Style Active Clothing Bras and Undies
Taylor Bell
Danielle Calma
Taylor Bell & Danielle Calma
Updated June 27, 2024
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If you’re thinking about your skivvies while you run, lift weights, or do yoga, it probably isn’t the best underwear for working out—and you’ll most likely want something that won’t give you a major wedgie, or rub you the wrong way. Whether you prefer bikini or brief styles, or working out in a thong, your underwear should be at the very least comfortable. Better yet, you’ll want sweat-wicking undies that are up to the task of dealing with excess moisture for your sake, and the health of your nether regions—and, here, material plays an important role in finding the right pair.
Experts In This Article
- Eden Fromberg, DO, FACOOG, ABIHM, board-certified OB/GYN and founder and director of Holistic Gynecology New York
- Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, MS/MBA, double-board-certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology
- Kelly Culwell, MD, board-certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology
- Sheryl Ross, MD, board-certified OB/GYN and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Period
To help you narrow down your choices, Well+Good spoke with gynecologist Kelly Culwell, MD, or “Dr. Lady Doctor,” to share advice on which underwear to wear while working out. Based on her insights and those of other gynecologists we’ve interviewed in the past, we curated a list of the seven best underwear for working out. The picks below include options recommended by experts, as well as Well+Good editors and writers who’ve put these undies through their paces at sweaty workout sessions—all without bunching, rolling, and riding up or down.
In This Article
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best underwear for working out -
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what to look for
Best underwear for working out, at a glance
- Best budget multipack: Fruit of the Loom CoolBlend Hi-Cut Underwear (4-Pack), $14
- Best seamless thong: Bombas No-Show Thong, $18
- Most size options: Skims Fits Everybody Thong, $18
- Best period-proof underwear: Knix Leakproof No-Show Thong, $18
- Best hip huggers: Uniqlo AIRism Ultra Seamless Hiphugger, $10
- Best bikini: ThirdLove ComfortStretch Bikini, $20
- Best multipack: Lululemon InvisiWear Mid-Rise Bikini Underwear (5-Pack), $74
Shop the best underwear for working out
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the above pick, consider this multipack of underwear from Fruit of the Loom. For $14, you’ll receive a pack of four high-rise bikini briefs made from a combination of cotton, polyester, and just a touch of spandex for the perfect amount of stretch. Plus, it comes with the recommendation of Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, MS/MBA, a double-board-certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology, who previously told Well+Good that it’s a “personal favorite.”
Sizes: S-2X
Colors: 1
Body material: 57% cotton, 38% polyester, 5% spandex
Crotch liner: 100% cotton
Pros:
- Recommended by Dr. Gaither
- Inexpensive
- Available in a multipack
Cons:
- Limited size options
- Few color choices
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Best seamless thong: Bombas No-Show Thong — $18.00
When you want underwear that will disappear underneath your leggings without any forethought, the Bombas No-Show Thong is a solid bet. It’s seamless to prevent visible panty lines, and it will stay put—no matter how strenuous your workout. The style has silicone strips at the waist to keep it securely in place. This pick is made out of a nylon-elastane blend to wick away moisture, and it features a breathable cotton blend gusset. You can purchase it individually or in discounted packs of three ($51) or six ($97).
What our reviewer said: “If you wear them running or for cross-training, or even just walking around your neighborhood, they don’t move. No, really—they don’t move. Not even under skin-tight leggings that ride up when you’re leaning over to pick up after your dog (which I’ve tested them doing) or under yoga pants that move around when you’re working up a sweat on the rowing machine (which I’ve also tested them doing).” — Francesca Krempa, commerce editor
Read the Bombas No-Show Thong review.
Sizes: XS-2X
Colors: 8
Body material: 66% nylon, 34% elastane
Crotch liner: 95% cotton, 5% elastane
Pros:
- Seamless style lies flat under bottoms
- Features silicone strips at the waist to keep it in place
- Sold individually or in discounted multipacks
Cons:
- It may not provide as much firm support as other options
- Runs small
Most size options: Skims Fits Everybody Thong — $18.00
The Skims Fits Everybody Thong is stretchy for unrestricted movement and it won’t ride up your bum as so many thongs do. Made out of “buttery-soft” fabric that blends polyamide and elastane, it’s made to handle sweat and strenuous motions without losing shape or bagging out in the wrong places, and its cotton gusset keeps things cool. The underwear offers a snug-but-not-tight fit, and the side seams lay flat and won’t dig into the skin. Plus, it’s sold individually or in discounted three-packs ($36), and in a wide variety of sizes and colors.
What our reviewer said: “A thong wouldn’t usually be my go-to for a gym workout. Who wants something riding up you-know-where mid-squat? But Skim’s Fits Everybody Thong has quickly become my one and only workout buddy. As the name implies, the ultra-comfortable underwear is designed to ‘fit everybody,’ and I dare say it’s true. It comes in a wide range of sizes and colors, but what I love most about it is that it’s so seamless and breathable that I almost forget I’m wearing anything while working out. Granted they’re not cheap, but they’re so worth the money. Trust me, I’ve tried the dupes, but they don’t compare.” — Maki Yazawa, senior food writer
Sizes: XXS-4X
Colors: 10 (and 6 limited-edition colors)
Body material: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane
Crotch liner: 100% cotton
Pros:
- Stretchy yet supportive fit
- Inclusive size options
- Sold individually or in discounted multipacks
Cons:
- It isn’t ideal for people looking for more coverage in the crotch
- Raised side seams might show through stretchy or tight-fitting bottoms
If you frequently workout on your period, but don’t want to deal with bulky pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup, consider period underwear like this option from Knix. The thong can hold about two tampons’ worth of fluid, and like many of the underwear featured on this list, it can withstand sweaty activities. It’s made from a nylon-Lycra blend to wick away moisture and allow for unrestricted movement, while the gusset has four layers of absorbent fabric and offers nine inches of leak-proof protection.
What our reviewer said: “I could wear the brand’s Leakproof Thong … every day of the week, whether I have my period or not. The unique leak-proof design is meant for a light flow, but [is] equally as brilliant at keeping you dry and comfortable during sweaty workouts, bladder leaks, or on those fun days of the month when you’re more discharge-y than others.” — Megan McCarthy, contributing writer
Read the Knix Leakproof No-Show Thong Review.
Sizes: XS-4X
Colors: 16
Body material: 70% nylon, 30% spandex
Crotch liner: 84% modal, 8% seaweed, 8% spandex; 100% polyester; Fresh Fix Technology; polyurethane film
Pros:
- Hold up to two tampons’ worth of fluid
- Offers up to nine inches of leak-proof protection
- Inclusive size options
- Sold individually and in discounted multipacks
Cons:
- It isn’t ideal for a “heavy” flow
- It isn’t as thin or lightweight as other options on the list
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No-show underwear isn’t the sole jurisdiction of thongs. Exhibit A: the Uniqlo AIRism Ultra Seamless Hiphugger. This pick offers more coverage than the standard thong but shows more cheek, and it’s made from a stretchy blend of nylon and spandex with a breathable cotton gusset. True to its name, it’s lightweight and quick-drying, making it ideal for handling (lots of) sweat. A welcome bonus: It’s only $10 per piece. Shop it in four neutral colors, including beige, brown, gray, and black.
What our reviewer said: “Majority of my underwear collection consists of Uniqlo’s AIRism seamless hip huggers. They stay in place without digging into my skin, and they don’t lose their shape throughout the day. In fact, I’ve been wearing them for years, and they’re still like new. Plus, they’re whisper-thin and keep me dry as I sweat—and I sweat profusely. Also, they’re truly seamless: You wouldn’t know I was wearing them.” — Danielle Calma, commerce writer
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 4
Body material: 71% nylon, 29% spandex
Crotch liner: 100% cotton
Pros:
- Most inexpensive option featured on the list
- Seamless style lies flat under bottoms
Cons:
- Limited size range
- Only a few color options
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The ThirdLove ComfortStretch Bikini is a treat for a premium price. It is soft, comfortable, and offers a truly “wedgie-proof” experience. Its four-way stretch fabric moves with you as you squat, lunge, and jump—and without bunching up in the front or back. Plus, the lightweight nylon-spandex blend is fast-wicking, making it ideal for sweaty activities, while the cotton gusset promotes optimal airflow. It’s sold individually or in discounted three-packs ($39), the latter of which offers one more option in terms of color.
What our reviewer said: “I have been on runs before when my undies got so soaked in sweat that they weighed my shorts down, but not only did these not do that, they also stayed put the entire time. I did not get one wedgie while running in them over the course of almost five hours.” — Ali Finney, contributing writer
Read the ThirdLove ComfortStretch Bikini review.
Sizes: XS-3X
Colors: 1
Body material: Nylon and spandex
Crotch liner: 100% cotton
Pros:
- Four-way stretch fabric
- Fast-wicking material
- Sold individually or in discounted multipacks
Cons:
- Pricey
- Limited color options
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Best multipack: Lululemon InvisiWear Mid-Rise Bikini Underwear (5-Pack) — $74.00
This multipack of underwear from Lululemon will keep you covered for a week’s worth of workouts. They’re made from a nylon-Lycra blend for a flexible fit, and the four-way stretch conforms to your body while allowing for freedom of movement—plus, it comes with a cotton gusset. True to its name, the seamless construction is invisible under clothing, and it’s available in packs of five or three ($48). You can also select from a few additional styles, like the Mid-Rise Thong and the Mid-Rise Boyshort.
What our reviewer said: “I’m not one to usually splurge on underwear, but these ones from Lululemon are well worth the price tag. They have a lightweight-but-smooth fabric, without enough stretch for supportive comfort. Whether I’m walking miles or twisting myself into knots during a yoga class, they stay put so I can avoid a mid-workout wedgie. Plus, their moisture-wicking abilities are great for standing up to sweat. I drip buckets, and with these undies, I never feel like I’m wearing a loaded diaper. I can also attest to their ‘InvisWear,’ and they look smooth even under my most snug-fitting leggings.” — Calma
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 5
Body material: 71% nylon, 29% Lycra
Crotch liner: 100% cotton
Pros:
- Four-way stretch
- Seamless construction
- Available in multipacks of three or five
Cons:
- Runs small
- Expensive
What to consider when choosing underwear for working out
Material
When selecting underwear, one of the most important things to consider is the material—and cotton is a prime choice for most people with vagin*s. “Underwear for everyday use should fit the vagin* comfortably and ideally be made of cotton,” gynecologist Sheryl “Sherry” Ross, MD, author of She-ology, previously told Well+Good. “Comfortably fitting cotton underwear that properly covers your female anatomy well, including the vagin* and the rectum, tends to be the best bet for the vagin* in the long run.” Cotton underwear is also ideal for working out and for your vagin*l health, Eden Fromberg, DO, FACOOG, ABIHM, gynecologist and founder and director of Holistic Gynecology New York, mentioned in a separate interview.
Keep in mind: most workout underwear utilizes spandex, Lycra, or elastane to allow you to move without constriction, as well as synthetic materials (such as nylon and polyamide) to wick away sweat from your nether regions—unlike cotton, which typically absorb moisture. For the best of both worlds, you may want to seek out options with cotton gussets (or crotch liners), which, according to Dr. Culwell, “increase breathability and decrease irritation from sweat and friction that could happen with other fibers.”
Conversely, you’ll want to avoid certain materials altogether: “Anything with lace or other rough materials in the crotch area can cause friction of the vulva or vagin*l opening during exercise,” she says.
Style
As you shop, you’ll find a variety of styles of underwear, and your ideal option is largely a matter of personal preference. If, for example, you want something with more coverage, you may want to opt for bikini or brief styles, many of which feature seamless designs to look invisible under clothing. Similarly, barely-there bottoms such as thongs won’t show underneath leggings or snug-fitting bike shorts. However, wearing a thong isn’t the ideal choice for everybody. “For people who are experiencing vulvar or vagin*l irritation, I recommend … a cotton brief to avoid potential rubbing or friction from the thong,” says Dr. Culwell.
Tl;dr: The best style of underwear for you will depend on your preferred fit and coverage. That said, every pair of underwear on this list has been approved by editors and Well+Good staffers alike for their comfort and breathability.
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Tags: Active Clothing, Bras and Undies, Well+Good SHOP
Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.
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