What To Consider
Materials
Riquetti says the most important factor to consider is the material your undies are made from. She prizes Lyocell as her top pick, but mentions that whichever material you opt for, make sure the fibers are manufactured according to standards that avoid pesticides, toxic dyes, and forever chemicals, also known as PFAS, all of which are toxic to the body as well as the environment. PFAS, per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, are artificial substances created by DuPont that are found in personal care products, everyday items and clothing. They have been linked to adverse health effects. She adds that synthetic fibers, such as nylon, elastane, and spandex, are great for a bit of added stretch and durability, but should not comprise more than about 20 percent of the garment, due to their potential negative effects.
Most workout underwear is made from either nylon, spandex, wool, cotton, or lyocell. Each one of these materials have their own specific purpose:
- Nylon: Riquetti says nylon has low breathability, absorbs water and oil, and can take longer to dry than other materials. Nylon is touted for its durability, and it’s often used in seamless underwear because it has high elasticity and can be bonded to look totally smooth.
- Cotton: This popular natural fiber is more breathable than petroleum-based fabrics, but doesn’t wick moisture as well as other natural materials. Cotton is commonly found in the gusset of underwear, where it helps keep things breathable and dry. It’s also one of the most comfortable fabrics for working out.
- Modal: Modal is a wood pulp-based fiber with decent breathability that is semi-synthetic due to how it’s processed. Modal is typically used for briefs, boxer briefs, and boxer shorts. It’s breathable, extra soft and very absorbent.
- Lyocell: A wood-pulp based natural fiber, lyocell is super soft and silky, is the best at moisture-wicking, and dries very quickly. It’s very durable, and won’t shrink in the dryer like other natural materials. Lyocell uses bamboo as a fiber, which is faster growing than trees (aka, it’s more renewable!). If you’re a health conscious gal, this is the fiber to keep an eye out for.
- Wool: A natural fiber that comes from the coat of sheep and other animals, wool naturally wicks away moisture, is antimicrobial and anti-odor, and dries quickly. It’s ideal for high-intensity, long workouts because of these qualities, and is great for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities, as well.
Type
- Thongs are not for everyone, but some love the minimalist design and there is little risk of chafing, Dr. Fromberg says. Thongs are versatile, and are great for both low impact and high-intensity workouts.
- Boyshorts eliminate the seams in tight places that come with wearing thongs (you know what I mean), but may not disappear under tight leggings. Boyshorts can also cause chafing in the inner thigh area if worn for longer periods or during high-intensity workouts. Boyshorts and briefs are great for low-impact exercises.
- Bikini and hipster styles have wide applications, and can be used for all kinds of workouts. Look for minimal seams, which will be more comfortable, and a tight fit without feeling like you’re being squished.
How We Chose
To curate our list, we tapped gynecologist Dr. Fromberg and Riquetti to help us hone in on the best materials, silhouettes, and brands when it comes to workout underwear. We also received feedback from Andrea Speir, founder of SPEIR Pilates, who has been an expert in the pilates world for 18 years, and knows a thing or two about workout underwear. As a fitness and outdoor gear writer, I also gave input on the best underwear for working out, and tested multiple pairs on this list, prioritizing comfort and materials to inform my picks. In addition to my testing, associate fashion commerce editor Lily Wohlner has put workout underwear through their paces over the past two years to find the absolute best of the best for sweaty workouts.
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Best Seamless
Lululemon UnderEase Mid-Rise Thong
Pros
- Seamless design means no irritation
- Fabric is smooth and supple
- Care is low-maintenance
Cons
- Expensive given materials used
Speir loves a pair of seamless underwear that don’t bunch up. That’s why she opts for the Lululemon UnderEase Mid-Rise Thongs. She loves the super soft, barely-there feel of this sweat-wicking option. As a bonus, bonded seams and delicate cut means no irritation or VPLs (visible panty lines).
Although Lululemon is known for its synthetic materials, you’ll be happy to know those don’t extend to this pair of underwear—it’s built to handle intense workouts, but it’s made with modal, rather than nylon or polyester. Modal is a wood-pulp based fabric with breathability second only to lyocell’s; it dries quickly, but is better for feminine health than the synthetic options we’ve tried. I love this seamless pair for high-intensity workouts as much as long travel days: both require low-maintenance, super comfy undies I can rely on.
Wohlner is also a mega fan of the brand’s underwear. “It’s my go-to underwear when I know I’ll be sweating because it wicks away moisture and keeps me feeling cool and dry,” she says. “Plus, it’s completely invisible under leggings.”
| Sizes | XS—2X |
|---|---|
| Materials | 88% modal, 12% lycra elastane |
| Workout Type | All workouts, especially high-intensity |
Best For Running
Skims Cotton Jersey Dipped Thong
Pros
- Dipped design minimize peaking
- Smooth fabric feels like it’s barely there
- Diverse sizing options
Cons
- Limited color options
Low-rise gals, rejoice: this 100-percent cotton thong has a dipped front so you never have to worry about it peeking through your leggings or shorts (huge plus!). Plus, it’s super stretchy and never constricting. Wearing this thong literally feels like you have nothing on.
When I run, I want a pair of underwear that won’t show and will be comfy after long runs. I love that this pair is not only super discreet and flattering, but it also stays in place during my morning and afternoon runs. The small amount of elastane maintains stretch and security, but the cotton is so soft, I almost forget I have it on! I also love how smooth this pair is—I can wear it under leggings without worrying about showing panty lines, and just focus on my run instead.
The diverse size options here mean basically anyone can find a pair that works for their body, and although the color options once again don’t feature anything too spicy, I actually love the calming, earth-toned palette Skims went with. If you’re a runner that loves a silky-feeling thong, this is your best bet.
| Sizes | XXS—4X |
|---|---|
| Materials | 90% cotton, 10% elastane |
| Workout Type | Running |
Best Cotton
Only Hearts Organic Cotton Bikini Panty
Pros
- Minimal seams means no chafing
- Tons of color options
Cons
- Not as quick-drying as other materials; hand-wash required
Out of all the cotton options out there, we love the Only Hearts 100% Organic Cotton French Bikini best. That’s for a few reasons: The classic shape is minimal and goes with any workout apparel, there are a ton of color selections, and the cotton is organic, which means you don’t need to worry about the fibers being treated with icky pesticides. (You can also feel good about the impact you’re making on the planet by opting for organic!) Plus, the minimal seams and super-soft fabric are some of the comfiest on this list, whether I have this pair on under tight leggings or baggier sweats.
Two details to remember are that cotton doesn’t dry out as quickly as other materials, and this pair in particular requires special care. Dr. Fromberg notes that cotton does breathe well, but won’t dry quickly like merino wool or wood pulp-based fibers. If you run on the sweaty side, cotton may not be for you. And, since this pair needs to be hand washed and hung to dry, you may want to opt for a different pair if you’re a low-maintenance kind of gal.
| Sizes | S—XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | 100% organic supima cotton |
| Workout Type | All workouts |
Best For High-Intensity Workouts
Soft Touch Soft Touch Thong
Made with almost 100 percent Tencel lyocell, this barely-there thong is great for high intensity workouts — it doesn’t move or get in the way, and keeps me distraction and discomfort-free. Made from 95 percent Tencel and five percent elastane (for a little stretch) this thong is ultra-soft, super lightweight and extremely comfy.
The Soft Touch Thong has a wider waistband than some of the other options I’ve tested, which prevents it from pinching my skin or rolling down. I love that I can wear it under tight leggings without worrying about any distracting lines, and there’s just enough stretch that it stays in place without digging in. My wallet also appreciates that this pair is less than twenty bucks, making it more affordable than some of the other options on this list.
| Sizes | XXS—XXL |
|---|---|
| Materials | 95% tencel lyocell, 5% elastane |
| Workout Type | High intensity workouts (HIIT, CrossFit, etc) |
Best Boyshort
Boody Boyleg Briefs
Pros
- Durable and supportive
- Ideal for low-impact workouts
Cons
- Small size range
If you don’t love the feeling of a thong, boyshorts are a fantastic alternative. This pair from Boody is recommended by Dr. Fromberg — she likes that it is made primarily with viscose from bamboo, another wood pulp-based fabric option that is super soft and smooth, even after years of wear.
This full-coverage style won’t ride up, which makes it ideal for workouts like Pilates, yoga, and even walking. The sporty style is appropriate for almost all occasions, and thoughtful details like the flat-ribbed waistband keep your underwear in place, even when you’re moving around.
This pair does include some synthetic materials like nylon, but they’re used wisely to add stretch and durability to the boyshort. The size range of this pair is definitely narrower than other options on our list, so for those on the edges of the size spectrum, this may not be the brand for you. However, if you’re looking for a sporty-chic option that is comfortable and isn’t too pricey, the Boyleg Briefs are a great option.
| Sizes | XS—XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | 79% viscose made from bamboo, 15% nylon, 6% elastane |
| Workout Type | Yoga, pilates, walking, hiking |
Hayley Helms is a freelance writer who specializes in outdoor, lifestyle, fitness and wellness products. Previously, she was the associate editor at Gear Patrol. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie, and Shape. Whether it’s tuning us into the joys of hiking and camping, or rigorously testing head-to-toe outdoor apparel, she leaves no stone unturned (though she always Leaves No Trace).
Lily Wohlner is the associate style & commerce editor at Women’s Health. A sneakerhead, shopping enthusiast, and beauty expert, she’s mastered the art of testing, reviewing, and recommending standout products across every style category. Lily started her career as a freelance makeup artist before diving into the editorial and copywriting world, creating content for brands like Oribe, NewBeauty, and Dermstore. When she’s not training for her next half marathon, you’ll find her in the Lower East Side whipping up high-protein recipes with her roommate or thrifting for the ultimate pair of low-rise jeans.
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