Do You Wear Underwear Under Compression Shorts?

Ever found yourself in workout gear, ready to break a sweat, but suddenly wondered, “Do you wear underwear under compression shorts?” Well, you’re not alone!

This unexpected yet crucial question has sparked numerous debates in gyms and sporting arenas around the globe. Today, I’m here to finally put this fitness mystery to rest!

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of compression shorts etiquette. So, whether you’re a long-distance runner, a weightlifting enthusiast, or a fitness rookie like me, join in as I unravel this fascinating conundrum!

Do you Wear Underwear Under Compression Shorts?

Yes, it is recommended to wear underwear under compression shorts for hygiene and comfort purposes. While compression shorts are designed to provide support and reduce muscle fatigue, wearing underwear underneath can help prevent irritation and chafing.

However, if we’re just considering the intended design of compression shorts then, no, you’re not supposed to wear underwear under compression shorts.

Reasons to Not Wear Underwear Under Compression Shorts

There are several valid reasons why you should not wear undies underneath compression shorts when going to the gym or a morning jog. 

For starters, you’ll sweat twice as much.

So, here’s what happens if you wear underwear under compression tights.

The sweat on the skin around your groin is soaked up by the underwear, which usually has good wicking abilities. This makes your compression shorts less breathable and less capable of regulating your body temperature. As a result, your sweating will eventually increase. And you’re likely to grow weary before you’re halfway done with your workout.

Besides, wearing underwear beneath compression shorts is super uncomfortable – athletes who’ve done it know this is far from an overstatement. 

Imagine this; you’re sweating more than usual, your undies are clumping under your compression shorts, you don’t look particularly amazing, and your gym buddies can’t stop teasing you. It makes it almost impossible to enjoy your workout, no matter how psyched up you are.

Benefits of Wearing Compression Shorts

A great pair of compression shorts worn as a base layer brings a long list of advantages to the table, including the following:

Improved Circulation

Compression shorts boost blood circulation and increase endurance during intense workouts. So, if you want to improve your performance in the long run, they’re exactly what you need. 

Most competitive athletes use compression gear because it boosts their stamina and gives them an added advantage. 

Expedited Muscle Recovery

Besides improving blood circulation, compression shorts reduce muscle fatigue to aid post-workout recovery. Remember, your muscles need oxygen to heal as you move around, which is where compression gear steps in. It increases blood flow, facilitates muscle oxygenation, and reduces recovery time.

Ultimate Comfort

Another benefit of wearing compression shorts is they deliver much-needed comfort during your preferred physical activity, even on the most humid days. Curious to know how they achieve that?

First, compression tights prevent excessive sweating, no matter the intensity of your workout. This minimizes your discomfort and helps you train for a longer duration.

Also, compression shorts give your muscles the support they need when playing intensive sports. With it, you’re less likely to feel uncomfortable despite having sore legs from your workout, allowing you to move or train more effortlessly.

There’s more.

Wearing compression wear minimizes your risk of chafing as it decreases friction. This protects the skin around your inner thighs and groin region and prevents the discomfort associated with the commonplace issue.

Features of Quality Compression Shorts

At this point, we can all agree that compression shorts serve you best when worn alone as a first layer. But to enjoy the benefits of these stretchy, elastic compression garments, they must come with the right feature package. Fortunately, finding the latter is a breeze – you only need to watch out for the following qualities. 

Breathable Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

A great pair of compression shorts should be made from a material with impressive wicking abilities. This enables it to draw away excess moisture or sweat from your skin and dry quickly.

A great example of such a fabric is polyester. Most mainstream athletic gear manufacturers mix it with lycra, nylon, and spandex to make compression wear.

Also, the compression shorts must be made breathable to keep you cool and comfortable. This is why most of these workout garments come with mesh panels.

Antimicrobial Properties

It’s also advisable to wear compression shorts with antimicrobial materials. They minimize foul odor, mainly when you sweat a lot during intense workouts.

Compression clothing is also easier to wash and maintain. It’s more durable than workout clothes made from regular fabric.

If you have allergies, you should also get compression shorts made of an antibacterial fabric. It keeps harmful microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria at bay. And it has organic fibers, which are less likely to affect the skin around your groin region or other parts in contact with the compression clothing.

Ideal Size

Settling for compression shorts with a breathable moisture-wicking fabric and antimicrobial technology is not enough – they must also be the right fit.

Compression shorts are supposed to be tight. Otherwise, you won’t enjoy all the benefits of wearing compression clothing. But at the same time, they shouldn’t be too tight to hurt you or restrict your movement.

The perfect pair of compression shorts conforms to your unique body shape and feels like an added layer of skin. 

Compression Gear: Useful Maintenance Tips

Take proper care of your compression shorts to relish their benefits. If you’re wondering how to do that, check out these valuable tips to leverage to maintain your compression wear.

Wash It Often

Be sure to wash your compression clothing frequently to enable it to retain its stretchy features. 

Regular cleaning also ensures you don’t feel uncomfortable while in it. As the first layer, it accumulates a great deal of sweat, dirt, and bacteria that could affect its elastic qualities and cause discomfort.

Besides, your compression shorts will produce a stench if you fail to wash them for a long time.

Always use cold water and a mild detergent when washing your compressive clothing – it doesn’t damage the fibers that give it its compression properties.

Air Dry Instead of Machine Dry It

Some people advocate for machine-drying compression shorts, but I think it’s a bad idea. It exposes them to excessive heat that could destroy the elasticity of the workout gear. 

Of course, you can use your machine’s lowest heat setting. But what if you’re caught up in other household chores and leave it in there for too long?

It’s best to air dry compression wear since it’s gentler on the fibers that make it stretchy.

Do You Wear Underwear Under Compression Shorts? – Final Take

Now you get why compression wear and underwear are a terrible match. Compression shorts aren’t your typical running shorts—they’re tighter and specifically designed to be the first layer. 

Still, some people argue compression clothing should be worn with undies beneath it. But it can cause discomfort, which is the last thing you want when indulging in physical activity, intense or otherwise.

FAQs on Wearing Underwear Under Compression Shorts