Sports Underwear Checklist - Do's, Don'ts Tips & Tricks

This part of the fitness fundamentals is all about sports undies. Whether you are going commando, wearing a thong, boyshorts, boxers or briefs, this post is geared towards helping you make the best decision when choosing which route to take. For the ladies, if you have not already, check out Part 1 of the series that looks at Getting the Right Sports Bra. The whole series consists of 4 parts that cover the fundamentals needed when starting any fitness journey.

I hope the information I am going to share helps, along with your views and experiences below. So don’t be shy; comment below.

Compared to other sports-related content on clothing, I feel like this is somewhat of a grey area. Most of the discussions on sportswear offer definitive answers concerning the right sports bras, tights or shoes. But I have always wanted to know the consensus on what types of undies should you wear when working out? Or if there is an exact science behind how they should fit, look, etc.?

Remember, I am not a subject matter expert, and for the guys out there, this is purely from a female perspective, with some male guidance. Like I said earlier, don’t be shy; jump in and share your views below.

To wear or not to wear?

This is a great place to start because it is one of the most asked questions concerning this topic.

Compared to 11 years ago, when I first started, the material used and the overall construction of activewear or as some may call it, athleisure has evolved tremendously. Inclusive of sports underwear. Yet, it is common knowledge that some women and men opt to go commando when working out.

For the health of it…

The research on ‘going commando’ remains mixed when considering this discussion. Sweat is inevitable. And what thrives in moist, warm dark places is bacteria. Hence, depending on the undies (or lack thereof) you are wearing may encourage bacteria.

Some studies indicate that going commando is not hygienic and is, in fact, a cause of genital infections such as urinary tract infections or jock itch. So if you are pro undies, the additional layer offered by this garment could minimize the occurrence of these infections.

Other studies suggest that if the bottoms you select are made of breathable, moisture-wicking material, then you are all set; no undies needed.

Though cotton ranks high in this department, it tends to cause chafing, holds moisture and could develop a smell relatively quickly when worn. But no need to worry; microfiber material is there to safe the day.

This brings me to another point, comfort.

Comfort

Is it too tight, or is it too loose (unsupportive)?

Does it roll down, or does it ride up?

Or Does it cause chafing?

These are major sticking points that may arise when choosing to wear or bare.

Other than infections, the lack of undies can cause the genital area to be irritated when exercising. This could cause redness, swelling, and even rashes due to the friction caused by the tights/shorts worn, movements made (for example, cycling or running) or the equipment used (stationary bike).

Additionally, like your breasts ladies, for men loose undies could lead to massive discomfort, especially when engaging in high-intensity workouts (like running or jumping).

Style

Whether you are looking for over-exposure, especially if you are blessed in certain areas (wink, wink!) or just don’t want to see those panty/jockey lines, the style of your undies is also important when choosing to wear or bare.

Longevity

Besides the actual quality of the garment, believe it or not, longevity is also tied to your decision to wear or bare.

Going commando can sometimes reduce the life span of your tights/shorts.

Why? And How?

For one having direct contact with your genitals could cause the garment to smell over time. The additional layer offered by underwear acts as a barrier between your genitals and your tights/shorts. This separation could minimize the development of unwanted smells on your bottoms.

For women, this is especially true during (and before) our menstrual cycles. Vaginal discharges before your period and the actual menstrual process can (and has for me) lead to the demise of some cherished garments.

Based on these ticklish areas, the main TRICK I would suggest if you are deciding whether to wear or bare is to:

TRICK #1

Ensure that the material that touches your genitals is breathable and moisture-wicking. This trick hits 3 out of the 4 points above. Breathable, moisture-wicking fibres can reduce the chances of infection (health), irritation (comfort somewhat) and foul odours (longevity). That’s a triple treat for me!

So after trial and error, I believe that I am a selective wearer. When it comes to heavy-duty workouts or public affairs, I am definitely a wearer. Otherwise, I can tolerate going commando.

What is your take?

Comment below (or join the poll on Instagram @dosdontstipsandtricks): Are you a Wearer or Barer?

Notes for the wearers out there

Common types of sports underwear

There are several types of sports underwear that are commonly used to workout. According to the WhatsApp survey I conducted using my contacts list, there was a healthy mix of responses. The ladies preferred (in ranking order) control briefs, bikinis, thongs, boyshorts, hipsters and retro panties. For men, the list is definitely shorter. They prefer boxers, briefs and a combination of the two (boxer-briefs).

General sentiments: For women, most of the responses emphasized that comfort was critical. Other must-haves included in the answers were based on functionality and aesthetics – that is, that the undie should hide sweat and panty lines. While for the men, support was cited as their critical factor.

Two outstanding comments to note as well from the survey was that in the absence of undies, for women, seamless is a must-have regardless of the style, cut/shape. For men, tights were suitable substitutes, especially for high-intensity training.

Wearer problems

Like I touched on before, overall, the typical problems that we want to avoid when choosing the right sports underwear are:

#1 Too tight

#2 Rolls down

#3 Rides up

#4 Chafing

#5 Visible lines

#6 Too pricey

#7 Does not wash well

Finding the right balance is hard. That’s why, in some cases, it’s understandable why many have just gone without undies.

As such, my mantra for selecting the right underwear (or lack thereof for some of you) is a little different from choosing the right sports bra.

My shopping formula for sports underwear

My latest approach involves considering the fit, style and material of the underwear and the tights or shorts I am going to pair with it. Then I think about the cost.

Click to pin to Pinterest!

#1 First and foremost, ensure that it is the correct fit for you. Regardless of the occasion, tight underwear is not healthy for your private parts or the skin around it. I can’t go without saying again that allowing that area to breathe is vital. Remember what accompanies sweat? Bacteria. Also, the skin surrounding the area could be very delicate. Tight undies can really irritate your skin. For those who wax or shave your genitals, tight undies will not augur well. Lastly, it can cause some discolouration as well. DON’T COMPROMISE ON THIS STEP, as much as possible, get the right fit.

#2 Always consider what bottom (garment) you are wearing over your undies. You need to know what type of garment you are going to wear over the underwear. So, knowing what activity you are going to perform is best. For example, if I am going to run, my go-to is compression tights. But if I am going to the gym, I prefer to wear long tights or loose gym shorts. Hence, my underwear selection is highly dependent on the exercise because it has a direct impact on what bottom I choose to wear.

Now that we have gotten that out of the way, let us address the standard options available and narrow down what best works for you and when.

I can only go with the overarching experiences I received from my WhatsApp contacts.

Don't burn to learn wearers; follow this checklist

Do a dry run. It is always advised that if you are trying something new, try it in a controlled environment. Picture this, you buy underwear that has high reviews online, you put it on for a run (let’s say 3-6 miles), and then it rolls down, no, it rides up, or it chafes you. Need I say more? Like all major events, rehearsals are important.

Do the fit check. It could be a gift or just the mere fact that Christmas went exceptionally well and your thighs or gut are loving themselves. So ditch it if it is too tight, even though it is cute. Or if it’s slack, take it back. No, don’t keep it to do a morning stretch. No, don’t use it to go to the gym. Maybe keep it if it’s for a target weight goal. But definitely not out of nostalgia.

Check if its breathable and moisture-wicking. Like I mentioned earlier, these are your friends in fitness. Regardless of the garment, this is a vital attribute of any fitness ensemble. Ensure that your undies dries quick and wears well (tears and odour). Like bras, underwear made of moisture-wicking fabric is the most practical for working out. I highly recommend going this route. A close second is cotton which I would recommend for short workouts. But for the long haul, moisture-wicking material all the way.

Look back before you leave. If you are going to workout at the gym or outdoors at 5:00 am or 3:00 pm, always check your underwear situation. This holds for men and women. If you don’t care, fair enough. But for those who do, even if it is black doesn’t mean that we can’t see it. This goes back to the first item on the checklist, do an undie-fitting rehearsal.

Moisturize the area. For runners in particular, even though it fits, sometimes we need additional lubricant around the panty/jockey-line to avoid chafing.

Final tips and tricks for choosing the right sports underwear

Based on what we discussed, here are 4 final tips to help you get the right undies:

TIP#1

Find the material that less irritates you. At this point, you have a fair understanding of what are the pros and cons of certain fabrics, so choose what works best for you.

TIP#2

Black remains a staple regardless of the garment. Regardless of the gender (girl or guy), black was another top choice from my little WhatsApp survey.

TIP#3

Choose the style that works for you. Now for the problematic area when choosing the right undies to workout in is the style. Other than your goal to get in a run, lift weights or stretch, the style can affect how comfortable you feel in it and how it appears under your exercise bottoms. It is frustrating when you are decked out from head to toe, and your granny panties or briefs are bunching up or showing through your clothes. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some granny panties, but the whole world doesn’t need to know what I am wearing. You feel me?

TIP#4

Budget. Like most things in life, if it’s not your time or energy, 9 out of 10 times, it’s money. In fitness, budgeting is key. Undies are staples. Invest in a few good pairs to get the ball rolling.

Also, check out the other parts of the fundamentals series; it may entail additional tips to help you choose and care for your undies.

My go-to's for sports underwear

When I decide to wear undies, my top choices are hipster briefs, bikini bottoms and occasionally thongs when working out. In terms of material, my preference is moisture-wicking fibres. But sometimes, if it’s low-intensity training, natural fibres are okay. For running and any outdoor activities, my go-to is a seamless hipster brief. For the gym or indoor activities, I can swing either way.

Generally, I am always open to trying something new. What I don’t budge on is the material.

So what I have provided below are selections I have tried in the past and have had as my staples for over 2 years (in random order). Note, I just linked either the exact ones I have or close seconds. Sometimes your faves are lost forever and never come back (sob).

Flip through to see my picks

#1 Under Armour Hipster

#2 Reebok Seamless Hipster

#3 Under Armour Pure Stretch Thong

Not much variety, yes, sadly, but these are my go-tos (so far).

Do you any more suggestions? Comment below.

Tips for the barers out there

TIP#1

Choose the material of your tights/shorts wisely. If you are a barer, it is advised that you really consider what material will touch your crotch. Remember TRICK #1, choose materials that will allow your genitals to breathe and minimizes moisture build-up.

TIP#2

Wash often. Because your tights/shorts are in direct contact with your genitals, you would need to treat them like regular underwears and wash them after each use.

TIP#3

Lubricate. Regardless, if you are a wearer or barer, lubrication goes a long way. To avoid chafing try using petroleum jelly-based products, like Vaseline, to help.

Recap

At the end of the day, as shown by the survey it’s a personal choice, no science.

There is such variety among women that I now understand that choosing the right undies is such a selective bias process that can’t really have a mathematical equation to determine exactly what is right or wrong.

But what I have learnt is that:

DO Choose your comfort zone, whether it is commando or your choice in undies

DON’T ever compromise on fit. Snug but not tight.

TIP Follow the undies checklist.

TRICK Ensure that the material that touches your genitals is breathable and moisture-wicking.

Comment below what works for you, i’ll love to know.

It’s All About the Fundamentals (Part 1): A Girl Guide to Getting the Right Sports Bra

A Guide for Getting the Right Sports Underwear: It’s All About the Fundamentals (Part 2)