What's Coming

Underwear is the last thing you think about before a workout, and the first thing you notice when it's wrong. The pair that rides up mid-squat, the lace that chafes on a run, the cotton that's soaked through by your second set. What you wear underneath makes more difference to a workout than most people give it credit for. The honest answer to "what's the best underwear for working out" is: it depends what you're doing. Running, lifting, yoga and a sweaty HIIT class all ask for something slightly different. Here's a no-nonsense guide, sorted by workout, plus the things that matter no matter what you're doing. What actually matters in workout underwear Before the specifics, four things separate underwear you forget you're wearing from underwear you fight with the whole session. It has to breathe and handle moisture. This is the big one. Cotton feels soft but it absorbs sweat and holds onto it, so it stays damp against your skin the whole workout and long after. A breathable fabric that releases moisture faster keeps you cooler and drier. That's why we make ours from modal, which is more breathable than cotton and doesn't cling once you start sweating. It has to stay put. Repetitive movement is where cheap underwear fails. Squats, lunges and running all work a short leg or a thin waistband loose until you're adjusting between reps. A leg that grips without digging, and a waistband that doesn't roll, is the difference between forgetting about it and fixing it every five minutes. It shouldn't chafe. Seams in the wrong place, lace edges, or thighs rubbing skin-on-skin all turn into raw patches over a long session. Flat, bonded edges and a bit of leg coverage solve most of it. It shouldn't show. Under thin leggings, a lacy or seamed pair prints straight through. Flat, hot-pressed edges sit invisible where a stitched seam would show a line. The best underwear by workout Running Running is repetitive, sweaty, and long, which is the hardest combination for underwear. You want something breathable that won't hold moisture, with a leg long enough to stop your thighs rubbing over the miles. A boxer brief with a bit of leg is the sweet spot for most runners: enough coverage to stop chafe, light enough that you don't feel it. If your thighs touch or you're running distance, size up the leg to a longer biker length. Our pick: the 5″ boxer brief for most runners, or size up to the 8″ biker if your thighs touch or you run distance. Shop the 5″ boxer – $27 Lifting and strength training Lifting isn't about sweat so much as position: deep squats, hip hinges, lunges. That's exactly where a short leg climbs and a thong migrates. Go for more coverage, not less. A boxer brief stays anchored through the full range of motion, so you're thinking about your form and not your underwear. Our pick: the 5″ boxer brief, anchored through every squat, hinge and lunge. Shop the 5″ boxer – $27 HIIT, bootcamp and circuits Fast, explosive, sweaty. This is the workout that exposes anything that rides up or holds moisture, because you're changing direction constantly and sweating hard. A longer, breathable pair that grips the leg is your friend here. If one workout is going to make you notice your underwear, it's this one, so pick your most stay-put pair. Our pick: the 8″ biker, the most stay-put coverage we make, for fast, sweaty, change-direction workouts. Shop the 8″ biker – $27 Yoga and Pilates Different problem entirely. Here it's not sweat or movement, it's thin leggings and revealing positions. The complaint we hear most is fabric bunching at the front in a forward fold. A flatter, wider cut sits smooth instead of gathering into the middle, so a boyleg or boxer works better than a narrow bikini. Thin and seamless matters more than coverage. Our pick: the 3″ boyleg, thin and flat so it won't bunch at the front or show under thin leggings. Shop the 3″ boyleg – $24 Spin and cycling On the bike you're sitting on a seam for 45 minutes, so the last thing you want is more seams underneath. A smooth, flat, breathable pair with no bulky edges sits comfortably against the saddle. Skip anything with thick seams or lace at the leg. Our pick: the 3″ boyleg for the least bulk against the saddle, or the 5″ boxer if you want more leg coverage. Shop the 3″ boyleg – $24 Should you even wear underwear to work out? Fair question, and you'll hear both answers. A lot of leggings and bike shorts come with a built-in gusset and are designed to be worn on their own, and plenty of people do exactly that, especially for a short, sweaty session where an extra layer feels like too much. There's nothing wrong with going without if that's comfortable for you. That said, many people prefer a thin layer of breathable underwear for hygiene and for a barrier between skin and shared equipment or thin leggings. If you do wear a pair, the rules above still apply: breathable, stays put, no chafe. The worst option is a thick, sweat-holding pair that traps everything against your skin. The one habit that matters most: change out afterwards Whatever you wear, the single best thing you can do for comfort and freshness is get out of sweaty underwear and leggings soon after you finish, rather than running errands in them for the rest of the afternoon. Sitting in damp fabric is what leads to irritation and that not-so-fresh feeling. A breathable fabric that dries faster helps, but nothing beats a quick change. This is general information, not medical advice, so if something doesn't feel right, check with your doctor. What to look for, and what to skip Look for: a breathable fabric like modal that releases moisture rather than holding it; flat, bonded or hot-pressed edges that won't dig, roll or show; enough leg to stop your thighs rubbing; and a smooth, tagless build with no scratchy seams. Skip: all-cotton (holds sweat), lace or heavily seamed pairs (chafe and print through leggings), and anything with a thin elastic leg that rolls up the moment you move. Which one for you? Each workout above has its pick, but if you want the short version: the 5″ boxer is the do-it-all default, the 8″ biker is for high movement or fuller thighs, and the 3″ boyleg is your yoga and under-leggings option. All come in breathable black modal, XS to 5XL. If you want the deeper dive on going invisible under thin leggings specifically, we cover that in what to wear under leggings, and if chafing is your main issue, how to stop chub rub goes further on that. Frequently asked questions What is the best underwear for running? A breathable pair with a bit of leg, so it won't hold sweat and won't let your thighs rub over distance. A boxer brief suits most runners; go longer if your thighs touch or you run distance. Should you wear underwear when working out? It's up to you. Many leggings and bike shorts have a built-in gusset and can be worn alone. If you prefer a thin layer for hygiene or a barrier under thin leggings, choose a breathable pair that stays put and doesn't chafe. Is cotton underwear bad for the gym? Cotton isn't dangerous, but it absorbs sweat and holds it against your skin, so it stays damp through a workout. A breathable fabric that releases moisture faster, like modal, feels cooler and dries quicker. What underwear stops chafing during exercise? A pair with enough leg to keep your thighs from rubbing, plus flat, bonded edges rather than seams or lace. A longer boxer or biker length is the most reliable for high-movement workouts. What's the best underwear for yoga? Something thin, flat and smooth that won't bunch at the front during forward folds or print through thin leggings. A boyleg or boxer cut works better than a narrow bikini. How do I stop underwear riding up at the gym? Choose a longer leg with a flat, hot-pressed hem that grips your thigh instead of a thin elastic edge that rolls. The longer the leg, the more reliably it stays put through squats, lunges and running. Should I change out of my underwear after a workout? Yes, when you can. Getting out of sweaty underwear and leggings soon after you finish helps you stay fresh and comfortable, rather than sitting in damp fabric all afternoon. Shop workout-ready underwear  

If the idea of washing period underwear makes you a little squeamish, you're in good company. It's the number one thing that stops people trying it in the first place: the worry that it'll be gross, complicated, or somehow ruin the rest of your laundry. Here's the honest truth after you've done it once: it's easier than rinsing a coffee cup, and it's every bit as hygienic as washing anything else. This is the complete guide to washing period underwear the right way, so it stays fresh, keeps working, and lasts for years. The exact steps, why each one matters, and the mistakes worth avoiding. The quick version Rinse in cold water until it runs clear, then cold machine wash in a mesh bag with a mild detergent. Skip the fabric softener and bleach, and air dry instead of using the dryer. That's the whole routine. Everything below is just the why, and the few details that make your pairs last longer. How to wash period underwear, step by step Step 1: Rinse in cold water first As soon as you take a pair off, give it a quick rinse under cold running water, gently pressing the gusset until the water runs clear. This lifts most of the blood out before it has a chance to dry in. Plenty of people just do this in the shower, which is honestly the easiest way to fit it into your day. Cold is the key word. Warm or hot water sets a blood stain instead of removing it, because heat cooks the proteins in blood the same way it turns an egg white opaque. So keep it cold, every time. On a lighter day you can sometimes skip straight to the wash, but on a heavier day the cold rinse is what keeps stains and smells from setting in. Step 2: Cold machine wash in a mesh bag Pop your rinsed pairs into a mesh laundry bag and run them through a cold, gentle cycle with a mild detergent. The mesh bag stops them tangling, stretching, or catching on zips and hooks from the rest of your load. Cold water protects both the fabric and the built-in layers that do the work, which brings us to the one thing that matters most. Step 3: No fabric softener, no bleach This is the mistake almost everyone makes, so it's worth saying plainly. Never use fabric softener on period underwear. Softener works by leaving a thin, waxy coating on the fibres to make them feel soft, and on a normal pair of socks that's harmless. On period underwear, that coating seals up the absorbent layer so liquid can't pass through it anymore, which quietly kills the absorbency and traps odours in. It's the reason a lot of people find their pairs stop working or start to smell, and it's largely permanent once it happens. Bleach is out for the same reason it's out on anything you love: it breaks the fibres down. Mild detergent, nothing else. Step 4: Air dry, never the dryer Hang them up or lay them flat somewhere with a bit of airflow, and let them dry fully. High heat from a dryer is hard on the waterproof layer and the elastic, and it's the fastest way to shorten a pair's life. If you're in a hurry, press them in a clean towel to pull out the extra water rather than wringing them, then let them finish in the air. Just make sure they're completely dry before they go back in the drawer, since any leftover damp is what causes that musty smell. That's it. For our own pairs, the care is exactly this: cold machine wash in a mesh bag, no fabric softener, air dry. Do you have to rinse before washing? On a heavier day, yes, the cold rinse is worth the thirty seconds. It pulls out most of the blood so nothing sets in the wash, and it's the single best thing you can do to prevent stains and keep pairs smelling fresh. On a light or just-in-case day, when there's barely anything to rinse, you can put them straight into a cold wash and they'll come out perfectly clean. Use your judgement, there's no rule that every pair needs a rinse. Why does my period underwear smell after washing? If a pair still smells once it's clean and dry, it's almost never the underwear itself. Fresh menstrual blood barely has a scent. A lingering smell after washing usually comes down to one of a few fixable things: Fabric softener or detergent build-up. The most common culprit. That waxy residue traps odour. Stop the softener, use a little less detergent, and run an extra rinse. Not rinsing enough first. Blood left deep in the absorbent layer feeds bacteria. A proper cold rinse until the water runs clear fixes it. Not drying fully. Damp left in the fabric turns musty. Air them somewhere with good airflow until bone dry. If a smell has already built up, soak the pairs in one part white vinegar to three parts cold water for about fifteen to thirty minutes, then wash cold as usual with no softener. The vinegar cuts through the residue and resets the fabric. One honest note: if you're noticing a strong odour coming from your body rather than from clean underwear, that's a different thing worth mentioning to your doctor. This is general information, not medical advice. Can you wash period underwear with the rest of your laundry? Yes. Once a pair has been rinsed until the water runs clear, it's perfectly hygienic to wash it in a cold load with everything else, and it won't stain your other clothes or your machine. A washing machine dilutes everything almost instantly, and cold water keeps anything from setting. That said, plenty of people still prefer to use a mesh bag or run a separate load, just for peace of mind or to be a little gentler on the fabric. Both are completely fine. There's no hygiene reason you have to keep them separate, so do whatever makes you comfortable. How long does period underwear last? With good care, a pair generally lasts somewhere between six months and a couple of years, and how you wash it makes most of the difference. Cold water, no softener, and air drying are what protect the absorbent and waterproof layers over time. The pairs that wear out early are almost always the ones that went through a hot dryer or picked up softener residue. Replace a pair when you notice it's not holding like it used to, the elastic has gone, or a smell won't shift no matter how you wash it. Compared with reaching for disposables every cycle, a few well-cared-for pairs go a long way, which is part of the appeal. A note on soft fabric The same gentle routine that protects the working layers also keeps the fabric feeling good. Our period range is made from soft modal, which stays buttery against the skin when it's washed cold and air dried, and loses that softness fast if it's put through high heat. So the care that makes your pairs last is the same care that keeps them feeling nice to put on. If you're looking for a pair to start with, our Period Boxer Briefs have a full built-in absorbency panel, and you can see the whole period and leakproof range in sizes XS to 5XL. Frequently asked questions How do you wash period underwear? Rinse in cold water until it runs clear, then cold machine wash in a mesh bag with a mild detergent. Skip fabric softener and bleach, and air dry rather than using the dryer. Do you have to rinse period underwear before washing? On heavier days, yes, a quick cold rinse until the water runs clear prevents stains and odour. On light days you can usually put them straight into a cold wash. Can you machine wash period underwear? Yes. Use a cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent, ideally in a mesh bag to protect the fabric. Hand washing works too if you prefer, but it isn't necessary. Can you put period underwear in the dryer? It's best to air dry. High heat can damage the waterproof layer and the elastic and shorten the life of a pair. Air drying keeps them working and feeling soft for longer. Can you use fabric softener on period underwear? No. Fabric softener leaves a waxy coating that clogs the absorbent layer, reduces absorbency, and traps odour. Use mild detergent only, with no softener, dryer sheets, or bleach. Why does my period underwear smell after washing? Usually it's fabric-softener build-up, not rinsing enough first, or not drying fully. Stop using softener, rinse until the water runs clear, soak occasionally in one part white vinegar to three parts cold water, and let them air dry completely. Is it hygienic to wash period underwear with other clothes? Yes, once rinsed, washing them in a cold load with everything else is perfectly hygienic and won't stain your other clothes or your machine. Many people still prefer a mesh bag or separate load, which is fine too. How often should you replace period underwear? With good care, most pairs last from six months to a couple of years. Replace them when the absorbency drops off, the elastic wears out, or a smell won't wash out. Shop period & leakproof  

It's the first proper warm day. You put on the dress, you feel great, you walk out the door. Twenty minutes later your inner thighs are on fire, and by the time you're home there's an angry red patch where skin met skin all afternoon. If you know, you know. This is chub rub, and it's one of the most common, least talked-about parts of warm-weather life. Here's the good news: it's very fixable, and you don't have to hide your legs to fix it. This is the honest, complete guide, every real solution laid out with the pros and cons, not just a list of things to buy. What is chub rub, really? Chub rub is the friendly, slightly cheeky name for inner-thigh chafing: the skin irritation you get when your thighs rub against each other, over and over, usually in heat and humidity. Dermatology sources describe chafing as exactly that, skin rubbing against skin or clothing in warm, damp areas like the inner thighs, groin, underarms and under the bust. Sweat, heat and movement all make it worse. It usually shows up as redness, a stinging or burning feeling, and sometimes a raw patch or rash. When it gets more severe, or keeps happening in the same warm, moist fold of skin, it can develop into what doctors call intertrigo, an inflammation of the skin folds that can sometimes get irritated further by yeast or bacteria. Most mild chub rub calms down within a day or two once the rubbing stops, but if it keeps coming back, that's worth paying attention to. Why do my thighs chafe? (And why it's not about your weight) This is the myth worth busting first, because it keeps people quietly embarrassed for no reason. Chub rub is not a plus-size problem. Whether your thighs touch comes down to the width of your hips and the structure of your pelvis, not the number on the scale. That's why slim women get chub rub. Runners get it. Athletes with strong, muscular thighs get it, sometimes more, because muscle increases the contact. If your thighs touch when you walk, you can chafe, and most people's thighs touch. So if you've been carrying a bit of shame about this, put it down. It's friction, it's physics, and it's incredibly common. Every way to stop chub rub, honestly reviewed There's no single right answer, because it depends on what you're wearing and how your day looks. Here's the honest rundown. Long-leg underwear and bike shorts This is the most reliable all-day fix, because it puts a smooth layer between your thighs so skin never touches skin in the first place. Unlike a balm, it doesn't sweat off or need reapplying halfway through the day. The catch is that a lot of bike shorts are thick, hot, or roll up as you walk, which defeats the point. The trick is a thin, breathable pair with a leg that actually reaches where your thighs touch and a hem that stays put. More on how to choose below. Shop the 5″ boxer (XS–5XL) Anti-chafe balms and sticks A glide stick or balm (the drugstore favourites like Body Glide and Megababe Thigh Rescue) creates a slippery barrier right on the skin. It's invisible, it works under any outfit, and it's easy to carry. The downside is that it can sweat off on a hot day, needs reapplying, and can melt or feel greasy. Great for minimal outfits where you don't want an extra layer, less reliable for a long, sweaty day on your feet. Powders and gels Powders (cornstarch-based ones rather than talc) absorb moisture and cut friction, which helps because damp skin chafes faster. Anti-chafe gels do a similar job to balms but tend to dry clearer and resist sweat a little better. Both need reapplying, and powder can get messy or cake up. Thigh bands Fabric or lace bands that sit around each thigh (Bandelettes are the best known) are a discreet alternative to shorts. They work well for some people, but the common complaint is that they slide down or roll as you move, so fit matters a lot. Staying dry Not a barrier on its own, but it helps everything else work: breathable fabrics, changing out of damp clothes, and avoiding cotton (which holds sweat against the skin) all reduce how fast you chafe. Think of it as the base layer of any chub-rub plan. Most people land on a combination. The honest takeaway: for a long, active, hot day, a good pair of long-leg underwear is the most dependable option, and a balm is a great backup for outfits where you'd rather not layer. How to choose anti-chafing shorts that actually stay put If you go the underwear route, the difference between "life-changing" and "back in the drawer" is in the details. Here's what actually matters. Length that reaches where your thighs touch. This is the whole game. A short cut leaves your thighs meeting below the hem, so the chafing just moves down. For most people that means a 5″ or 8″ inseam. The longer the leg, the more reliably skin stays off skin. A leg band that grips without rolling. The number-one complaint about anti-chafe shorts is that they ride up. A flat, bonded hem (rather than a thick stitched one) tends to stay lower on the thigh and won't dig in or leave marks. Breathable, moisture-managing fabric. Since heat and sweat are what start the problem, you want something that breathes and dries fast, not a thick compression short that traps heat. Modal, for example, is more breathable than cotton and dries faster, so it stays comfortable in humidity. Smooth and no-VPL under dresses. A seamless pair in a nude or skin tone should be invisible under a summer dress, so you get the protection with none of the "are those showing?" worry. Size-inclusive. Since chub rub affects every body, the range should too. Shop the 8″ Biker This is exactly where our longer styles fit in. The 8″ Biker gives the most thigh coverage of anything we make, in a thin, breathable modal with a flat, hot-pressed hem that's designed to stay down instead of rolling up. For a shorter, lighter option that still clears most thighs, the 5″ boxer brief runs all the way to 5XL. One customer put it better than we could: "I've long been a curvy girl who wants to wear dresses, but the chub rub can get real!", and another said the 8″ "literally feel like you are wearing nothing... especially if you have larger thighs." How to heal chafed thighs (and when to see a doctor) If the damage is already done, stop the friction first, that's what lets the skin settle. Keep the area clean and dry, and give it a rest from whatever caused it. Dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology note that a thin layer of petroleum jelly can help protect and soothe irritated skin while it recovers. Mild chafing usually calms down within a day or two. See a doctor or dermatologist if the skin breaks, oozes, blisters, spreads, or hasn't improved after a week or so, or if it comes with a fever, since that can signal an infection that needs treatment. This is general information, not medical advice, so if something doesn't look right, get it checked. Surviving chub rub season Summer is peak chub rub season: heat, humidity, dresses, weddings, festivals, long days walking around on vacation. The freeing part is realising you don't have to choose between comfort and wearing what you want. A thin pair of long-leg underwear under a sundress, a balm in your bag for touch-ups, and staying dry where you can, and the thing that used to ruin your afternoon just stops being a problem. Frequently asked questions What is chub rub? Chub rub is a casual, body-positive term for inner-thigh chafing: skin-on-skin friction that leaves your thighs red, stinging or raw, usually in heat and humidity. Does thigh chafing only happen to plus-size people? No. Whether your thighs touch comes down to your hip and pelvic structure, not your weight. Slim women, runners and athletes chafe too. If your thighs touch, you can get chub rub, and most people's do. How do I stop my thighs from rubbing together? Put a barrier between them. Long-leg underwear or bike shorts are the most reliable all-day option, an anti-chafe balm works for minimal outfits, and keeping skin dry with breathable fabric helps everything work better. What length should anti-chafing shorts be? Long enough to reach where your thighs actually touch, which for most people is a 5″ or 8″ inseam, with a leg band that won't roll up. A cut that's too short just moves the chafing lower. How long does chafed skin take to heal? Usually a day or two once the friction stops. More severe chafing can take up to a week or two. See a doctor if it blisters, oozes, spreads, or won't heal. Do anti-chafing shorts show under dresses? Not if they're seamless with a flat, bonded hem and in a nude or skin tone. A thin pair should be invisible under a dress, with no visible panty line. Are balms or shorts better for chub rub? Shorts are the most reliable all-day barrier since they don't sweat off. Balms are great for outfits where you don't want a layer, but they need reapplying. Plenty of people use both. What fabric is best to prevent chafing? Breathable, moisture-managing fabrics like modal, which is more breathable than cotton and dries faster. Avoid cotton on hot days, since it holds sweat against the skin. Shop anti-chafing shorts