For tennis and padel, the best underwear is a close-fitting boxer brief or a supportive jockstrap in a stretchy, quick-drying fabric, with legs or straps that stay where you put them. Both sports are built on short sprints, sudden stops and side-to-side lunges, so anything that rolls up, bunches or holds sweat will distract you long before the third set.
Why court sports are hard on underwear
Running in a straight line is easy on a waistband. A rally is not. You split-step, push off sideways, stretch into a wide lunge for a low ball and then recover to the middle, sometimes dozens of times in a single game. Padel adds quick turns off the glass walls and plenty of crouching at the net.
- Lateral moves pull the leg openings of loose boxers upward and into the groin.
- Deep lunges stretch the seat, so fabric without enough stretch drags the waistband down.
- Stop-start rhythm means you sweat in bursts, then cool down between points, which is when damp cotton starts to feel heavy.
- Serving and overheads lift your arms and shirt, so a waistband that folds over becomes visible and annoying.
The three cuts that work on court
You do not need a special "tennis" pair. You need one of three proven shapes, chosen to match how much coverage you like under your shorts.
| Cut | Best for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Snug boxer brief / trunk | Players who want the thighs covered and nothing moving | Hemmed or enclosed leg openings, 4-way stretch |
| Jockstrap | Hot days, long matches, maximum airflow | A contoured pouch and a waistband that does not dig |
| Sport brief | A middle ground with no fabric on the legs | A firm waistband and a cut that does not ride up |
If you are torn between the last two, our comparison of jockstraps, thongs and briefs for sports goes deeper into support and coverage.
Boxer briefs: covered thighs, no ride-up
Most tennis and padel players end up in boxer briefs, because the short leg sits under the hem of court shorts and stops skin rubbing against skin. The detail that matters is the leg opening. A hemmed or enclosed leg grips lightly and stays put when you lunge, while a loose, unfinished leg tends to climb.
The Quick Dry U-Pouch Trunks are made from 91% modal and 9% spandex, with a microfiber mesh zone in the pouch for airflow and hemmed legs designed to avoid ride-ups. They come in silver, blue, black, green and grey, sizes S to XXL. If you prefer a firmer, sleeker feel, the Ice Silk Compression Boxer Briefs use 89% polyamide and 11% spandex with 4-way stretch, a tagless build, enclosed leg openings and an open-fly pouch with a soft liner, in black, navy blue or white.
Wondering whether a true compression short is better than a regular trunk? Our guide to compression shorts vs boxer briefs walks through the trade-offs.
Jockstraps: the airflow option for hot courts
Summer tournaments and indoor padel halls can both get warm. A jockstrap keeps support at the front and leaves the back open, so there is simply less fabric to soak up sweat. It also has no leg openings to roll, which many players like for wide lunges.
- The Soft Cotton Jockstrap is 95% cotton and 5% spandex, with a 3D contoured pouch, a soft no-dig waistband and a tagless finish. Colours: white, black, gray, blue, green and red.
- The Mesh Athletic Supporter is 75% polyamide and 25% spandex with a star pattern and small eyelets for breathability, a contour pouch and double-stitched seams. Seven colours, sizes S to XXL.
Pick cotton if you like a natural, soft feel against the skin; pick the polyamide mesh if you want the lightest, quickest-drying option.
Fit and sizing tips for players
- Measure your waist, not your trouser size. Sports underwear is cut to sit close, so use a tape measure and compare with the size chart on the product page.
- Do a lunge test. Put the pair on and step into a deep side lunge. If the leg climbs or the waistband slides down, try a different cut or size.
- Snug, not tight. You want no movement, but no red marks either. If the waistband leaves a deep line after an hour, size up.
- Match the liner. Many court shorts have a built-in liner. If yours do, a jockstrap or sport brief usually layers more comfortably than a long-leg boxer brief.
The Cotton Sport Briefs are a good pick here: 93.2% cotton and 6.8% spandex, with a 1.5-inch logo waistband and a snug cut that is made to stop riding up.
Shorts and the rest of your court kit
Underwear only works if the outer layer lets you move. Short, light shorts with secure pockets are ideal for holding a spare ball between first and second serve. The Cotton Running Shorts 5" are 100% cotton, sit above the knee and have three zip pockets, two at the sides and one at the back, in 14 colours from S to XXL. They also make easy warm-up and travel shorts on the way to the club.
After the match, rinse or wash your kit promptly rather than leaving it in a closed bag. Our tips on how to wash men's underwear help stretch fabrics keep their shape longer.
Frequently asked questions
What underwear do tennis players wear?
Most players wear snug boxer briefs or trunks with stretch, while others prefer a jockstrap or sport brief for more airflow. The common thread is a close fit that does not shift during lateral movement.
Is a jockstrap good for padel?
Yes, if you like minimal fabric. A jockstrap gives front support, has no legs to roll up and stays cooler in warm indoor courts.
Should I wear underwear under shorts with a built-in liner?
That is personal. Some players skip it, but many add a thin jockstrap or brief for extra support and so they can wash the underwear rather than the shorts after every session.
Cotton or synthetic for court sports?
Synthetic blends like polyamide-spandex dry faster, which helps in long, sweaty matches. Cotton-spandex feels softer and works well for shorter sessions or cooler days.
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