You know it is officially summer when you have to change multiple times a day and shower frequently, just to feel sweat-free and clean. With temperatures reaching upwards of 100 degrees [recently], you need wardrobe pieces that will keep you cool and comfortable during long, hot days — and that starts with your undergarments.
You don't want a restrictive pair of underwear that you can't breathe in. On hot days, when your body is sweating more to regulate your temperature, a study from the National Library of Medicine revealed that as "the human body starts to sweat, more perspiration is accumulated in the textiles. This may cause a wet sensation and an uncomfortable feeling to the human body." Another study from the National Library of Medicine about cooling garments says that, "during extreme weather or harsh conditions, which exceed the ability to self-regulate, it is necessary to utilize functional garments to achieve thermal comfort." That's where cooling underwear for summer comes into play, to help keep you breezy and moving even on the hottest days.
We consulted with two experts and multiple editors to determine the best underwear options for your body and comfort on warmer days. We also picked a few items our editors approve of for additional cooling. Read on to learn what experts and editors have to say and discover your new go-to undergarments.
What is cooling underwear?
Cooling underwear is designed to help regulate your body temperature when it is hot out, whereas normal, cotton underwear can absorb sweat and make you hotter. Your body's natural reaction to overheating is to sweat, which is beneficial, but can be uncomfortable in areas that underwear covers. Undergarment educator, Kimmay Caldwell, says, "Sweat is good for the body — it's a natural way to stay cool. But sweat needs airflow in order to fully cool down the body. Breathable or cooling underwear can do the trick! This can also help avoid odors or even bacterial buildup. So it's healthy and more comfortable to go with cooling underwear."
Caralyn Mirand, creator of Properly Fitting Bra Club, agrees, "Just like we swap out our wardrobe for summer, our underwear deserves the same treatment. Breathable, lightweight styles can make a big difference in how comfortable (and dry!) you feel on hot, sticky days."
What materials are best for cooling underwear?
While you might think cotton would be the best material to cool you down, Caldwell says, "Natural fibers like wool, bamboo and silk are naturally temperature regulating." She even notes that she wears wool in the summer, "It might sound strange, but I wear high-quality, soft wool underwear and hiking clothes when I am climbing mountains to help regulate my temperature." Merino wool is known for being able to wick away lots of moisture, so many hikers tend to wear that fabric on hotter days.
So when it comes to underwear, you want fabrics that wick away moisture and don’t absorb it. Caldwell also mentions that mesh is a good option for cooling, as it "can allow airflow through the netting or perforated material."
Certain synthetic fabrics also help to regulate body temperature. Mirand says to look out for "Nylon, modal, bamboo and micromodal" options when examining fabrics because they tend to be more breathable and are able to wick away sweat. She also recommends staying away from fabrics that can hold moisture, like cotton, because, "While cotton is often marketed as breathable, it can stay damp and lead to chafing or discomfort in the heat. I’d also steer clear of anything with bulky seams or overly compressive fabrics that don’t allow for airflow."
Mirand also brings up fit as an important factor to consider, "Fit is everything, underwear should feel barely there, not restrictive. Seamless construction, breathable gussets and quick-drying materials are key. Bonus points if they prevent chafing, especially in the heat."
You may notice that many underwear options are made with 100% cotton gussets, even if the rest of the underwear is made from other materials — this is for hygiene so that the cotton can absorb moisture and provide a barrier between the fabric and your genitals.
Some people are more prone to sweating and discharge. In this case, one study on genital hygiene practices found that "women who changed underwear less frequently were more prone to getting vaginal infections than those who changed more frequently." The study also mentions that because some synthetic materials, like nylon, are moisture-wicking, you may need to change them more frequently.
The best expert-recommended cooling underwear
On those especially hot days when anything feels like a sweater on you, Mirand recommends this pair from Chantelle because they "feel barely there and are super breathable." While this pair is one size fits all, they are super stretchy and able to fit multiple body types.
Editor Vivien Moon is also a fan of this pair since they are high-waisted and come in a variety of colorways.
Caldwell recommends this mesh pair from On Gossamer because they are breathable due to their mesh design. They are made of 100% nylon, so they also wick away sweat as you are out and about.
If you are planning on camping, hiking or doing any other big outdoor adventures this summer, you need some cooling undies to keep you going. Caldwell says she wears this pair hiking and loves the brand because they are made of high-quality Merino wool. They are also naturally anti-microbial, moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating and odor-resistant.
If you have an event you need to wear a long or short dress to, these cooling shorts from Thigh Society help keep you cool and prevent chafing. Mirand likes the brand because they are "great for breathability and chafing protection."
Finding a pair of cooling underwear that is also cute is easier than you think. This pair from Uwila Warrior is recommended by Caldwell for being wearable and fun. They feature a lace trim, so you can match them with your existing bra options.
Mirand recommends this pair of fit-to-you underwear from Spanx that comes in a pack of three. She says they have seamless stretch and comfort for that barely there feeling. The Nylon fabric in the blended pair of underwear also helps wick away moisture, so you won't feel sweat accumulating.
The best editor recommended cooling underwear
If you like a fuller-coverage option for your underwear, this pair from Bali covers everything, without feeling like it. I [Shigo] own these and love how they feel like you are wearing nothing. The fabric is thin enough that you don't feel like you're wearing full coverage, but it is also thick enough that you feel supported.
When you think of cooling clothing, you probably have heard about Duluth Trading Co., which is known for many cooling products for people who work outdoors. I have a pair of these underwear and love the high-rise and spandex material because it is breathable, but great for really hot days when you would be sweaty. I am always reaching for these during workouts or walk days.
Caldwell also recommends these because of their ability to wick and cool the skin when hot.
For those who prefer a thong, this pair of underwear from Bombas is described as breathable and stretchy with a nylon fabric. Shop TODAY writer and avid marathoner, Emma Stessman, has them and says, "I have a couple pairs of these and reach for them on hot days, especially when I’m running because they’re super lightweight and breathable."
I have been wearing Thirdlove bras for a long time, but I was invited to an event for their new TemSync underwear that was described as "first of its kind" because it is made with charcoal to help regulate your temperature. Since that event, I have worn this pair of underwear multiple times during extreme heat waves. They are, without a doubt, my favorite pair of cooling underwear and really feel like you are not a sweaty mess even on hot days.
If you want a pair of underwear that keeps you cool and comfy when you are wearing dresses, writer Jannely Espinal recommends this pair because they are "great to wear under dresses during the summer months because they prevent chafing. I love how smooth they feel and how well they wick moisture.”
If you want to be extra breezy, mesh is a great option to keep you cool. This mesh pair from Journelle has a lined gusset and a thick mesh waistband. Shop TODAY associate editor, Lauren Witonsky, has these and wears them to her yoga and workout classes because they keep her cool.
If you are prone to chafing, especially in heat, a longer pair of underwear can help. The problem is, you don't want to overheat in longer underwear options. This pair from Bonds is made of viscose, so it does not absorb moisture, and they are long enough on me that I don't need to wear anything else under dresses and shorts.
Other cooling products to shop
If you need a new pajama option for those nights when it is just too hot, these cooling shorts from Target come in at $10 and come with rave reviews from customers for their comfort and cooling abilities.
If you run hot in the summer or are dealing with nagging hot flashes at the worst time, these cooling bra inserts will be your new hero. They pull heat from your body and can be kept easily in your gym bag or purse. And the best part is, they can be used again and again!
A neck fan is a must-have in the summer when you are outdoors for travel or events. This editor-loved pick boasts up to 14 hours of battery life, so you don't have to worry about it dying on you fast.
If you are wearing dresses or something uncomfortable this summer, you can't go wrong with chafing shorts, especially when they have added cooling. These shorts are described as silky-smooth and provide a cooling ability to keep your body temperature regulated.
Available in multiple bedding sizes, these sheets will make sure you don't run hot during the night. Many reviewers say they are soft and comfortable for a great night's sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
The experts we spoke with note that natural fibers like wool, bamboo and silk are naturally temperature-regulating, and mesh is very breathable.
In a previous Shop TODAY article, Nikki Chu, underwear expert and founder of Nudies Essentials, said it is best to swap out underwear every year.
You can change your underwear multiple times a day if you are prone to sweating or discharge.
How we choose
The Shop TODAY team found the best cooling underwear by speaking with experts in the underwear and textile industry to hear their recommendations and opinions. We also included two favorite cooling underwear options that were tested by our editors as well.
Meet the experts
- Caralyn Mirad is a former plus-size model and is the owner of Properly Fitting Bra Club.
- Kimmay Caldwell is an undergarment educator and creator of Bra Confidence & Comfort.
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