When you’re rushing to get ready for tomorrow morning’s workout session it’s likely that you’re just grabbing the nearest pair of panties you own to pop on under your leggings.
You’re probably thinking more about the moisture-wicking and muscle support properties of your leggings than you are about how your underwear can help or hinder your performance.
But don't overlook the importance of a good pair of panties!
Here's what to wear under workout leggings, and how to solve the biggest problems women have when wearing underwear under leggings.
Problem: Visible Panty Line (Or VPL as it’s more commonly known!)
Solution: Thongs! (Or seamless underwear)
If you’re spending more time worrying about who can see your choice of panties through your leggings than you are about beating your PB or finessing your downward dog, then I have one word for you - thongs.
No, seriously. I know that you’re reading this and thinking “What?! Flossing is not something I want to associate with my weights session.
Cue chafing in places I don’t want to chafe!”. But thongs have come a long way in the last few years. Companies are focusing more on wearability and comfort, resulting in panties you won’t even know you’re wearing (and neither will anyone else!).
And if you can’t quite face the thong yet and want a bit of extra coverage, then seamless panties are your new BFF.
You can choose whichever style you usually prefer to wear, with the confidence of a little more support and the knowledge that nothing will show even under the tightest leggings.
Problem: Itchy butt
Solution: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying material
The warm and dark crotch area (lovely!) is a favorite place for bacteria to multiply, even before you factor in the epic sweat session you’ve just finished. And the added friction of a workout can rub off the top layer of skin, meaning uncomfortable and unsightly itching.
What you need are panties made of light and breathable material, with moisture-wicking properties. Some brands are even using anti-odor technology to avoid that embarrassing, sweat-and-bacteria-caused crotch smell when you’re doing your leg presses.
Bamboo is a great material to consider here as it’s naturally breathable and light. Microfibre will also wick well. Or think about a performance material such as Tencel, made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, which is sweat-wicking and anti-microbial.
A final useful tip: Remember to ditch your workout gear as soon as possible and jump in the shower, to wash off the sweat and bacteria, and soothe your skin.
Best Underwear for Leggings
Problem: Constantly hitching things up
Solution: Size and elastane content
None of us want underwear that digs in. It ruins the lines of our stylish new gym wear, it’s super uncomfortable whether you’re running or squatting, and no one wants to be left with ugly red marks post-workout.
So, how to prevent all this sadness?
Firstly, you need to make sure you are wearing the right size. It’s tempting to try and squeeze into the smallest size possible, especially under things like compression leggings.
But you want to be comfortable as well as supported when you’re working out.
While the actual sizes of S/M/L can vary, most sites have pretty good sizing charts; so actually take your measurements, find out which size you are according to them, and don’t be freaked out if it’s not the label you’re used to.
It’s just a number (or a letter), and being comfortable during Pilates is a lot more important!
The other technical element to get familiar with? Elastane content.
Elastane (also known as Spandex, or Lycra) is what makes your panties stretch with you and your workouts. High elastane content means your underwear will fit better and keep it’s shape, enhancing your own beautiful shape in the process.
For further information on different types of materials and their workout benefits, click here.
You can also read our guide: 20 Best Underwear Fabric Types
Problem: Waistband confusion
Solution: Wardrobe variety
Struggling with low cut Capri leggings over high-waisted French-cut knickers? Feeling the sag of a low-cut bikini brief under your high-waisted compression leggings? No-one wants to be distracted from their kettlebell technique by such things. We’ve all grabbed the nearest pair of underwear as we're getting ready for a gym class, but it shouldn’t be a regular occurrence.
The key to always being prepared? Variety. Your underwear wardrobe should be as varied as your prized collection of compression leggings. There are so many underwear styles to choose from that you can find something to fit with every pair of leggings you live in:
Should You Wear Underwear Under Leggings?
The joy of pulling on a new pair of high performance, high style workout leggings should not be spoilt by the uncomfortable waistband or the stand-out seam of your underwear.
But, with so many options available, and so many new technical materials, it is possible to choose the perfect pair of panties for your 5k, or your hot yoga class. And you can find something to match every single pair of leggings in your workout wardrobe.
I feel a shopping list coming on!
