:quality(85):upscale()/2023/08/02/747/n/1922729/d688201464ca8ae0ea8463.95162175_.jpg "Going Commando at the Gym Is a Good Thing, Actually")
Wearing underwear at the gym is one of those topics you might not talk about freely, but probably have an opinion on anyway. Just look to all the commando conversations happening on TikTok. For months now, candid commenters have posted about whether or not they wear underwear during workouts, sparking a rather unexpected discourse and even heated debate. Some share videos saying they're squarely Team Commando, while others leave comments such as: "I feel like that's a bad idea."
In one 2024 Tiktok, a gym-goer asked her followers to share their favorite underwear for the gym. Instead, many commenters said they skip the undies entirely. "Girl I don't wear underwear to the gym," one person wrote. "I'm glad I'm not the only one in the comments that goes commando while lifting unless I'm on my period," another said.
Whether you're curious about ditching underwear during workouts, or completely aghast at the thought, the discussion begs the question: is it OK to work out without underwear? And given the choice between the two, which is better for your vaginal health? To settle the debate once and for all, we asked an ob-gyn to share her thoughts on the topic. Read on to get all the details, including the best underwear to wear while working out. No matter which side of the aisle you're on, you might be surprised by the answers.
Experts Featured in This Article
Jodie Horton, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist based in Washington DC.
Should You Wear Underwear While Working Out?
Believe it or not, ob-gyn Jodie Horton, MD, recommends not wearing underwear when working out. "The vagina has normal [good] bacteria that prevents the overgrowth of bad bacteria like bacterial vaginosis and yeast. However, a warm, wet environment after a sweat sesh can be a breeding ground for infection," Dr. Horton tells PS. Wearing underwear adds another layer that can trap moisture and cause irritation, itching, and burning.
Not to mention, if you're worried about panty lines showing through your leggings, going commando for workouts is definitely better than wearing a thong, Dr. Horton says. "The thong's friction and movement can introduce E. coli from the anus into the vagina and lead to potential urinary and vaginal infections," she says. E. coli bacteria is naturally found in your digestive tract and often harmless, according to Cleveland Clinic. However, if that bacteria is transferred to your vagina or urethra (via, for example, your underwear), it can cause an infection like a UTI.
Even if you're just wearing leggings to chill or work from home, Dr. Horton maintains her advice: "I recommend going commando and ditching the underwear." That said, if you want to tweak your approach depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle - for example, if you have more discharge or you're on your period - that's totally OK.
Best Underwear to Wear While Working Out
Can't bring yourself to join Team Commando? Totally understandable. If you still want to wear underwear during your workouts, Dr. Horton has a few recommendations when it comes to the material. Cotton underwear, for instance, is not a good choice because it stays wet, Dr. Horton says. Instead, opt for moisture-wicking underwear (the kind specifically made for workouts). This kind of underwear is usually lighter and made of polyester, nylon, or bamboo. "Besides absorbing moisture and allowing the vagina to stay dry, it can also help you cool down and regulate your body temperature, according to one European study," Dr. Horton explains.
The Bottom Line
If you're just not comfortable going commando at the gym and haven't had any problems wearing underwear during workouts up until this point, you're probably OK to keep doing so (after all, you know your body better than anyone). However, if you love going commando for workouts - or want to give it a try - you officially have an ob-gyn's stamp of approval.
A few notes to keep in mind: whether or not you decide to wear underwear during your workouts, it's important to get out of your sweaty clothes soon after. As soon as you finish your workout, change into dry, clean clothes, and (if you have time) take a shower immediately after working out. Wash the vulva with warm water, and gently pat the vagina dry before putting new clothes on. If you notice anything unusual going on after switching your workout-wear method of choice, consider seeing your ob-gyn just to make sure everything is in the clear.
Related: Wait, Do You Really Need to Be Able to Do 11 Push-Ups?- Additional reporting by Jenny Sugar and Chandler Plante
Lauren Mazzo was the senior fitness editor at PS. She is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist through the American Council on Exercise. Prior to joining PS, she worked for six years as a writer and editor for Shape Magazine covering health, fitness, nutrition, mental health, sex and relationships, beauty, and astrology. Jenny Sugar is a former PS staff writer. She reports on all things fitness, but especially loves CrossFit and yoga. Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. Read More Details
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