Best Running Shorts and Underwear That Prevents Chafing

Have you ever tried running long distances and suddenly your thighs start to chafe? Chances are, you’re not wearing the right shorts which are causing your thighs to rub against each other. It’s pretty common and I’m pretty sure every runner experienced that at some point.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Wearing the right running shorts and underwear can prevent chafing in an instant.

I have worn different types of running shorts and underwear across multiple brands. Some of them work and some of them… not so much.

That is why I’d like to take away the guesswork and just give you the running shorts and underwear that work.

Best Running Shorts

Best Running Underwear

Why Under Armour HeatGear Long Shorts

Under Armour specializes in providing the best under armor there is (duh). Kidding aside, I have been using the Under Armour HeatGear a lot during most of my runs nowadays, especially the longer ones.

Back then, I used to wear 2-in-1 shorts because I didn’t have the confidence to run in public with compression shorts. But because it was so hot one day, I decided to give it a go and I’ve been running in compression shorts since then.

The Under Armour HeatGear feels very light and cool making it the perfect shorts for long hours on the pavement and trails during hot days (I live in a place where it’s hot almost all the time).

What I particularly like about wearing Under Armour Heatgear (and most compression shorts in general) compared to regular running shorts, is that they never fail at preventing chafing simply because they extend up to your thigh and they hold firmly.

It basically acts like another layer of skin so there’s absolutely no chance that your thighs rub each other (our inner thighs are a common chafing spot). There’s also less excess fabric that can sometimes get in the way of our runs.

I don’t typically wear underwear when I’m wearing compression shorts so I feel lighter and cooler throughout my runs. Plus, wearing the wrong underwear can cause skin irritations and chafe in your crotch area.

I also like the compression I get from compression shorts. I’m not sure how big of a deal it is when it comes to muscle performance but the compression just gives me a sense of stability in my thighs.

If you’re not comfortable with wearing compression shorts in public, you can wear them under regular shorts. It’ll prevent chafing the same way but it’ll definitely be hotter inside on summer days.

You can get the women’s HeatGear compression shorts here. It’s available in different lengths, but to prevent chafing, go for at least the mid-length ones.

Also, if it’s cold in the place you’re in, you can use the Under Armour ColdGear compression leggings instead. It works the same way but it’s thicker and provides more heat to your legs.

Why New Balance Impact Run

For some of you who don’t like the idea of wearing compression shorts while you run, you can go for lightweight, moisture-wicking shorts that are fast drying like the New Balance Impact run.

It helps wick away moisture in the crotch and thigh area that helps reduce the risk of chafing.

Chafing usually happens after some time when your thighs are sweaty and are rubbing against each other. So wearing running shorts and good running underwear is important to prevent chafing.

I’d recommend this to those who like to run around the city because these shorts look as good as how it feels.

Why Lixada 2-in-1 Shorts

Before I switched to HeatGear compression shorts, Lixada 2-in-1 was my go-to shorts.

I’ve used it for long runs, short runs, trail runs, and all sorts of runs, and I’ve always liked wearing it. These are very reliable running shorts despite being the cheapest running shorts on this list.

It has a built-in long mesh liner that prevents chafing and increases breathability which is exactly what I need when running on a hot day.

I actually have two of these that I used to switch because I loved it so much. The only reason I switched to HeatGear compression shorts was because of the weather. It’s so hot in our place that the less I’m wearing, the better I run. Hence, compression shorts instead of 2-in-1 shorts.

But in terms of value for the amount you paid, I’m satisfied with both the price and performance of the Lixada 2-in-1 running shorts.

It’s so cheap that it’s hard to go wrong with it.

There’s also a women’s version of the Lixada 2-in-1 but I’ve seen some women who’ve bought the men’s version and run with it.

Why Runderwear 5″ Boxer Brief

You know that feeling when you’ve just finished a workout, you’re dripping in sweat and your underwear is drenched in that sweat then you decided to chill for a moment? After a few mins of chilling in your wet underwear, you’ll kind of feel disgusted, stinky, or just plain uncomfortable.

It feels warm and it feels like your underwear is a spot where bacterial build-up could happen (and yes, it does).

There are times when I run out of compression shorts or two in one short so I have to wear regular shorts without any lining. In that case, I see to it that I wear a Runderwear underneath it.

Runderwear is fantastic running underwear and it works really well in preventing chafing and discomfort. It dries out really fast and it wicks away moisture that leads to bacterial build-up.

I don’t just use it for running. I use them for any sport as well because of how comfortable they are and because it keeps me dry and fresh.

It’s available in standard briefs to boxer briefs but I always stick with the 5” boxer brief because I want to be sure that my thighs don’t rub each other when I run. I have thick thighs because I squat heavy a lot. So chafing in the inner thigh was a regular thing until I started wearing compression shorts and long running underwear.

Runderwear is also available at various lengths for women. You can check the lengths out on Amazon.

Why ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sports Boxer Brief

Another underwear that I’m looking forward to using is the ExOfficio running underwear. It’s pretty much like the Runderwear, it’s moisture-wicking, chafe-free, breathable, and quick-drying that will help keep you fresh during your runs.

Another good thing about this running underwear is that it underwent what they call an odor-reducing treatment that helps prevent odor.

Personally, I haven’t had any problems with odor using the Runderwear or any of my running shorts because I wash them right after I use them to prevent bacterial build-up. But if you’re someone who had some problems with stinking clothes (or in this case, underwear), you can give this one a try.

That said, if staying stink-free, comfortable, and dry is something that’s important to you during your runs, this running underwear is for you.

By the way, if stinking clothes is a problem you’re facing, it might be caused by how you take care of them. That’s why I created a complete guide on how to prevent your clothes from smelling. You can check it out here.