ASK FLASH: Underwear … It Really Matters
Posted April 13th, 2007 at 9:22 AM by Joshua Flash Gordon
Section: Gear & Apparel, Apparel, Columns, Ask Flash
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A few days ago, a reader sent me 5 messages asking what underwear he should wear under his track shorts. Although often overlooked, it is actually a topic very worthy of discussion and consideration … but just maybe not 5 messages … :-)
Q. Dude! Please respond. I am having problems and need advice ASAP!!! Important parts of me are ending up in pain after track workouts and long runs. Should I be wearing underwear under my track shorts? I mean, they have a liner. If so, what kind of underwear?!?
~Ouch in Chaffeeville, Connecticut
A. Clearly, underwear is not the first thing discussed in running circles. We will talk about our socks forever. Shoes? Any one of us could write a dissertation on shoes. My brother and I have hour long phone conversations talking about running shoes. So, what about underwear? Without further ado … the male underwear discussion.
If anyone feels qualified to add the female perspective, by all means please chime in.
What about cotton?
Cotton is an absolute no-no. Those of you who plan to watch the Boston Marathon will notice the bloody nipples resulting from cotton T-shirts on too many newbies. Well, let’s just say that nipples aren’t the only thing sensitive to cotton. NO COTTON. Ever. This is not debatable.
So, what material then?
We are fortunate to live in the technical material era. Running underwear has to be something that will wick away moisture. Think lycra, polyester, micro-fiber, etc. I am no fabric expert but you get the point.
Boxers or briefs?
For starters, boxers come in a couple of varieties. You have the regular baggy boxer or the stretch boxer.
Baggy boxer?
I don’t see how that works well. My nephew swears by them. In fact, if I remember correctly, he swears by cotton baggy boxers. But, keep in mind that he is a teen-ager with a propensity for questionable decisions. I would say to stay away from baggy boxers.
Stretch boxers?
Sure. Now we are getting into the territory of preference.
Briefs?
For running, I think briefs offer the most support and freedom of movement, all in one. Keep in mind that running underwear and wear-around underwear are two completely different discussions. Oh, don’t do the old fashioned jock strap either. Have some dignity…
Another secret that I have found to be a good option is a good ol’ fashioned Speedo bathing suit under your running shorts. No fly to fight with and generally a good material with no seams.
Compression shorts?
Our Editor swears by them and they are a perennial favorite among runners. Try UnderArmour’s compression shorts (regular length). it may take you a bit to get use to the feel … but after that, your problems will be solved and you won’t even notice the difference from your normal underwear.
Other considerations?
Well, I think there is a lot of trial and error here. Make sure to find something with limited or no seams. Any texture adds to the risk of chafing. Chafing is to be avoided at all costs. There are also seasonal considerations. Wind briefs are great in the winter as the give an extra layer of protection from the elements.
Also, don’t be that guy who thinks the liner in the track shorts is sufficient. It isn’t. I am appalled when friends believe them to be. See Exhibit A (WARNING! Exhibit A is rated PG-13 / R. You have been warned…don’t complain).
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Joshua ‘Flash’ Gordon is a runner who is never shy to give his opinion. Flash has been running competitively since 1989 and can be found training hard on the roads and trails of Boston. Flash continues to compete in distances from 5k to the Marathon as part of the Boston Athletic Association (BAA).
Sometimes Flash runs fast. Sometimes Flash runs slow. But neither rain nor snow nor heat nor gloom of night can keep Flash from the swift completion of his training regimen.
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Tags: advice, apparel, Ask Flash, compression shorts, Joshua Flash Gordon, running apparel, underwear
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