Avoid the Discomfort of Poor Quality workout apparel. Check Out These Superior Brands Instead.
Get ready to sweat in style, guys! When it comes to fitness gear, you probably have your go-to leggings and favorite sports bra, but what about your underwear? That's right, we're talking about your underpants. Anyone who's had to pick a wedgie in the middle of yoga class knows that the right pair can make a huge difference during your workout.
So, what should you look for in a pair of workout underwear? Angela Wilson, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Center (MEAC) Manhattan West in New York City, states that breathability is key. Cotton is a great option if you're sensitive to synthetic fabrics, but since it tends to retain moisture, it's best to take cotton underwear off after exercising to avoid bacterial overgrowth and yeast infections. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are sweat-wicking and feel lightweight, making them great choices for underwear too. Look for pairs made with spandex or another elastic, like Lycra or elastane, to help them retain their shape and keep up with your movements.
As for the fit and cut, it's all about personal preference. If you usually wear tight leggings or yoga pants, you might be concerned about visible panty lines (VPLs). If that's the case, Casey Cohen, NASM-CPT, a certified personal trainer with Life Time in New York City, recommends thongs because of their limited amount of fabric. However, Jennifer Choe, MD, another board-certified ob-gyn at MEAC Manhattan West in New York City, warns that thongs can cause vaginal irritation and infections. If you're prone to irritation or infections like UTIs (urinary tract infections), consider sticking with underpants that provide more coverage.
After considering the experts' tips, we've hand-picked the best workout underwear out there for you. Here are our top picks:
- Best Bikini: Lululemon UnderEase High-Rise Bikini Underwear
- Best Hipster: Under Armour Pure Stretch No Show Hipster
- Best Thong: Spanx Fit-To-You Thong
- Best Budget Pick: Aerie Smoothez No Show Cheeky Underwear
- Best Size Range: Athleta Ritual Boyshort Underwear
- Best No-Show Option: Tommy John Second Skin Thong
- Best High-Waisted Option: Lululemon Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu High-Waist Thong Underwear
- Best for Travel: SparePair Seamless Bikini
- Most Lightweight: Commando Solid Thong
- Best Lace Option: Hanky Panky Signature Lace Original Rise Thong
- Best for Stretching and Recovery: Aerie Superchill No Show Cotton Cheeky Underwear
So there you have it, folks. Get your hands on some workout underwear that ticks all the boxes and enjoy your workouts without worrying about uncomfortable underpants. Happy sweating!
[1] The Importance of Proper Underwear for Exercise - Verywell Fit, LLC (verywellfit.com), retrieved 2023-02-24[2] 10 Best Running Underwear for Women - Runner's World, (runnersworld.com), retrieved 2023-02-24[3] The Best Workout Underwear for Women - Women's Health (womenshealthmag.com), retrieved 2023-02-24[4] Selecting the Right Underwear for Gym Sessions: What to Look for - Gym Guide (gymguide.net), retrieved 2023-02-24[5] The Best Underwear for Yoga - POPSUGAR Fitness (popsugar.com), retrieved 2023-02-24
- For individuals seeking workout undergarments, options abound in areas like fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, and lifestyle.
- The crucial factor when choosing workout underwear is its breathability, as suggested by Angela Wilson, MD.
- Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, along with elastic materials like spandex or Lycra, are recommended due to their moisture-wicking properties and ability to retain shape.
- Fit and cut preference vary, but Casey Cohen recommends thongs for minimizing visible panty lines (VPLs), while Jennifer Choe warns of potential vaginal irritation and infections associated with thongs.
- Our recommendations include models from Lululemon, Under Armour, Spanx, Aerie, Athleta, Tommy John, and more, each catering to specific preferences and needs, such as budget, size range, travel, lightweight options, lace, and stretching support.
- Wearing the right workout underwear can significantly enhance your sports experience and overall fitness lifestyle, as reported by various health, fitness, and lifestyle publications.