The Only Kinds of Thongs You Should Wear When Working Out, According to a Gynecologist
So, you're having a hard time finding a good thong for working out. Trust us, you're not alone. Maybe you usually sweat it out after work and forget to pack a pair of regular briefs. Perhaps all your gym-friendy undies are in the washer. Or hey, maybe you just prefer thongs! A good pair of underwear is just as important, if not more important, than a pair of comfortable leggings. If your underwear is constantly bunching up or getting caught between every nook and cranny each time you do a squat, this can make getting through a HIIT session incredibly uncomfortable. Unfortunately, finding panties that are tailor-made for breaking a sweat is not as easy to find, especially if that panty is a thong.
- Kelly Culwell, MD, OB/GYN based in San Diego
Best thongs for working out at a glance
- Best for yoga: lululemon UnderEase Mid-Rise Underwear, $18
- Best cotton: Sweaty Betty Sundown Soft Cotton Thong (3-Pack), $38
- Best size-inclusive: Girlfriend Collective Raven Sport Thong, $18
- Best for cardio: Quo Active Thong, $24
- Best stretch: Under Armour Pure Stretch Thong 3-Pack Underwear, $18
- Best low-rise: Skims Fits Everybody Thong, $18
- Best leakproof: Knix Leakproof Thong, $22
- Best hipster: Knickey Low-Rise Thong, $17
- Best for every day: Everlane The Cotton Thong, $15
- Best sweat-wicking: Parade Sweat-Wicking Workout Thong, $6
- Best quick-drying: Bombas Active No Show Thong, $18
- Best breathable: Gap Breathe Thong, $13
What to look for in a workout thong
While there's no real set of rules on wearing thongs while working out, it's important to consider the fabric and your comfort level above all else. "For people who are experiencing vulvar/vaginal irritation, I recommend switching to a cotton brief to avoid potential rubbing/friction from the thong," says Dr. Kelly Culwell, M.D., OB-GYN. "If you wear a thong, make sure it is cotton or has a cotton lining."
Overall, it's best to look for thongs that stay in place (as much as possible, at least) and give your groin area as much breathability as possible. Again, this usually means opting for fabrics that are air-y and light, like cotton. "Anything with lace or other rough material in the crotch area can cause friction and irritation of the vulva/vaginal opening during exercise," Culwell explains. "Most underwear that is not made entirely of cotton has a cotton crotch lining to increase breathability and decrease irritation from sweat and friction that could happen with other fibers."
And finally, as a general rule, it's best to remove any wet underwear (of any kind) after working out so as not to cause irritation or increase the chance of a yeast infection forming due to bacteria.
The bottom line? Experts agree it's best to sweat it out in a cotton brief. But if you don't have that choice (or prefer to go with a thong), you still have options—you just need to be strategic about fabric and design. If you're not sure what undies are worth trying during your next workout sesh, here are some of our top picks below.
Best thongs for working out
If your workout routine is a mix of yoga and low-lift exercises, this UnderEase Mid-Rise thong from lululemon may be just what you need to get through your next sweat session. It fits smoothly around the waist, and provides a good amount of stretch, thanks to the combo of elastane and Lycra fabric. While it’s not cotton fabric, it’s built to be sweat-wicking (so you can avoid ending up with a huge sweat stain on your crotch after your class’s final savasana.
Material: 88% Modal, 12% Lycra elastane
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 8
Pros:
- Breathable fabric
- Mid-rise
- Flat seams
Cons:
- Wider waistband
If you find yourself re-adjusting your underwear every time you finish a set of lunges, this Sweaty Betty thong may be for you. The nylon fabric is soft yet durable for you to wear again and again without losing its shape. Plus, the thong has a cotton gusset (the excess material in the crotch) to help keep your vaginal area well ventilated.
Material: 90% cotton, 10% elastane
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Colors: 2
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Pack of three
Cons:
- Waistband may be snug
What really stands out about this Raven Sport Thong is how secure the fit is. No matter if you’re doing warrior pose or a set of mountain climbers, it’s designed to stay high on your waist. The fabric is silky smooth and has very few seams to keep VPL out of sight and out of mind. This one is also not made of cotton (it’s made of recycled plastic bottles and spandex), it’s designed with a moisture-wicking gusset with a material called COOLMAX that makes it vulva-friendly.
Material: 88% Modal, 12% Lycra elastane
Sizes: XXS-6XL
Colors: 11
If you like doing high cardio exercises and intense workouts, this Active Thong belongs in your gym bag. It’s one of the few styles designed for high performance activity. The seamless waistband doesn’t dig into your hips and the crotch has an antimicrobial protective lining to keep germs and bacteria at bay as you begin to sweat. While the thong is made of a polyamide-elastane blend, its design will still leave you feeling fresh and cool.
Material: Nylon, spandex
Sizes: One size
Colors: 2
Pros:
- Antimicrobial
- Lightweight
- Moisture-wicking
Cons:
- Only one size
In terms of pure comfort, these Under Armour Pure Stretch thongs may just take the cake. This is mainly due to the four-way stretch material that moves with your body and the soft nylon that makes you feels like you’re wearing next to nothing. Additionally, the cotton gusset adds some much-needed breathability in the area you need it most.
Material: 88% Modal, 12% Lycra elastane
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 3
Pros:
- Breathable
- 4-way stretch
- Almost seamless
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run big
There are many things I love about Kim Kardashian (Pete Davidson included), but her brand’s underwear is definitely at the top of my list of fave things. Not only are the styles size-inclusive, but this thong in particular is the gift that keeps on giving IMO. Made of nylon and 21% spandex, these undies are made to stretch and adjust to your body. Plus, the low-cut hem accents your curves in all the right places, and the cotton gusset lets your nether regions breathe.
Material: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane
Sizes: XXS-4X
Colors: 12 classic, 5 limited edition
Pros:
- Low-rise
- No cut design
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run small
For times when you need a little extra moisture protection on your period at the gym, this Knix Leakproof thong has got you covered. In fact, these undies are a complete sponge. They can absorb one teaspoon of sweat, blood or urine and keep all odors to a minimum. But the best part is the multi-fabric gusset. While some undies have only cotton in this area, this thong also has moisture-wicking polyester to help draw away excess moisture.
Material: 77% nylon; 23% Lycra Xtra Life
Sizes: XS-XXXXL
Colors: 15
Pros:
- Leakproof technology
- Mid-rise
- Seamless
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run small
If you normally prefer a brief or a hipster style, this Knickey Low-Thong is kind of a soft introduction to a thong. It sits on your hips so it won’t dig into your waist. The best part is the material, which is all about breathability. It’s made with 95% organic cotton and has a T-shaped back for optimal comfort.
Material: 95% organic cotton, 5% elastane
Sizes: XXS-XXXL
Colors: 14
Pros:
- Made with organic cotton
- Sits on hips
- T-shaped seams
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they are too low
Not only is this thong super soft, but it features a double-layer of Supima cotton. While all cotton is pretty breathable, this fabric in particular has extra long fibers to help increased its durability. Plus, the tag-less design and smooth waistband help ensure a comfy fit.
Material: 92% Supima cotton, 8% elastane
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: 3
Pros:
- Smooth waistband
- Tagless
- Breathable
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the fabric could be softer
Sweat-wicking and sustainable (made from recycled yarns), these Parade thongs also have an organic cotton lining for comfort. They have a mid-rise fit, they’re quick-drying, and they have interlock seams so you won’t have any panty lines through leggings.
Material: 88% Modal, 12% Lycra elastane
Sizes: XS-3XL
Colors: 14
Pros:
- Sweat-wicking
- Quick-drying
- Seamless
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run small
These thongs are made with a nylon/elastane blend that’s lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, everything you need during a hard workout. There’s also a smooth SensElast technology inside the waist and legs to keep your underwear in place, no matter how much you move or jump around.
Material: 66% nylon, 34% elastane
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 4
Pros:
- Quick-drying
- Breathable
- Removable tag
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they shift around
These lightweight thongs are true to their name: they’re breathable to keep you cool between your legs, even if you’re sweating everywhere else. They have a low-rise fit, and they’re made of a super soft fabric that will feel comfy against your skin from morning to night.
Material: 74% polyester, 18% Lyocell, 8% spandex
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Colors: 3
Pros:
- Breathable
- Low-rise
- Extremely soft fabric
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the fabric is thin
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