The Best 12 Underwear for Yogis

There’s nothing more annoying than fighting with your underwear during a yoga session, whether they’re bunching up, chafing, or just causing weird lines through your yoga pants. Finding the right underwear that provides the best levels of comfort can make a real difference in your yoga practice. The right yoga underwear is underwear that keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable during yoga practice, without riding up or shifting as you move between poses. We’ve found underwear that will hold up to even the most intense yoga practices with all these characteristics and more. What are the best underwear for yogis? Below are some of our favorites! 1. ExOfficio’s Give-N-Go Sport Mesh Bikini Brief ExOfficio is a leading brand in travel clothing, specializing in items that wick moisture from the skin and dry quickly, leaving you comfortable all day long. This makes their clothes perfect for activities like yoga. Their Give-N-Go Sport Mesh Bikini Brief comes in sizes XS to XL, and wearers report that the ultra-soft material stays in place even during vigorous activity. ExOfficio’s products are made with super breathable antimicrobial technology, which keeps smells at bay even after the sweatiest workouts or yoga sessions. 2. Areke Seamless Hipster The seamless hipster brief from Areke is a perfect choice if you’re looking for full coverage with a barely-there feel. The seamless hipsters won’t show under yoga pants, and the generous cut is flattering to curvier shapes. This underwear won’t ride up or cause weird bulges during yoga sessions. Areke’s sizes tend to run a little large, so keep that in mind when ordering. (Available in sizes from S to XL.) 3. Balanced Tech Quick Dry Thong The Balanced Tech Quick Dry Thong is made of extra stretchable quick-dry material that prevents chafing. The four-way stretch design moves with you through your yoga practice without shifting or bunching, and the high waisted cut prevents muffin top during inversions like plow pose. Available in sizes XS to XL, these thongs will keep you dry and odor-free, even in a hot yoga class. 4. Sexy Basics Buttery Soft Active Boy Short The Sexy Basics Buttery Soft Boy Short is, well, buttery soft, which feels great against the skin. A generous fit, these shorts don’t roll down or bunch up like other boy shorts, even for curvier or pear shapes. And they come in sizes S to 4XL, so they offer more variety in sizing than many brands do. Boy shorts are perfect for those who want the security of extra coverage under more sheer yoga pants, and these do the trick. 5. Under Armour Thong Under Armour is known for athleticwear, and their underwear is as high performance as their clothes are. Their Laser Cut Thong won’t show under clothing, and the flattering style will allow you to feel your best. Available in sizes XS to XL, this thong runs a little on the small side, so size up if you’re in between sizes. The Under Armour Thong will keep up with even the most intense yoga practice, preventing odor and chafing even in longer yoga sessions. Thongs are notorious for riding up during exercise, but this one fits just right, keeping you comfortable. 6. Reebok Seamless Hipster The Reebok Seamless Hipster is soft and breathable, keeping you fresh and dry during asanas. Made with comfort in mind, the hipster is designed to stay in place without twisting or pinching during your yoga practice. These underwear hug your curves, providing seamless coverage without visible underwear lines under your yoga pants. They come in sizes S to XL. 7. Warner’s Blissful Benefits Seamless Brief Warner’s lightweight Blissful Benefits Seamless Brief is designed to eliminate muffin top without uncomfortably digging into the waistline. These briefs come in sizes from L to 2XL and are a perfect blend of comfort and style. The stretchable, quick-dry material will hold up during yoga sessions, travel days, and everyday wear. 8. Minus33 Merino Wool Boy Short Another boy short worth mentioning is the Minus33 Merino Wool Boy Short. Made of 100% merino wool, these boy shorts are naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial, meaning they’re odor-resistant since they prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Available in sizes XS to XXL, they offer a good range of sizes, and although it’s easy to think of wool as thick and heavy, the material is super lightweight. Perfect for yogis with active lifestyles, these shorts will keep up with you on all your adventures in and out of the yoga studio. 9. Champion Absolute Brief Champion is another company known for sportswear, and their Absolute Brief is designed to keep you comfortable and dry during workouts and yoga sessions. Advanced moisture-wicking and quick-dry technology will hold up during your next Bikram session. Extra ventilation means you’ll stay extra dry and cool. The seamless design of Champion’s brief makes it invisible under yoga pants. Available in sizes from S to L. 10. Fruit of the Loom Coolblend Moisture Wicking Brief Fruit of the Loom must be one of the most well-known underwear brands of all time, so they really know what makes a good pair of briefs. Their Coolblend Moisture Wicking Brief promises to keep you cool and dry, and it delivers. Offering a combination of coverage and ventilation, these briefs have mesh-like panels along the sides, which allow the skin to breathe during exercise. Available in sizes 5 to 9 (XS to 2XL), these briefs are an excellent choice for your next yoga class or for lounging around the house on a hot summer day. 11. New Balance Breathe Hipster New Balance is yet another brand known for creating athletic apparel that endures any workout, and their Breathe Hipsters are as functional as they are comfortable. These durable hipsters are available in sizes XS to XL and are made of quick-drying, moisture-wicking material. The no show style means that you can wear them under yoga pants without worrying about underwear lines, and the ultra-stretchable material will allow you to move freely in between yoga poses. 12. Absolutely Nothing Another popular underwear option for yoga is absolutely nothing. Going commando is the surest way to eliminate underwear lines and reduce chafing and bunching caused by underwear. Many yoga pants include a gusset for those who don’t want to wear underwear with them, making underwear redundant anyway. If you’re going to go this route though, make sure to keep the following in mind: Going commando means no re-wearing your yoga pants in between washes since the moisture created during practice will provide a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, not to mention odors.Make sure that your yoga pants are 100% opaque, even when they’re stretched. Many materials become see-through when they stretch, which can mean that you’re exposing your bum every time you bend over if you’re not wearing anything underneath. Going commando during your yoga classes might free you of distracting underwear that bunches or twists up, so it’s just as good a choice as anything. How to Choose the Best Underwear for Yoga There are a few essential things to keep in mind when you’re looking for underwear for your yoga practice, such as size, cut, seam, and material. Size It sounds obvious, but no matter how great the underwear you buy is, if it’s the wrong size, it’s not going to feel great during your yoga practice. Even if it fitted well when you bought it, it might not anymore, due to: Weight loss or gainChange of body shape due to a new workout routineUnderwear shrinkageUnderwear getting stretched out Wearing underwear that’s too big or that’s lost its elasticity will result in underwear that’s always falling and bunching up during your yoga practice. On the other hand, underwear that’s too small is much more likely to pinch and chafe, in addition to creating odd-looking bulges and lines through your yoga pants. We’re all guilty of hanging onto underwear long after it’s passed its prime, but the underwear you wear during your yoga practice needs to fit well to not distract from your routine. Cut Just like it’s essential to choose the right sized underwear, it’s important to choose the right cut for your body shape. For example, some styles, like boy shorts, work wonders on some body types but cause nothing but trouble for others. Likewise, some people hate high waisted underwear and struggle with it rolling down during practice. But others swear by it and appreciate that it holds everything in and prevents muffin top. Some of the most common underwear styles for active practices like yoga are: Classic brief: Also called “granny panties,” these have a high waistline and fuller coverageBikini Brief: Similar in shape to the classic brief, but with a waistline that sits right below the hip, and a higher cut legBoy Short: Basically the same shape as a pair of short bicycle shortsThong or G String: Minimal coverage, perfect for eliminating panty lines but increased possibility of chafingHipster: Similar to a brief, but with a higher, wider waistband and lower cut legs for fuller coverage Many yoga practitioners have a preferred underwear style in everyday life, and buy their yoga underwear in the same style, but with a little more attention paid to the material. Seams Another term for “no-show” underwear is “seamless.” This underwear is often laser cut and doesn’t have the thicker, rounded seams at the legs and waistband. This allows it to lay flat against the skin, making it much less likely to show through tight yoga pants. If your yoga pants are looser or you’re just not too worried about underwear lines, seamless underwear is often a little less restrictive, since the seams are better able to stretch with the body in poses. Keep in mind that even seamless underwear will show underneath thin yoga pants if it doesn’t fit right and is digging into the skin. Material One of the most critical factors in underwear for activities like yoga is the material that it’s made from. Some people prefer sticking to natural materials that breathe well, like organic cotton and wool, while others love the quick dry benefits of synthetic fibers like nylon and spandex. Whatever material you choose, make sure it’s: Breathable: To allow cooling air to pass throughMoisture-wicking: Pulls moisture away from your body for comfortQuick-drying: So you’re not dripping in sweat all dayAntimicrobial: To prevent bacteria growth, which causes odorSmooth: To prevent chafing from materials like laceStretchable: Will conform to your body during poses The best underwear for yoga doesn’t have to be the most popular, expensive brand, but it should possess some combination of the above qualities. Other Ways to Minimize Underwear Irritation During Yoga Choosing the right pair of underwear will go a long way to maximizing comfort during your yoga practice, but there are a few things you can do before your routine to make sure. Invest in a Good Powder Using powder before a yoga session can do wonders, keeping you dry and fresh-smelling, as well as preventing chafing. Anti-Monkey Butt Powder was designed with chafing in mind, keeping moisture and friction at bay. The fresh scent will make you want to wear it in between yoga sessions, too. Anti-Chafe Spray or Stick Powder can be messy, so it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But friction protection also comes in the form of sticks and sprays, which create a protective barrier on the skin to prevent chafing. Sticks and sprays are also suitable for blister-causing workouts like long runs, so they’ll help you during yoga practice as well as other athletic endeavors. Loosen Your Clothing The perfect pair of underwear will still ride up and twist around if you’re wearing the wrong clothes. Make sure to wear clothes that fit well during your yoga practice, and switch to looser styles if need be. There’s no rule that says you can only wear yoga pants in yoga; looser fitting joggers or harem-style pants work just as well. Drink More Water We all know that we need to stay hydrated to maintain health, especially while doing yoga and other physical activities. But what you might not realize is the fact that drinking water can actually prevent chafing. Staying hydrated dilutes the amount of salt in your sweat, which means less salt lying on your skin. When sweat dries on the skin, it leaves salt behind, which will then rub against clothing, basically acting like sandpaper. What About Bras for Yoga? Finding the right bra for your yoga practice is just as important as finding the right pair of underwear. Looking for the right bra for your yoga practice will involve some of the same considerations as looking for the right underwear: SizeMaterialStyle You’ll want the bra you choose to fit your body well and be made from a material that stretches, breathes, and dries quickly. But there is another thing to worry about when it comes to bras, which is support. The level of support you need will depend on your bust size and personal preferences. Bras with More Support Some women prefer a higher level of support, and don’t want their girls to move around during practice. These yogis might be most comfortable sticking with a traditional sports bra, which is great as long as it isn’t too restrictive to allow freedom of movement in twists and other such poses. The Champion Curvy Sports Bra is an excellent example of a more supportive sports bra that will work for yoga. It’s available in sizes XS to XL, and features a ventilated racerback, which will help keep you cool during practice. Bras with More Freedom Other yoga practitioners might prefer minimal structure, finding bras more restrictive than supportive. Wire-free bralettes or tank tops with built-in shelf bras often provide enough control without being uncomfortable for these women. Fruit of the Loom’s Pullover Sport Bra is an excellent example of a bra that offers a bit of support and a lot of comfort. The bra is made of a super-soft, breathable cotton. The main thing to worry about when it comes to less supportive bras is choosing one that will hold everything in place no matter what pose you’re in. Nobody likes to create a surprise appearance during an inversion! Final Thoughts When shopping for underwear to wear during your yoga practice, make sure to consider the size, style, and material, and evaluate how well it will move with your body and combat moisture and bacteria. This will help keep you comfortable and able to focus on more important things—like your yoga practice. Of course, every woman is unique, so the underwear that will work best for you ultimately comes down to your preferences. There’s a bit of range in the 12 different options we presented above, so one of them is sure to work exceptionally well for you and your yoga practice! ~Namaste