Best Women’s Running Underwear 2026: No More Chafing
Okay, let’s talk about something nobody wants to admit but everyone experiences: chafing down there while running , it is absolutely miserable.
You’re out for a great run, feeling strong, and then by mile 5 you start feeling that familiar burning sensation. Here’s the thing though: it doesn’t have to be this way. The right underwear changes everything.
I used to run in whatever underwear was in my drawer cotton, old sport briefs, whatever. Then I switched to actual running underwear and honestly? I felt like I’d discovered a life hack nobody told me about. No chafing. No discomfort. Just normal running without thinking about my underwear at all.
After testing 2025’s best women’s running underwear options, talking to other female runners, and researching what actually works, I’ve figured out exactly what separates the game-changing underwear from the stuff that makes you miserable.
Last Updated: November 2025 | Testing: 15+ pairs of women’s running underwear | Miles tested: 100+ hours in various conditions
Quick Answers (What Actually Works):
- Best Overall: Runderwear Running Hipster – Purposely built for runners, 100% chafe-free promise
- Best Budget-Friendly: Reebok Seamless Hipster Briefs – Great quality without premium pricing
- Best for Comfort Feel: Lululemon UnderEase Mid-Rise Bikini – Softest material, looks great too
- Best for Seamless/Invisible: Voenxe Seamless Women Underwear Thongs – Disappears under leggings
- Best Merino Wool Option: Smartwool Intraknit Bikini – Temperature control + odor resistance
- Best Period/Leak Protection: Saalt Period Underwear – Discreet, reliable, comfortable. You do need to change these more often as it can lead to chaffing. I recommend to only wear on your period.
We earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Real disclosure: I own multiple pairs of these.
Jump to: What to Actually Look For | Comparison Table | Detailed Reviews | Buying Guide | FAQ
Best Women’s Running Underwear 2025 – Comparison Table
| Shoe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick | Runderwear Running Hipster
| ||
 | Reebok Seamless Hipster Briefs
| ||
 | Lululemon UnderEase Mid-Rise Bikini
| ||
 | Voenxe Seamless Women Underwear Thongs – Best for Invisible Under Leggings
| ||
 | Smartwool Intraknit Bikini
| ||
 | Sallt Period Underwear
|
In-Depth Women’s Running Underwear Reviews
1. Runderwear Running Hipster – Best Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Gold Standard: Built By Runners, For Runners
Runderwear literally designs underwear specifically for runners. They’re not making generic athletic underwear they’re solving the exact problems female runners face. After extensive testing, this is the underwear that justifies every penny.
2. Reebok Seamless Hipster Briefs – Best Budget-Friendly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Premium Performance Without Premium Pricing
The fact that Reebok delivers this quality at $26 is almost unfair to other brands. After testing, these prove you don’t need to spend $55 to get genuinely great running underwear. In fact my whole family currently has Reebok athletic underwear. Another tip is to check Marshals or Winners as they often have then for less.
3. Lululemon UnderEase Mid-Rise Bikini – Best Comfort Feel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Premium Performance Without Premium Pricing
The fact that Reebok delivers this quality at $26 is almost unfair to other brands. After testing, these prove you don’t need to spend $55 to get genuinely great running underwear. In fact my whole family currently has Reebok athletic underwear. Another tip is to check Marshals or Winners as they often have then for less.
4. Voenxe Seamless Women Underwear Thongs – Best for Invisible Under Leggings ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Underwear You Literally Can’t See (And It’s Affordable)
If you hate visible panty lines under tight leggings, Voenxe is the budget-friendly answer. After testing, these disappear completely while staying comfortable and wicking moisture—all for under $20.
5. Smartwool Intraknit Bikini – Best Odor Control ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Merino Wool: Temperature Control + Odor Magic
Merino wool is legitimately different. It regulates temperature, wicks moisture, and fights odor naturally. After testing, this is the real deal. However some people to have wool allergies so should avoid if so.
What to Actually Look For In Running Underwear
Let me be real not all athletic underwear is created equal. Here’s what actually matters when you’re picking running underwear.
Moisture-Wicking (The Non-Negotiable)
Materials that work:
✅ Nylon (highly moisture-wicking)
✅ Polyester blends (quick-drying)
✅ Merino wool (wicks moisture while temperature regulating)
✅ Modal/Micromodal (soft + moisture-wicking)
❌ Cotton (absorbs sweat, holds moisture, creates chafing)
Real talk: If the underwear is mostly cotton, keep scrolling.
Seamless or Flatlock Seams (The Chafing Preventer)
How it works:
Regular seams = thick, bumpy, rubs against skin
Flatlock seams = flat, smooth, minimal rubbing
Seamless = no seams at all (best option)
Why it matters:
After 10 miles, a regular seam becomes a blister factory. Seamless or flatlock prevents this.
Fit That Stays In Place
What works:
✅ Snug but not restrictive
✅ No gapping at legs
✅ Stays in place during high-intensity efforts
✅ Comfortable waistband (not digging in)
What doesn’t:
❌ Loose fit (rides up)
❌ Too tight (restricts movement)
❌ Elastic that digs (creates marks, discomfort)
Breathability (Especially For Hot Weather)
Summer running means sweat. You need underwear that breathes.
Breathable materials:
✅ Mesh panels
✅ Lightweight nylon
✅ Merino wool (breathes while regulating temp)
✅ Modal/micromodal blends
Why it matters:
Non-breathable material traps heat and moisture, creating perfect conditions for chafing and unpleasant odor.
Women’s Running Underwear Buying Guide
FAQ: Women’s Running Underwear
Can I just run commando?
✅ Eliminates underwear entirely
❌ Direct friction with shorts
❌ Increased chafing risk
❌ No moisture management
How often should I replace running underwear?
Typical lifespan: 100-200 wears / 1-2 years if worn regularly
Replace when:
Material feels thin
Waistband loses elasticity
Seams start giving out
Should I wash running underwear differently?
Best practice:
Wash in cold water
Gentle cycle
Don’t use fabric softener (reduces moisture-wicking)
Air dry (not dryer)
Why? Dryers damage elastic and moisture-wicking properties.
What’s the difference between “running underwear” and regular athletic underwear?
Running underwear specifically:
✅ Engineered for forward motion
✅ Focuses on chafing prevention
✅ Optimized stack/seam placement
✅ Tested through marathon distances
Regular athletic underwear:
✅ General fitness focus
❌ Not tested for running
❌ Seams in wrong places
❌ Not optimized for distance
Do running underwear really prevent chafing?
Yes, it reduces friction and keeps skin dry which prevents chafing.
