Many running shorts come with a kind of built in underwear known as a liner. The liners are either briefs or shorts, and most runners prefer the brief style as they don’t ride up the leg during runs. Liners are usually made of soft, lightweight fabrics that feel good against the skin and stay out of the way. They may be made of synthetics such as polyester and nylon or natural materials such as cotton, although the latter tends to retain moisture and can breed bacteria over time.
The reason for the liners is that they help to keep the sweat from the groin area away from the skin and out of the shorts, helping the athlete to feel comfortable and prevent chafing. Liners can also be more breathable than regular underwear, which will help to improve the breathability of the overall run. Some of the leading brands of running shorts will make a pair that does not have a liner so you can choose your own underwear.
Runners can wear underwear with their running shorts or go without them, and both ways are fine. However, if you choose to wear underwear with lined running shorts, make sure that the underwear is light and breathable so that there is no contact between your underwear and the liner’s fabric which can cause friction and irritation in the groin.
Most shorts are designed to be worn with the liners inside, and most runners will not want to cut them out of their shorts as this can make the shorts uncomfortable and potentially lead to chafing, especially around the groin. The lining of the shorts is usually made of a lightweight, technical fabric designed with running in mind. This type of material wicks away sweat, keeps the skin cool and dry, eliminates odor, and is stretchy so that it moves with the body during workouts.
Some runners like the liners in their running shorts, and find that they don’t need to wear underwear, which saves time, laundry, and space. The liners are typically sewn into the shorts with a bit of stretch, and a breathable, lightweight fabric such as polyester, which provides comfort through breathability and temperature regulation.
In addition, some shorts have extra support features in the form of a ballpark pouch for men (or women), which helps to ensure that the genitals do not move during running. Lastly, the liners can also provide some compression to help with blood flow and circulation to reduce muscle fatigue and soreness.
Some runners may still prefer to wear underwear with their running shorts, but this will usually only be the case if they are looking for extra support in the groin area and a smooth, comfortable fit. If you do decide to go without a liner in your running shorts, it is advisable to look for a pair that have been made with transparency and factory conditions in mind. Aim for shorts that have been certified by the independent fashion transparency directory Good On You, and check for certification from the manufacturer.
Milena Estêvão is a YouTuber passionate about sharing her experiences (challenges, successes and motivations) in the fitness activities she is involved in.
FIND HER ON INSTAGRAM OR YOUTUBE THROUGH THE BELOW LINKS