People tend to invest plenty of money in exercise clothes, but does that extend to underwear? The underwear you wear when working out is just as important as the rest of your outfit, perhaps even more so. To keep yourself cool and dry, and to prevent chafing or wedgies, the right type of underwear is everything. Check out this guide to the perfect men’s underwear for every type of workout.

HIIT

High intensity interval training requires a specific kind of underwear. That’s where Malebasics Titanium comes in. Designed specifically with HIIT workouts like CrossFit in mind, this unique underwear combines comfort, breathability, and performance into one. Made out of a special blend of microfibre, this athletic underwear, available as boxers and boxer briefs,  feature a mesh band around the legs to prevent chafing and hold them in place (no wedgies here). Containing moisture-wicking, fast-drying properties, you can count on Performance Titanium men’s underwear to stay in place and keep you cool, even during the most intense of HIIT workouts.

Running

Whether you’re a casual runner or a marathon champion, we recommend a fitted brief or bikini for your workout. Why? It’s common for men’s running shorts to have built-in liners, and typically these liners are either brief or bikini in shape. Take a look at your favourite running shorts and find a pair of underwear that mimics the liner. This will provide the most comfort. Plus, as running involves repeated movement of the legs, you’ll want a style that doesn’t get in the way. Briefs aren’t bulky and because they don’t cover your thighs, they won’t hinder your movement in any way. 

Weightlifting 

Weightlifting is one of the most popular types of workouts. Whether you’re using dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, or something else entirely, this particular type of exercise requires underwear that will stay in place, no matter how many reps, swings, jerks, or squats you do during your workout. That’s why we recommend a jockstrap for all men partial to weightlifting. Jockstraps offer the most freedom and movement of any type of underwear style. They won’t ride up and they won’t hold you back. They’re ideal if you’re combining several different weightlifting exercises into one workout.

Yoga

Yoga is all about flexibility. In order to remain flexible, you have to be wearing the proper clothing and that includes underwear. Thongs are our go-to when it comes to yoga. Similar to the jockstrap, they provide ample freedom, allowing you to move and twist your body in any direction. Plus, a thong will ensure no underwear lines if you choose to wear tights during your practice. A proper-fitting thong will seamlessly take you from downward dog to crow pose to pigeon without limiting your movement. 

Cycling 

Reduce friction and minimize chafing when cycling with a long pair of boxers. Long performance underwear (i.e. underwear that reaches your knee or the lower half of your thigh) is ideal when going on long bike rides. This form of exercise is notorious for causing chafing – if you wear the wrong clothes, that is. Longer boxers offer protection for your entire thigh, in addition to your glutes and groin. However, the length of the underwear is just as important as the material. Don’t forget to choose breathable, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying materials, such as microfibre or nylon.