Best Underwear for Working Out – 2025 Reviews

Moisture-wicking is non-negotiable for workout underwear. When you sweat, cotton tends to absorb and hold moisture against your skin, leading to discomfort and potential chafing. Look for synthetic blends or technical fabrics like bamboo viscose that pull sweat away from your body and allow it to evaporate quickly.

During testing, I found that materials with at least some synthetic content (like nylon or polyester) performed significantly better than 100% cotton for intense workouts. The difference in how dry you feel is dramatic—it’s the difference between finishing your workout comfortable versus feeling like you’re wearing a wet towel.

Breathable underwear helps regulate your body temperature during exercise. Mesh panels, lightweight fabrics, and open weaves allow air to circulate, preventing overheating and reducing sweat buildup.

I particularly noticed this with bamboo-based options—they feel noticeably cooler against the skin, which makes a huge difference during summer workouts or hot yoga classes. If you tend to run hot, prioritize breathability in your choice.

The right fit is crucial—too loose and you’ll be constantly adjusting; too tight and you’ll deal with digging and restricted movement. Look for underwear with stay-put waistbands and leg openings that don’t roll or bunch during activity.

During my testing, I found that seamless options generally performed better for preventing visible lines and ride-up, while traditional briefs with covered elastic tended to stay in place more reliably. Consider your activity level—high-intensity workouts need more secure fit than gentle yoga.

Most performance underwear uses synthetic blends (nylon/spandex) for their excellent moisture-wicking and stretch properties. However, bamboo viscose has emerged as a fantastic natural alternative that’s incredibly soft and breathable.

Cotton has its place for low-impact activities or if you have sensitive skin, but for sweaty workouts, synthetics or bamboo blends will serve you better. I recommend having both types in your drawer for different intensity levels.

Seamless underwear is fantastic for preventing visible panty lines and reducing friction points. The bonded edges move with your body rather than against it, which can significantly reduce chafing.

However, traditional sewn underwear often has better durability and more consistent sizing. If you choose seamless, look for reinforced stress points and quality construction—cheap seamless options can lose their shape quickly.

Men and women have different needs when it comes to workout underwear. Women often prefer options that prevent visible lines under leggings and provide some tummy support, while men typically need underwear that prevents thigh chafing and offers adequate support.

Boxer briefs are generally the best choice for men during workouts, while women have more variety—thongs for invisibility, hipsters for balance, and briefs for coverage. Don’t be afraid to try different styles to see what works for your body and activities.

Workout underwear takes a beating, so proper care is essential. Always check care labels, but generally, washing in cool water and air drying will extend the life of your underwear significantly.

During testing, I found that bamboo blends and quality synthetics held up better than cheap seamless options. Investing in a few high-quality pairs that last is often better than buying disposable cheap options that need frequent replacement.

Moisture-wicking, breathable underwear is essential for workouts. Look for seamless designs that prevent visible lines and options that stay in place during movement. Synthetic blends or bamboo viscose typically perform better than 100% cotton for intense exercise because they wick sweat away from your skin instead of absorbing it.

The specific style depends on your preference—thongs are great for invisibility under tight clothes, while briefs offer more coverage and support. The key is finding something that doesn’t distract you from your workout with constant adjustments or discomfort.

Most quality workout underwear should last 6-12 months with regular use, but this depends on how often you work out and how you care for them. Signs it’s time to replace include lost elasticity, fabric pilling, or when they no longer stay in place properly.

I recommend having a rotation of 5-7 pairs so you’re not wearing the same ones consecutively, which helps them last longer. Also, following care instructions—especially avoiding high heat drying—can significantly extend their lifespan.

While you can wear cotton underwear for workouts, I don’t recommend it for anything beyond light activity. Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it against your skin, which can lead to chafing, discomfort, and even yeast infections for some people.

If you must wear cotton, look for blends with some synthetic material or choose cotton with moisture-wicking treatments. For most workouts, technical fabrics will keep you much more comfortable and dry.

Seamless underwear uses bonded edges instead of stitched seams, which eliminates visible lines and reduces friction points that can cause chafing. They’re fantastic for wearing under tight workout clothes like leggings.

Traditional underwear with seams often has better durability and more consistent sizing, but the seams can create pressure points and visible lines. For most people, seamless options work better for high-intensity workouts, while traditional might be fine for lower-impact activities.

Absolutely! Your underwear needs vary by activity. For high-intensity workouts like running or HIIT, you need maximum moisture-wicking and stay-put fit. For yoga or pilates, seamless options that prevent visible lines are priority. For weightlifting, comfort and non-restrictive fit matter most.

I actually keep different types in my gym bag—seamless thongs for yoga days, supportive briefs for leg day, and moisture-wicking options for cardio. It might seem excessive, but having the right tool for the job makes every workout better.