The Best Moisture-Wicking Panties to Keep You Cool and Dry During Workouts

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Whether you’re working out at the gym or running errands outside all day in sweltering weather, sweating down there is inevitable. That’s where the best moisture-wicking underwear comes to the rescue: Just like your favorite workout leggings or other sweat-wicking activewear, these panties are constructed from breathable, quick-drying fabrics to help keep you cool, dry, and comfortable.

Meet the Experts: Lauren Penzi, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York; Sherry Ross, M.D., ob/gyn, women’s sexual health expert; Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York.

“Moisture-wicking underwear is designed to absorb sweat and moisture, rather than letting it remain on your skin,” says Lauren Penzi, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York. But why is so important to keep dry down there, anyway? Besides just feeling uncomfortable, there are also health complications at risk: Sweat and moisture build-up in your groin region can not only irritate your skin, causing symptoms like vaginal itching, burning, or redness, it can also promote the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, says Dr. Penzi. “By mitigating stagnant sweat on the skin, moisture-wicking underwear helps prevent irritation and potential bacterial or fungal infection,” she explains.

When it comes to finding the best pair of moisture-wicking panties, you’ll want to seek out fabrics like polyester, nylon, spandex, wool, and mesh, advises Sherry Ross, M.D., ob/gyn, women’s sexual health expert and author of She-ology and The She-quel. To help you find the best pair for your needs, we gathered some of the best, most top-rated picks out there across a wide range of styles and fits—from comfy seamless underwear options to breathable briefs, hipsters, boyshorts, and more.

Moisture Wicking Coolblend Panties

Comfortable and reliable, this top-rated moisture-wicking underwear is made with a cotton/polyester/spandex blend that keeps you cool, says Dr. Penzi. It’s also “affordable and easy to find,” adds Dr. Garshick—in fact, it comes in a pack of four on Amazon for under $15. But don’t just take our word for it: This underwear boasts over a whopping 46,000 five-star ratings, with reviewers raving that it truly does wick away sweat.

What the Reviews Say: One shopper called them a “lifesaver” for hot summer days, writing: “I do not immediately rush home from being out of the house and need to change clothes. I can actually wear the same pair of underwear all day! They’re also incredibly comfortable.”

Women’s Cotton Brief Value Pack

Looking for the best value? For under $20, you can snag ten pairs of these best-selling panties from Hanes (which has over 8,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, by the way). Coming in a classic brief style with a high-rise waist, each pair of this underwear is made of soft, breathable cotton that wicks away moisture for cooling comfort.

What the Reviews Say: “Five stars. Perfect fit, no riding up, comfortable, cool cotton. What else could you need? I'm very happy with these,” wrote one Amazon shopper.

Ritual swimsuit Underwear

Coming in a flattering mid-rise swimsuit style, this underwear from Athleta is made from a nylon-spandex blend that’s breathable, quick-drying, and sweat-wicking. It offers a stretchy, comfy fit that doesn’t slip, and comes in ten different color options, including two pretty lace styles.

What the Reviews Say: “My favorite undies. Fit me well, almost invisible under leggings and bike shorts. So comfy,” said one reviewer. “Some of the only undies that don’t eventually chafe on long, sweaty bike rides for me. I also don’t have to constantly pull at wedgies which has been a struggle for me for most of my adult life! Such a relief. Also love the color assortment.”

Undie-tectable Smoothing Brief

Made of a breathable, quick-drying material to help keep you cool, this best-selling underwear from Spanx also features a smoothing waistband with comfy, light compression to smooth out your tummy. True to its name, it’s also undetectable under clothes with no visible panty lines, thanks to its elastic-free edges.

What the Reviews Say: “They fit great and do not roll down! Lightweight and breathable in the hot Texas summer heat!” one customer wrote.

Seamless Thongs for Women

On the hunt for comfy thongs that will actually keep you cool and dry down there? This best-selling (and affordable!) pack of seamless thongs has over 49,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, and for good reason: Each pair is made of a stretchy, sweat-wicking material with breathable mesh construction, and offers a comfy, lightweight fit that doesn’t bunch or ride up.

What the Reviews Say: One Amazon customer called them a “life changer,” writing: “These undies are amazing! If you have issues with sweat and odor, these are a must! Even on summer days outside you will not have any moisture whatsoever...I will never wear others again.”

Women's Cool Cotton Boyshort

Boyshorts are a great option if you’re looking for full coverage—like this popular pick from Tommy John. Made of a special cotton fabric that’s more breathable and moisture-wicking than regular cotton material, these boyshorts also feature a comfy waistband that doesn’t pinch or roll down, and a cotton inner liner gusset that helps keep you cool and dry.

What the Reviews Say: “This is the only underwear I want to wear,” said one reviewer. “I’m sensitive to seams and chafing, and this is now the only underwear for me. Soft, breathable—keeps me cool, dry, and comfortable.”

Women’s Pure Stretch Hipster (3 Pack)

This pick from Under Armour gives you three of its soft, stretchy hipsters in one pack (and there’s lots of beautiful colors and prints to choose from, too). It’s made of a soft, breathable fabric that wicks away sweat, dries quickly, and has four-way stretch—not to mention, the laser-cut edges provide a smooth, invisible fit under any type of clothing.

What the Reviews Say: “I absolutely love this underwear! It has become my favorite whether it’s lifting weights, yoga class, or going for a long run,” said one Amazon shopper. “Living in a hot and humid area, moisture-wicking plus comfort is incredibly important and these fit the bill.”

InvisiWear Mid-Rise swimsuit Underwear

“This sweat-wicking and quick-drying underwear is lightweight and great for yoga or being on the go,” says Dr. Garshick. With a smooth, lightweight fabric made from a nylon/elastane blend, this popular Lululemon pick provides four-way stretch that seamlessly moves with you, as well as a breathable cotton gusset to keep things dry down there—not to mention, it truly is invisible under your workout leggings.

What the Reviews Say: “Such great underwear. Feels like you are wearing nothing…so soft, stays put,” shared one satisfied Lululemon customer. “Can see no lines, not even when wearing leggings!”

High Rise Cheeky

These stylish panties not only have a super-flattering fit and rise, they’re also made out of high-stretch silky mesh that’s breathable and moisture-wicking—not to mention, they’re constructed from recycled fibers. They’re also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, and in sizes up to 3XL.

What the Reviews Say: Shoppers especially love that the fabric is “comfortable and practical but still hot,” with one reviewer writing: “I love the high-waisted, looser fit of these and the mesh material adds a little flair that makes me feel confident and hot. They’re also super comfortable.”

Feel Naked Brief

For a comfy pair of briefs, Dr. Ross recommends this moisture-wicking option from Lorna Jane, which she says is “stylish, comfortable, form-fitting” and “also nice to wear while exercising.” Designed for moisture management, these brief-style panties are made with a soft nylon/elastane blend, offer four-way stretch, and also have a breathable cotton gusset.

What the Reviews Say: Reviewers rave that they truly “feel naked,” with one customer sharing: “Wow! These briefs are so comfortable that you hardly know you are wearing them.”

EcoWear Women's Classic swimsuit Brief

For a good pair of bikini-briefs, try this top-rated pick from Boody—a brand Dr. Ross recommends for delivering on both style and comfort. Not only is the material moisture-wicking to help you stay cool, it’s also eco-friendly and non-irritating to sensitive skin.

What the Reviews Say: “Best underwear I have ever tried!” said one shopper. “I have very sensitive skin and a physical job that makes me sweat during the day. With these underwear I don’t feel like I need to change halfway through the day. Worth every penny.”

Women’s Seamless swimsuit Panties (6 Pack)

Available in a pack of six, these seamless swimsuit panties from Balanced Tech offers both odor-resistant and moisture-wicking performance technology to help keep you cool—and fresh—all day. It boasts perfect ratings from over 3,000 Amazon reviewers, who say that the material is especially great for sweaty workouts.

What the Reviews Say: “These really have been a game changer for my workouts. I do a lot of high impact workouts,” shared one Amazon shopper. “These panties don’t move and don’t ride up. They have been great with controlling odor from a sweaty workout!”

Super Leakproof Boyshort

If you’re looking for underwear that not only wicks away moisture but is also leakproof, this period underwear from Knix is truly super absorbent—it can absorb up to eight tampons (or eight teaspoons of fluid) so you’re protected from leaks all day. Plus, it’s machine-washable for easy cleaning, and also has an extended gusset for extra protection.

What the Reviews Say: “These are so comfortable and feel like regular underwear,” wrote one reviewer. “I can put these on and go about the rest of my day. The material is also super stretchy and does not dig in whatsoever.”

Fits Everybody Cheeky Briefs

For a buttery-soft feel, try this highly-rated pick from Skims. “Made of a synthetic polyamide with a cotton lining, this underwear is super soft, buttery, and stretchy, making them very comfortable and great for moisture-wicking,” says Dr. Penzi. It also comes in a wide range of colors as well as plus-size options, too.

What the Reviews Say: Reviewers especially love that the light, airy fabric has a second-skin feel, with one shopper writing: “The material is so soft and buttery, and also so breathable and stretchy. It feels like I’m not wearing anything!”

Airbrush Invisible Thong

If you’re specifically looking for underwear that won’t show under your clothes, this thong from Alo Yoga has you covered (literally!). “Made from a blend of polyester and spandex, these are super soft and breathable; they have no seam, making them nearly invisible under workout leggings, dresses, pants, and basically any clothing choice,” says Dr. Penzi.

What the Reviews Say: “The most comfortable thong I have ever put on my body,” shared one customer. “Feels invisible…so easy and doesn’t cut in anywhere.”

Women’s Breathable Wicking Underwear

Available in a pack of five, this best-selling underwear on Amazon is made from a nylon/spandex blend that’s quick-drying, and also features a mesh fabric on the side for extra breathability. It offers full coverage and a stretchy waistband for a comfortable fit.

What the Reviews Say: “They are soft, comfortable and easy to care for,” said one reviewer on Amazon. “I have worn them hiking 3-5 hours and 2-3 mile walks in the local park and I am dry. They work wonders at keeping the moisture away from my body.”

Blissful Benefits Microfiber Brief

Looking for a extra-supportive pair of briefs? Try this highly-rated pick from Warner’s, which comes in a pack of three. Not only does it offer full coverage with a high-waist fit and tummy control, it’s also made with a microfiber fabric that’s breathable and moisture-wicking.

What the Reviews Say: “They really do breathe quite well for a smoother-feeling material,” wrote one reviewer, who noted that they do help to smooth out your body. “I like that they don’t leave you sweaty like some shapewear products can. I’ve worn them on hot days and they stayed pretty cool.”

Seamless Hipster Briefs

These highly-rated Reebok panties are seamless for a comfortable fit, offer full coverage in a hipster-brief style, and don’t ride down. The soft, breathable nylon spandex blend helps to wick away moisture to keep you cool and dry—even during sweaty workouts. They come in a pack of five pairs, with a variety of color options to choose from.

What the Reviews Say: “I originally wore a pair for running, but now I wear it all the time because it’s so comfortable,” shared one reviewer. “And they absorb sweat like nothing. Really good for hot days or all days.”

Women’s Comfortflex Fit Microfiber Panties

This 6-pack from Hanes is available in three different fits—bikini, brief, or thong—so you can choose your preferred style. All three options, however, are made with the same lightweight, breathable material that wicks away moisture from your skin to help keep you cool—not to mention, they also offer four-way stretch that allow you to move with ease.

What the Reviews Say: “[These panties] are thin, silky, and so comfortable you feel as though you are wearing no underwear. Very cooling—especially perfect for summer,” writes one reviewer. “The fit is perfect and they stay in place all day.”

The ReNew Hipster

Made from recycled nylon and elastane, this highly-rated pick from Everlane comes in a flattering high-rise hipster fit. They’re specifically designed to be invisible under your clothing, lying flat and staying put against your skin—not to mention, reviewers rave that the material is soft, smooth, and lightweight.

What the Reviews Say: “It is such a comfortable and breathable material,” said one customer. “I had no issues with the underwear rolling up, riding up, or giving me a wedgie even while working out. Highly recommend.”

Which underwear fabric is most moisture-wicking?

Underwear fabrics that are moisture-wicking include polyester, nylon, spandex, wool, mesh, modal, micro modal, and bamboo-derived materials (like viscose). Moisture-wicking underwear is not only designed to absorb sweat and moisture instead of letting it remain on your skin, but are also designed to be fast-drying, says Dr. Penzi. More specifically, these fabrics work by pulling moisture away from the skin and instead to the exterior of the fabric, where they can more easily evaporate into the air.

How to choose the best moisture-wicking underwear

✔️ Choose the best fabric for your needs. When choosing your preferred fabric, one factor you’ll want to consider is the time of year and environment you’ll be in, says Dr. Penzi. “For example, polyester is breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying, making it ideal for active wear or being worn on warmer days,” she says.

✔️ Consider your preferred coverage and fit. Another factor you’ll want to consider is your personal preference in terms of coverage, says Dr. Garshick. For example, briefs, boyshorts, and hipsters are a good option if you want full coverage in the back—while thongs will offer no coverage, but are great for avoiding visible panty lines.

✔️ Opt for seamless options. Because they lack visible seams which can cause discomfort and peek through under clothing, seamless panties are a “convenient choice to be worn under clothing like leggings, a tighter dress, or other less forgiving materials,” says Dr. Penzi.

How we chose the best moisture-wicking underwear

We consulted two board-certified dermatologists, Lauren Penzi, M.D., F.A.A.D. and Marisa Garshick, M.D., as well as Sherry Ross, M.D., OB/GYN, women’s sexual health expert, and author of She-ology and The She-quel. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to find the best moisture-wicking underwear you can buy online.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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