The Best Men's Underwear for the Gym
Share
Your gym kit gets a lot of thought — trainers, shorts, t-shirt. But what about what's underneath? The wrong underwear can ruin a workout. Chafing, bunching, lack of support — it's all avoidable. Here's what to look for and which styles work best when you're training hard.
What Makes Good Gym Underwear?
Before we get into styles, here's what to look for in any gym underwear:
- Moisture wicking — fabric that pulls sweat away from your skin keeps you dry and reduces chafing
- Support — you need everything held in place during high-impact movement
- Minimal seams — fewer seams means less rubbing
- Breathability — airflow is essential during intense exercise
- Secure waistband — nothing worse than constantly adjusting your waistband mid-set
Best Styles for the Gym
Trunks — The All-Rounder
Trunks are arguably the best all-round gym underwear. The shorter leg length means no bunching under shorts, and the supportive pouch keeps everything in place during squats, deadlifts, and cardio. Our IKON range is built specifically with gym performance in mind.
Briefs — Maximum Support
For heavy lifting, briefs are hard to beat. The minimal fabric means nothing gets in the way, and the snug fit provides excellent support. If you're squatting big or doing Olympic lifts, briefs are your friend.
Jockstraps — The Original Athletic Underwear
There's a reason jockstraps were invented for sport. The front pouch provides firm, targeted support while the open back keeps airflow maximum. If support is your number one priority, a jockstrap delivers.
Avoid for the Gym
Loose boxers are a no for the gym — they bunch, chafe, and offer zero support. Save them for the sofa.
Fabric Matters
Cotton is comfortable but holds moisture — not ideal for intense training. Look for microfibre, nylon, or performance blends that wick sweat and dry quickly. Our Hybrid Brief range uses performance fabric designed to move with you.
The Bottom Line
Invest in proper gym underwear and you'll notice the difference immediately. Less distraction, more focus, better performance. Your underwear should be the last thing on your mind when you're training — which means it needs to be doing its job perfectly.