Why Do Running Shorts Have Built-in Underwear? (6 Benefits of Liners)

Most running shorts have integrated liners to replace other underwear. Ultimately, it is up to you whether you use the lining for its intended purpose.

So why do running shorts have built-in underwear?

First, you don’t need to wear additional underwear or tights if you have proper running shorts. The lining provides support and motion control. Well-designed liner is comfortable and can prevent chafing.

Additionally, the liners in these shorts protect your modesty. As you stretch and warm up, they prevent your dangly bits from showing to bystanders.

Not everyone likes the built-in liners. Many people find their usual underwear much more comfortable (for example, I always wear my own underwear when running). Some people even cut the liner out.

But if you want to run as lightly as possible, the built-in liner of running shorts is the solution.

Benefits Of Built-In Underwear in Running Shorts

1. When It’s Hot, It’s Best to Wear Fewer Layers

In the summer heat, it’s nice to run in as light clothes as possible without extra layers.

Your body temperature rises faster on hot days, so wearing fewer layers can help you keep cooler. You will sweat less when you have fewer layers.

Built-in underwear is usually thinner than regular underwear. The more layers under the shorts, the more sweaty and uncomfortable the places become. So no extra layers, please.

2. Built-In Liners Provide Better Breathability

Naturally, when you have fewer layers, it makes shorts more breathable.

So built-in underwear helps keep you drier and cooler while exercising.

Liner materials are designed to keep you comfortable. Women who wear built-in underwear often say they don’t feel like they’re wearing anything.

3. Built-In Liner Is Designed to Wick Sweat and Moisture Away

Technical fabrics are great for keeping you cool and dry while running compared to your typical underwear materials. Moisture-wicking fabrics absorb sweat and keep you dry and comfortable during long runs.

Technical fabric is great because it keeps air flowing around your body and helps regulate temperature.

Breathable liners let moisture escape naturally. A good fit is vital. You want freedom of movement but not too loose to be baggy.

4. Built-In Liners Prevents Chafing

Chafing happens when sweat gets trapped under the fabric of your underwear and causes irritation. This can lead to rashes, blisters, sores, and even infection.

If you want to prevent chafing, wear shorts with liners.

Liners stretch with your body, keeping the shorts snug and comfortable.

5. The Built-In Liner Offers Support for Men

An inner lining on running shorts helps protect your manhood. Liners do a decent job of controlling excessive motion and obscuring manfulness. The liner adds a level of modesty, and no one will see your flopped manhood.

Naturally, the liner is not as supportive as a separate jockstrap. The liner controls movement to some degree but not the same as a regular jockstrap.

The liner may help with chafing. For some, it works, but for others, not so much.

6. Built-In Liner Prevents Shorts From Riding Up

Running shorts that ride up will restrict your movements while running.

Because the underwear is built into the shorts, there’s practically no way they can ride up unless the shorts don’t fit right.

So, you shouldn’t need to pull your shorts or underwear down mid-run as it occurs less when you wear lined shorts.

Are Lined Running Shorts Better?

When it comes to shorts, there are many different kinds out there.

Some people like wearing a pair of shorts without linings and with separate underwear.

In contrast, others prefer built-in underwear in shorts as it is lightweight and designed to allow top ventilation.

For comfort reasons, it is highly recommended that you do not wear undies with lined shorts. Why add another layer if you don’t have to? That’s right, you don’t.

In the end, though? The choice between lined shorts and unlined shorts comes down to personal preference.

Are There Different Types Of Running Shorts?

Yes, there are many different styles of running shorts out there, like v-notched shorts, split shorts, and compression shorts, each offering something unique. Most come with a built-in liner.

Choosing the right style of running shorts depends on your personal preference and activity level.

V-notch shorts have a notch cut into the side. This helps keep the legs moving more freely and provides extra ventilation. These are the most popular type of running shorts. If you prefer looser-fitting shorts, choose a pair of v-notched shorts.

Split shorts are another type of running shorts that offers additional benefits over traditional shorts. Instead of having a single piece of material across the thigh and calf area, split shorts are constructed with separate panels. This gives greater flexibility and mobility for advanced runners and for races.

Compression shorts provide support and help reduce muscle fatigue. Depending on the brand, you’ll find compression shorts in varying styles, sizes, and materials. They are made of breathable fabrics that wick sweat away from your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Should You Wear Underwear With Running Shorts?

Running shorts come in both unlined and lined options. So you might be wondering, should you wear underwear with running shorts?

Running shorts with built-in liners are really created to be worn without underwear. Built-in liners are lightweight and generally designed to allow maximum ventilation.

Some runners like wearing underwear under their shorts; there’s nothing wrong with that.

But basically, adding the extra layer of underwear prevents the running shorts with built-in liners from doing their job efficiently.

Can You Cut the Liner From Running Shorts?

Some runners like wearing their own underwear under running shorts. Yes, there are some benefits to underwear under running shorts.

And yes, you can cut the liner. All it takes is scissors.

Just fold up one side of the waistband of your shorts. Then, pull down on the elastic band to stretch out the fabric. Next, grab the edge of the material and carefully start cutting away the lining.

There are also some linerless running shorts that don’t have built-in underwear, but they are rare.

The Bottom Line

Most running shorts are really designed to be worn without underwear underneath. They’re built to allow us to run around in comfort with built-in liners.

If you have ever wondered why running shorts have built-in underwear, we hope this article has helped.