Workout Underwear for Men | Built To Move

Workout underwear for men should be made of moisture-wicking synthetics, not cotton, to prevent chafing and ride-up.

For the full breakdown, see our best Athletic Mens Underwear guide.

The wrong pair of underwear can ruin a good workout. Cotton soaks up sweat, seams dig in, and waistbands roll down mid-squat. The right pair disappears—you forget you’re wearing it. This guide explains exactly which fabrics, inseams, and fits matter for training, so you buy the right pair the first time.

What Makes Underwear Work For Workouts?

Three things separate workout underwear from everyday pairs: fabric, fit, and inseam. Get all three right, and chafing and ride-up stop being problems.

Fabric is the foundation. Experts recommend polyester, nylon, or microfiber blends with spandex for training, because these synthetics pull sweat away from your skin and dry fast. Cotton does the opposite—it absorbs sweat and stays wet, which increases friction and discomfort during hard training. Nylon feels silkier; polyester is usually cheaper and resists pilling better.

Fit matters almost as much as fabric. A supportive pouch keeps everything secure and separated, which cuts friction, and a proper fit stops fabric from bunching. Several listings note ride-up is mostly caused by wearing the wrong size, so if you’re between sizes, size up.

Choosing The Right Inseam

Your activity level dictates your ideal inseam length, with 5-inch and 6-inch cuts offering the best all-around balance for most workouts.

Under Armour’s men’s underwear line highlights three lengths: 3-inch, 6-inch, and 9-inch boxer briefs. Here’s how they break down:

• 3-inch inseam: maximum mobility and minimal fabric, but can ride up during high-intensity movement.
• 5-6 inch inseam: the sweet spot. Enough coverage to stay put, enough mobility to not restrict movement. Best for most gym sessions, running, and sports.
• 9-inch inseam: maximum thigh coverage, favored for higher-friction activities where you need the extra layer of protection against chafing.

Too long a pair can bunch under shorts or feel restrictive; too short rides up. When in doubt, start with a 6-inch inseam and adjust from there.

Which Brands And Styles Stand Out?

Most major athletic brands offer workout-specific underwear lines, each with slightly different construction details.

adidas describes its men’s workout underwear as having a supportive fit, lightweight moisture-wicking fabric, a tagless waistband, and strategically placed seams meant to prevent chafing. Under Armour makes boxer briefs in 3″, 6″, and 9″ inseams. Other brands emphasize stretchy materials, stay-put waistbands, and ultra-soft fabrics to reduce bunching.

Materials and specs vary by model. Sizes typically run from S to 2XL, with some models reaching 3XL.

How Much Should You Spend?

Price largely tracks materials and construction quality. Flatlock seams, which lie flat against the skin instead of digging in, often appear on more expensive pairs. Antimicrobial finishes, which control odor during long sessions, also push prices up.

One more note on construction: check waistband and seam placement before you buy. Stay-put waistbands that don’t roll and flat or strategic seams are repeatedly cited as the comfort features that matter once you start moving.

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