7 Best Pairs of Moisture-Wicking Underwear for Women
Updated: Mar. 14, 2022
Keeping things cool and dry sometimes requires special equipment. Here are moisture-wicking underwear for women, each designed to keep you comfortable.
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Why you want to avoid excess moisture
While moisture-wicking underwear is a good idea at any time, they might be especially helpful in the summer, if you live in a hot climate, or when you exercise. What can go wrong if you get too swampy down there?
For women, staying dry is one of the most important things you can do to stave off vaginitis, inflammation of your vagina, according to gynecologist Angela Jones, MD, who extends this definition to the vulva as well.
“My golden rule is that warm plus moist is a recipe for vaginitis; you know, lady parts (vulva and vagina) that get itchy, irritated etc.,” Dr. Jones says.
“As a woman, no one wants to go around scratching or itching her lady parts,” she adds.
Dr. Jones notes that the most common forms of vaginitis are typically a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. “Again, a warm, and moist environment is a setup for these,” she explains.
Here’s everything else you need to know about moisture-wicking underwear.
The advantage of moisture-wicking underwear
If you aren’t investing in moisture-wicking underwear, or workout gear, Dr. Jones strongly advises you to do so. Her other rule of thumb is to change out of workout clothes immediately after the workout to decrease your risk of vaginitis.
“Vaginitis can be characterized by itching, burning, erythema or redness; this can be caused simply by extended contact with damp or moist workout gear or panties,” she says.
The advantage of moisture-wicking undergarments is that they give you a little wiggle room when you’re out and about during the hot, sweaty days of summer. You can’t always get home and change immediately after an outdoor workout or sports session.
Moisture-wicking underwear actually works to help keep you dry when simply changing into a fresh pair of undies isn’t an option.
“Trust me, you don’t want this to get out of hand. An itching or burning vulva or vagina is nothing you want to have to deal with over a long weekend,” Dr. Jones adds.
Opting for moisture-wicking underwear also reduces the chance of chafing.
(This is how to freshen up post-workout if you can’t shower.)
When to wear moisture-wicking underwear
Some activities for which you would really want moisture-wicking undies include running, tennis, and any group sports played outside in the heat, from soccer to baseball to basketball.
You’ll want to pack a pair or two of moisture-wicking underwear on your next trip to ensure you’re keeping that area healthy and as dry as possible.
(Here’s how bad it is to re-wear sweaty gym clothes.)
The best types of moisture-wicking fabrics
What are the best types of fabric for moisture-wicking? You want a lightweight fabric, like modal, and a cotton liner, if possible.
Synthetic fabrics are hydrophobic, meaning that they resist water penetration. This is why you’ll see that a lot of synthetic fabrics—polyester or nylon in particular—are great for moisture-wicking. They’re used regularly for workout clothing as well as for moisture-wicking undies.
With that, here are some of our expert-recommended panties that help wick away moisture so you can keep cool and comfortable during hot weather, exercise, or just everyday wear.
Moisture-wicking underwear options
Warner’s Breathe Freely Brief
These Warner underwear are cute, comfy and made with a lightweight fabric designed for optimal air flow and wicking away moisture. Cool to the touch, these undies keep you dry and comfortable even on the hottest summer days.
Even better, they boast a sleek finish, so they aren’t visible under clothing. They come in a range of sizes from small to 2XL.
On Gossamer Mesh Bikini
Available in lots of shades for your every whim, these On Gossamer panties are that elusive comfortable cut that is invisible under clothes and is also cute enough to wear on a date. They are ultra light and sheer with a low cut that won’t make a cameo even under low-rise jeans and skirts.
Proof Leakproof Thong
Whether you’re dealing with periods, bladder leaks, or simply want major moisture-wicking—these are the choice for you.
Proof offers bikinis and thongs available in two shades, black and sand, in addition to a moisture-wicking bra that’s designed to help with boob sweat.
The Thong features an invisible leakproof core in the gusset. Its soft and slim multi-layer core does the job without being bulky.
Fruit of the Loom Women’s Coolblend Bikini 4 Pack
Sometimes you just want to buy some cool and comfy underwear in bulk. These Fruit of the Loom CoolBlend bikinis are designed to keep you from overheating as temperatures rise and feature a soft waist and leg band.
It’s tag-free and boasts a 100 percent cotton liner for extra softness. Pair it with one of these cooling summer sports bras.
Lululemon UnderEase Midrise Boyshort
Specially designed to be worn for yoga (or just when you’re on the move, like jogging, for example), this underwear is key. Lululemon knows how to create garments that help you be more active and more comfortable.
Available in a few shades and prints, these soft boyshorts don’t dig in uncomfortably during an especially sweaty workout, so they’re sure to be the ones you’ll reach for on active days.
Silky soft, sweat-wicking, quick-drying and boasting four-way stretch, this underwear was created to sit an inch below the brand’s mid-rise bottoms, from shorts to pants to leggings.
Icebreaker Women’s Wool Bikini Underwear
We’re just as surprised as you are that merino wool is moisture-wicking, and yet, it is.
Whether you wear this pair from Icebreaker for summer or winter sports to wick away moisture and sweat, this stretch-blend pair offers a flattering, slim fit and forward set seams for a comfortable feel.
The merino wool construction works well to keep you warm if you’re a skier or snowboarder (a sweat-inducing cold-weather sport), as well.
Jockey Underwear Skimmies Cooling Slip Short
Ideal for under dresses or skirts in the summertime, these slip shorts are created to keep you as cool as possible—it’s in the name.
Machine washable, these mid-length shorts from Jockey have a cotton gusset to help protect you against chafing. They’re a nylon, spandex, and cotton blend for the ultimate in a form-fitting, seamless look underneath even the most body-con fashion moment.
Next, check out how to get the sweat smell out of clothes.
