Compression Shorts: Underwear, Performance, and Comfort

What Do You Wear Under Compression Shorts?

Choosing what to wear under compression shorts is a common dilemma for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, with the optimal choice often being nothing at all to maximize their intended benefits of moisture management, reduced chafing, and support, though personal comfort and specific activity considerations may lead some to opt for a minimalist inner layer.

The Core Question: To Underwear or Not to Underwear?

The decision of whether to wear traditional underwear beneath compression shorts is a frequent point of discussion among active individuals. While seemingly a minor detail, this choice can significantly impact comfort, performance, hygiene, and skin health during physical activity. Understanding the design and purpose of compression garments is key to making an informed decision.

Understanding Compression Shorts: Beyond Just Fabric

Compression shorts are engineered performance garments designed to provide targeted support and physiological benefits. Their construction goes far beyond standard athletic wear:

• Purpose of Compression: They apply graduated pressure to muscles, which can aid in blood circulation, reduce muscle oscillation (vibration) during high-impact activities, and enhance proprioception (the body's awareness of its position in space). This can contribute to reduced muscle fatigue, quicker recovery, and potentially improved performance.
• Fabric Technology: High-quality compression shorts are typically made from advanced synthetic blends (e.g., polyester, nylon, spandex) that possess inherent moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. Many also incorporate antimicrobial treatments to inhibit bacterial growth and manage odor.
• Design Considerations: They feature flatlock seams to minimize chafing, and often include a gusseted crotch design to provide anatomical support and freedom of movement without excessive pressure points.

Argument for Going Commando (No Underwear)

For most activities and individuals, wearing nothing under compression shorts is the recommended approach for maximizing their intended benefits:

• Optimized Moisture Management: The primary function of compression fabric is to draw sweat away from the skin and allow it to evaporate. An additional layer of underwear, especially cotton, can trap moisture against the body, negating this benefit and creating a damp environment.
• Reduced Chafing: Every seam is a potential point of friction. Eliminating an extra layer of underwear removes additional seams and fabric folds that can rub against the skin, significantly reducing the risk of chafing, irritation, and even painful sores, particularly during long or high-intensity activities.
• Enhanced Support: Compression shorts are designed to provide direct, uniform support to the musculature and genitalia. An extra layer can interfere with this direct contact, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the compression and causing bunching.
• Improved Hygiene (with proper care): When worn directly against the skin, the moisture-wicking and often antimicrobial properties of the shorts work most effectively. As long as the shorts are washed thoroughly after each use, this method can be more hygienic than introducing an additional, potentially less performance-oriented, garment.

Argument for Wearing Underwear

While less common among serious athletes, some individuals prefer to wear an inner layer for specific reasons:

• Added Layer of Protection/Modesty: For thinner or lighter-colored compression shorts, an additional layer can provide a sense of increased modesty or a psychological barrier for some users.
• Personal Comfort Preference: Some individuals simply feel more comfortable with an additional layer, perhaps due to habit or sensitivity.
• Hygiene Perception: Despite the antimicrobial properties of modern compression wear, some users prefer the perceived hygiene of having a separate, easily washable layer directly against their skin.
• Specific Underwear Types: If underwear is worn, it should be chosen carefully to minimize interference with the compression shorts' function.

Key Considerations for Your Choice

The best approach often depends on several factors:

• Activity Type: For high-intensity, long-duration activities (e.g., marathon running, cycling, CrossFit), where chafing and moisture build-up are significant concerns, going commando is generally superior. For lower-intensity activities or shorter workouts, the choice may be less critical.
• Fabric of Compression Shorts: The quality of the shorts matters. Premium shorts with excellent moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties are better suited for direct skin contact.
• Individual Susceptibility to Chafing/Irritation: If you have particularly sensitive skin or are prone to chafing, experimenting with both options to see what works best for your body is crucial.
• Hygiene Practices: Regardless of your choice, rigorous hygiene is paramount. Compression shorts, like all athletic wear, should be washed after every use.
• Seam Design: Well-designed compression shorts feature flatlock seams that lie flat against the skin, reducing friction points. If your shorts have prominent seams, an inner layer might exacerbate chafing.

If You Choose to Wear Underwear: Best Practices

If you decide to wear an inner layer, select it strategically to minimize negative impacts:

• Material Matters: Absolutely avoid cotton underwear. Cotton absorbs and holds moisture, creating a damp, heavy environment that promotes chafing and bacterial growth. Opt for synthetic, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester, nylon, or blends with spandex, similar to the compression shorts themselves.
• Fit: The underwear should be snug, seamless, and non-bunching. Loose-fitting underwear will bunch up and create friction points.
• Style: Briefs or jockstraps are generally preferred over boxer briefs. Boxer briefs can bunch up under compression shorts, creating uncomfortable folds and negating the smooth fit. A jockstrap provides support without adding significant fabric bulk.

Hygiene and Maintenance

Proper hygiene is non-negotiable, regardless of your undergarment choice:

• Wash After Every Use: Both compression shorts and any accompanying underwear should be washed after each workout session to remove sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells.
• Follow Care Instructions: Adhere to the manufacturer's washing instructions to maintain the integrity of the fabric's wicking and antimicrobial properties.
• Ensure Thorough Drying: Make sure garments are completely dry before storing them to prevent mildew and odor.

The Final Verdict: Listen to Your Body

Ultimately, the decision of what to wear under compression shorts is a personal one that should prioritize your comfort, performance, and skin health. For most serious athletes, the design and material science behind quality compression shorts advocate for direct skin contact to maximize their benefits. However, individual anatomy, activity type, and personal preference play a significant role. Experiment with both approaches under various conditions to determine what provides you with the optimal experience during your training and competition.