15 Best Underwear for Working Out, According to Ob-Gyns and Trainers

“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, an American Council on Exercise–certified personal trainer. “I love this high-rise Lululemon underwear because it’s 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

“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

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

When you’re hiking, the last thing you want to be thinking about is your underwear. Karthika Gupta, 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, smooth, and feels light and breezy next to the skin. They also wick moisture like a pro, and when you need to wash them during a multiday hiking trip, they dry out much quicker than cotton underwear.

• Sizes: XS–XXL
• Materials: Merino wool, nylon, elastane

If you want maximum protection that doesn’t budge when you squat, lift, or jump, these New Balance bestsellers come in packs of three and are highly reviewed by thousands of Amazon users. They have a very stretchy and breathable fabric, so they’re a great choice if you love a sweaty workout. Reviewers note that they run small, so you may want to size up.

• Sizes: XS–XL
• Materials: Nylon, spandex

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 based 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

Wear these for anything from your morning jog to a 15-minute stretch at home. This buttery-soft style feels like next to nothing on skin and doesn’t slip or shift with activity.

• Sizes: XXS–3X
• Materials: Nylon, spandex

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Apart from being invisible underneath your clothes, these stretchy undies are quick-drying, super lightweight, and breathable. They were made for any type of workout, no matter how much you’re willing to sweat.

• Sizes: XS–2X
• Materials: Nylon, elastane

“I have been really loving Parade! Either the high-cut thong or the sport thong,” says Colette Dong, fitness instructor and founder of dance studio The Ness in NYC. “They are breathable, seamless, and quick drying, and don’t bunch or ride. And you can’t beat the price point, so when it’s time to get fresh pairs, it won’t break the bank.” 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–3X
• Materials: Recycled nylon, organic cotton

This winner is laser-cut (meaning no seams) and designed with four-way stretch, so you can get comfy in pigeon pose without worrying about VPL or wedgies. It also has built-in anti-odor technology for the extra-sweaty among us.

• Sizes: XS–L
• Materials: Polyester, spandex

“For days I’m feeling bloated or I’m on my period, this high-waisted 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

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 laying 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

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