Best Underwear for Gym Workouts (No Sweat, No Camel Toe)

A cute workout outfit is great, but we all know that the key to a really successful gym sesh is good underwear.

Your gym underwear has more than one job. It needs to keep you comfortable while you sweat it out, help manage moisture, stay in place as you move and keep you from constantly adjusting your underwear between squats, stretches and reps. And if you are wearing fitted leggings or workout shorts, you also want something that gives you a smooth look without unwanted panty lines or camel toe.

However, with so many underwear options out there, how do you know which one is best for your workout style? Don’t worry we got you covered. We have put together a list of some of the best undies, checking for durability, breathability, moisture control, panty lines and, of course, camel toe.

So, whether you are lifting weights, doing squats or hitting the StairMaster, there is an underwear option on this list that will cater to your every need. 

What to Look for in Workout Underwear

Before you add another pair of underwear to your gym drawer, there are a few things you need to look out for. Here is a checklist you can follow.

1. Breathability

Breathability should be at the top of your list when shopping for gym underwear. When you work out, heat and sweat can build up quickly, so you want a fabric that allows air to move instead of leaving you feeling musty.

Materials such as spandex blends, lightweight performance fabrics, bamboo blends and breathable cotton can all be good options. The important thing is to look for underwear that feels light and comfortable against your skin rather than thick fabric that traps heat.

2. Moisture-wicking fabric

Nobody wants to finish a workout feeling like their underwear is soaked. Moisture-wicking fabrics are designed to pull sweat away from the skin and help it evaporate more quickly. And as a gym girl myself, this is one feature I always look forward to.

Moisture-wicking fabric is useful for running, cycling, HIIT, yoga, Pilates and other workouts where you are likely to work up a serious sweat.

3. A secure fit

Your underwear should stay where you put it. If you are constantly pulling it down, adjusting the waistband or dealing with fabric riding up, it can become a distraction during your workout.

Look for a pair with enough stretch to move with your body without becoming loose. The right size matters too. Underwear that is too tight can dig into your skin, while a loose pair may shift or bunch as you move. Always check the size guide to get your ideal fit.

4. Seamless construction

If you love wearing fitted leggings or workout shorts, seamless underwear should be a major requirement in your gym wardrobe. Thick seams and bulky edges can create visible panty lines, especially when the fabric of your workout clothes is stretchy.

A seamless design sits flatter against the body and gives you a smoother look. It can also reduce the amount of rubbing between your underwear and your workout clothes, keeping your pieces looking good for a long time.

5. Camel toe protection

This is where things get a little more specific. Breathability and sweat control are important, but they do not automatically mean an underwear style will prevent camel toe.

If camel toe is one of your main concerns, look for underwear with an in built front panel and a design that creates a smooth barrier between your body and your leggings or shorts. A structured front panel can be particularly helpful because it gives the fabric less opportunity to pull inward while you move.

Best Underwear for Gym Workouts

1. Camelnot Seamless Anti Camel Toe Thong (Top Pick)

At No. 1, we have the Camelnot Seamless Anti Camel Toe Thong. If your biggest workout underwear problem is camel toe, then this is the thong for you because it was specifically designed to deal with that problem.

This thong has a structured front panel that provides extra coverage for the crotch area. It is made from a breathable 95% cotton and 5% spandex blend and has moisture-wicking properties, making it suitable for everyday wear as well as workouts. Additionally, the seamless construction also helps reduce visible panty lines under fitted leggings and shorts.

For a totally hygienic workout and a smooth appearance, the Camelnot seamless anti-camel toe thong is our top pick. It comes in high-rise and low-rise styles to fit your outfit and your comfort level. It also comes in neutral colours that blend in and stay invisible under tight workout pants. So, to recap, Comfort? Check. Sweat-wicking? Check. Workout confidence? Double check.

Reviewer’s remark: “I’ve tried other products but none work as well as this. The shape is perfect and it stays put during workouts. Worth every penny.”

2. Girlfriend Collective Cheeky Hipster

If you prefer a little more coverage than a thong, the Girlfriend Collective Cheeky Hipster is worth considering. It has a four-way stretch fabric with spandex, so it is designed to move with you rather than restrict your movement during exercise.

There is also a real workout review that makes this pair particularly interesting. One customer said she bought it specifically to wear under leggings during workouts and found it comfortable, breathable and invisible under her leggings. That is pretty much the workout underwear checklist in one review.

Reviewer’s remark: “Bought these for wearing under leggings during workouts. Super comfy, no lines visible and breathable. Fantastic product!”

3. Lululemon InvisiWear Mid-Rise Thong

For anyone whose main concern is visible underwear under workout leggings, the Lululemon InvisiWear Mid-Rise Thong makes a lot of sense. It has a lightweight, smooth fabric that is sweat-wicking, quick-drying and breathable, with four-way stretch to help it move with your body.

The real-world reviews are especially interesting here. One Sweat Collective member called it her favourite workout thong, saying it was comfortable and invisible under leggings. Another reviewer specifically mentioned wearing it for working out and described it as comfortable for both exercise and everyday wear.

Reviewer’s remark: “These are the best things for under leggings. Comfortable, invisible and perfect fit.”

4. Tracksmith Brighton Briefs

If thongs aren’t your thing, the Tracksmith Brighton Briefs offer another option. These are full-coverage briefs made from a seamless Merino wool blend, so they are designed with running and movement in mind rather than simply being everyday underwear.

The Merino wool is designed to wick moisture and help regulate temperature, while the seamless construction helps reduce chafing. In testing reported by WIRED, the Brighton Briefs were comfortable during runs of up to 90 minutes, with the reviewer noting that they could essentially forget they were wearing them.

Reviewer’s remark: “In testing I happily ran up to 90 minutes without any friction.”

5. Under Armour Pure Stretch Hipster

The Under Armour Pure Stretch Hipster is another option for women who want a traditional underwear shape without giving up a smooth finish under workout clothes. It is lightweight and stretchy, with several reviewers praising its comfort during intense exercise.

One reviewer said she bought them for intensive workouts because she wanted underwear that could help manage sweat. She found them comfortable, seamless and free from visible lines under her workout tights. Another customer said she wore them for workouts under leggings and found that they stayed in place. Now, that’s smoothness and comfort in one go.

Reviewer’s remark: “I bought these to see if they could help wick some sweat away while doing more intensive workouts. They worked pretty well. They’re also extremely comfortable – I didn’t even feel like I was wearing any underwear.”

6. CSB Seamless Bamboo Thong

If soft, breathable fabric is high on your list, take a look at the CSB Seamless Bamboo Thong. It is made from a bamboo, nylon and spandex blend and is designed to be breathable, lightweight and moisture-wicking. CSB also specifically describes it as underwear made to wear under activewear.

There are some pretty convincing customer reviews for gym wear too. One reviewer said the thong was great for the gym and that the seamless design was barely visible through leggings. Another said it worked well under activewear and reduced the appearance of camel toe when worn with light-colored leggings.

Reviewer’s reaction: “Perfect for gym wear to everyday wear.”

7. OEAK Seamless Thong

The OEAK Seamless Thong takes a slightly different approach to the camel toe problem. It features a built-in liner designed to provide additional coverage at the front while keeping the underwear seamless underneath fitted clothing.

A customer review also specifically mentioned using these for workouts with form-fitting leggings. The reviewer said the thicker front helped prevent camel toe while the thong remained flat and invisible under tight leggings. Another review noted that the liner does its job well, providing a great cover for those sensitive areas.

Reviewer’s remark: “These are great! They are truly seamless under leggings.”

8. Knix Ultra Leakproof

If you want extra protection, especially around your period, check out the Knix Ultra Leakproof Zones. It is designed with built-in leakproof protection that helps give you peace of mind while you move, so you can focus on your workout instead of worrying about leaks. The fabric is also soft and comfortable, making it suitable for everyday wear as well as active days.

A reviewer on the Knix product page praised the underwear for being truly leakproof and described the fabric as beautiful and luxurious. That makes it a practical option for women who want their gym underwear to do a little more than just provide a base layer.

Reviewer’s remark: “Title is perfect for these; they are truly leakproof! Again, these are leakproof. As with anything, I am sure there must be a limit, but I haven’t found it. Beautiful luxurious fabric.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of underwear is best for sweating?

Underwear made from sweat-wicking fabrics like the Camelnot anti-camel toe thong is highly recommended for workouts. These fabrics help move moisture away from the skin, keeping you drier and more comfortable while you exercise.

What is the healthiest underwear to wear?

The healthiest underwear is one that is breathable, comfortable and helps keep the area dry. Natural fibres like cotton allow air to circulate and feel soft against the skin, while moisture-wicking fabrics like spandex can help move sweat away from the body. A blend of the two can give you the breathability of cotton with the moisture control you need during workouts.

Can I wear a thong while working out?

Yes, thongs are great for workouts. However, not every thong is made for exercise. If you are prone to camel toe, a thong with a supportive front design, such as the Camelnot anti-camel toe thong, can help create a smoother look under tight workout clothes.

Final Thoughts

The best underwear for gym workouts is not necessarily the same for everyone. Some women want a barely-there thong that disappears under leggings, while others prefer more coverage. Go with the piece that works with your lifestyle and workout intensity. Remember, the goal is comfort and smoothness.