Best Women's Sports Underwear: Comfort, Support, and Performance for Active Lifestyles

Published on December 23 by Matt

Whether you're hitting the gym, going for a run, or participating in high-intensity sports, choosing the right sports underwear is crucial for comfort, support, and performance. Traditional underwear often lacks the moisture-wicking, breathable, and flexible features needed for athletic activities. Sports underwear, on the other hand, is designed to move with you, wick away sweat, and provide the support you need to perform your best.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best women’s sports underwear options for a range of activities, from yoga to running, to ensure you stay comfortable, dry, and supported through any workout.

What to Look for in Women's Sports Underwear

When selecting sports underwear, there are several key factors to consider:

  1. Moisture-Wicking Fabric: The ability to wick sweat away from your skin is essential for staying dry during intense activities. Look for fabrics like nylon, polyester, and blends that have moisture-wicking properties.
  2. Breathability: Breathable fabrics allow air to circulate around your body, preventing you from overheating and reducing the chances of discomfort or chafing.
  3. Comfort and Fit: Sports underwear should fit snugly but not be too tight. Seamless designs or flatlock seams are ideal for minimizing irritation, while stretchy fabrics like spandex or elastane allow for movement and flexibility.
  4. Support: Depending on your activity, you may want additional support in the form of compression or structured designs. For high-impact activities like running or HIIT workouts, sports underwear with added support can prevent discomfort and improve performance.
  5. No Show Lines: For a sleek look under workout gear, opt for no-show or invisible underwear designs that won’t create lines through your leggings, shorts, or athletic wear.
  6. Durability: Sports underwear should be able to withstand frequent washing and intense workouts. Choose high-quality brands that focus on durability and long-lasting performance.
  7. Material: Some materials are better suited for certain types of exercise. For example, cotton is soft but doesn’t wick moisture well, while synthetic fabrics like polyamide, nylon, and spandex are moisture-wicking and quick-drying.

Top Women’s Sports Underwear of 2024

Here’s a selection of the best women’s sports underwear that combines comfort, support, and performance to enhance your active lifestyle:

1. Lululemon InvisiWear High-Rise Bikini

  • Best For: Yoga, Pilates, and low-impact activities
  • Fabric: Luxtreme fabric (nylon, Lycra blend)
  • Features:
    • Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable.
    • Flat seams that prevent chafing.
    • High-rise design for extra support and coverage.
    • No-show waistband and smooth fit under clothes.

Why It’s Great: The Lululemon InvisiWear High-Rise Bikini is designed for maximum comfort and flexibility during low-impact activities. It’s made from the brand’s signature Luxtreme fabric, which is soft and quick-drying, making it ideal for yoga, Pilates, and everyday wear. The seamless construction helps eliminate any discomfort, while the breathable material keeps you cool.

2. Under Armour Women’s Pure Stretch Thong

  • Best For: Running, high-intensity workouts
  • Fabric: Polyester, elastane blend
  • Features:
    • Smooth, stretchy fabric for full range of motion.
    • HeatGear technology for moisture-wicking.
    • Anti-odor technology to keep you fresh.
    • Invisible design under tight-fitting clothes.

Why It’s Great: The Under Armour Pure Stretch Thong is an excellent option for women who need underwear that can handle high-impact sports without showing through their workout clothes. The fabric is lightweight and stretchy, providing comfort and support during intense activities like running, cycling, or HIIT. The moisture-wicking and anti-odor technologies help you stay dry and fresh throughout your workout.

3. Nike Women’s Pro Hyperwarm 3-Inch Brief

  • Best For: Cold weather sports, running, and training
  • Fabric: Dri-FIT polyester blend
  • Features:
    • Dri-FIT technology to keep sweat away from skin.
    • Lightweight and breathable.
    • 3-inch inseam for full range of motion.
    • Flatlock seams to reduce irritation.

Why It’s Great: For colder weather workouts, the Nike Pro Hyperwarm 3-Inch Brief is designed to keep you comfortable and dry. The Dri-FIT fabric draws moisture away from the skin, while the flatlock seams reduce chafing. With a snug, supportive fit, these briefs are ideal for running, strength training, and cold-weather activities.

4. Boody Body EcoWear Women's Sport Brief

  • Best For: Low-impact activities, everyday wear
  • Fabric: Bamboo viscose, spandex blend
  • Features:
    • Ultra-soft, moisture-wicking fabric made from bamboo.
    • Naturally breathable and hypoallergenic.
    • Comfortable, no-show design with a supportive fit.
    • Eco-friendly and sustainable.

Why It’s Great: The Boody Body EcoWear Sport Brief is perfect for those seeking a sustainable and eco-friendly option. Made from bamboo viscose, this underwear is incredibly soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking. It’s ideal for low-impact activities like yoga or walking and doubles as everyday wear for its all-day comfort.

5. Victoria’s Secret Sport Seamless Underwear

  • Best For: Casual wear, light to moderate exercise
  • Fabric: Nylon, spandex blend
  • Features:
    • Seamless design for a smooth, invisible fit.
    • Breathable fabric with moisture-wicking technology.
    • Soft and stretchy for all-day comfort.
    • Available in several different cuts (briefs, thongs, hipsters).

Why It’s Great: Victoria’s Secret Sport Seamless Underwear is a go-to for many women who want everyday comfort and functionality. Its seamless design and moisture-wicking fabric keep you dry and comfortable, while the variety of cuts and sizes ensures a perfect fit. These are great for everything from light cardio to lounging.

6. Saxx Underwear Ultra Boxer Brief

  • Best For: High-impact sports, running, cycling
  • Fabric: Polyester, spandex blend
  • Features:
    • BallPark Pouch for support and comfort.
    • Moisture-wicking, odor-resistant fabric.
    • 4-way stretch for flexibility and mobility.
    • Flatlock seams to reduce chafing.

Why It’s Great: While Saxx is a brand primarily known for men's underwear, their women's version, the Ultra Boxer Brief, delivers excellent performance for women who want support during high-impact sports. The BallPark Pouch is designed to reduce friction and support your body, while the moisture-wicking fabric keeps you dry throughout intense activities.

7. Hanes Women’s ComfortFlex Fit Sports Bra Underwear

  • Best For: Medium-impact activities like biking or hiking
  • Fabric: Cotton, spandex blend
  • Features:
    • Soft cotton stretch fabric for ultimate comfort.
    • No-pinch waistband.
    • Moisture-wicking technology.
    • Tagless for irritation-free wear.

Why It’s Great: Hanes offers an affordable and comfortable option for women who engage in medium-impact activities like hiking, biking, or walking. The ComfortFlex Fit design moves with you, and the cotton blend offers a breathable, soft feel against the skin. The moisture-wicking feature keeps sweat at bay, and the waistband doesn’t pinch, ensuring all-day comfort.

Final Thoughts: The Right Sports Underwear for You

The best sports underwear will vary depending on your activity level, personal preferences, and the type of exercise you enjoy. For high-impact sports, look for underwear with extra support, moisture-wicking fabric, and a snug fit to reduce friction. For low-impact activities, comfort and breathability may take priority, with soft materials like bamboo or cotton blends providing the ideal feel.

Above all, ensure that the underwear you choose helps you feel confident, supported, and comfortable during your workouts. With the right pair of sports underwear, you'll be able to perform at your best, whether you're breaking a sweat in the gym or simply going for a jog.