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The best underwear for exercise – tested by readers and team Cosmopolitan
These wedgie-preventers will see you through any workout (from squatting to running)
We’ve all been there, finally in the zone, to-do list pushed to the back of our minds and then, while moving into downward dog it happens… a wedgie strikes, pulling us right back to the yoga mat and causing any flow to vanish faster than you can say 'ohm'.
But that’s not the only reason why wearing workout-appropriate underwear is almost as essential as having the right sports bra; breathable undies are important for keeping our vaginas and nether regions happy and healthy.
Whether you’re looking for a solution to VPLs or after a way to keep the chafe away while out running, we’ve tested a range of the best underwear for exercise from leading workout brands to find the pairs worth pulling on ASAP.
What underwear is best for exercising?
- Best thong for exercise: Lounge Underwear's Bamboo Thong
- Best exercise underwear for sweat-wicking: WUKA's Ultimate Medium Flow
- Best exercise underwear for running: Runderwear Women’s Running Hipster
- Best budget exercise underwear: Under Armour Women's UA Pure Stretch Hipster Underwear 3-Pack
- Best luxe exercise underwear: Smartwool Women's Merino Bikini
- Best underwear for wearing everyday: Puma Women's Seamless Hipster 2 pack
- Best sustainable gym underwear: Pantee's High Rise Thong
Should I wear underwear while exercising?
You don’t need to if your leggings or shorts are breathable and you feel comfortable doing so – but make sure you change straight after the gym so that bacteria doesn’t have time to gather and make life itchy for your vagina. If too much gathers, it can throw things out of whack, impacting your PH level, which can cause irritation and even thrush.
If you prefer the extra layer, leave your lacy numbers in the drawer because they aren't great for ventilation. Instead opt for cotton undies or specific exercise underwear – your health is worth the sacrifice. They should also come straight off as soon as you’ve finished working out, so really no-one ever need see them either (should that be a cause for concern).
How we test exercise underwear
To make sure you don’t pull on any pants that just won’t stay up or cause irritation, we recruited a panel of gym bunnies to put exercise underwear from leading workout brands through its paces. Each product is either recommended by one of our editors (who sample a lot of different brands as part of their role) or has been tested by three different readers – and each tester worked out at least three times in their briefs, hipsters or thongs.
We also put the exercise underwear through the washing machine to see how they held their shape and we scored each according to its design, fit, comfort, performance and quality.
Trust us, the only thing you’ll be digging out is your purse to pay for one of these top performers…
Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows, and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.
Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist, working for Stylist, Sky Sports and more.
Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.
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