How to Choose the Right Underwear for Your Workout

Quick Answer

For most workouts, choose underwear made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric like organic cotton blended with spandex. Look for a fit that stays put without digging in, and consider coverage based on your activity and outfit. For high-impact exercise, opt for styles with more coverage and secure seams.

Choosing the right underwear for your workout is about more than just comfort. The wrong pair can cause chafing, bunching, and distraction, ruining your focus and your session. Whether you're hitting the gym, going for a run, or practicing yoga, your underwear should support your movement and keep you dry.

This guide breaks down the key factors to consider—fabric, fit, coverage, and activity—so you can make a confident choice. We'll also highlight specific ARQ styles that work well for exercise, based on their construction and materials.

Fabric Matters: Breathability and Moisture Management

When you exercise, your body heats up and sweats. Underwear that traps moisture can lead to discomfort and skin irritation. Look for fabrics that wick sweat away from your skin and allow air to circulate. Organic cotton is a great choice because it's breathable and soft, but it can hold moisture if it's thick. Blending cotton with spandex adds stretch and helps the garment move with you, while maintaining breathability.

ARQ's underwear and bras are made from 92% organic cotton and 8% spandex. This blend offers the softness and breathability of cotton with the stretch and recovery of spandex, making them suitable for light to moderate workouts. The organic cotton is gentle on skin, and the spandex ensures a snug but flexible fit that won't restrict your movement.

• Check the fabric blend: a high percentage of cotton with a small amount of spandex is a good balance.
• Avoid non-breathable synthetics like polyester or nylon for intense workouts unless they have special moisture-wicking properties.
• Consider the thickness: lighter fabrics are better for hot yoga or intense cardio.

Fit and Coverage: What Works for Different Activities

The right fit for workout underwear depends on your activity and personal preference. For high-impact activities like running or HIIT, you need underwear that stays in place and provides enough coverage to prevent chafing. Bikini or hipster styles with moderate coverage often work well. For low-impact activities like yoga or Pilates, you might prefer minimal coverage like a thong or a seamless style that won't show through leggings.

ARQ offers high-rise, high-cut undies like the MISHA UNDIES, which provide moderate coverage and sit comfortably at the waist. The high-rise design helps the underwear stay put during movement, and the high-cut legs allow for a full range of motion. The soft bound edges prevent digging in, making them a great option for workouts that involve a lot of bending and stretching.

• For running or cycling, choose underwear with a snug fit and minimal seams to reduce friction.
• For yoga or barre, opt for high-rise styles that won't roll down during twists and folds.
• If you wear leggings, consider seamless or laser-cut edges to avoid visible lines.

Support and Style: Bras for Your Workout

While this guide focuses on underwear, your bra is equally important for a comfortable workout. The right bra should provide adequate support for your activity level and fit snugly without being restrictive. For low-impact activities like yoga or walking, a bralette or bandeau can work. For higher impact, you may need more structure.

ARQ's WIDE-STRAP BRA and ZELDA BANDEAU are made from the same breathable cotton-spandex blend. The WIDE-STRAP BRA offers a pullover design with wide straps that distribute weight comfortably, suitable for A-D cups. The ZELDA BANDEAU is a classic bandeau with a pinch-front detail, best for A-F cups. Both are comfortable for low-impact workouts, but you may need additional support for high-impact activities.

• For low-impact workouts, a supportive bralette or bandeau can be enough.
• If you have a larger cup size, look for bras with wider straps and more coverage.
• Consider the style: a racerback or cross-back design can offer more support and freedom of movement.

Decision Rules for Choosing Workout Underwear

• Activity Level: Match your underwear to the intensity of your workout. For high-impact activities like running or HIIT, choose underwear with a snug fit and moderate coverage. For low-impact activities like yoga or walking, you can opt for lighter coverage. Checkpoint: Will this style stay in place during your workout?
• Fabric Choice: Prioritize breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. A blend of organic cotton and spandex offers both comfort and stretch. Avoid heavy, non-breathable materials that trap sweat. Verdict: Look for a high percentage of organic cotton with a small amount of spandex.
• Fit and Size: Ensure the underwear fits snugly but not too tight. Use your waist measurement as a guide, and consider sizing up if you prefer a looser fit. For bras, follow the brand's size guide and note any specific sizing advice, like sizing up for the Wide-Strap Bra. Next step: Measure yourself and compare with the size chart.

ARQ Products That Work for Workouts

• MISHA UNDIES, wallflower: High-rise and high-cut with moderate coverage and soft bound edges. The high-rise design keeps the underwear in place during workouts, and the high-cut legs allow for easy movement. Soft bound edges prevent chafing, making it a comfortable choice for exercise.
• WIDE-STRAP BRA, jean: Pullover design. Best fits US cup sizes A through D. 92% organic cotton, 8% spandex. The wide straps provide comfortable support for low-impact workouts, and the cotton-spandex blend offers breathability and stretch. It's a practical option for yoga or light gym sessions.

Fit Guidance for Workout Underwear

Best For

• Low-impact activities like yoga, Pilates, and light stretching where breathability and comfort are key.
• Everyday wear and light gym sessions where you want soft, natural fibers against your skin.

Not For

• High-impact sports like running or intense HIIT that require specialized compression or moisture-wicking synthetics.
• Activities where you need maximum support for larger cup sizes; consider a more structured sports bra.

Choosing the right underwear for your workout comes down to balancing comfort, breathability, and support. By considering the activity, fabric, and fit, you can find styles that keep you focused and comfortable. ARQ's organic cotton pieces offer a breathable, natural option for low-impact exercise, but for high-intensity workouts, you might need to look for more technical fabrics. Remember to prioritize your comfort and movement, and don't be afraid to try different styles to see what works best for you.