Underwear for your first time at the running club

Short answer: For your first time at the running club, your underwear should be soft, stay in place and not chafe. Choose a fit without rough seams, and try it on a short outing first. Here are tips on fit, choice, use and washing.

Why underwear matters when you run

When you run, the same movements repeat thousands of times, and small rubbing spots quickly turn into big annoyances. Underwear sits closest to your skin and is therefore the first thing you notice. If it shifts, squeezes or has a hard seam, you think about that instead of the run.

A fit that stays put

Your underwear should sit so that it does not ride up or slide down, without cutting into your skin. Move around at home, hop a little and lift your knees before you take it to the club. Choose bamboo knickers in a size that sits comfortably, leaves no deep marks and moves with you.

Support up top

Many women want a bra that keeps things steady when they run. Choose a style without stiff wires or hard stitching, and check that the straps do not slip off your shoulders. See the choice among bamboo bra styles, and notice whether it feels comfortable after a short outing before you run further.

A soft T-shirt on top

What you wear on top should not rub against straps or seams underneath. Choose a T-shirt in soft fabric with a little room, so air can get in and it does not cling when you warm up. You can see the models among bamboo T-shirts for women.

Stay dry and warm along the way

On your first runs the point is to feel comfortable, not to be fast. Sweat that stays on your skin can make you shiver when you stop. Bring a layer to pull on afterwards, and change your underwear promptly when you get home or to the changing room.

Try it out first

Never take brand new underwear to your first run without testing it. Go for a walk in it or wear it on an ordinary day, and notice whether anything rubs or shifts. It is better to find a problem at home than halfway round the park with a group you do not know.

If your skin gets sore

If your skin gets sore, stop and listen to your body. Keep the area clean and dry, and choose something different next time. If it is a recurring or painful problem, talk to your doctor. Small changes in fit and seams often help, but be honest with yourself.

Washing so it lasts

Rinse sweaty running clothes quickly and wash them following the care label, usually at a low temperature and without fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fabric. Air dry them rather than using a tumble dryer, unless the label allows it. That way they stay soft and keep fitting well.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear under my clothes for my first run?

Choose soft underwear without rough seams that sits quietly, and a bra without hard wires. Try it at home first, so you know that nothing rubs or shifts.

Is tight or loose underwear better for running?

It should fit close enough to stay in place, but not so tight that it cuts in. Notice whether it rubs when you move, and choose a comfortable fit.

How do I avoid chafing when I run?

Choose soft seams, a fit that does not shift, and keep your skin dry. Take a short trial outing before you set off with the club, and talk to your doctor if the problem continues.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.