or doing plyometrics, Schumacher says.

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The blend of polyester and Spandex also make these shorts sweat-wicking, which is a must-have if you want to ward off chafing, itchiness and skin infections, Dr. Shaw says.

Check them out in sizes S to 4XL.

4. Tommy John 360 Sport Trunk 4"

Tommy John 360 Sport Trunk 4"

Tommy John is a personal favorite of Koushik Shaw, MD, a urologist, thanks to their comfort and wedgie-free construction.

Among the best men's athletic underwear brands, Tommy John is one of Dr. Shaw's personal favorites.

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These exercise trunks have a stretchy fabric to prevents wedgies, no matter how hard you're working. The center is also built with a flat middle seam that keeps your testicles in place without any restricting compression, Dr. Shaw says. And the waistband is wide and compressive enough to stay put, without rolling or uncomfortable bunching.

Try them out in sizes S to XXL.

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5. Adidas Performance Boxer Briefs

Adidas Performance Boxer Briefs

Need to stock up? These Adidas briefs, made with a mix of mesh and cotton, come in packs of three and are often on sale.

Good news if you need to completely overhaul your underwear drawer: These Adidas performance boxer briefs come in packs of three.

They're made with a mix of mesh and cotton, which is good for breathability, Dr. Shaw says. The flat seams across the back and front prevent rubbing — a common issue in workouts with a lot of repetitive motion, like running and cycling.

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Stock up in sizes S through 4XL.

6. Smartwool Merino Boxer Brief

Smartwool Merino Boxer Brief

A Merino wool blend should be your go-to during cooler weather workouts or when you need some extra durability.

If you're training in cooler weather, Merino wool is a great choice, according to Schumacher. It's not itchy or stiff like standard wool, but it keeps your body just as warm. Plus, Merino wool regulates temperature, so you don't have to worry about overheating during your workout.

The difference with Smartwool is that they blend their briefs with polyester, too, so they stay dry when you start breaking a sweat. Our testers like to wear these while rock climbing outdoors to help prevent chafing from climbing pants and keep temps regulated.

They're available in sizes S to XL.

7. David Archy Bamboo Rayon Trunks

David Archy Bamboo Trunks

These bamboo briefs come in different lengths, are budget-friendly and are a top-seller on Amazon.

Dr. Shaw is a fan of bamboo because it's naturally antimicrobial and fights odor. Bamboo is also uber-soft and moisture-wicking, which helps prevent conditions like jock itch.

We love that this men's workout underwear has a comfortable and roomy pouch with a front fly, so it doesn't sacrifice function. Available in a variety of lengths, including 4.5 inches, 5.5 inches and 8 inches, these boxer briefs cater to individual styles and needs. And at a 4.5-star rating with more than 11,000 reviews on Amazon, stocking up on these is a no-brainer.

You can buy them in S to XXL.

3 Tips for Buying the Best Men's Athletic Underwear

1. Try Several Pairs

The first place to start? Look at your own anatomy, Dr. Shaw suggests. Everyone's body is different and your best pair of men's workout underwear will depend on your personal needs.

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"Do what's right for your body," Dr. Shaw says. "There's this whole boxer and brief debate, but there's no one answer that's right for everybody. Experiment and buy a couple of pairs and see what feels right for you."

Keep in mind that testicles are about a degree or degree and a half cooler than the rest of your body, which is why they sit low, Dr. Shaw says. Considering that everyone's testicles sit at different heights, it's best to try several pairs to find your perfect fit.

You definitely want support in your workout undies, but you shouldn't feel like you're squeezing into them. A pair of underwear that compresses too much can be uncomfortable and problematic for sperm production. Look for men's workout underwear that lets you move freely in every direction without too much loose fabric.

2. Look for Moisture-Wicking Fabric

Keeping your crotch dry is crucial for avoiding skin issues like jock itch, chafing or infection. That's why you should look for fabric that's breathable and pulls moisture away from your body. Although cotton is comfortable and breathes nicely, it usually stays damp, according to Dr. Shaw.

Nylon, polyester, Merino wool and bamboo are more breathable and sweat-wicking materials you want in your workout underwear, he says.

Most men's workout underwear have a blend of different fabrics, so read the packaging closely and look out for these materials. Even a cotton pair that's blended with one of these performance fabrics should be fine for working out.

3. Consider Your Activities

The type of workouts you do will play a big part in your underwear selection, Dr. Shaw says. Cyclists, for instance, should look for a pair of longer, compressive boxers so they won't bunch up in the middle of a ride. Yogis might prefer a pair that's especially flexible, while runners may want ones that have a no-slip waistband.

Tip

Talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you have a skin condition like psoriasis or hidradentitis suppurativa. You might benefit from workout underwear made from certain fabrics or with other features a health care professional can recommend

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