Natural fabrics next to your skin, where it matters most? It felt right – so we tested it – the best running underwear for you.
MEN
1. Under Armour Tech 6-inch Boxerjock / R426
The ultra-thin, four-way-stretch fabric provides a close fit, but still allows full range of movement. The material is also designed to wick sweat and dry fast. A new pair is pictured, but we’ve been testing these for years and the longevity is phenomenal.
www.underarmour.com
2. Stance Cotton Blend Boxer Brief / R499
The longest of our undies are these 7-inch-inseam boxers made from 91% cotton, and well suited to those struggling with chafe. In the middle, a dual-layer pouch offers support, with room to breath and a functioning fly.
www.thestorestuff.co.za
3. Icebreaker Anatomica Briefs / R649
If traditional slim-fit briefs are your preference, the 83% merino wool from Icebreaker gives the support and comfort you’re looking for. Merino wool has an almost miraculous ability to resist odour – plus it’s renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable.
www.adventureinc.com
4. Core Merino Nuyarn Brief / R500
Made from our very own merino wool in South Africa, Core’s 85% merino-wool briefs we found to be stretchy, soft, and a great fit all over. We won’t try to tell you how long they’ll last – but it’s way beyond a year, even with high mileage.
www.coremerino.com
5. Boody Bamboo Boxers / R194
These bamboo eco-wear boxers keep everything in place with minimal constriction, thanks to soft ribbing in the fabric. The boxer cut is high, and the waistband is low cut. It really is made (80%) from a viscose created from organically grown bamboo, so it’s gentle on the planet too.
www.faithfultonature.co.za
WOMEN
6. Boody Bamboo Boyleg / R124
A wide waistband, combined with a mid-rise fit and gentle stretch, provides a sporty fit with full coverage. This bamboo eco-wear is 80% viscose made from organically grown bamboo, so the planet will thank you too.
www.faithfultonature.co.za
7. Core Nuyarn Bikini Briefs / R400
Merino wool has come a long way; to the point that itch is no longer a factor, and a precise bikini-style cut can be ultra-light, soft and comfortable under any of your running shorts, skirts, or even tights.
www.coremerino.com
8. Icebreaker Sprite Hot Pants / R499
“I never knew I could feel so confident and comfortable at the same time; but these hotpants were flattering, and surprised me with the soft feel – even though they’re 85% merino wool that I was taking out for a run in the middle of summer.”
– Shirley Levin, tester.
www.adventureinc.co.za
9. Under Armour Pure Stretch Hipster3 Pack / R589
The soft four-way-stretch fabric hugs snugly, with that next-to-your-skin feel – and without too much squeeze. The edges are laser-cut, which means UA could make them hem-free to give you that flattering clean silhouette. One tester “…appreciated the fuller back, with that little bit of extra coverage”.
www.underarmour.com