The 8 Best Pairs of Moisture-Wicking Underwear, According to Experts

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Synthetic materials, like polyester, rayon, nylon and spandex, are the best types of fabric for moisture-wicking underwear.
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Staying dry starts with your underwear (unless, of course, you prefer going commando). That's why a great pair of moisture-wicking undies is vital for comfort during your sweatiest days and workouts.

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Unfortunately, there's no evidence that wearing moisture-wicking underwear can lessen your chances of an infection down there, according to Maureen Whelihan, MD, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with Elite GYN Care of The Palm Beaches.

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That said, moisture-wicking underwear can make your workouts more comfortable and eliminate odor. Looking to show your privates some love? Browse 10 of the best moisture-wicking underwear options on the market.

The Best Moisture-Wicking Underwear

  • Best for Women:‌ Lululemon InvisiWear Mid-Rise Bikini Underwear ($18, Lululemon.com)
  • Best for Men:‌ Icebreaker Cool-Lite Merino Anatomica Trunks ($50, Icebreaker.com)
  • Best Budget Briefs:‌ Fruit of the Loom CoolBlend Bikini Panty ($13.98, Fruit.com)
  • Best Budget Boxers:‌ Men’s Micro-Stretch Boxer Briefs ($20.99, Fruit.com)
  • Best Running Briefs:‌ Balanced Tech Women’s Classic Seamless Hipster Brief Bikini Panties ($36.99, Walmart.com)
  • Best Running Boxers:‌ Patagonia Sender Boxer Briefs ($35, REI.com)
  • Best Plus-Size Briefs: ‌Warm Sun Women’s Bamboo Plus-Size Panties ($26.99, Amazon.com)
  • Best Plus-Size Boxers: ‌B2BODY Men’s Breathable Boxers ($30.99, Walmart.com)

How We Chose

We chatted with several personal trainers and a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist to help narrow down the best moisture-wicking underwear. These products were chosen based on their criteria, including:

  • Comfort
  • Breathability
  • Cost
  • Fit

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A Quick Language Note

We make deliberate choices about the language we use when it comes to gender. While more brands now carry gender-neutral clothes, you’ll still typically see clothing brands market their products to men or women. Underwear is no exception.

The main difference between most women’s and men’s underwear is the fit. Typically, women’s underwear fits a bit tighter, whereas men’s underwear is looser and roomier. However, fabrics, quality and comfort should be the same between gender-labeled pairs. Purchase the products that feel right for you.

1. Best Overall for Women: Lululemon InvisiWear Mid-Rise Bikini Underwear

  • Style: Bikini brief
  • Sizes: XS to XXL

Designed for yoga and athletic activities, this Lululemon brief is among the best moisture-wicking underwear for women. It does a great job pulling sweat from your body, keeping skin dry, according to Ashley Dannelly, CPT.

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The smooth, lightweight nylon and Lycra fabric offers four-way stretch, "making it comfortable in every scenario," Dannelly tells LIVESTRONG.com. The undies also have a wide front panel for coverage and are virtually undetectable underneath your leggings.

Snag a pair in one of 10 subdued colors.

Buy it:Lululemon.com; ‌Price: ‌$18

2. Best Overall for Men: Icebreaker Cool-Lite Merino Anatomica Trunks

  • Style: Boxer brief
  • Sizes: S to XXL

"I have found that these boxers are the best all-around option for moisture-wicking underwear," Kevin Harris, a personal trainer, wrestling coach and the founder and CEO of NANBF, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

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Made of stretchy, moisture-wicking merino fabric, these men's workout undies are perfect for day-to-day life and more strenuous activities, according to Harris. They also feature a contoured pouch for support and flatlock seams to prevent friction.

Get these briefs in four colors: black, gray, bright blue and yellow.

Buy it:Icebreaker.com; ‌Price: ‌$50

3. Best Budget Briefs: Fruit of the Loom CoolBlend Bikini Panty

  • Style: Brief
  • Sizes: 5 (S) to 9 (2XL)

At 12 bucks for a pack of four, these bikini briefs are an affordable option for staying fresh during your workout, Dannelly says.

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They're made of cotton, polyester and spandex, a combo of fabrics that can keep you cool and comfortable when sweat starts to roll.

If bikini isn't your preferred style, you can score CoolBlends in a high cut, too.

These undies come in pant sizes 5 to 9. Check Fruit of the Loom's underwear size guide to find your fit.

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Buy it:Fruit.com; ‌Price: ‌$13.98 for four

4. Best Budget Boxers: Men’s Micro-Stretch Boxer Briefs

  • Style: Boxer brief
  • Sizes: S to XL

One of the best moisture-wicking underwear for men, these wallet-friendly briefs are lightweight and stretchy, moving ‌with‌, not ‌against‌ you. They also have tapered legs to cut bulk and keep the legs from riding up mid-workout.

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In short, they're the ideal briefs for exercise and daily life. As one reviewer writes: "These briefs are great. Perfect for running, going to the gym or just day-to-day."

The best part? You can get these cooling briefs in a pack of five.

Buy it:Fruit.com; ‌Price: ‌$20.99 for five

5. Best Running Briefs: Balanced Tech Women’s Classic Seamless Hipster Brief Bikini Panties

  • Style: Hipster brief
  • Sizes: XS to XL

"This bikini has excellent moisture control and is ideal for running, even when you're putting in tens of miles at a time," Dannelly says.

These mid-rise undies feature an athletic cut with full front and moderate rear coverage, perfect for even split-leg workout shorts. They're made from lightweight nylon and elastane fabric that's super soft and provides quick-dry, anti-odor technology.

Nab a six-pack of these panties in a range of color combinations.

Buy it:Walmart.com; ‌Price: ‌$36.99 for six

6. Best Running Boxers: Patagonia Sender Boxer Briefs

  • Style: Boxer brief
  • Sizes: S to XXL

Harris recommends these lightweight Patagonia boxers for keeping you dry and comfortable during runs.

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"Fabric-wise, they're a moisture-wicking blend of recycled nylon and spandex micromesh, which keeps you cool and makes them quick-drying," he says.

While there's no fly (the hole in the front), they feature a contoured pouch for friction-free support. The flatlock seams keep you from chafing, even on longer runs, Harris says. The legs also stay put without constricting.

Choose between navy, gray and black.

Buy it:REI.com; ‌Price: ‌$35

7. Best Plus-Size Briefs: Warm Sun Women’s Bamboo Plus-Size Panties

  • Style: Full-cover brief
  • Sizes: 4 (S) to 10 (3XL)

If it's tough to find underwear in your size, give these Warm Sun panties a try.

"These panties offer a tummy control waistband and are available in small through 3X," Dannelly says.

Like any great pair, this plus-size moisture-wicking underwear features lightweight bamboo and spandex thats breathable and smooth to the touch.

Plus, they have plenty to stretch to ensure every curve is covered.

Buy it:Amazon.com; ‌Price: ‌$26.99 for five

8. Best Plus-Size Boxers: B2BODY Men’s Breathable Boxers

  • Style: Boxer
  • Sizes: S to 8XL

These B2BODY boxers come in an impressive range of sizes — small through 8XL. They're made of a breathable, quick-drying polyester and spandex fabric blend that offers a soft feel. A stretchy waistband with fabric cover prevents uncomfortable pinching and chafing.

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These boxers feature a more relaxed fit for those who prefer their underwear a bit roomier. Get them in a four-pack.

Buy it:Walmart.com; ‌Price: ‌$30.99 for four

4 Factors to Consider When Buying Moisture-Wicking Underwear

1. Fabric

The best materials for moisture-wicking underwear are synthetics, like polyester, rayon, nylon and spandex. However, natural materials like wool and bamboo work great, too.

"These fabrics pull sweat away from the skin to the outermost layer of the fabric to evaporate," Dannelly says.

The result: Drier, more comfortable genitals.

Avoid 100 percent cotton underwear if you plan to get sweaty. Cotton may be comfortable and breathable, but it's not moisture-wicking. Once it absorbs sweat, the sweat just stays there, leaving you with a soggy bottom.

Blends that include some cotton for softness may be okay, provided cotton isn't the primary material.

2. Comfort

People prefer different cuts and fabrics for their workout undies. So, what's comfortable for your friend may not be your favorite fit.

Pick underwear that suits your unique body and preferences. And remember, in an ideal world, your underwear would feel ‌and‌ look good, but if you have to choose, go for function over form.

3. Style

Undies come in many styles, and the one you pick is a matter of personal preference. However, thongs generally aren't recommended.

"They're lovely and they look good, but from an OB-GYN standpoint, we usually tell people to either go commando or full crotch," Dr. Whelihan says.

As she notes, thongs tend to sit too close against your genitals and perineum (the area between your anus and genitals), which can cause irritation.

Feel free to wear thongs if that's your preference, but be aware that they may not be the best bet.

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4. Fit

No matter which style you choose, be sure the underwear fits your unique body.

"It shouldn't be too tight or loose," Dr. Whelihan says. "If it's too tight, the seam would be jamming up your crack, and that would obviously not be recommended."

At the other end of the spectrum, undies that are too loose may not stay put while you exercise. Odds are you'll also wind up with a bunch of extra fabric in your crotch, which can rub against your skin and genitals and cause discomfort.

So, try a few pairs and take them on a short workout to see what style you like most.