5 Ways Your Underwear Might Be Wrecking Your Workouts

When you’re in the throes of getting your groove on, the last thing you want to do is stop mid-dance to pull out an annoying wedgie (nor do you want your panties riding up there in the first place). Not only will it take you out of the moment, but wearing underwear that’s too tight or pulled too high can cause an infection, says Justin Shelton, D.O., an ob-gyn at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. “The tighter your underwear is, the more opportunity there is for moisture, bacteria, and sweat to be trapped, and that can lead to an infection,” he explains.

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The fix: Try going commando, says Natalie Uhling, Under Armour athlete and creator of NuFit. “I find wearing underwear underneath my leggings a complete waste,” she says. “With all the amazing fabrics and designs that many brands offer nowadays, it’s easier to just ditch the panties so that you don’t focus more on your wedgie than the actual workout.” Try a bottom that has an airy liner, like Lululemon’s Fast As Light Short. But if you’re not comfortable with going totally bare, look for a thong that’s seamless and sweat-wicking. As for fit, go for what’s comfortable—if they’re leaving indentation lines in your skin, they’re probably too small.