Should you wear underwear when you work out?

If you want to stay comfortable and reduce your risk of infection, it may be a good idea to wear underwear while working out. Why? Sweating is a normal part of working out. But if that sweat pools in your crotch area, it may make you uncomfortable—and it may also increase your risk of infection. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you’re wearing something that will wick moisture away from your crotch as you exercise. If your workout bottoms are adequately moisture-wicking, they may take care of this for you. But if they aren’t, you may need a pair of underwear to make sure sweat isn’t pooling anywhere it shouldn’t.

Is it bad to wear thongs while working out?

Thongs are a popular choice in the workout underwear space. After all, they’re unlikely to cause visible panty lines—and since they’re so low-profile, they’re also unlikely to add bulk to your workout bottoms. But Dale-Kramek advises against wearing thongs while working out because they can ride up and irritate your tush.

Should I be concerned about PFAS?

PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," are commonly used to make products non-stick, grease-resistant, and waterproof. "They are likely used in period underwear to provide a waterproof barrier between the underwear and the skin," says Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, FACEP, FUHM, FACMT, Medical Toxicologist, Co-Medical Director, and Interim Executive Director of the National Capital Poison Center. These synthetic chemicals have been linked to several health issues including various cancers, liver and thyroid diseases, and more. But PFAS are commonly found within the environment and our bodies, so we're already exposed, says Johnson-Arbor. Thinx settled a class-action lawsuit alleging its products contained PFAS, but the brand denies the allegations. While consumers grew concerned about the impact of these chemicals in Thinx period underwear, we got to work on some answers. After speaking with OBGYNS, physicians, and researchers, our team made an informed decision to keep the brand in our final list of recommendations. We're exposed to PFAS on a daily basis, so using period underwear for several days every month may not pose additional health risks, according to experts. "People are exposed to PFAS daily in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's impossible for us to avoid PFAS exposure in our daily lives. We don't need to be alarmed about the potential for health effects due to the use of Thinx products," says Johnson-Arbor.

The 12 Best Underwear for Working Out of 2023

Once you've stocked up on shorts, leggings, and fitness tops, you'll want to buy some great workout underwear to complete your outfit. “Comfort is a key factor to having a feel-good experience while working out,” Shayra Brown, NASM-CPT, a personal trainer at Blink Fitness, says.

When buying, “look for fabric that wicks moisture away from your body, so moisture does not accumulate in your crotch area,” Annette Dale-Kramek, activewear designer and founder of Ancient Language 97, says. She recommends stretchy fabrics that are lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking.

We researched dozens of underwear for working out and evaluated them for material, breathability, comfort, and cost.

Based on our research, here are the best underwear for working out on the market.

Verywell Fit FYI

Recent news has suggested a PFAS concern surrounding Thinx products—some of which are included in our list of recommendations.

Thinx has agreed to settle a lawsuit claiming its products contain short chain per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and Agion anti-microbial treatment, but the brand denies the allegations. PFAS, also known as toxic “forever chemicals,” have been linked to several health issues including various cancers, liver and thyroid diseases, and more.

Our team conducted research and spoke with doctors to learn more about what this means for consumers. You can read more in our "Frequently Asked Questions" section below.

Our Top Picks

Best Men's Overall:

Lululemon Always in Motion Boxer at Lululemon

Jump to Review

Best Women's Overall:

Lululemon InvisiWear Mid Rise Thong Underwear at Lululemon

Jump to Review

Best Men's Budget:

Adidas Sport Performance Boxer Briefs at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Women's Budget:

Under Armour Pure Stretch Hipster at Zappos

Jump to Review

Best Unisex:

Urbody Boxer Brief at Urbody.co

Jump to Review

Best Plus-Size:

Girlfriend Collective Sport Brief at Girlfriend.com

Jump to Review

Best Maternity:

Kindred Bravely Full Coverage Maternity Briefs at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Period Panties:

Thinx Sport at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Briefs:

Patagonia Active Briefs at Patagonia.com

Jump to Review

Best Thong:

ThirdLove Comfort Stretch Thong at Thirdlove.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Courtesy of Lululemon

Pros

Ergonomic fit with front pouch
Soft, stretchy material
Moisture-wicking fabric

Cons

No fly opening

We chose Lululemon’s Always in Motion Boxers as our top overall pick because they are soft, breathable, and flexible thanks to the combination of Lycra for stretch and Modal, a form of Rayon that’s soft and durable. The boxers are smooth and lightweight for a "barely there" feeling.

Designed with an ergonomic silhouette, the boxers hug your body comfortably and feature a spacious front pouch, although there is no built-in fly opening. Plus, it's available in six sizes and two lengths, so you can get the perfect fit no matter your body shape.

Price at time of publication: $28

^{Key Specs:
Material: Modal, Lycra Elastane | Gusset Material: Modal, Lycra Elastane | Colors: Eight | Sizes: XS-XXL, in 5-inch and 7-inch lengths}

Courtesy: Lululemon

Pros

Maintains shape over time
Soft, breathable cotton gusset
Moisture-wicking material

Cons

No seamless design

Lululemon’s InvisiWear Mid-Rise Thong is a fan favorite thanks to the smooth feel of the Nylon- and Lycra-blend material. Lightweight and stretchy, they're still durable enough to maintain shape over time and they offer both moisture-wicking and quick-drying capabilities.

The thong boasts a soft, breathable gusset—a detail that will keep you comfortable as you're moving around and working up a sweat. And we like that it's available in ten colors, so you shouldn't have trouble finding an option worth adding to your wardrobe, or to pair with any favorite Lululemon leggings.

Price at time of publication: $18

^{Key Specs:
Material: Nylon, Lycra | Gusset Material: Cotton | Colors: Ten | Sizes: XS-XXL}

Courtesy: Dick's Sporting Goods

Pros

Moisture-wicking material
Tag-free waistband
Double-lined pouch

Cons

May loosen over time
No fly opening

The Adidas Sport Performance Boxer Briefs come in a budget-friendly two-pack, designed for working out and everyday use. They're crafted with a blend of Polyester and Spandex, so they are both stretchy and smooth.

Known for their sweat-wicking capabilities, these Adidas boxer briefs dry quickly to stand up to your most intense workouts. We like the tagless waistband that cuts down on chafing, and while they don't feature a fly opening, they have a snug fit and no-ride-up leg construction that keeps them in place.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Material: Polyester, Spandex | Gusset Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: Fourteen | Sizes: S-XXL}

Courtesy of Zappos

Pros

Seamless, tagless design
Breathable cotton gusset
Anti-odor technology

Cons

Limited size range

Get three pairs of underwear for the price of one with Under Armour’s UA Pure Stretch Hipster. They're crafted with a super-stretchy blend of Nylon and Elastane, providing the flexibility you need to move. We also like that they feature a breathable cotton gusset to keep you cool. The size range is a bit limited but their stretchy construction makes for a comfortable fit.

The hipsters are designed with laser-cut edges and tagless waistbands for a smooth fit and you don’t have to worry about itchy details digging into your skin. And since they come equipped with anti-odor technology, you won't have to worry about the post-workout stench, either.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Material: Nylon, Elastane | Gusset Material: Cotton | Colors: Three | Sizes: XS-XL}

Courtesy: Urbody

Pros

Snug, stretchy fit
Breathable and quick-drying
Wide range of sizes

Cons

Only one color option
May be bulky

Designed with a gender-neutral silhouette, Urbody's Boxer Briefs come in two variations—the original briefs and packing briefs. We like that both versions are crafted with a flexible blend of Polyester and Spandex that help the underwear maintain shape over time. They're also quick-drying to keep you comfortable as you work up a sweat.

Despite the compressive fit, we noticed that these briefs may be bulkier than other workout underwear on the market. However, they still promise breathability and stretchiness. These boxer briefs also offer a wider waistband for a secure fit around your hips.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Material: Polyester, Spandex | Gusset Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: One | Sizes: XS-XXL}

Courtesy: Girlfriend Collective

Pros

Eco-friendly
Seamless waistband and leg openings
Moisture-wicking material

Cons

Size range varies by color
Edges may roll

Stretchy, soft, and comfortable, Girlfriend Collective’s Sport Briefs are an exercise must-have. They're crafted with 80 percent RPET—a textile made from recycled plastic bottles—and they're designed with comfort in mind. The other 20 percent is Spandex for durability and stretch.

A seamless waistband and seamless leg openings add to overall comfort, and they boast a fabric-lined gusset that keeps you comfortable by wicking away sweat. We like the wide size and color availability, which means you'll find a pair that meets your needs.

Price at time of publication: $18

^{Key Specs:
Material: RPET (recycled plastic bottles), Spandex | Gusset Material: Polyester | Colors: Twelve | Sizes: XXS-6XL}

Courtesy: Amazon

Pros

Comfortable crossover waistband
Flexible fit over time
Soft, breathable cotton gusset

Cons

Designed with seams
May sit too low for some

We know that it's hard enough to find good workout underwear, and even harder to find good maternity workout underwear. Thankfully, Kindred Bravely's Under The Bump Maternity Briefs come with five pairs to help you stock up during pregnancy.

Stretchy and comfortable, they feature a crossover waistband designed to sit under your baby bump that prevents rolling and added pressure typical of a higher waistband. We also like that they're crafted with a flexible blend of Rayon and Spandex that forms to your body as it changes during pregnancy.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Material: Rayon, Spandex | Gusset Material: Cotton | Colors: Five | Sizes: S-XXL}

Courtesy: Thinx

Pros

Medium absorbency
Cut allows for flexible movement
Wide range of sizes

Cons

Limited color options
Thicker than other athletic underwear

Thinx blends comfort and protection in a low-profile pair of sport period panties. Crafted with a blend of Nylon and Elastane, they're designed to stay in place while you work out. We like that they feature a breathable cotton and Elastane gusset to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day and the cut at the hip allows for more leg movement during workouts.

Since they fall under the category of period panties, they'll feel thicker than most athletic underwear. However, this helps them absorb liquid at a moderate level. Though the period products you use are ultimately up to you, this kind of absorption means you may be able to forgo pads during workouts—without increasing your risk of a leak, making your workouts more comfortable.

FYI: Thinx was part of a class-action settlement claiming its products contained PFAS. But after speaking with OBGYNS, physicals, and researchers, our team determined that it was safe to keep the products on our list. You can learn more about Thinx and PFAS in our "Frequently Asked Questions" section below.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Material: Nylon, Elastane | Gusset Material: Cotton, Elastane | Colors: Four | Sizes: XS-4XL}

Patagonia

Pros

Seamless, tag-free waistband
Leg openings prevent chafing and bunching
Odor-controlling fabric

Cons

Limited color options
May run small

Patagonia's Active Briefs will give you more support than you’d find from a skimpier pair of workout undies. But since they’re crafted from a blend of recycled Polyester, Nylon, and Spandex, they will still feel lightweight, breathable, and stretchy.

Since the briefs boast a seamless, tag-free waistband, they cut down on itch and discomfort as you work out. We love that the leg openings are designed to stay securely in place—minimizing the chance that they'll ride up, chafe, or bunch. And we like that they're made with odor control technology to cut down on bacteria and post-workout stench.

Price at time of publication: $26

^{Key Specs:
Material: Polyester, Nylon, Spandex | Gusset Material: Polyester, Nylon, Spandex | Colors: One | Sizes: XS-XL}

ThirdLove

Pros

Comfortable stitch-free design
Breathable cotton gusset
Wide variety of colors

Cons

Gusset may be too narrow for some

ThirdLove’s Comfort Stretch Thong is comfortable, stretchy, and available in a wide range of sizes and colors. The thong is crafted from a stretchy blend of Nylon and Spandex, so it moves with you as you exercise. And thanks to its breathable cotton gusset, it promises to feel pretty cool, too.

We love that this style boasts a stitch-free design, which means less chance of itching and chafing and the silky smooth fabric means fewer panty lines. It also comes in an inclusive size range and 11 colors, so you shouldn't have trouble finding an option that works for you.

Price at time of publication: $16

^{Key Specs:
Material: Nylon, Spandex | Gusset Material: Cotton | Colors: 11 | Sizes: XS-3XL}

Macy's

Pros

Comfortable seamless design
Breathable cotton gusset
Available in 13 shades

Cons

Size range varies by color
Only available in nude colors

Even if you buy "no-show" panties, they might be visible if they don't come close to matching your skin tone. Unfortunately, many seamless panties are only offered in a couple of nude tones. We love that Nude Barre’s Seamless Bikini Panties come in 13 shades to help solve this issue.

They're crafted with a blend of Polyamide and Elastane and feature a breathable cotton gusset to keep you comfortable during your workout. The seamless design ensures they won't dig into your skin, and they're snug enough to stay in place as you move.

Price at time of publication: $26

^{Key Specs:
Material: Polyamide, Elastane | Gusset Material: Cotton | Colors: 13 | Sizes: XS-XL}

Courtesy: Sweaty Betty

Pros

Comfortable design
Thicker than most no-shows
Lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking

Cons

May give you pantylines

Visible panty lines aren't the only reason you might want to avoid seams. Some prefer seamless underwear to avoid digging and irritation from stitches on the material. Sweaty Betty’s Mindful Seamless Hipster Briefs are perfect for the person who wants a seamless panty, but who also craves more support than no-show panties tend to provide.

Crafted from Modal yarn, a form of Rayon, we love that the briefs feel soft to the touch, and thicker than your average pair of no-show panties. But thanks to their ribbed design, you can also expect them to feel lightweight, breathable, and flexible enough to work out in. True to form, the seamless undies offer the full, supportive coverage you’d expect from a pair of briefs, and their cozy design makes them a great pick for both exercise and everyday wear.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Material: Modal, Polyamide, Elastane | Gusset Material: Modal, Polyamide, Elastane | Colors: Three | Sizes: XS-XXL}

Final Verdict

Comfortable, breathable, and flexible, Lululemon's Always in Motion Boxers are our top overall pick for working out. They're made from stretchy fabric that stays in place while you're moving, but they're also cozy enough to wear for daily use.
We also recommend Lululemon's InvisiWear Mid-Rise Thong, which is crafted with Nylon and Elastane to provide a smooth feel. Flexible enough to allow for a full range of motion, they're also snug and will stay in place when you exercise.

How We Selected the Best Underwear for Working Out

First, we spoke with Shayra Brown, NASM, a personal trainer, Annette Dale-Kramek, an activewear designer, and Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, FACEP, FUHM, FACMT, Medical Toxicologist, Co-Medical Director, and Interim Executive Director of the National Capital Poison Center, get their expert opinion on what features to look for when shopping for underwear to work out in. Then, we researched dozens of options from the most trusted and popular retailers by reading product details and customer reviews to decide which pairs stood out from the rest.

We considered the overall cut and style of each pair, the material, including gusset material, and price. We also looked at features like anti-odor technology, whether they had any seams or tags, the color range offered, and the size range.

What to Look for in Underwear for Working Out

Material

How a pair of underwear feels counts for a lot. That's why you'll want to pay attention to the list of materials in a pair of workout underwear to ensure that it will feel comfortable during your practice. You want something that's lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking—keeping you comfortable and cool when you work out. You also want a pair that will provide a snug but flexible fit. Opting for Nylon or Spandex is a good choice.

According to Dale-Kramek, while cotton is a popular choice, it may actually hold onto moisture. So if you’re in the market for something moisture-wicking, you may be better off with a synthetic textile—like Polyester or Nylon.

Gusset Material

When shopping for workout underwear, you may notice that the word gusset comes up again and again. Simply put, the gusset is the piece of fabric lining the crotch of the underwear. And since it’s designed to brush up against some of the most sensitive skin on your body, it’s often crafted from a different material than the rest of the underwear. (The underwear may be made of stretchy synthetic fabric, whereas the gusset may be made of cotton.)

Cut

Workout underwear is available in a range of different cuts—including thongs, hipsters, briefs, and more. Skimpier options, like thongs, may cut down on visible panty lines. But according to Dale-Kramek, they may also irritate your skin. Fuller coverage options, like briefs, can be great if you’re looking for more support. But since they feature more fabric, they may bunch up, add bulk to your workout bottoms, or cause panty lines.

Seams and Tags

A lot of workout underwear is designed without seams or waistband tags to make them more comfortable and less visible. “Seamless may be more comfortable across the board,” Dale-Kramek says. (That said, she notes that seamless underwear may not be as necessary as we make it out to be.) She also recommends finding something “simple, lightweight, and airy” above all else.”

Colors

Workout underwear comes in all kinds of different colors—some nude, some neutral, and some vibrant. Though color is ultimately a matter of personal preference, you may want to consider the opacity of your workout bottoms when shopping for underwear. (A pair of vibrant underwear is likely to show through a translucent pair of leggings.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you wear underwear when you work out?

If you want to stay comfortable and reduce your risk of infection, it may be a good idea to wear underwear while working out. Why? Sweating is a normal part of working out. But if that sweat pools in your crotch area, it may make you uncomfortable—and it may also increase your risk of infection.
For this reason, it’s important to make sure you’re wearing something that will wick moisture away from your crotch as you exercise. If your workout bottoms are adequately moisture-wicking, they may take care of this for you. But if they aren’t, you may need a pair of underwear to make sure sweat isn’t pooling anywhere it shouldn’t.
Is it bad to wear thongs while working out?

Thongs are a popular choice in the workout underwear space. After all, they’re unlikely to cause visible panty lines—and since they’re so low-profile, they’re also unlikely to add bulk to your workout bottoms. But Dale-Kramek advises against wearing thongs while working out because they can ride up and irritate your tush.
Should I be concerned about PFAS?

PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," are commonly used to make products non-stick, grease-resistant, and waterproof. "They are likely used in period underwear to provide a waterproof barrier between the underwear and the skin," says Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, FACEP, FUHM, FACMT, Medical Toxicologist, Co-Medical Director, and Interim Executive Director of the National Capital Poison Center.
These synthetic chemicals have been linked to several health issues including various cancers, liver and thyroid diseases, and more. But PFAS are commonly found within the environment and our bodies, so we're already exposed, says Johnson-Arbor.
Thinx settled a class-action lawsuit alleging its products contained PFAS, but the brand denies the allegations. While consumers grew concerned about the impact of these chemicals in Thinx period underwear, we got to work on some answers. After speaking with OBGYNS, physicians, and researchers, our team made an informed decision to keep the brand in our final list of recommendations. We're exposed to PFAS on a daily basis, so using period underwear for several days every month may not pose additional health risks, according to experts.
"People are exposed to PFAS daily in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's impossible for us to avoid PFAS exposure in our daily lives. We don't need to be alarmed about the potential for health effects due to the use of Thinx products," says Johnson-Arbor.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Verywell Fit writer Lindsey Lanquist has years of experience in both the health and fitness space and the fashion space. So you can trust her when she says she knows what a difference the right pair of workout underwear can make.

For this shopping guide, she prioritized underwear that was made from lightweight, comfortable, and breathable materials. And she favored moisture-wicking and anti-odor options wherever she found them. To increase your chances of finding a pair of workout underwear you love, she made sure to include a range of different styles. She also included options that come in many sizes and colors.

Best Men's Overall

Lululemon Always in Motion Boxer

Best Women's Overall

Lululemon InvisiWear Mid Rise Thong Underwear

Best Men's Budget

Adidas Sport Performance Boxer Briefs

Best Women's Budget

Under Armour Women's Pure Stretch Hipster

Best Unisex

Urbody Boxer Brief

Best Plus-Size

Girlfriend Collective Sport Brief

Best Maternity

Kindred Bravely Under the Bump Full Coverage Maternity Briefs

Best Period Panties

Thinx Sport

Best Briefs

Patagonia Women's Active Briefs

Best Thong

ThirdLove Comfort Stretch Thong

Best No-Show

Nude Barre Seamless Bikini Panty

Best Seamless

Sweaty Betty Mindful Seamless Hipster Briefs

12 Best Underwear for Working Out in Comfort

Verywell Fit FYI

Best Men's Overall

Lululemon Always in Motion Boxer

Best Women's Overall

Lululemon InvisiWear Mid Rise Thong Underwear

Best Men's Budget

Adidas Sport Performance Boxer Briefs

Best Women's Budget

Under Armour Women's Pure Stretch Hipster

Best Unisex

Urbody Boxer Brief

Best Plus-Size

Girlfriend Collective Sport Brief

Best Maternity

Kindred Bravely Under the Bump Full Coverage Maternity Briefs

Best Period Panties

Thinx Sport

Best Briefs

Patagonia Women's Active Briefs

Best Thong

ThirdLove Comfort Stretch Thong

Best No-Show

Nude Barre Seamless Bikini Panty

Best Seamless

Sweaty Betty Mindful Seamless Hipster Briefs

Final Verdict

How We Selected the Best Underwear for Working Out

What to Look for in Underwear for Working Out

Material

Gusset Material

Cut

Seams and Tags

Colors

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Verywell Fit