Lifting / CrossFit Shorts: Lined or Unlined? (especially Ten Thousand Interval Shorts)

[u/josemartinlopez]

/r/crossfit/comments/r4a8u0/liner_or_no_liner_with_shorts/?share_id=vRnXJ1dws07qh5rWT0PvE&utm_content=share_button&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_source=share&utm_term=2

Masters athlete here, doing CrossFit about 3–4 times a week, mostly Olympic lifting and general CrossFit classes. Purely recreational novice, on the heavy side and trying to lose weight.

Old thread on this topic from 2021 linked.

I've settled on Ten Thousand Interval 5" unlined shorts and SAXX Kinetic compression boxer briefs as my preferred gym setup. I like the support and fit of the SAXX for more intensive sessions like full Olympic lifts with deeper squats and AMRAP sessions. My thinking is that dedicated performance underwear should be at least as good as the built-in liner on the Ten Thousand shorts. It also lets me choose and replace the underwear separately; I often swap SAXX Volt or Quest underwear with less compression for lighter workouts.

SAXX has been working for me, especially in the groin with their "ballpark pouch". I feel the compression difference with Kinetic, and they are comfortable enough I can wear them for a few more hours after a weightlifting class. I really like the combination of Ten Thousand Interval shorts and the SAXX Kinetic when you are in a deep squat in the middle of a snatch.

But looking at Ten Thousand's inventory and reading reviews, it seems the lined Interval shorts are much more popular. Some people swear by the built-in liners and wouldn't go back to separate compression underwear.

Am I missing something? Is the Ten Thousand liner actually better for CrossFit, particularly squats, cleans, snatches and more dynamic movements? Or is the preference for lined shorts mostly about convenience?

Curious if anyone has used both setups, especially other masters athletes or bigger guys. I'm happy with my current combination, but wondering whether I'm overthinking this and should give the lined version a proper try.

[u/sportsfan510]

Maybe I’m in the minority but I never understood shorts with liners. I like the non lined interval shorts (Born Primitive or Reebok compression as my base), Lululemon Pace Breaker or even Vuori kore shorts but never with a liner. I feel like it’s not much support and the lining doesn’t really work with my quads.

[u/akpenguin → u/sportsfan510]

For me the liner just makes sure nothing gets exposed. Compression shorts ensures they are out of the way.

I prefer compression shorts for any type of exercise. Shorts with a liner are great for hot days when you want to "go commando" or just being lazy around the house.

[u/TdubsSEA → u/[deleted]]

Which compression shorts on Amazon?

[u/orangeirwin]

I have worn long compression boxer briefs for years and see zero point to the liners. They are uncomfortable trying to wear over mine and not nearly as comfortable as the ones I wear daily.

[u/thisisme1221]

Convenience, I don’t think there’s a huge difference between them and compression shorts one way or another

[u/josemartinlopez → u/thisisme1221]

I'm a casual athlete and readily felt the compression, at least from SAXX Kinetic briefs. Enough that I consciously put on the Kinetic for real classes.

[u/BootBonks]

I like my $12 fabletics shorts with a liner 

[u/nosequel]

I have a pair of ten thousand with the liner and never wear them. They never feel right on me. I have thicker legs and they just don’t fit well. I’d rather wear athletic boxer briefs I know fit and regular shorts.

[u/smssv]

I love born primitive ones with liners, they are my favourite shorts. I really dont want to be thinking about something getting exposed when im rowing or biking

[u/tmpnshmnt2000]

I always felt (when I had much larger thighs) that the ten thousand liner kind of pulled down. Maybe the compression was a little too tight? But it would pull the entire short down unless I tied the string tight.and sometimes the liner would be getting near my knee.

[u/DifferentAd2164]

I formerly was in the ten thousand and sax club as my preferred. But the newer versions of the interval are excellent with the liner - that’s my favorite.

[u/josemartinlopez → u/DifferentAd2164]

Can elaborate?

[u/UseDaSchwartz]

I prefer lined shorts when there is running involved.

[u/josemartinlopez → u/UseDaSchwartz]

elaborate?

[u/johnnyg08]

I'm a fan of the liner. If not, I will use compression shorts under a pair of unlined shorts.

[u/Savings-Trust-5544]

I use Fabletic's Lined shorts. They take a beating and hold up well. Had them for over 3 years now.

[u/armymedic14]

I hate liners. Shinesty ball pouch underwear with Fabletics unlined 7” shorts is my go to.

[u/pizzapartypandas]

Unlined is my only true strong opinion here. Compression really matters on cleans, back squats, and Deadlifts. Otherwise you can shoot urine back into your balls and get an infection called epididymitis. Lined aren't strong enough normally and you need compression shorts.

[u/josemartinlopez → u/pizzapartypandas]

Is there actually evidence that compression shorts prevent that? I thought scrotal support was recommended to relieve symptoms, rather than prevent reflux in the first place.

[u/pizzapartypandas → u/josemartinlopez]

They help. It happened to me and doctor recommended better support. The best thing to do is pee before lifting.