9 Best Workout Underwear for Women for Runs, Squats, and More

Colors: 7 | Sizes: XS–XXL | Material: 88% modal, 12% lycra elastane

“Lululemon is a personal favorite for all things workout wear,” Booth says. “Its quality, durability, and style are hard to beat.” Such is the case with these thongs, which are designed in a silky soft, stretchy modal that’s both quick-drying and sweat-wicking. They’re great for a variety of activities, from yoga and pilates to weightlifting and running. Each three-pack comes with a variety of fun colors, and the mid-rise waist won’t dig in while you bend and squat.

Hislop is a fan of multiple Lululemon underwear styles, too, including the high-rise bikini, mid-rise bikini, and high-rise shorties. “They have seams but are stitched so you can’t feel them,” she says of the high-rise bikini specifically.

Colors: 6 | Sizes: S–XXL | Material: 91% nylon, 7% spandex, 2% polyester

I own these bikinis and wear them religiously. I’ve found that they’re super soft, silky, and comfortable for long walks and hikes, and the mid-rise waistband is perfect even on my shorter torso. I’ve walked 10 miles a day around Ireland and Scotland, gotten over 20,000 steps in a day at Disneyland, and hiked Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles, and they’ve stayed in place without chafing or causing discomfort. Plus, they’re seamless, so they disappear under everything from workout leggings to silk dresses. Can you tell I’m obsessed?

Colors: 7 | Sizes: XXS–XL | Material: 87% nylon, 13% elastane

It may be fairly on the nose to say Alo Yoga’s underwear is great for yoga—but, really, that’s exactly the way it should be. While the idea of wearing a thong to work out may seem uncomfortable, that’s not the case with this one, which is designed in seamless, second-skin fabric that moves with you through every downward dog. Plus, it’s odor-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about smelling less than fresh at the end of your workout sesh.

Colors: 7 | Sizes: XXS–4X | Material: Body: 95% Tencel modal, 5% elastane; Lining: 92% recycled polyester, 8% elastane

Let’s face it—on period days, working out already feels worse. Combine that with the idea of sweat, odor, and possible leakage, and OMG, no thank you. Enter this bikini, which is designed in soft, stretchy tencel modal that moves with you and keeps you cool and dry. The dryness is key, and made even better with the brand’s absorbent gusset technology, which is designed to replace two pads or three tampons and keep the leaks from, well, not leaking. While it’s a bit pricey, it is designed to be reused, which means it’s a good investment over time. You can even choose from two absorbency levels, in a variety of colors and sizes.

Colors: 16 | Sizes: S–XL | Material: Body: 77% nylon, 23% elastane; Gusset: 100% cotton

Truth be told, I’ve always been a bit wary of wearing Spanx—I know they’re supposed to hold everything in, but it just seems a little too constrictive for me. Not so with these briefs, which feel like a soft, comforting hug in the absolute best way. The waistband is compressive, but not overly so, so it holds you in without making you feel like you’re about to pop. They’re designed in smoothing, seamless stretch nylon, which simultaneously disappears under clothes and feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. (Hence the name Undie-tectable.) There are almost 20 colors to choose from, and the fabric is breathable and quick-drying, too. What a win-win.

Colors: 10 | Sizes: XS–XXL | Material: 90% Polyamide, 10% Elastane

At under $3 a pair, these seamless thongs certainly won’t hit your wallet too hard—which makes them an ideal option when you’re hitting the gym. They come in a variety of colors and prints, and they’re designed in a nylon mesh that wicks away moisture and keeps you cool. They’re the best-selling thong style on Amazon, too, and have racked up an impressive 52,000-plus five-star ratings from shoppers who rave about their comfort and breathability. For a thong, that’s impressive, indeed.

Colors: 6 | Sizes: XS–2X | Material: Body: 66% nylon, 34% elastane; Gusset: 95% cotton, 5% elastane

This workout underwear style is a favorite of Hislop’s, who likes the fabric and color options. “They blend nylon with modal and a bit of spandex for a snug and comfy fit,” she says. “The colors are fun, and they donate a pair for every pair bought.” They’re designed with the brand’s SensElast Technology to keep them in place while you bend, twist, and run—and they’re also seamless, so they won’t show under your clothes. Bring on the long runs!

Colors: 5 | Sizes: XS–3X | Material: 75% nylon, 25% spandex

Soft, comfy, stays in place—what more could you want from your underwear while you’re working out, right? The fabric is designed with four-way stretch to move with you through a variety of bends and lunges, but somehow it simultaneously doesn’t stretch out after wearing. They’re also extremely size-inclusive, with sizing ranging from XS up to 3X. Talk about an undie miracle.

Colors: 4 | Sizes: XS-XL | Material: 38% merino wool, 38% lyocell, 16% nylon, 8% elastane

Who wants to freeze their butt off—literally—while they run? (Immediately puts down hand.) For that reason, Smartwool is a favorite of both Hislop and Booth, who both love their variety of products in soft merino wool. “Smartwool makes high-quality products, and has terrific options that come in a variety of cuts and styles,” Booth says of the brand. Meanwhile, Hislop points to the brand’s merino wool fabric, which is naturally antibacterial—a plus for those who sweat,” she says. She especially likes these hipsters, which are “a great option with good butt coverage for cold winter days.” They could have more color options and be more size-inclusive, but if you’re able to buy these, they’ll be a good option for your winter runs.