Fitness & Exercise

12 best underwear for working out, according to ob-gyns and trainers

Maximum comfort, minimal chafing.

By Andrea Navarro, Kristine Thomason and Hannah Singleton

30 August 2024

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Most of us are probably know we need a decent pair of gym trainers and a solid sports bras, but what about the best underwear for working out? Seamless underwear or sweat-wicking knickers may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of what new workout gear to buy, but any fitness trainer will tell you that the type of underwear you wear is just as important — if not more so — than any cute new activewear. And gynaecologists would agree.

“In general, I encourage women to wear cotton underwear (or cotton gusset) while working out, but the newer blends that wick away sweat are good too,” says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Yale University Medical School. Most importantly, she says, you want to opt for breathable fabrics, especially when it comes to sweaty high-intensity workouts. Why? Staying cool and dry down there is key to preventing unwanted infections, according to Dr. Minkin.

In terms of fabric, there are several options for everyday wear — including odour-resistant merino wool blends, breathable modal and eco-friendly cotton. But it’s also important to factor in comfort and silhouette preferences. You might not want panty lines visible through your workout leggings, and some full-coverage bikini briefs can lead to a wedgie — which will definitely quash any zen vibes during your vinyasa flow (and explains why thongs are so popular in this category).

That said, even the best underwear for working out can only do so much. “Always try to change out of sweaty workout clothes as soon as you can,” says Dr. Minkin. “And if it does seem like an infection is ongoing despite these good measures, it’s probably time to check in with your health care provider.”

We polled certified trainers, outdoor enthusiasts and various exercisers for their favourite undies — all of which follow gynae's guidelines.

This story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.

Below, find some of the best workout underwear options.

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Best for High-Impact Workouts: Lululemon Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu Mid-Rise Bikini Underwear
£25
Lululemon
“I’m really not a thong girlie when it comes to choosing workout underwear, since moving in all planes of motion increases the chance of a wedgie,” says Marissa Miller, an American Council on Exercise–certified personal trainer. “Lululemon underwear is completely invisible under leggings, offers an extra layer of compression, which is great for high-impact activity, and is made with the most cooling and breathable fabric. It also covers enough of the tush so I feel contained.”
Sizes: XS–2XL
Material
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Courtesy of brand
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Most Versatile: Skims Cheeky Brief
£20
Skims
Want a pair of workout underwear for any activity? Erin Greer, a cyclist, climber, lifter and runner, says these Skims briefs are her ride or dies — so much so that she’s disappointed when all of her pairs are dirty. “I’ve had them for six months and they’re incredible,” she says. “They’re so soft and gentle, and don’t ride up when doing activities like other brands’ undies do.” Plus, they’re size inclusive up to 4XL.
Sizes: XXS–4XL
Materials: 76% Polyamide, 24% Elastane and a 100% cotton gusset
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Best for Hiking: Modibodi Classic Bikini Underwear
~~£20~~ £16
Modibodi
When you’re hiking, the last thing you want to be thinking about is your underwear. That's why merino wool briefs are the best to keep you dry. Unlike the scratchy wool of your grandma sweater, the fabric is soft, smooth, and feels light and breezy next to the skin - which is why Modibodi makes all of its gussets from merino wool. It also wicks moisture like a pro, and when you need to wash them during a multiday hiking trip, they dry out much quicker than cotton underwear. Bonus point? These are also period pants, meaning you won't leak anything, anywhere.
After something else? Shop period bikinis and period pants for teens.
Sizes: 3XS–2XL
Materials: A merino wool gusset with a bamboo viscose and elastane outer
Courtesy of brand
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Best Period-Proof Workout Underwear: Wuka Heavy Flow Pants
£18
Wuka
Wuka makes some of the best period underwear around —with options that feel less like a diaper and more like sleek, streamlined undies. These heavy flow pants are also great to wear while working out on your period, dealing with bladder leaks or for very sweaty workouts like hot yoga.
Sizes: XS–6XL
Materials: The three-layer design is made of a mix of organic cotton and elastane

Courtesy of brand
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Best for Yoga: Alo Airbrush Invisible Cheeky Underwear
£18
Alo
This winner is laser-cut (meaning no seams) and designed with four-way stretch, so you can get comfy in pigeon pose without worrying about VPL or wedgies. It also has built-in anti-odor technology for the extra-sweaty among us.
Sizes: XS–L
Materials: Polyester, spandex
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Best for Running: Runderwear Running Thong
£17
Runderwear
There's nothing worse than bunched up knickers when you're 1km into a 10k run, which is why Runderwear developed this running thong. Made from super-soft and seamless material, it's also guaranteed to be 100% chafe-free.
Sizes: S–XL
Materials: 92% recycled polyamide, 8% elastane
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Best Thong: Aerie Cotton String Thong Underwear
£10
Aerie
“I recently discovered Aerie’s cotton underwear, and they have been amazing to work out in,” says Tatiana Lampa, a National Academy of Sports Medicine–certified personal trainer and the creator of the Training With T app. She says that in addition to feeling super comfortable, they also stay in place during her entire workout.
Sizes: XS–XXL
Materials: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
Courtesy of brand
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Best Seamless: Uniqlo Airism
£9.90
Uniqlo
For those who want to go seamless, this mid-rise pair from Uniqlo helps you avoid unwanted panty lines. “They’re my all-time faves, and I’ve done a lot of undie research,” says Leandra Hernandez, who owns a “ton of pairs” and uses them for hiking, climbing, and weight lifting. “They’re quick-drying and so easy to wash.”
Sizes: XS–XXL
Materials: 71% polyamide, 29% elastane and a 100% cotton gusset

Courtesy of brand
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Best for Cycling: Woxer Women’s Boxer Briefs
£23
Amazon
Outdoor journalist Erica Zazo wears Woxer briefs every single day because they’re super comfy and made of modal, which is more eco-friendly than cotton. “I especially love wearing them while biking at the gym on the stationary bike and working out, as they cover my inner thigh and help reduce chafing,” she says. “I also like wearing them hiking and walking outdoors for the same reason.” They’re also durable: Her oldest pair is a year and a half old and still has plenty of life left. Choose between a three-inch inseam for a boy-shorts fit (listed above) or a five-inch inseam for a bit more length.
Sizes: S–3XL
Materials: Modal and elastane
Courtesy of brand
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Best for CrossFit: New Balance Ultra Comfort Performance Hipsters
£20
Amazon
If you want maximum protection that doesn’t budge when you squat, lift, or jump, this three pack of New Balance bestsellers are the way to go. With a super stretchy and comfortable fabric, you'll be able to move freely when squatting, running or burpeeing. And with breathable material, it will also help you stay dry during those tough workouts. Note that they run slightly small, so you may want to size up.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 97% nylon, 3% spandex
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Best for Dryness: Underdays The Workout Thong
£18
Underdays
Specially designed for exercising, this thong from Underdays (our new underwear obsession, btw) comes with an extra long gusset for dryness no matter what way you're moving. It's also made with quick-dry and anti-microbial fabric, functional seams that stay put and minimal VPL. We also love the contrast stitch design.
Sizes: XS–2XL
Materials: Recycled nylon and elastane, with a 47% modal, 46% cotton and 7% spandex gusset
Courtesy of brand
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Best High-Waisted: LDMA High Sculpt Thong
£24
LDMA
“For days I’m feeling bloated or I’m on my period, this high-waisted thong underwear is the first thing I reach for,” says Glamour contributor Hannah Singleton. “Sure, it’s a lot of material, but it is soft, stretchy and ever-so-slightly compressive, which feels like a (much-needed) gentle hug.” They don’t dig in like a traditional thong, they’re moisture-wicking, and they move with you as you work out. Plus, they give cute boxer-brief vibes if you let them peek out under other workout clothes like joggers or sweatpants.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: Nylon, spandex