The best men's underwear for the gym is a snug, stretchy pair made from a quick-drying synthetic blend, with a supportive pouch and a leg or cut that stays put when you move. For most workouts that means compression shorts or compression boxer briefs; for lifting and training days where airflow matters most, a mesh jockstrap or mesh boxer briefs work well too.
Below we break down what to look for, which style suits which workout, and how to keep your gym pairs in good shape.
What makes underwear good for working out?
Everyday underwear is built for sitting, walking and standing. Training adds sweat, friction and a lot of range of motion. A good gym pair handles all three:
- Moisture management. Polyester-spandex blends pull sweat away from the skin and dry fast. Cotton feels soft but holds on to moisture longer.
- Stretch. A spandex share in the fabric lets the underwear move with you in squats, lunges and sprints instead of pulling or bunching.
- Support. A contoured or 3D pouch keeps everything in place without squeezing, which matters for running, jumping and ball sports.
- Stay-put fit. Longer legs and a secure waistband stop ride-up, so you are not adjusting between sets.
- Smooth seams. Flat seams and tagless labels cut down on rubbing during long sessions.
Not sure which fabric feels best on you? Our guide to mesh vs cotton vs modal underwear compares them side by side.
Compression shorts: the all-rounder for running and training
Compression shorts are essentially long-leg boxer briefs with a firm, body-hugging fit. They are the go-to choice for running, cycling, football, basketball and any workout with lots of leg movement, because the longer leg covers the inner thigh where rubbing usually starts.
Our Compression Shorts are made from 90% polyester and 10% spandex, a quick-drying, breathable fabric. They have a 9-inch leg, flatlock seams, an elastic waistband and a 3D U-shaped pouch, plus a mesh panel at the groin for extra airflow. You can wear them on their own under a pair of running shorts or as a base layer under training trousers.
Compression boxer briefs: for gym days that start at the office
If you train before or after work, a shorter compression boxer brief is the practical pick. It gives you the same sweat-wicking fabric in a cut that looks and feels like normal underwear under jeans or suit trousers.
Our Compression Boxer Briefs use a 90.8% polyester, 9.2% spandex blend that feels soft and slick and dries quickly after a sweaty session. A contoured pouch, a wide elastic waistband that doesn't roll and a tagless build keep them comfortable through the whole day, and they are designed not to ride up at the legs. Colours include black, grey, white, blue and beige, in sizes S to XXL.
Jockstraps and mesh underwear: maximum airflow
The jockstrap started life as athletic wear, and it still makes sense in the gym. With an open back and just a pouch and waistband at the front, it is about as breathable as underwear gets. Many men like one for heavy lifting, CrossFit-style sessions and hot training days.
Our Mesh Gym Jockstrap is made from fine mesh that is soft, breathable and stretchy, with a mesh pouch that keeps everything in place and a logo waistband. It comes in grey, white, black, blue and red, in sizes S to L. New to jockstraps? Read how to choose a jockstrap for fit and sizing tips.
If you prefer full coverage but still want airflow, Mesh Boxer Briefs are a good middle ground: all-over mesh, a roomy pouch and a low-rise, short-leg cut, in 12 colours and sizes S to XXL.
Which gym underwear for which workout?
| Workout | Best style | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Running and cycling | Compression shorts | Long leg covers the inner thigh and stays put |
| Weight training | Jockstrap or compression boxer briefs | Secure pouch, full freedom in squats and lunges |
| Ball sports | Compression shorts | Support for sprints, jumps and quick turns |
| Hot-weather sessions | Mesh jockstrap or mesh boxer briefs | Maximum airflow |
| Yoga and stretching | Compression boxer briefs | Stretchy, smooth and no bunching |
| Light workouts and casual days | Cotton sport briefs | Soft, breathable and comfortable all day |
Is cotton ever a good choice for the gym?
Yes, for lighter sessions. A cotton-spandex blend feels soft, breathes well and still stretches with you. Our Cotton Sport Briefs are 93.2% cotton and 6.8% spandex with a 1.5-inch elastic logo waistband, and they work for the office, travel and easy gym days. For long runs or intense training in the heat, a synthetic blend will dry faster.
The same goes for what you wear on top: our Cotton Running Shorts are 100% cotton with a 5-inch length and three zip pockets, a comfortable pick for jogging, gym sessions and casual days. Pair them with compression shorts underneath for long runs.
How to care for your gym underwear
- Wash after every session. Sweaty fabric left in a gym bag is the fastest way to wear it out.
- Use a cold or cool wash and skip fabric softener, which can coat synthetic fibres and reduce how well they wick sweat.
- Air dry where possible. High dryer heat is hard on spandex.
- Keep a rotation of 3 to 5 gym pairs so each pair gets a rest between wears.
For more detail, see our guide on how to wash men’s underwear so it lasts longer.
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Frequently asked questions
Should you wear underwear under compression shorts?
No. Compression shorts are designed to be worn as underwear, with their own pouch. Adding another layer underneath only traps heat and adds seams.
Are jockstraps good for the gym?
Yes. A jockstrap gives front support with an open back for airflow, which makes it a popular choice for lifting and hot training sessions. Choose one with a stretchy, breathable fabric and a secure waistband.
How tight should gym underwear be?
Snug but not restrictive. It should stay in place when you squat or run without digging in at the waist or legs. If you are between sizes, check our underwear size guide.
Can I wear my gym underwear all day?
Compression boxer briefs are made for exactly that: they are smooth enough to wear under work clothes and ready for the gym afterwards. Just change into a fresh pair after a heavy sweat.
Find your gym pair
Browse the full sportswear collection and our compression wear for training-ready styles, or explore jockstraps and mesh underwear for maximum airflow. Every order ships in discreet packaging.
