Best Underwear for Working Out: The Workout Secret You Didn’t Know You Needed

So you’ve got your workout routine down to a science. But have you thought about how your undergarments might play a role in this ritual? And we’re not just talking about a high quality sports bra here – believe it or not, your underwear bottoms can be one of the most important elements of your workout. Keep reading to learn why your base layer might be the workout secret you didn’t know you needed.

Why underwear matters when working out

Breathability

When you work out, you inevitably sweat more than usual, meaning you’ll need to choose a moisture-wicking fabric. Light materials like nylon blends, bamboo viscose, or modal help keep your skin dry, reducing the risk of irritation and discomfort.

Freedom of movement

When you’re working out, you don’t want your movements to be restricted in any way. With the right soft and stretchy style, your underwear will move with you whether you lunge, squat, run, or twirl.

Confidence boost

Working out should be empowering – and you don’t want anything to get in the way of that. When you wear the right underwear, you’ll be focused on your workout and not excess sweat or discomfort.

Comfort

Working out can be tough on your body, so it’s important to make yourself as comfortable as possible during your routine. You don’t want to have to think about digging seams or itchy fabric while getting your reps in. To maximize comfort, find a soft and breathable style that doesn’t slip, bunch, or dig in.

The best underwear styles for working out

Seamless thongs

Seamless thongs are ideal for working out because while you wear them, you won’t have to worry about bunching. As a plus, these styles are practically invisible under leggings, so there’s a very low risk of underwear lines cramping your style. Pro tip: for the best results, try to find a style that’s made from stretchy, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying fabric.

Boy shorts

For a higher-coverage option, it’s a great idea to invest in a good quality boy short. This style is ideal for high-movement activities, as it features a stretchy, stay-in-place waistband that won’t shift during your cardio routine.

Performance briefs

Did you know that there’s a type of underwear out there that was made specifically for working out? Performance briefs are a high-coverage underwear style made of super breathable fabric like lightweight mesh. What’s more, an anti-chafe design will eliminate any discomfort during boot camp, spin class, or anything else that involves a lot of repetitive movement.

Cooling underwear

Cooling underwear – yes, it’s a thing – is designed with special cooling fibers to, well, keep you cool. This is a great option if you live somewhere hot or are a hot yoga aficionado.

Underwear styles to avoid

100% cotton underwear

We’re big fans of cotton underwear over here at Negative, but when it comes to working out, we advise you to stay away from this specific fabric. Cotton traps moisture and might cause sweat to build up. As an alternative, look for moisture-wicking fabrics like bamboo viscose or modal.

Loose-fitting boy shorts

Due to their stretchy, stay-in-place waistbands, boy shorts can be a great option for working out – but it’s important to make sure they fit correctly. Styles that are too loose can bunch or ride up during workouts, leading to annoyance and discomfort.

Lace underwear

Yes, lace is super cute, but lace seams can rub and itch during workouts, so it’s best to steer clear.

High-rise thongs

Certain thong styles, like seamless regular thongs, can work wonders for working out. However, we recommend that you skip high-rise thongs, as they run the risk of digging or slipping. When looking for a thong to work out in, consider a stretchy performance thong made from moisture-wicking fabric.

Shapewear

Shapewear can constrict your movements due to its compressive build. What’s more, it typically isn’t made from breathable fabric, so it may also trap heat and sweat.

What to look for in workout underwear

Moisture-wicking fabric

When choosing workout underwear, it’s vital to find the right breathable fabric. Nylon, polyester blends, bamboo viscose, and micromodal are always safe bets.

Stretch

You don’t want your underwear to feel restrictive while working out, so it’s important to choose a style with ample stretch. Try to pick a fabric that is stretchy in all directions – you can test this out yourself!

Seamless or flat seams

The last thing anyone wants when working out is to have to deal with seams that irritate or dig into your skin. For the best results, look for bonded edges or laser-cut finishes. 

Breathability

Choosing a breathable fabric is a great first step in picking the right underwear style for working out. But if you want to take that breathability factor a step further, look for underwear with mesh panels or ventilation zones.

Shop underwear for working out

Here at Negative, we offer a wide range of underwear styles – many of which are ideal for working out. Whether you choose our no-show, nylon-blend Base styles, our super light modal Whipped styles, or our ultra-breathable mesh Sieve styles, you’ll be able to elevate your workout with ease. Shop our collection now!