Do Runners Go Commando? Exploring Apparel, Benefits, and Hygiene

Do runners go commando?

While there isn't a universal consensus, many runners do opt to go "commando" (without traditional underwear) when their running shorts or tights feature an integrated liner, as this design often provides adequate support, chafing prevention, and moisture management.

Understanding the "Commando" Question in Running

The question of whether to wear underwear while running is a common, though often unasked, topic among athletes. It delves into personal comfort, performance optimization, and crucial aspects of hygiene and skin health. For many runners, the decision hinges on the design of their outer garment and their individual physiological responses to exercise.

The Design of Running Apparel: Liners and Support

Modern running shorts, tights, and even some capris are frequently designed with an integrated liner. These liners are not merely an afterthought; they are engineered with specific functions:

• Support: They provide light compression and support for the glutes and groin area, often negating the need for separate underwear.
• Chafing Prevention: By creating a smooth, low-friction layer between the skin and the outer fabric, liners significantly reduce the risk of irritation, especially in high-friction areas like the inner thighs and groin.
• Moisture Management: Liners are typically made from advanced moisture-wicking fabrics (e.g., polyester, nylon, spandex blends) that draw sweat away from the skin, promoting evaporation and keeping the area dry.
• Modesty: They offer an essential layer of coverage, particularly with looser shorts.

For runners utilizing garments with effective built-in liners, wearing an additional layer of underwear can be redundant or even counterproductive.

Potential Benefits of Going Commando (With a Liner)

When running shorts or tights are appropriately designed with a functional liner, opting to go commando can offer several advantages:

• Reduced Chafing: Eliminating an extra layer of fabric, especially one with seams, can significantly minimize skin-on-fabric or fabric-on-fabric friction, which is a primary cause of chafing.
• Enhanced Breathability: Fewer layers generally mean better airflow, which can contribute to a cooler and more comfortable experience, particularly in warm or humid conditions.
• Optimal Moisture Management: The liner's primary function is to wick sweat away. Adding another layer of underwear can impede this process, potentially trapping moisture closer to the skin.
• Freedom of Movement: Without additional waistbands or leg openings of underwear, some runners report a greater sense of unrestricted movement.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While beneficial for many, going commando isn't without its potential downsides, particularly if the outer garment lacks an effective liner or if personal physiology dictates otherwise:

• Increased Chafing: If the outer garment is loose, poorly constructed, or lacks a liner, direct skin-on-fabric friction, or skin-on-skin friction (e.g., inner thighs), can become severe.
• Lack of Support: For male anatomy, inadequate support from a liner can lead to discomfort and excessive movement during high-impact activities like running. For women, while not directly related to undergarments, overall support from the running bottom is still crucial.
• Hygiene Concerns: Without a wicking layer, sweat and bacteria may accumulate directly on the outer garment, potentially leading to skin issues or requiring more frequent washing of the running shorts themselves.
• Modesty Issues: Loose-fitting shorts without a liner can pose modesty challenges, especially during dynamic movements.

The Case for Wearing Underwear

Some runners prefer to wear underwear even with lined shorts, or it's a necessity when running in unlined shorts. When choosing to wear underwear for running, key considerations include:

• Material: Avoid cotton at all costs. Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it against the skin, leading to chafing, discomfort, and an increased risk of fungal or bacterial infections. Opt for synthetic, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester, nylon, or blends with spandex.
• Fit: Underwear should fit snugly but not restrictively. Too loose, and it will bunch and chafe; too tight, and it can impede circulation and cause discomfort.
• Seam Placement: Look for seamless designs or those with flatlock seams to minimize irritation.
• Style:
  • Boxer briefs or compression shorts: Popular among male runners for providing excellent support and preventing inner thigh chafing.
  • Briefs or thongs: Can be suitable for those who prefer minimal fabric, provided they are made of wicking material and do not ride up or bunch.
  • Seamless designs: Offer maximum comfort by eliminating potential friction points.

Hygiene and Skin Health Considerations

Regardless of whether you go commando or wear underwear, maintaining proper hygiene is paramount for runners:

• Post-Run Cleanliness: Always change out of sweaty running clothes as soon as possible after a run. Prolonged exposure to moisture creates an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal growth (e.g., jock itch, yeast infections, folliculitis).
• Washing Garments: Wash all running apparel, especially liners and underwear, after every use.
• Chafing Prevention: For areas prone to chafing (e.g., inner thighs, groin, gluteal crease), consider applying anti-chafing balms, sticks, or petroleum jelly before your run.
• Listen to Your Skin: Pay attention to any persistent redness, itching, or discomfort. These are signs that your current apparel choice or hygiene routine may need adjustment.

Individual Preference Reigns Supreme

Ultimately, the decision to go commando or wear underwear while running is a highly personal one. There is no single "right" answer that applies to every runner, as individual factors such as:

• Body type and anatomy
• Running distance and intensity
• Climate and weather conditions
• Personal comfort thresholds
• The specific design of your running shorts/tights

All play a significant role. Experimentation, within the bounds of comfort and hygiene, is often the best approach to discover what works optimally for you.

Conclusion

Many runners do go commando, particularly when their running shorts or tights are equipped with a well-designed, supportive, and moisture-wicking liner. This practice can reduce chafing and enhance breathability. However, for those running in unlined shorts or who prefer an extra layer of support and protection, wearing appropriate, moisture-wicking underwear is crucial. Prioritizing comfort, minimizing friction, and maintaining rigorous hygiene practices are the most important factors for any runner's undergarment choice.