Is this key piece of workout clothing missing from your wardrobe?

There’s one thing that has always confused me about the whole workout clothing thing. We make sure to always have the best quality moisture-wicking duds for every season—tops, bras, tights, socks, shoes—so why do we constantly forget about workout undies, which are probably the most important piece of all?

There’s nothing worse than the post-workout discomfort that comes from wet underwear, never mind the lovely crotch-wide sweat stain that follows. We’d have to have the conviction of Billy Madison to make crotch sweat a thing.

Mind you, navigating the underwear market is pretty complicated these days (someone please explain what the eff is up with c-strings), so to add fitness underwear to the mix… I think I’ve gone cross-eyed.

Here’s the 411 on how to add fitness skivvies to your workout clothing repertoire (you know, without breaking out in sobs):

1. Thongs are evil

Yes, even more evil than underwear lines. They seem like the obvious choice, but can lead to your vagina retaliating. “[Thongs] are usually tight fitting and tend to slide back and forth while you exercise,” David Bank, M.D., told Shape. “All of this friction and heat can lead to urinary tract infections and vaginal bacterial infections, regardless of the fabric.” Oh goody.

2. Avoid 100 percent cotton undies

The cotton soaks up sweat, causing chafing and creating a damp, germ-infested environment for your vajayjay, which can lead to icky things like yeast infections.

3. Look to your workout clothing for inspiration

If you’re not sure where to start when buying workout undies, look to the qualities you love most about your workout clothing. Chances are, you’ll want to score the same benefits from your underwear. Most fitness brands sell comfy, sweat-sapping skivvies, so make sure to keep them top-of-mind during your next shopping spree.

4. Go au naturel

No, not commando: Wear workout undies made from organic bamboo. Word is it’s non-irritating to the skin, has excellent moisture-wicking and absorbing qualities, is uber-breathable, and contains a naturally-occurring anti-microbial agent that prevents bacteria from setting up shop. (In other words, no more smelly vagina.)

5. Go seamless

Many a woman has taken on the thong-versus-bikini debate and failed, so meet in the middle and go seamless. Not only will you not have to deal with underwear lines, you won’t have to deal with the rectal archeology that comes after happy baby pose.

When you shop for workout clothing, do you remember to buy undies?

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Image: Woman exercising photo via Shutterstock

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Workout gear you love is important because you want to feel hot emotionally, not literally.

I’m actually getting pretty good at the whole exercise thing, but there’s nothing that deters me more than a sweaty, sticky summer day. Luckily, there’s oodles of functional and fashionable workout gear available that not only helps you stay cool and dry, but upgrades your motivation level from sluggish to Richard Simmons style.

Here are my fave summertime workout gear discoveries:

1. Sunpop Crops

Go from studio to street in these bold and colorful performance tights by Splits59. Made in the USA, their Sunpop Crops are an adorable way to get down to business at the gym, while getting down to fun post-workout.

2. Cool-Down Shorts

The no-fuss Cool-Down Shorts by Alo look as good as they perform. Made of polyester and spandex, these moisture-wicking, antibacterial shorts are the cheese to your yoga session’s macaroni.

3. TechFit Bra

When it comes to a woman’s workout gear, a comfortable, supportive sports bra is essential – unfortunately, they’re a total drag to wear on hot summer days. The TechFit Bra by Adidas helps make this workout must more bearable: It’s made of moisture-managing climalite fabric that sweeps sweat away from your skin with a mesh panel for extra vetilation.

4. Climachill Tank Top

Also by Adidas, the Climachill Tank Top is made of a meshlike fabric and aluminum-silver dots that conduct heat away from the body. Best of all, it features a flattering scoop neck and a racer back.

5. Mesh Scoop Neck Tee

The Nike Infinity Mesh Scoop Neck Tee is a layering tee made of sweat-wicking Dri-FIT mesh that dries quickly to keep you cool and comfortable. The scoop neck can be worn at the front or back for workout versatility, and the smooth, flatlock seaming won’t irritate your skin.

6. Lunar Element Training Shoe

The super-comfy Lunar Element Training Shoe by Nike features a breathable monomesh upper that adapts to weather conditions so you’re always dry and comfortable. Plus, aren’t they pretty? I’ll use any excuse to add bursts of color to my workout gear.

7. Neon No-Show Socks

You can’t buy ah-mazing training shoes without buying their sole mates (Get it?). These Neon No-Show Socks by Under Armour are made of a lightweight, anti-odor moisture-wicking material with an embedded arch support that amps up their comfort level.

8. Half Toe Gripper Socks

As you already know, a sweaty yoga session turns your mat into a slip and slide (only, you know, not fun). I first purchased the full-toe gripper socks, but by the time I’d finish downward dog they’d slide halfway off my feet. That’s when I discovered these ballet-inspired Half Toe Gripper Socks by ToeSox (a.k.a. the best invention of all time). They stay put, both on your feet and on your mat. Seriously, they’ll make you feel like Spiderman.

9. Fruit Infuser Water Bottle

Who’s workout gear would be complete without a way to hydrate? The Fruit Infuser Water Bottle by Good Living in Style is made from BPA-free plastic, is dishwasher safe and fits in most cup holders. Best of all, it comes with extra infuser pump built in to boost your flavor when you’re especially bored of plain ol’ H20.

Check out and shop your favorite summer gear here:

What are your summertime workout gear must-haves?

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Image: teammarche

The post The Best Stay-Cool Workout Gear for Hot Sweaty Active Days appeared first on EcoSalon.