Best Underwear for Workouts, Approved by Ob-Gyns

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–XL
• Materials: Nylon, spandex, with a cotton crotch
• Pros: Smooth fit; affordable; ultra-lightweight
• Cons: Minimal coverage; fabric may stretch over time

“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, a personal trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise. “I love this mid-rise Lululemon underwear because it 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
• Materials: Nylon, Lycra, elastane
• Pros: Stays in place well; lightweight and breathable fabric; no-show design
• Cons: Pricey; doesn’t offer any compression

“I recently discovered Gym Deity g-sting underwear, and they have been amazing to work out with,” says Tatiana Lampa, a personal trainer certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine 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–XL
• Materials: Cotton Blend
• Pros: Made from breathable cotton; affordable; minimalist design
• Cons: Minimal coverage

For a truly no-show, barely there pair of underwear, go for this seamless pair from Alo. “They aren’t kidding when they call it invisible. This thong feels truly weightless and isn’t remotely visible under a pair of leggings,” says Thomason. “These quickly became my go-to workout underwear for Pilates classes, yoga flows, or any other workouts where I’d prefer to minimize panty lines and uncomfortable wedgies.”

• Sizes: XXS–XL
• Materials: Nylon, elastane
• Pros: Smooth fit; ultra-lightweight; seamless
• Cons: Minimal coverage

“These no-show undies are perfect for wearing under leggings or bike shorts if you don’t like working out in thongs,” says Catherine Gerhardt, who wears these for climbing and lifting. They have a moisture-wicking gusset that lifts away sweat (and would be ob-gyn approved) and a raw edge along the leg openings to prevent irritation or digging.

• Sizes: XXS–6XL
• Materials: Recycled plastic bottles (RPET), spandex
• Pros: Extended size range (up to 6X); made from recycled materials; no-show design
• Cons: Can feel a bit snug if between sizes

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, elastane
• Pros: No riding up; durable fabric for long-term use; moisture-wicking and breathable
• Cons: Full coverage; not great for wearing under tight shorts or leggings

Lacey underwear isn’t usually a go-to for workouts, but Athleta has managed to design a lace that’s sporty, comfortable, and perfectly suited for any kind of sweat sesh. This nylon-blend fabric is incredibly lightweight and breathable, and it comes in 14 different colors to fit any taste or preference. “I’ve personally owned this Athleta lace thong for a few years now, and I’ve been super impressed with how well it’s held up after hundreds of washes,” says Thomason. “I love wearing my pair during long runs, strength workouts, or even yoga flows—no matter what type of workout I’m doing, the featherlight material is barely noticeable against my skin.

• Sizes: 2XS–3XL
• Materials: Nylon, spandex
• Pros: Ultra-lightweight; breathable; workout-ready lace
• Cons: May start to stretch after multiple washes

When you’re hiking, the last thing you want to be thinking about is your underwear. Karthika Gupta, an avid hiker and travel photographer, swears by these merino wool briefs after she wore them on a three-day hike. Unlike the scratchy wool of your grandma sweater, this fabric is soft and smooth, and feels light and breezy next to the skin. It also wicks moisture like a pro, and when you need to wash them during a multiday hiking trip, these underwear dry out much quicker than cotton ones.

• Sizes: XS–XXL
• Materials: Merino wool, nylon, elastane
• Pros: Naturally odor-resistant; great temperature regulation; soft and breathable for long hikes
• Cons: Not seamless; wool may not be comfortable for everyone

Knix makes some of the best period underwear around—with options that feel less like a diaper and more like sleek, streamlined undies. Their leakproof thong, for instance, is great to wear while working out on your period or for very sweaty workouts like hot yoga. Kristie Larson, a strength coach in New York City, swears by it for extra backup. “It also absorbs sweat, so it’s perfect under lighter leggings any time of the month.”

• Sizes: XS–4XL
• Materials: Nylon, Lycra Xtra Life
• Pros: Leakproof design for extra protection; moisture-wicking; seamless construction
• Cons: Higher price point; limited style variety

You might know Bombas for its socks, but its no-show underwear is also a hit. They’re a favorite of USA triathlon coach Stephanie Holbrook (particularly the brief style) because the seamless design means they don’t cause chafing during long, sweaty runs. She also loves the simplicity: Strappy underwear tends to move around, but these stay in place and don’t ride up when she’s running.

• Sizes: XS–2X
• Materials: Nylon, elastane
• Pros: Seamless design; simple style; stays in place for endurance sports
• Cons: Some reviewers note that the fit can be finicky.

Whether she’s weightlifting, running, or doing yoga, Julia Stern, cofounder of Rumble Boxing in NYC, reaches for these undies. “They hold their shape really well and don’t roll, but they’re still thin enough that you hardly feel them,” she says. In other words: What’s not to love? Snag ’em in a three pack to avoid laundry day.

• Sizes: XS–XXL
• Materials: Modal, Lycra elastane
• Pros: Holds its shape; invisible under clothing; smooth fabric
• Cons: Expensive

CrossFitter Trisha Bautista-Esceuta trusts this thong to stay put through every intense move—burpees and pushup jerks included. She looks for underwear that is seamless, doesn’t move around, and doesn’t sit so high on the legs that they restrict movement, and this one checks all of her boxes. No shifting or squeezing to be found, just a comfy fit and breathable fabric that won’t interfere with your workout.

• Sizes: XS–XL
• Materials: Nylon, elastane
• Pros: Stays in place; comfortable cut; no-show design
• Cons: Limited color options

This thong is a favorite of Claudette Sariya, founding instructor with Sole+ Studios, to wear under any form-fitting shorts or leggings to avoid visible panty lines—because nobody needs that at the gym. Fabric-wise, these are soft, smooth, and breathable. And running up to 4X, they’re super size-inclusive.

• Sizes: XXS–4X
• Materials: Polyamide, elastane
• Pros: Size inclusive; no-show design; breathable material
• Cons: Run a bit small; fabric may roll

Dubbed “the thong for people who don’t wear thongs,” this style from Parade is the perfect barely there pair to wear under leggings. “I have been really loving Parade thongs. They are breathable, seamless, and quick-drying, and they don’t bunch or ride up. Plus you can’t beat the price point, so when it’s time to get fresh pairs, it won’t break the bank,” says Colette Dong, fitness instructor and founder of dance studio The Ness. Parade underwear is next-level soft, making them as barely there as it gets (short of going commando). Much of the brand’s design ethos is equally nice for the planet: Its Universal fabric is made of certified recycled yarns, plus there’s an organic cotton lining.

• Sizes: XS–3XL
• Materials: Recycled nylon, organic cotton
• Pros: Super-lightweight and -breathable fabric; soft; sustainable materials
• Cons: May stretch after multiple washes

“For days I’m feeling bloated or I’m on my period, this high-waist 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
• Pros: High-waist design for added coverage; stays in place without rolling; very soft and comfy
• Cons: Thicker material not ideal for intense activities

Knix leakproof underwear can help you feel confident to work out even on the first day of your period (although we wouldn’t judge you for lying on the couch). Journalist Amelia Arvesen has been wearing these for workouts and outdoor activities for two years. “I love that they don’t show a panty line but don’t ride up or give me a wedgie when I’m moving a lot,” she says. “I don’t like the heavily padded period undies because they cut in, but the lighter padded ones like these are awesome even just for absorbing sweat.” But just because they’re light absorbency doesn’t mean they’re not effective: They still offer up to a tampon and a half of protection.

• Sizes: XS–4XL
• Materials: Nylon, Lycra, with a cotton, spandex, carbon gusset
• Pros: Leakproof design; breathable mesh panels; comfortable fit
• Cons: Feels bulky if you’re not on your period

ThirdLove is beloved for its wide array of cute and comfortable bras and underwear—and this comfy style is no exception. It features lightweight, four-way-stretch fabric that contours to the body and lies flat underneath leggings—plus it has a Dr. Minkin-approved 100% cotton gusset. “Admittedly, a good majority of my underwear drawer is Third Love,” says Thomason. “These seamless thongs have just the right amount of stretch, so they comfortably move with my body as I work out. I also love wearing these under leggings because they never bunch up or create visible lines. And no matter how many times I’ve worn and washed them, they never seem to stretch out or lose their shape.”

• Sizes: XS–XL
• Materials: Nylon, spandex, with a cotton crotch
• Pros: Smooth fit; lightweight; stretchy fabric that holds its shape
• Cons: Not the most breathable

Holbrook doesn’t need sexy underwear, just a practical pair that works as hard as she does. She says these Under Armour hipsters are quick-drying, breathable, and comfortable enough to forget she’s even wearing them—the ultimate sign of a good pair. Plus, the three-pack is a great value, and the style is just as no-show as the name suggests.

• Sizes: XS–XL
• Materials: Polyamide, elastane
• Pros: Quick-drying; breathable; comes in a multipack
• Cons: Seamless tape can start peeling up with regular wear

For a snug, supportive underwear option with tummy control, these shaping briefs from Quince offer medium compression with none of the discomfort. The high-waist design doesn’t feel restrictive, and it’s not high enough that you’ll struggle to wear it with your leggings and shorts (which can happen with some shapewear). They’re also seamless to avoid VPL.

• Sizes: XS–XL
• Materials: Nylon, spandex, cotton
• Pros: Feels secure; no visible panty line; comfortable enough for everyday wear
• Cons: Compression may not suit everyone; limited size and color range