Introduction

Even if your underwear wardrobe has all of your favourite everyday ones, you may discover that the same pair that feels fantastic on workdays or casual weekends may not perform as well when you hit the gym.

Starting off, a good pair must provide exceptional support; runners and athletes are continually moving at fast speeds and must maintain stability in the midst of the storm.

Second, the pants have to be comfortable. This means that the fabric and cut must be free of friction, and the breathability factor is essential.

Third, current technology introduces new features such as moisture-wicking fabrics and even gadget pockets, which are a great plus.

And why are these factors important when selecting the best workout underwear and innerwear? Because standard cotton pants retain moisture, they can become sticky and uncomfortable during workouts, potentially causing chafing in sensitive areas. Your daily pair might also not be stretchy enough to handle the demands of your workout. These are critical considerations for athletes and trainers who engage in a variety of sports, including running, weightlifting, high-intensity training, and climbing.

Features You Should Look for When Picking The Right Underwear For the Gym

Moisture-Wicking Fabric: Keeps sweat away from your skin, preventing discomfort and irritation.
Breathability: Mesh panels or lightweight fabrics help with airflow and reduce overheating.
Stretch & Flexibility: A good amount of spandex or elastane ensures a full range of motion during workouts.
Supportive Fit: Provides the right amount of hold to minimize bounce and prevent wardrobe mishaps.
Flat Seams / Seamless Design: Reduces chafing and friction, especially during high-intensity training.
Durability: Strong stitching and quality fabric that can handle frequent washing and heavy use.
Odour Control: Some performance underwear includes antimicrobial technology to keep you feeling fresh.
Waistband Comfort: A snug but soft waistband that doesn’t dig in or roll down during movement.

Best Underwear Material & Fabric for Working Out

To figure out which underwear is best for the gym, we need to consider three factors: comfort, support, and performance. The fabric material of your pants has a significant impact on how your workout unfolds, particularly in terms of moisture management, breathability, and fit. The best fabrics for workout underwear and their advantages are listed below.

Cotton

It is soft, breathable, and absorbs moisture well, making it great for daily wear. But for workouts, it’s a bad choice, its moisture retention leads to chafing and discomfort.

Synthetic Fabrics

Synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and spandex are ideal for workouts. Nylon is strong, moisture-wicking, and supportive. Polyester is lightweight, quick-drying, and often blended with spandex for flexibility. Spandex adds stretch and support, moving with your body during exercise.

Bamboo Fabric

Bamboo fabric is soft, breathable, moisture-absorbing, and naturally antibacterial—great for reducing odour and safe for sensitive skin.

Merino Wool

Merino wool regulates temperature, wicks moisture, and also resists odour, making it an excellent workout material year-round.

Types of Workout Underwear for Men

Wondering what underwear to wear to the gym? CottoSilk offers three types you can choose from, based on your level of comfort.

Boxer Briefs: Snug fit with good coverage, ideal for workouts thanks to their balance of support and comfort.
Trunks: Shorter than boxer briefs, offering the same support with less fabric, great for the gym if you prefer a lighter feel.
Long Boxer Briefs: Extra thigh coverage to prevent chafing, perfect for running and high-intensity training.

Final Thoughts

When deciding on the best workout underwear material, consider moisture retention, sufficient support, and reduced chafing. Given their superior properties, synthetic textiles such as nylon or polyester are most likely the best options. Other suitable possibilities include bamboo cloth and merino wool. Finally, the greatest underwear will be determined by your own preferences for fit and comfort during your workout.

Check CottoSilk’s underwear types and choose your favourite one.

FAQs

Q1: Why shouldn’t I wear regular cotton underwear to the gym?
Cotton absorbs and holds onto moisture, which can cause chafing, discomfort, and even skin irritation during workouts. For exercise, it’s better to go for moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon, polyester, or bamboo.

Q2: What type of underwear is best for high-intensity workouts?
For intense training, running, or sports, choose supportive options like compression shorts or long boxer briefs. They minimize bounce, reduce chafing, and keep everything secure while allowing full range of motion.