Whether you're walking or logging a sweaty HIIT session, when you're in the middle of working out, you want to be completely focused on the task at hand. You don't want to be distracted by anything — and that includes the underwear that you're wearing.
But if you're simply reaching into your underwear drawer and grabbing the first pair you see, you could be in trouble. After all, if you choose an uncomfortable pair, like one that rides up or causes chafing, it can be enough to make you want to leave the gym early.
So we had to know: Is there really a right type of underwear to wear for a workout? And should we even be wearing underwear at all? (As it turns out, there may be a case for going commando.)
We tapped two doctors, Dr. Christine Greves, a board-certified OB-GYN in Orlando and Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine, to get the details.
What underwear is best for exercising?
Here's the thing: There isn't really any data that points to a specific type of underwear being superior for sweating, so it mostly comes down to personal preference. But the experts did say that some materials may be better than others when it comes to minimizing potential problems.
"The most sensitive tissue in the body, skin-wise, is the vulvar and vaginal tissue, as far as people getting allergic reactions and irritative reactions," Minkin says. "So my attitude is, why bother with anything that has a potential for irritation? There are some people that get irritation from dyes or materials, so that's why I tend to say stick with the white stuff, white cotton ... cotton tends to be pretty non-irritating, as compared to some of the synthetic fibers."
For really sweaty workouts, you might find that cotton gets too moist, which is why Greves says that she likes materials that are soft, breathable, sweat-wicking and don't hold onto moisture as easily. That's important because moist, warm environments (like your groin area after a tough workout) can potentially foster yeast infections.
The bottom line is that the underwear you choose should feel comfortable for you. "I tell people that you don't necessarily want to remember you're wearing underwear when you're doing an activity," Greves says. "So I think as long as that's not the focus of your workout, then that's a good thing. And given that we are all designed different, our bodies are all different, our activity levels are different and our metabolism is different, so there's not one [type of] underwear that's perfect."
And both experts agreed that more important than the underwear itself is making sure that you practice good hygiene after your workout and always shower and change your underwear to help prevent yeast infections.
Below, we rounded up some editor-approved and reviewer-loved options that could work for every type of sweat session.
The best underwear for workouts, according to editors
Duluth Trading Co. Women’s Armachillo Underwear
- Stretchy
- Keeps you cool
- May be too high cut for some
Material: Nylon, spandex | Sizes available: X-Small — XX-Large
Associate editor Kamari Stewart shares that these underwear have become a part of her "race day uniform" for recent races, like a half marathon and 10K. She says they're "super stretchy," and "keep you cool down there." She adds, "It's a hi-cut and they very much mean it, so something to consider if you're not into the true brief style."
Aerie Smoothez Everyday High Cut Thong Underwear
- Super soft
- Easy to move in
- Limited colors available
Material: Nylon, elastane | Sizes available: XX-Small — XX-Large
As an avid runner who has run multiple long-distance races — including a marathon and half-marathon — I'm all too familiar with how quickly the wrong pair of underwear can ruin a workout. So when I find a pair I love, I stick with them and make sure they're always clean for my long runs. This is one of those pairs. They're super soft and light, so they have that barely-there feel that you want for workouts.
Lululemon UnderEase High-Rise Thong Underwear
- Chafe-resistant seams
- Smooth waistband
- Many sizes sold out
Material: Modal, Lycra elastane | Sizes available: X-Small — XX-Large
Lululemon is known for its impressive activewear selection, so it's no surprise that the brand makes great underwear for workouts. This is another pair that I swear by for long runs. They stay right in place and the waistband doesn't fold or roll throughout the run. And while some chafing is pretty par for the course when you're running 20 miles, I find I have fewer problems when I'm wearing this thong.
Huha Mineral Thong
- Breathable
- Antimicrobial gusset
- Runs small
Material: Tencel modal, lyocell, spandex | Sizes available: XX-Small — XXX-Large
"The founder of this brand suffered a string of UTIs from cheap nylon and polyester underwear that trapped moisture and warmth, and sought out to create underwear that would be breathable and better for women's bodies," shares production coordinator Audrey Ekman. "The gusset of these is knitted with antimicrobial zinc oxide and the rest of the underwear is constructed with Tencel, which is notably breathable and soft. These are probably the softest underwear I own — I currently have the thong, low profile thong and boxers from this brand and hope to grow my collection. Pro tip: size up in the thongs, as I find they run a bit snug."
Hanky Panky BreatheSoft Boyshort Coral Reef Pink
- "Second-skin" knit
- Moisture-wicking
- Hand wash
Material: Nylon, lycra | Sizes available: X-Small — Large
Social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo says that she loves these boyshorts for workouts because they are "breathable." Plus they are "pretty no-show," so you won't have to worry about those dreaded panty lines. According to the brand, they're designed to not shift or ride up as you move, making them a great choice for exercise.
Bombas Women’s Seamless Brief
- Tagless
- Stretchy
- Some say they ride up
Material: Tencel modal, nylon, elastane | Sizes available: X-Small — XX-Large
It's pretty rare that I'll wear anything other than a thong — both for workouts and beyond. But I have worn these briefs from Bombas a handful of times for light movement and have been impressed by their comfort. They're super soft and stretchy and have remained that way, even after plenty of washes. Plus, they're seamless to help keep chafing to a minimum.
More underwear for workouts
Voenxe Seamless Thongs (Set of 5)
- Over 55,000 positive ratings
- Many say they're comfortable
- The fabric is breathable, per customers
- Some say they run small
- Some say they don't last long
Material: Nylon, cotton | Sizes available: X-Small — XX-Large
More than 50,000 shoppers have given these seamless thongs a five-star rating on Amazon, and many people note that they’re good for working out. “So breathable and stretchy!” one reviewer wrote. “They don’t roll up and they stay put! Not constricting what so ever. Very seamless, can’t see them under my clothes. Tested them out at the gym today and I didn’t feel like I was being cut in half. I’m absolutely buying more, I love them. Fit perfect. No complaints at all! Best undies I have ever purchased.”
Athleta Ritual Boyshort Underwear
- "Fits so comfortably," per a customer
- Many repeat buyers
- Many say they don't roll
- Some say they stretch out easily
Material: Nylon, spandex | Sizes available: XX-Small — 3X
This pair from Athleta is designed to be stretchy, comfortable and sweat-wicking — what more could you ask for? They provide full coverage and hit right below your natural waist.
Alo Yoga Airbrush Invisible Thong
- Very lightweight, per customers
- Soft, stretchy fit
- Great under leggings
- May be too stretchy
Material: Nylon, elastane | Sizes available: XX-Small — X-Large
Featuring Alo’s lightest Airbrush fabric, you’ll feel like you have nothing on when you slip this pair on for a workout. Reviewers say that they’re perfect for workouts and are very comfortable.
Under Armour Women's Pure Stretch Thong Underwear, 3-Pack
- Many reviewers exercise in them
- Material is very lightweight
- Many customers say they roll easily
Material: Polyester | Sizes available: X-Small — X-Large
Under Armour says that these are "the perfect underwear for athletes." They're said to be made from an ultra-soft, stretchy and sweat-wicking fabric that has laser-cut edges, so there aren't any uncomfortable hems.
Should you wear underwear while working out?
While some people might have some strong opinions about skipping underwear for a workout, many of the same rules apply: If it’s something that feels comfortable to you and it’s something that you’re used to, there’s probably no harm in it.
In fact, there could be one potential benefit: “Some people may actually say there could be a positive to going commando, because you don’t have that extra piece of material that’s moist and keeping that moisture and heat in,” Greves says.
If you are going to try it, because you don’t have the underwear as a guard, you want to pay close attention to the material of your leggings and shorts.
Just like with your undies, Minkin suggests opting for bottoms made from cotton or a sweat-wicking material. You also may want to avoid anything with seams in the middle, which could uncomfortably rub the area, Greves adds.
Most importantly, if you are going commando, you want to make sure that you’re putting on a clean pair of leggings, to minimize the risk of bacterial infections or clogged pores.
Frequently asked questions
As far as the debate of thongs versus more full coverage options, it’s really what you’re more accustomed to. “If someone has been doing something forever, and it’s her way and it’s working for her, then I don’t think you need to reinvent the wheel,” Greves says.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team chose the best underwear for working out after talking with two experts (a board-certified OB-GYN as well as a clinical professor at Yale), who discussed the best materials and designs to shop for. We took their advice into consideration and included popular pairs we found that related to their feedback. We also asked our editors to share a handful of their favorite pairs.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Christine Greves, MD, attended University Of South Florida College Of Medicine, and she's a board-certified OB-GYN who's based in Orlando, Florida.
- Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, MD, is a board-certified gynecology at the Yale-New Haven Hospital. She's also a clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences.
