14 Best Moisture-Wicking Underwear You Need To Try
Stay cool, dry and comfortable with these picks.
You might consider moisture-wicking underwear—one of the often-underappreciated heroes of the clothing world. It’s one of those things you may not have given much thought to until you try a good pair, and then you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
“Moisture-wicking underwear is intended to prevent moisture buildup and works to absorb moisture to help minimize potential irritation,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist, adding that some good fabrics to consider include bamboo, nylon, polyester, modal and micro modal.
When the clothing that’s closest to your skin leaves you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable, it’s hard to focus on anything else. Sweat and moisture that accumulates in sensitive areas can cause a bunch of things you want to avoid like chafing, rashes, odor, and itchiness—and may even promote the growth of bacteria that can lead to other unpleasant issues.
Choosing underwear with moisture-wicking features can greatly increase your comfort level, among other benefits. “By absorbing moisture, it prevents the buildup of sweat which can contribute to irritation, infection and foul-smelling odor,” says Dr. Garshick.
Best Moisture-Wicking Underwear
Proof Hipster Leak Proof Underwear
Proof is one of the leaders in the leak-proof underwear category, and these hipster-style panties keep you cool and dry all day (and night). These underwear are constructed using the brand’s multi-layer Leak-Loc system, designed to pull moisture away from the skin. A great option to wear during workouts! Proof Hipster Leak Proof Underwear, $43 at Amazon
Hanes Ultimate Women's Hipster Underwear
These Hanes Ultimate hipsters are made from a comfortable cotton blend that isn’t prone to pinching or binding. Among the most affordable options in this category, they keep you cool and dry without breaking your budget. Hanes Ultimate Women's Hipster Underwear (5 pack), $14.99 and up at Amazon
Related: 11 Best Underwear Brands for Women That Make Everyday Way More Comfortable
Puma x Modibodi Active Thong
Modibodi is a company that originated in Australia and bills itself as that country’s “original period and leak-proof apparel brand.” They have underwear lines for just about everyone with inclusive sizing ranging from 4XS-6XL, and lines designed especially for teens and pregnant/postpartum customers. This special line created in partnership with PUMA is perfect for those who want an active lifestyle without worries about leaks or moisture. Puma x Modibodi Active Thong (7 pack), $142.95
Fruit of the Loom Women's CoolBlend Moisture Wicking Underwear
This CoolBlend underwear from Fruit of the Loom has multiple comfort-promoting features. The cotton blend material is soft and stretchy and there are no irritating tags. They also have cooling panels around the waist and legs—and the affordable price is a nice plus. Fruit of the Loom Women's CoolBlend Moisture Wicking Underwear (4 pack), $9.58 and up at Amazon
Thinx Cotton Thong Underwear
Thinx thong underwear is made from a unique fabric blend that incorporates Tencel Modal fibers, derived from natural wood pulp and designed to be breathable and comfortable. The company has a wide range of styles intended for a range of absorbency capacity—and while they're an excellent choice of menstrual underwear, their products are also great for anyone seeking moisture-wicking features. Thinx Cotton Thong Underwear, $25 at Amazon
Bamboo Body Bikini
These sleek bikini underwear are made from organic bamboo, a natural material that resists bacteria, odor, and moisture. There’s also just the right amount of spandex to make them stretchy and flexible enough to move with you. Bamboo Body Bikini, $29 at Bamboo Body
Eve's Disclosure Basic Bikini
Eve's Disclosure
A brand that focuses on natural, healthy designs, Eve’s Disclosure creates gynecologist-tested styles that are both innovative and attractive. This bikini is made from luxurious, breathable fabric that banishes odor and moisture. Eve's Disclosure Basic Bikini, $30 at Eve’s Disclosure
UnderGents Men's Ultra-Soft Boxer Short
Looking for comfortable, moisture-wicking men’s underwear? These boxers from UnderGents are as soft as a pillow and designed to be cooling and non-constricting. Available in a range of colors and styles in sizes ranging from S to 3XL. UnderGents Men's Ultra-Soft Boxer Short, $21.99 and up at Amazon
Related: Why You May Want to Consider Sleeping Naked, According to Experts
Tommy John Air Cheeky Underwear
Tommy John says their Cheeky line of underwear is designed to provide “just the right amount of coverage.” This Air Cheeky style is also light and breezy, so skin can breathe. The quick-drying Air Mesh fabric helps moisture evaporate in a flash. Available in a large assortment of colors. Tommy John Air Cheeky Underwear, $22 at Tommy John
Warner's Blissful Benefits Breathable Brief
These Warner’s briefs are made from a microfiber material that’s moisture-wicking, breathable, and so comfortable that some Amazon users say they wish they could just walk around wearing only these all day. The high-waisted design provides ample coverage. Warner's Blissful Benefits Breathable Brief (3 pack), $12.96 at Amazon
Parade Dream Comfort Brief
The Parade underwear brand seems to be on a mission to make stylish, comfortable underwear affordable and accessible for everyone. The company has earned a passionate fan following among online influencers who appreciate the brand’s efforts to be size-inclusive—and its commitment to sustainability is also a plus. These Dream Comfort briefs are among their most popular products, thanks to the cooling mesh front panel and soft, breathable cotton. Parade Dream Comfort Brief, $8.40 at Parade
SKIMS Logo Mesh Cheeky Bikini
This bikini underwear from SKIMS is made from a soft-stretch mesh material that keeps you cool and dry. Available in more than a dozen color options and sizes ranging from XXS to 4X. SKIMS Logo Mesh Cheeky Bikini, 3 pairs for $36 at SKIMS
Related: Sick of Tampons? Check Out These 9 Pairs of Period Underwear
Hanky Panky Breathe Natural Rise Thong
Hanky Panky says their Breathe underwear is so comfortable “you feel like you’re wearing a hug.” While users don’t describe it quite in those terms, many do rave about the comfortable, barely-there feel. Hanky Panky Breathe Natural Rise Thong (3 pack), $26.25 and up at Amazon
Lululemon InvisiWear Mid-Rise Hipster Underwear
Fans of a mid-rise hipster style of underwear will love these InvisiWear options from Lululemon. Made from a lightweight fabric that’s quick-drying and moisture-wicking, they also have a snug, secure fit and just enough stretch to be a great option for yoga or working out. Lululemon InvisiWear Mid-Rise Hipster Underwear (3 pack), $48 at Lululemon
Next up, find out how Howie Mandel accidentally emailed a stranger about moisture-wicking underwear.
Source:
Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
