Best Men's Underwear for Surfing: Comfort, Support, and Performance in Every Wave

When you're gearing up to surf, you're likely thinking about your board, your wetsuit, and the swell forecast. But there's one essential piece of gear many surfers overlook: underwear. The right pair can mean the difference between a comfortable, confident session in the water—and one spent constantly adjusting or dealing with chafing. That’s why choosing the best men's underwear for surfing is more important than you might think.

Whether you're riding waves in a full wetsuit or boardshorts, you need underwear that’s specifically designed to handle the demands of surfing: saltwater, friction, moisture, and movement. At RMAC, we've curated a collection of high-performance underwear that meets the needs of surfers at every level.

Why Regular Underwear Doesn’t Cut It

Let’s be honest—throwing on a pair of regular cotton boxer briefs before hitting the water is a bad idea. Cotton absorbs water quickly, becomes heavy, and stays wet for hours. That means more chafing, less breathability, and a ton of discomfort once you’re out of the water.

Surf-specific underwear is designed with performance fabrics that dry fast, resist odor, and prevent irritation. They’re made to work with your body, not against it, when you're paddling out, duck-diving, or popping up on a wave.

What to Look For in Surf Underwear

Before grabbing just any pair of performance underwear, here are the key features that separate the best from the rest:

1. Quick-Drying Materials

Look for underwear made from polyester blends, nylon, or moisture-wicking performance fabrics. These materials don’t retain water and dry fast once you’re out of the ocean.

2. Anti-Chafe Construction

Smooth seams (preferably flatlock or seamless designs) help reduce skin irritation during extended wear. Whether under a wetsuit or boardshorts, you want a pair that doesn’t rub or bunch.

3. Secure Fit

A snug, supportive fit ensures your underwear won’t ride up or shift, even in heavy surf. Compression-style shorts or boxer briefs are ideal.

4. Stretch and Flexibility

Surfing requires full-body motion, and your underwear should move with you. A 4-way stretch fabric with spandex ensures flexibility without losing shape.

5. Odor and Bacteria Resistance

Saltwater, sweat, and heat are a perfect combo for odor. Underwear with antimicrobial treatment helps you stay fresher, longer—even during multi-hour sessions.

RMAC’s Top Picks for Surfing Underwear

At RMAC, we’ve tested and selected a lineup of high-performance underwear made for surfers. Here are a few favorites from our Best Men's Underwear for Surfing Collection:

🌊 RMAC HydroForm Boxer Briefs

These are built from ultra-light, quick-drying material with just the right amount of compression to support without constricting. The no-roll waistband keeps them in place, while the breathable mesh zones add extra airflow for post-surf comfort.

🌊 WaveRider Compression Shorts

Designed for high-impact water sports, the WaveRider provides muscle support and reduces fatigue during long sessions. Flatlock stitching prevents skin irritation, and the smooth design makes it perfect under both wetsuits and boardshorts.

🌊 SaltSkin Seamless Briefs

If you prefer minimal coverage or often surf in warm water without a wetsuit, the SaltSkin briefs are a lightweight, low-profile option that feels like a second skin. They dry within minutes and offer excellent stretch for unrestricted movement.

Each pair in our collection is selected for durability, functionality, and performance, so you can spend more time surfing and less time adjusting.

How to Layer Surf Underwear

If you're wearing a wetsuit, your surf underwear acts as a moisture-wicking barrier between your skin and the neoprene. It helps prevent rashes and provides a bit of extra insulation in colder water.

When surfing in boardshorts, especially for long periods, surf underwear helps avoid the dreaded boardshort chafe—caused by wet fabric constantly rubbing against your skin.

Some surfers go commando under their wetsuits or trunks, but that often leads to skin irritation, especially in saltwater. A properly designed pair of surf underwear eliminates that problem.

Final Thoughts: Comfort Is Performance

Surfing is about freedom—feeling one with the water, riding waves, and enjoying every session to the fullest. But discomfort from poor-quality underwear can ruin that experience fast. That’s why investing in the best men's underwear for surfing isn’t just about luxury—it’s about performance.

RMAC's curated surf underwear lineup is built for those who demand more from their gear. From dawn patrols to sunset sessions, your base layer should work as hard as you do.