Best Underwear for Working Out of 2026

The Hanes Total Support Pouch is the budget pair we keep recommending because it gets the sweaty-day basics right. The fabric is moisture-wicking and treated for odor control, and the anti-chafe brief cut is aimed at exactly the places that rub when you are moving. It is not the most technical pair here, but it covers the job.

We like the support pouch for the way it separates rather than compresses, and the soft hand makes the brief easy to wear all day, not just for a workout. The three-pack format is the practical part: one pair in the gym bag, one in the wash, one clean. For the money, that is a sensible way to upgrade a drawer without treating underwear as a major purchase.

The pouch is the one variable to watch. It is not as roomy as the name suggests for every build, so if you need a lot of forward space, try a single pair before committing to a full rotation. Seams can also come apart over time. Those are ordinary budget-underwear trade-offs, and for a low-cost gym rotation they are easier to accept.

The value is clearest for someone building a first performance drawer or adding a backup set for travel. It will not outlast a premium brief, but it will get you through the workout without a fuss.

The voenxe Seamless Thong is the pair we reach for when the outfit is leggings and the goal is to forget about underwear entirely. The no-show cut sits flat under stretch fabric, and the seamless construction avoids the raised edges that show through a squat. The bonded cotton gusset is a small detail we appreciate: the edge stays put instead of curling, so you are not adjusting mid-session.

The fabric is silky and light, and the five-pack makes it easy to keep a clean pair in rotation. Breathability is the strength here—these feel airy rather than hot, which is the difference between a thong that works for a workout and one that only works for a night out. The stretch is generous, though. If you are between sizes, the smaller one is the better bet, and a pair can relax after a long day of wear.

The cut works best under high-rise leggings and shorts; under a low-rise waistband, there is less to hold it in place. It is not the pick for someone who wants full-seat coverage, but for no-show performance it earns its spot. The five-pack is the practical clincher: you can keep one pair in the gym bag without stressing the laundry cycle.

The Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts are not a replacement for a daily brief. They are a base layer for runs, lifting sessions, and cold-weather training, with a compression fit that sits close under shorts. The side phone pocket is the detail that makes them useful beyond the gym: it gives you a secure place for a phone without a running belt.

We like the compression for the way it holds the thighs without the legs creeping up, and the HeatGear fabric has a slick, cool feel that layers well. The pocket is sized around a phone—an iPhone 11 fits—and it stays flat enough not to bounce. The compression is firmer than a boxer brief, which is the point: it supports the thigh and keeps the fabric from bunching when you run.

The weak point is durability. Crotch seams and pocket stitching can tear, and the shorts run close, so check the size chart before you buy. They also add more fabric than a brief, which makes them a poor choice under slim trousers. As a workout base layer, though, they earn their place.

The Under Armour Performance Tech Brief is the premium support option in this guide. The 6-inch inseam gives it more coverage than a standard brief, and the compression fit is designed to hold everything close without the leg rolling up. If you want a pair that feels more like training gear than everyday underwear, this is the one to try.

The fabric is smooth and soft, and the waistband stays in place well. We like the mild compression for lifting and court sports, where a little support goes a long way. The three-pack makes it easier to build a rotation, though this is still the most expensive route to a workout drawer here.

The caveats are sizing and consistency. These run small for some, and the fit can be tighter than the size chart suggests. The pack can also vary from pair to pair, with one brief feeling different from the rest. We still recommend them for a supportive, low-chafe brief, but check the size chart and wash them cold to protect the seams. The 6-inch leg is what makes them more than a basic brief; it stays under shorts without looking like a boxer.

The GRANKEE High-Waisted Seamless Thong solves a specific problem: the waistband gap that shows when you bend in leggings. The high rise sits above the hip and covers the lower stomach, so you get a smooth line without a second layer. The seamless finish helps, but the height is the real reason to choose this one.

The six-pack comes with a cotton-lined gusset and a stretchy, soft feel. We like that the waistband does not dig in when you sit down or hinge for a deadlift; the coverage stays put instead of rolling. It is a thong, so the back is minimal by design, but the front and sides feel more covered than a standard low-rise pair.

Sizing is the thing to get right. These run small for some builds, and the high waist is less forgiving if you land between sizes. Size up if you are on the fence, especially if you want the waistband to sit flat rather than stretch tight. For high-waisted leggings and anyone who wants coverage without bulk, this is our pick. The six-pack also makes the size experiment easier to absorb.

The BAMBOO COOL boxer briefs have the softest hand of the men's picks here, and that softness is not just a luxury. The bamboo blend feels silky against the skin, which cuts down on the friction that turns a hot workout into a chafe test. It also breathes well, so the fabric stays comfortable when you move from the gym to the street.

Breathability is the headline. The fabric is airy and smooth, and the cut has enough stretch to move without feeling restrictive. We also noticed the odor control: these are the pair we reach for when a workout is followed by errands, because they do not hold onto sweat the way a thicker cotton brief does. The waistband is soft rather than tight, so it does not leave a deep mark after a long session.

Fit is the catch. The legs can ride up on thicker thighs, and the fabric is not the most durable in this group—seams and thin spots can appear sooner than you expect. If you have a straighter build and want a cool, soft pair for low-impact training, these are a pleasure. If you need a hard-wearing pair for heavy leg days, choose the New Balance instead.

The Fruit of the Loom Breathable Bikini is the budget women's pair we suggest when you want a light, moisture-wicking brief without a performance-price markup. The fabric is smooth and airy, and the bikini cut sits flat under leggings or shorts. It is not a compression piece or a no-show specialist; it is the everyday training brief that happens to breathe well.

The plus-size range is a real advantage here. Plenty of performance underwear stops at a narrow size run, and this one gives more women a low-cost option that still has the moisture-wicking finish. The fit is comfortable and not binding at the legs or waist, and the smooth finish makes it easy to layer under workout clothes.

Durability is the trade-off. The fabric can wear through and seams can give out, especially if you wash and dry it hot. Treat these as rotation pairs rather than long-term investments: buy enough to wash less often, and air-dry when you can. They pack light and are easy to keep in a gym bag, which makes the budget trade easier to accept.

The New Balance Performance Boxer Briefs are the pair we recommend first for sweaty gym sessions. The 6-inch inseam is the detail that settles it for us: short enough to disappear under most shorts, long enough to cut down on the thigh-on-thigh friction that makes a run miserable. The 90% polyester, 10% spandex fabric is light at 150 GSM and stretches in every direction, so it moves with a squat instead of fighting it.

The contoured pouch and gusset are the other reason this pair earns its place. They give everything a defined spot without the smashed feeling of a flat-front brief, and the fly adds practicality beyond the gym. The wide jacquard waistband is designed to spread pressure instead of digging in, which is exactly what you want when you are hinging, rowing, or cycling.

The catch is sizing. These run close, and the chart is worth checking before you commit; if you are between sizes, the larger one is the safer starting point. Seams are the other long-term question, because a pair can loosen before the fabric itself wears out. Neither issue changes our recommendation for most men, but it does mean the first pack should be a fit test.

What separates this pair from the cheaper options here is the combination of a real inseam and a supportive pouch. It is the one in this group that feels most like workout gear rather than everyday underwear, and that is why it leads our list.