The Best Workout Underwear for Women

From the gym to the studio, these synthetic pairs wick away sweat to keep you dry and comfortable.

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You Really Do Need Workout Underwear

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Whether you're lifting weights, training for a race, or doing backbends in hot yoga, there's nothing more distracting than a pair of underwear that, well, gets itself in a wad in the middle of your workout. Equally as annoying and actually unsafe: wearing workout underwear that isn't breathable or quick drying (that's you, cotton) post-sweat sesh. (Hello, yeast infection!)

"If you're sitting in a pair of synthetic pants that will dry fast, but your base layer is cotton, it's not going to dry—and you're opening yourself up to much more bacteria down there," says Stacey Hunter-Harrington, who's spent 25 years in the textile industry and launched her own brand of breathable, antimicrobial underwear called Quo. She recommends sticking to pairs made from nylon or spandex, which help wick away moisture. "I'm not claiming [that it's] going to save every vagina from a yeast infection, but it helps," she notes. (Also if you're wondering, here's an interesting take on working out while commando.)

With that in mind, here are 11 seamless pairs to add to your workout underwear drawer, stat.

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Quo Active Thong

Quo

Buy It, $24

A one-size-fits-all thong seems impossible, yet somehow it works in this antimicrobial wicking pair from just-launched Quo, designed specifically for extra-sweaty workouts.

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Curvy Couture Smoothing Boyshort

Bare Necessities

Buy It, $16-22

In sizes up to XXXL, this brand's smoothing microfiber boyshort hugs your curves without restricting and has a secret double lining in the front for lower-stomach control.

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Sweaty Betty No Show Briefs

Sweaty Betty

Buy It, $20

The pretty hue of these friction-reducing no-show briefs is enough to make you want to hang out around the house in them, sans pants (no judgment)—yet they're designed for high-intensity workouts.

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Lululemon Namastay Put Thong

Lululemon

Buy It, $16

Cheeky name aside, this delicate thong feels like a second skin, so much so that many purchasers report running a marathon in them: the ultimate test. (Always do a test drive during a long run, though. Wearing something new on race day is a rookie mistake.)

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Spanx Under Statements Thong

Spanx

Buy It, $20

No VPLs (visible panty lines) here—the new quick-drying Under Statements thong from Spanx feels light as air, yet boasts serious staying power thanks to "Topnotch Crotch" technology (um, sure!).

BTW, Spanx also makes amazing, super-tight leggings.

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2(x)ist Bonded Micro Thong

2(x)ist

Buy It, $16

Military-inspired stripes on each side of this micro thong will make you feel like a total badass, and bonded edges ensure you won't be tugging them up after each squat.

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Evelyn Bobbie High Waisted Thong

Evelyn Bobbie

Buy It, $28

A high-waisted, no-show thong is the perfect match for high-waisted leggings. It's available in six colors to match your skin tone, with more sizes (16 to 24) launching in January.

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Commando Perfect Stretch Thong

Nordstrom

Buy It, $26

No, in this case, we're not talking about going bare down there. One of the lightest in the bunch, the breathable Commando Perfect Stretch thong is made from microfiber that's like memory foam for your vag—plus it comes in pretty non-neutral colors like currant and heather.

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Soma Intimates Lace Hipster

Soma Intimates

Buy It, $17

Made with Soma's "vanishing edge" technology, these breathable microfiber lace hipsters have silicone around the leg openings to keep them in place without panty lines.

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Under Armour Pure Stretch Thong

Under Armour

Buy It, $12

Playful patterns make UA's Pure Stretch printed thongs—which have an ultratight compression fit—a welcome departure from the standard pair of workout underwear.

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Warner's Intimates Seamless Hipster

Macy's

Buy It, $12

The silky "No Pinches No Problems" seamless hipster delivers exactly what its name promises, with full seat coverage and a smoothing, wide waistband.

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Seamless Workout Underwear You'll Want to Wear All the Time

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You Really Do Need Workout Underwear

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Quo Active Thong

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Curvy Couture Smoothing Boyshort

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Sweaty Betty No Show Briefs

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Lululemon Namastay Put Thong

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Spanx Under Statements Thong

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2(x)ist Bonded Micro Thong

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Evelyn Bobbie High Waisted Thong

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Commando Perfect Stretch Thong

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Soma Intimates Lace Hipster

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Under Armour Pure Stretch Thong

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Warner's Intimates Seamless Hipster

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