11 best underwear for working out, according to women's health experts
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It was the one piece of advice I got from every gal pal before training for my first half-marathon: stock up on the best underwear for working out. It goes without saying that I'd upgraded my running trainers, sports bra and gym leggings ahead of the big race — but undies? I hadn't given them a second thought.
It's a philosophy I live by, though — a great outfit starts with good foundations, and the same goes when working out. How can you be expected to hit a PB if your pants keep riding up, rolling down or sliding sideways, putting you at risk of uncomfortable chafing? And who, really, likes going commando?
Enter: seamless underwear and sweat-wicking knickers designed to stay hidden and stay put, whether you're running, jumping or lifting. It might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you're looking to level up your sportswear drawer, but any personal trainer will tell you that the type of underwear you put on is just as important – and your gynaecologist would agree, too.
“Sweating during a workout is not in itself a problem to the vulva or the vagina, as sweat does not originate from the vagina itself and therefore the natural bacteria present are not affected,” details Dr Rebecca Gorgievska, doctor in obstetrics and gynaecology. "Potential problems, however, can arise when the skin in this area is kept moist for a prolonged period of time.
“Tight and non-breathable synthetic activewear or underwear creates a warm and damp environment over the skin, increasing the risk of yeast overgrowth (thrush), local skin irritation and folliculitis, or infection of the hair follicles, which can become quite painful.”
The key to avoiding all of the above? Wearing the right underwear that also doesn't limit your range of motion — and thankfully, you've got options, including odour-resistant merino wool blends, breathable modal and eco-friendly cotton. But it’s also important to factor in comfort and silhouette preferences, as you might not want panty lines visible through your workout leggings, and a little more coverage than a thong can offer.
So, read on to discover the workout underwear Glamour's fittest editors and experts call on, as well as answers to common FAQs.
How I test the best underwear for working out:
At Glamour, we pride ourselves on offering up independent, honest and trustworthy reviews. That means personally testing as many new launches and pre-existing bestsellers as possible, whether that be new-in fashion, viral beauty or the latest in wellness.
I, with the help of my fellow shopping editors, have personally tried every pair in this edit, alongside a host more than didn't meet our standards. We wore them for several workouts and at various points in our cycle, but while lounging and commuting to the office.
For all styles, from cheeky and midi briefs to absorbent thongs, we scored them against the following criteria:
| Functionality | Did they keep me dry and odour-free? Did they absorb as much liquid as they claim? Did I have any issues in terms of slipping, twisting or chafing? |
| Design | Are they aesthetic and comfortable? How many options do I have in terms of colour and pattern? What are they made from (organic cotton or elastane for extra sustainability creds)? |
| Price point | Would I be willing to spend that much per pair? Are they good quality? |
| Delivery | How quickly did they arrive, and what were the associated costs? |
Why you can trust me:
I've been reviewing activewear, wellness and menstrual health products, including sports bras, period pants and menstrual cups for the past two years — that's one year at Women's Health, and for 14 months at Glamour. During that time, I've seen countless trends and advancements, including a boom in our options and the emergence of more streamlined styles.
To ensure I am an authority on all things wellness, I regularly attend press days, read the latest journals, interview sportwear designers and gynaecologists, women's health experts and brand founders, as well as personally review as many new launches as possible. As such, you could say I'm more clued up on the best emerging brands and new releases more than your average online shopper.
But I also wouldn't recommend anything to our readers that I wouldn't to a friend. I'm a keen runner, having completed two half-marathons, and ClassPass user, attending at least one group HIIT or weights workout class a week. As such, I've road-tested my fair share of underwear.
Ahead, the best underwear for working out in 2026, approved by Glamour's fittest editors:
Tested by: Cyclist, climber, lifter and runner, Erin Greer.
Want a pair of workout underwear for any activity? Erin Greer 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 as other undies do.” Plus, they’re size inclusive up to a 4X.
- Sizes: XXS (UK 0) – 4X (30-32).
- Material: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane. 100% cotton gusset.
- Care: Machine wash cold.
Save when you shop for the best underwear for working out with these Selfridges discount codes at checkout.
Seamless Microfibre High Waist Briefs
Sometimes you want a seamless style that also offers coverage. Boux Avenue has, in my opinion, crafted the perfect high-waisted, subtle knicker, these sitting flush against the skin and never rolling or twisting. I also can't complain when it comes to colour options, the brand offering this pair in all essential hues (black, deep brown, nude and white). Even under my most body-skimming leggings, they're invisible.
- Sizes: UK 6 — 18.
- Material: 87% polyamide, 13% elastane. 100% cotton gusset.
- Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for the best underwear for working out with these Boux Avenue discount codes at checkout.
Tested by: Senior Commerce Writer, Sophie Donovan.
Grace Beverley, take my money. While TALA is behind my favourite running jacket, I'd had little experience with the brand's invisible undies. But after four weeks of testing — both while running and sweating it out in an F45 block — I can firmly say I'm a fan. Cut with a high leg, I found them to be secure and true to size. But, most importantly, they were super comfortable. Yes, I'd like a couple more options in terms of colour, but both work under my existing collection of compression leggings. And they've got eco-credentials too, mostly crafted from recycled polyamide. Win-win!
- Sizes: 2XS — 4XL.
- Material: 65% recycled polyamide, 35% elastane. 100% organic cotton gusset.
- Care: Machine wash.
Stretch Period Pants Seamless Midi Brief
We've made it no secret that WUKA does some of the best period underwear around. The material of this high-waisted pair, though, sits somewhere between gym leggings and bikini bottoms — think super smooth and with slight compression to keep you comfortable and feeling secure. But they're also designed to hold up to 20ml (three pads-worth) of sweat, discharge, urine or blood, giving you full peace of mind while you smash a new PB. Even better news: these are the world's first multi-size period pants, stretching to suit bodies of all shapes and sizes.
- Sizes: XS-L or L-3XL.
- Material: 80% nylon, 20% elastane. Inner: 95% cotton, 5% elastane, 92% polyester, 8% spandex.
- Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for the best underwear for working out with these WUKA discount codes at checkout.
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For those who want to go seamless, this mid-rise pair from Uniqlo will help you avoid those unwanted knicker lines. “They’re my all-time faves, and I’ve done a lot of undie research,” says Leandra Hernandez, who wears them for hiking, climbing, and weight lifting. “They’re quick-drying and so easy to wash.” A great alternative to a barely-there thong!
- Sizes: XS – XXL.
- Material: 71% polyamide, 29% elastane. 100% cotton gusset.
- Care: Machine wash up to 40 degrees, gentle cycle.
Save when you shop for the best underwear for working out with these Uniqlo discount codes at checkout.
Tested by: Senior Commerce Writer, Sophie Donovan.
Alo's behind some of my favourite high-performing activewear, so I had high hopes for its undies. Thankfully, they delivered, both in terms of style and substance. Crafted from an ultra-light version of Alo's signature Airbrush fabric, this pair have four-way stretch (so stick with your usual size) and a soft cottony feel. Plus, they're fitted with odour-resistant tech — needed after sweaty hot yoga sessions.
Most shoppers say it feels like they're wearing nothing at all, and I can say I agree. Yep, these are my go-to under slightly thinner, body-skimming yoga leggings.
- Sizes: XXS (UK 4) — XL (14-16).
- Material: Ultra-light version of Alo's signature Airbrush fabric.
- Care: Machine wash.
Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu Mid-Rise Bikini Underwear
When seeking out your seamless, sweat-friendly options, most fell into two camps: a barely-there thong or a high-waisted, high-coverage pair. Thankfully, lululemon has given us something in the middle — a mid-rise bikini brief that cuts across the bum. I love the high-cut leg, limiting any chaffing, as well as the bonded waistband, which provides a smoother, seamless fit. Less so, the fact that our colour options only include black. But for a reliable pair that is both sweat-wicking and quick-drying that you can call on pre-HIIT, this is it.
- Sizes: XS (UK 6-8) — XL (16-18).
- Materials: 79% nylon, 21% lycra elastane. 100% cotton gusset.
- Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for the best underwear for working out with these lululemon discount codes at checkout.
Cotton Body Invisibles No VPL Thongs
Tested by: Senior Commerce Writer, Sophie Donovan.
Underwear is one of those essentials I hate spending money on. Yes, I might wear it every day, but it doesn't exactly add to my outfit. Thankfully, Marks & Spencer's multi-pack of thongs works out at just £4.60 per pair, and is available in 10 skin-tone-matching hues. In terms of fit, I was more comfortable when I sized up once — but I can't fault its approach to size inclusivity; this pack is available in every size from a UK 6 to 28. And while the bonded waist leaves behind a tiny indent, it's barely noticed once I'm moving. Overall, I'm a fan — evident in that the pack of these I bought a year ago are still part of my regular rotation of workout undies.
- Sizes: UK 6 — 28.
- Material: 67% polyamide, 33% elastane. 100% cotton gusset.
- Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for the best underwear for working out with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
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UA Pure Stretch Women's No Show Hipster
Good underwear goes unnoticed, and by that, we mean you shouldn't be able to feel or see it. The laser-cut edges of Under Armour's hipster thongs mean they offer an invisible fit under everything, from a pair of running shorts to compression leggings. And, with three pairs per pack, they work out at just £9.60 a pair. But I've also been known to wear these under body-hugging wedding guest dresses, the four-way stretch keeping me comfortable all day long.
- Sizes: XS — XXL.
- Materials: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane.
- Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for the best underwear for working out with these Under Armour discount codes at checkout.
Courtesy of brandBest workout underwear with next-day delivery
Tested by: Outdoor journalist, Erica Zazo.
Erica Zazo wears Woxer briefs every single day — whether she's working out or not. A main reason, aside from them being comfy? They're 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.”
For those wondering about their durability: 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-short fit or a five-inch inseam for a bit more length.
- Sizes: S — 3XL.
- Material: 95% modal, 5% elastane.
- Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for the best underwear for working out with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.
Tested by: Senior Commerce Writer, Sophie Donovan.
For pants that are kind to your pH, Stripe & Stare are often my first recommendation. Then my pals spy its fun pastel prints and start spreading the word themselves. Major difference with this pair is that they're crafted from TENCEL, known to be exceptionally soft, lightweight — almost silk-like in nature — and breathable, loudly praised for its moisture-wicking and odour reduction properties. And while not totally invisible, I find the smooth exterior and lace leg openings mean they sit subtly beneath leggings and flares.
- Sizes: XS (UK 6-8) — 4XL (20-22).
- Material: 95% TENCEL modal, 5% elastane. Lace: 91% nylon, 9% elastane.
- Care: Machine wash.
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What material is best for workout underwear?
"Tight and non-breathable synthetic activewear or underwear creates a warm and damp environment over the skin, increasing the risk of yeast overgrowth (thrush), local skin irritation and folliculitis, or infection of the hair follicles," says Dr Rebecca Gorgievska, Doctor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
“We can reduce the risks of these unwanted issues by wearing breathable underwear with good moisture management. Ideal fabrics are those that pull moisture in and dry quickly, such as moisture wicking synthetics, merino wool, and cotton or bamboo blends. This allows for improved airflow and dryness in the area.”
She continues: “Showering and changing out of damp activewear and underwear as soon as possible after a workout is even more important and vitally contributes to skin health and vulval comfort in the long run.”
Should I wear underwear under compression shorts and leggings?
“We all love a cute gym set and the support it provides, but these materials are not designed to be worn for prolonged periods of time, and especially not in direct contact with sensitive areas such as the vulva,” adds Gorgievska.
“Exercising during our periods adds further moisture, with a pinch of added anxiety about potential leakage. Alongside following the above advice, I highly recommend Here We Flo’s Reusable Period Pants made with organic cotton for great protection and reliable dryness during work outs. They are leak proof and breathable to ensure you are taking good care of your vulval skin whilst also giving you that extra boost of confidence so you can really meet your workout goals.”
Meet the experts:
| Mary Jane Minkin | A clinical professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Yale University Medical School. |
| Dr Rebecca Gorgievska | Doctor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. |
This story originally appeared on Glamour US.
