Key Points to Remember
- For comfortable sportswear, choose underwear made from breathable materials such as polyester or polyamide.
- Opt for panties and shorts without seams to avoid irritation and chafing.
- Thongs are completely invisible under leggings but may not be very comfortable.
The French brand G-Heat® 🇫🇷 is known for its high-end, entirely vegan fleece leggings, which promote a cruelty-free approach to animal welfare. Our models stand out for their unparalleled softness and excellent value for money, providing unmatched comfort.
Introduction
Choosing the right underwear to wear under leggings is crucial to ensuring both comfort and discretion during your workouts. This is a concern for many female athletes who are mindful of their hygiene and appearance.
The importance of choosing the right underwear
Choosing the wrong underwear can lead to irritation, unpleasant chafing, or even a lack of invisibility under opaque or transparent leggings. It is therefore essential to choose your lingerie carefully according to the sport you practice and your level of activity.
The impact on comfort and performance
Beyond aesthetics, wearing the right underwear has a major impact on comfort and performance during sports sessions. The wrong choice can hinder freedom of movement, cause uncomfortable irritation, or even promote the growth of unwanted bacteria.
📢 Key Figures
- 71% of French women were aware of period panties in 2021, but only 15% wore them. [1]
- €316 million in sales for the women's underwear market in France in the first quarter of 2021. [2]
- 5.9 million French women were members of a sports federation in 2016. [3]
The Best Types of Underwear for Leggings
Seamless invisible panties
Invisible panties are an excellent choice to wear under your leggings. Their seamless cut prevents unsightly lines and irritation under tight-fitting clothing. Choose breathable microfiber styles like those in Dim's Invisi Fit range for optimal comfort during your workouts.
Sports shorts
Shorts are an ideal option for sports. Their short cut, which covers the entire buttocks, allows for great freedom of movement while preventing uncomfortable chafing. Choose styles made from technical materials such as polyamide for maximum breathability.
Thongs for total invisibility
If you're looking for absolute invisibility under your leggings, a thong is the perfect solution. Their high-cut style leaves no visible lines. However, their lack of coverage can be uncomfortable for certain intense sports activities.
Women's boxers
A trendy alternative, women's boxers offer a style that is both comfortable and feminine. Their loose fit in soft cotton or microfiber allows for great breathability while covering the entire buttocks to prevent irritation.
Feel free to vary the styles according to your preferences and the type of activity you do for optimal comfort and freedom of movement under your leggings.
Leggings with built-in panties or leggings without anything?
Another option to consider is choosing between leggings with built-in briefs or leggings without underwear. Each option has its pros and cons to weigh based on your preferences and athletic activities.
Leggings with built-in briefs
Leggings with built-in briefs offer a practical and discreet all-in-one solution. The briefs are an integral part of the garment, eliminating unsightly lines and the risk of chafing. They are an excellent choice for sports such as yoga, Pilates, or fitness, where freedom of movement is essential.
Leggings without underwear
Conversely, some athletes prefer the feeling of freedom provided by leggings without a panty. This option reduces unnecessary layers and maximizes breathability. However, it requires choosing a high-quality opaque legging to avoid any privacy issues. This is a popular choice among runners and those who participate in high-impact sports.
The final decision will depend on your priorities: maximum comfort, discretion, or breathability. Feel free to try out different options to find the ideal solution for your sport.
Choose according to your activity and sport
Choosing the ideal underwear will depend largely on the type of sport you do and the intensity of the effort. Certain disciplines have specific requirements in terms of breathability, support, and freedom of movement.
Yoga
For yoga and gentle activities, opt for soft cotton briefs or shorts for optimal comfort. Their loose fit will allow for great freedom of movement during poses, while providing sufficient breathability.
Running
Runners and trail runners will need highly breathable underwear, such as those made of polyamide, to wick away intense sweat. A thong or seamless panties will prevent irritation during repeated strides.
Fitness and strength training
For fitness, strength training, or CrossFit, opt for boxers or briefs made of stretch microfiber. Their compressive support and close fit will allow for total freedom of movement.
At G-Heat®, we believe that the right underwear is the key to a successful workout. That's why we've designed a range of high-performance, ultra-breathable, seamless fleece leggings for optimal comfort that you can wear with the underwear of your choice, whatever your activity.
— Edouard Castaignet, Founder of G-Heat®
Preferred materials
Beyond the cut, the choice of material is crucial for comfort and performance during sports sessions.
Breathable and sweat-wicking fabrics
Choose technical materials such as polyester, microfiber, or polyamide/elastane blends. Their ability to quickly wick away sweat will keep you dry and cool.
Anti-chafing materials for greater comfort
To avoid irritation, choose seamless underwear with minimal marking. Soft microfibers such as bamboo viscose offer excellent comfort.
Elasticity and support
Elastane and stretch fibers such as Lycra provide the elasticity needed to follow your movements without compressing you. Optimal support for high-level performance.
Practical Tips for Choosing and Caring for Your Clothing
Ideal size and fit
Beyond style and material, size and fit are crucial for optimal comfort under your leggings. If they are too tight, they may cause chafing and irritation. If they are too loose, they may create unsightly folds.
Follow the brands' size guides and don't hesitate to try different cuts to find the one that fits your shape perfectly. Moderate stretch and a high waistband that isn't too tight are the keys to a perfect fit.
Care tips for durability
Properly caring for your leggings and underwear is essential to prolonging their life. Wash them by hand or in the washing machine on a cold cycle using a delicate cycle. Avoid vigorous spinning and tumble drying, which can damage the fibers.
Dry them flat in the shade and store them folded without creasing them. With the right care, your favorite items will retain their shape and comfort for a long time.
How often to replace underwear
Finally, don't forget to replace your underwear regularly, especially those worn during sports activities. Wear and tear, sweat, and repeated washing can weaken them and promote the growth of unwanted bacteria.
Replace them every 6 to 12 months depending on how often you wear them to ensure impeccable hygiene under your leggings.
Conclusion
Choosing the right underwear to wear under your leggings is a matter of comfort, performance, and self-confidence. By following our advice on materials, cuts, and care, you will find the ideal solution for your needs.
| Type of Underwear | Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seamless invisible panties | Microfiber | Optimal comfort, avoids marks and irritation | |
| Sport-friendly shorties | Polyamide | Freedom of movement, avoids chafing | |
| Thongs | Various | Fully invisible under leggings | May lack comfort for certain activities |
| Women's boxers | Cotton, Microfiber | Comfortable, feminine, highly breathable | |
| Leggings with built-in underwear | Various | Practical, discreet, avoids chafing | Less flexibility in underwear choice |
| Leggings without underwear | N/A | Maximizes breathability, sense of freedom | Requires high-quality opaque leggings |
FAQ
How to wear leggings properly?
To wear leggings properly, choose a close-fitting cut that is not too tight, with a high waistband for optimal support. Pair them with a loose-fitting tunic or long T-shirt for a flattering silhouette. Don't forget to wear the right underwear!
Is it bad not to wear panties?
Wearing leggings without panties isn't necessarily bad if the garment is opaque and you're doing a low-impact activity. However, for reasons of hygiene and comfort, it's advisable to wear breathable underwear under your leggings.
Why should you wear underwear?
Wearing underwear under leggings helps to absorb sweat, prevent chafing, and protect your privacy. Seamless underwear made from technical fabric will offer optimal comfort while remaining discreet under your leggings.
What underwear should you wear under leggings?
The best underwear to wear under leggings is seamless microfiber panties, stretch cotton boxer shorts, or thongs for total invisibility. Choose breathable and anti-chafing materials.
What to wear under men's leggings?
For men, cotton or microfiber boxers or briefs are perfect under leggings. Opt for fitted but not too tight cuts, with optimal support for your activities.
Should you wear panties under tights?
As with leggings, it is recommended to wear panties under tights, especially for sports activities. This will prevent irritation, rubbing, and hygiene issues.
Should you wear briefs under tights?
Yes, wearing briefs or underwear under tights is recommended, especially for men. This will ensure optimal comfort and prevent hygiene issues during exercise.
References
[1] “Lingerie: what trends are shaking up the sector?”, FashionUnited
[2] “Study of the underwear market in France: key figures,” Studies and Analyses
[3] “The qualities required of sports lingerie,” IRBMS
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