Do You Wear Underwear With Leggings? The Ultimate Guide | Shinesty

Key Insights

• Visible Panty Lines (VPL) occur when underwear edges show through leggings, disrupting your outfit's smooth silhouette and creating awkward fabric bulges that announce your underwear choices to the world.
• Seamless underwear prevents VPL by eliminating pressure points where fabric meets skin, functioning like ninjas of the underwear world—getting the job done without anyone knowing they were there.
• Laser-cut underwear eliminates 90% of visible panty lines through edges cut with precision technology instead of being sewn, making them ideal companions for yoga pants and leggings.
• Wearing the wrong underwear size causes visible lines in leggings, with too-small undies digging in and too-large ones bunching up—our seamless design prevents both issues with its supportive fit.

Welcome to the great debate. Today’s hot topic, surprise surprise, has to do with women’s panties and what to wear over them. Everybody loves a good pair of leggings. They hug your booty, they’re comfortable as heck, and they’re really damn cute. So what’s the problem? Wearing tight fabric all day begs the pressing question… do you wear underwear with leggings?

Should You Wear Underwear with Leggings?

I’m here to help, friends. When deciding what kind of underwear to wear under your leggings, it is important to consider a few different things such as the activity you’re doing and the fabric of your leggings and underwear. If you’re simply going about your daily business, then the biggest question around wearing underwear under leggings likely has to do with VPL: Visible Panty Lines.

This can be an interesting challenge. Leggings are always tight around the booty region, so wearing thick underwear with leggings means that they will likely show off some panty line. If panty lines are the problem, there are a couple of ways around this and plenty of options for underwear‑wearing or not‑wearing.

1. Try something thinner: Not only is thinner fabric more likely to reduce VPL, but it also can be more comfortable under tight clothing. When you have two pieces of fabric on sensitive areas like your groin, irritation can occur. If you’re wearing a lacy thong under your tight leggings, the leggings are pushing that sometimes‑itchy lace into your skin which can lead to rashes.
2. Try something seamless: Seamless means exactly what it sounds like—there will be NO seams on your underwear. No seams means no panty lines showing through your tight leggings, making this type of underwear the best no‑show underwear for yoga pants. Give a seamless thong a try.
3. Wear a longer shirt: If a panty line cannot be seen, does it even exist? Me thinks not. If you’re in a pinch and just HAVE to wear your granny panties with your tightest leggings, don’t worry. I’ve been there. Choose a longer‑tailed shirt to pair with your leggings. The shirt will literally cover your ass so you don’t have to worry about panty lines. Another option is tying a sweatshirt around your waist.

Legging Material Guide

Listen up, legging lovers—before we dive deep into the underwear debate, let's talk about what's actually covering your booty in the first place. Not all leggings are created equal, and the material of those second-skin pants directly impacts whether your lady business needs an extra layer of protection or not.

The Opacity Olympics

Let’s be real: nobody wants to accidentally give strangers a bonus show when bending over to grab that water bottle at the gym. That transparency test? Utterly essential. Thin, flimsy leggings might as well be tissue paper wrapped around your thighs—they reveal everything in seconds flat.

According to a well-researched guide from Constantly Varied Gear, ""Low‑grade materials are the primary cause of leggings losing opacity,"" noting that thin cotton blends or low-density synthetics lack the strength and fiber density to maintain coverage when stretched. In other words, cheap leggings often fail the bend-over test spectacularly.

Premium athletic leggings typically contain higher ratios of spandex or elastane (15 % or more), paired with polyester or nylon—hitting that perfect sweet spot of stretch without turning opaque coverage into a question mark. So yeah, when you're splurging on $80+ leggings, part of the luxury is knowing you’re not about to moon every hot yoga class in sight.

Thickness: The Underwear Decision-Maker

The thickness of your leggings might be the single biggest factor in your underwear-or-commando decision. Thicker fabrics provide more, shall we say, genital anonymity.

Brushed or double-knit fabrics offer substantial coverage and smoothing, which means you're less likely to suffer from VPL (visible panty lines) or accidentally reveal the exact shape of your lady parts to the world. Winter-weight leggings or those lined with fleece? You could probably go either way on the underwear front.

Ultra-thin ""second skin"" styles? You might want that extra layer, friend. Some performance leggings are designed to be so lightweight you barely feel them—which means everyone else might not just see them, but through them.

Moisture Management: The Sweat Factor

Let's talk about something we all deal with but nobody wants to discuss: booty sweat. It's real, it's natural, and it's something to consider when making the underwear-with-leggings decision.

Higher-end leggings typically feature advanced moisture-wicking properties that pull sweat away from your skin and allow it to evaporate. According to research published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon wick moisture much more effectively than natural fibers, helping to keep your nether regions drier during workouts.[^1]

But here's the sweaty truth: if you're going commando in leggings during an intense workout, that moisture has nowhere to go except directly into your leggings. At least underwear provides an extra absorption layer between your lady business and those expensive leggings.

And let's be honest—nobody wants to explain those mysterious crotch sweat patterns to their dry cleaner. We take leggings very seriously, despite our generally non-serious approach to life.

Preventing Visible Panty Lines (VPL)

Ah, the dreaded VPL – the underwear equivalent of having spinach in your teeth at a job interview. Nobody wants it, everybody fears it, and yet somehow it sneaks up on us when we least expect it. Like when you're confidently strutting through the grocery store in your favorite leggings, only to catch your reflection and realize your panty lines are broadcasting to the world exactly what kind of undies you decided to rock today. Not exactly the kind of transparency we're going for here, people.

The Art of Disappearing Underwear

Let’s keep it real—for everyone firmly in the “yes, wear underwear with leggings” camp (smart move—your comfort zone is giving you a standing ovation), stealth-mode undies are non-negotiable. In an insightful fashion feature on Well+Good, style authorities explain that modern leggings are often designed to forgive panty lines—but it’s seamless or no-show underwear that truly finishes the look. These designs deliver smooth, invisible coverage while protecting against friction and moisture buildup—a subtle combo that keeps your outfit—and your comfort—unpoppable.

Think of seamless underwear as your undercover assistant: unobtrusive, functional, and totally essential—even if no one ever notices they're there.

Our seamless thongs are specifically engineered for this covert operation. The laser-cut edges literally disappear under your leggings like your underwear is participating in some sort of magical vanishing act. No harsh elastic bands announcing their existence to the world. No awkward lines cutting across your booty cheeks like some sort of weird topographical map.

Sizing: The Unsung Hero of VPL Prevention

Here's a truth bomb that might blow your mind: most people are wearing the wrong underwear size. I know, shocking. It's like finding out that adulthood is mostly just Googling how to do basic things and pretending you knew all along.

Too small? You're creating bulges and lines where there shouldn't be any. Too big? You've got excess fabric bunching up and creating weird ripples under your leggings. It's a delicate balance, like trying to perfectly time an avocado's ripeness window.

Our recommendation? Size up if you're between sizes for leggings-specific underwear. Your nether regions will thank you for the breathing room, and your public image will appreciate the smooth silhouette.

Thong vs. Full Coverage: The Great Debate

When it comes to choosing what to wear under leggings during workouts, comfort and discretion are key. As Self magazine explains in its thoughtful discussion about underwear and yoga pants, the most popular strategies to minimize VPL—and stay healthy—include wearing a thong, seamless underwear, or opting to go commando. These choices are favored for their ability to maintain a smooth silhouette while protecting against friction and moisture buildup. However, let’s be honest—not everyone loves the thong life (some of us would rather not feel like we’re wearing a permanent wedgie mid-squat).

Remember, at the end of the day, your underwear choices are between you and your leggings. We're just here to make sure that relationship stays private, the way nature intended. Because nothing ruins a good leggings day like your underwear making an unexpected public appearance.

Best Underwear Styles for Different Activities

Look, we get it. Your leggings pull double (sometimes triple) duty in your wardrobe. One minute you're downward-dogging at hot yoga, the next you're grocery shopping, and maybe later you're lounging on the couch binging that show about the rich people with problems. Your leggings are versatile AF—shouldn't your underwear game match that energy?

For Sweaty Workouts: Performance is Key

When you're about to crush a HIIT session or run until your lungs hate you, the last thing you need is underwear staging a rebellion in your nether regions. For high‑intensity activities, moisture-wicking is your best friend—like that one pal who holds your hair back after too many tequila shots.

As Byrdie reports, quoting dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu: “staying dry is key, so dressing in breathable, moisture‑wicking materials and changing out of sweaty … clothes as soon as possible after a workout are important.” Cotton undies are cozy for Netflix binges, but in an actual workout? They’re about as helpful as a chocolate teapot.

Your move: seamless performance thongs or hipsters. They stay put, keep sweat from soaking your booty like a sponge, and ensure there’s no swamp situation down there while you’re chasing PRs on the treadmill. Trust yourself—and your gear.

For Yoga: Flexibility Matters (In More Ways Than One)

For those times when you're contorting into downward dog or awkwardly twisting into “how does the instructor even bend like that” pose, the last thing you need is underwear that won’t keep up. Yet seamless boyshorts or hipsters with full coverage can be a lifesaver—comfortable, discreet, and staying put through every stretch.

As Exercise.com notes in their style guide for trainers, “Well‑fitted, but not overly tight, clothing that allows for full range of movement without restriction is ideal” That advice applies just as much to what’s under your leggings as to the outerwear that lets you flow freely through your yoga practice.

For Everyday Living: Comfort Is Queen

Whether you’re running errands, working, or just lounging gloriously in your leggings, comfort should guide your underwear choices. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics are essential for all-day wear—studies show that fabrics with high air permeability and low thermal resistance keep the body’s microclimate cooler and more comfortable during long periods of wear.(Scientific Reports study by Özkan et al. 2023)

In simple terms, your cotton underwear might feel cozy during Netflix binges, but after hours on the move, they're more akin to a personal sauna for your lady parts.

Opt for seamless styles with moderate coverage—like hipsters or cheeky cuts—that stay in place, won’t bunch or roll, and don’t reveal themselves under your leggings. The best underwear for daily legging life is the kind that disappears—until nature calls, and then you're suddenly reminded of its existence.

Going Commando: The Wild Card Option

And of course, there's always the option to go completely underwear-free, which some legging enthusiasts swear by. If you're brave enough to let your bits roam free in the legging wilderness, more power to you! Just make sure your leggings pass the squat test, or your ""going commando"" status might become public knowledge faster than that embarrassing photo your friend promised they'd delete.

Remember, the best underwear style for your leggings ultimately depends on what makes YOU feel comfortable and confident. Whether you're doing burpees, buying burritos, or both (impressive multitasking, by the way), your underwear choice should support your lifestyle—and your booty—appropriately.

This all sounds complicated, can I just go commando?

Yes, yes you can wear no underwear at all. You can do whatever makes your heart happy. BUT, there are a few things you should consider before you do.

• What fabric are your leggings? If that fabric getting up close and personal with your vagina is not breathable, you may be doing your coochie more harm than good. Fabrics like cotton can hold in moisture. So if you are planning a strenuous workout with lots of sweat, your cotton leggings may become a breeding ground for yeast or bacterial infections. So if you’re going to sweat…commando…in cotton leggings, just make sure to take them off as soon as possible to let your lady breathe.
• What about discharge? Yep, that’s a thing. It’s as simple as this: you wash your underwear after every wear, right? If you go no undies in your leggings, you will want to wash those leggings after every wear.
• Okay but what if I’m just hanging out? Exercise your right to choose what the heck you wear (or don’t wear). As long as you are not sweating profusely, you can easily wear any pair of leggings with no undies at all. My momma says, “Always try something once. You won’t know if you don’t like it unless you try.” As long as you make sure to wash, not re‑wear, any pair of leggings that you wear panty‑less, you’ll be good to go.
• Are there any benefits to going commando? Similar to choosing a thinner underwear fabric, going commando can reduce irritation down south. In addition, although there’s no science behind it, I can tell you from personal experience that it feels pretty damn freeing to wear no undies.

Special Situations and Solutions

Let's talk about those moments when leggings + underwear decisions get complicated. Because life isn't just a casual stroll through the grocery store in your basic black leggings. Sometimes your nether regions are facing more... challenging circumstances.

Period Care: The Crimson Tide Situation

When Aunt Flo swings into town, the leggings-underwear debate hits a whole new level. Going commando during your cycle? Brave—but not the most prepared option. Leggings alone aren’t cut out for that kind of defense.

That’s why breathable underwear is still your best strategy. As the CDC advises, wearing “lightweight, breathable clothing … during menstruation” is key to preventing moisture buildup, which can fuel irritation or infection.In other words, keeping things airy down there pays off.

So here’s the game plan for leggings-loving menstruators:

• Period product + breathable underwear + leggings (for lighter days)
• Regular underwear + your go-to period protection + leggings
• Keeping VPL at bay during shark week? Yeah—it’s not just about stealth, it’s about sanity too.

The Sweat Situation: When Your Workout Gets Serious

Let's be real—intense workouts create what scientists properly label as a ""moisture-rich environment"" in your nether regions. Or, to put it in everyday terms: booty sweat happens.

Moisture management should be your top priority. Research shows that when heat and sweat become trapped against the skin, it leads to irritation, chafing, and even fungal or bacterial infections—no one wants that kind of glow. As Self magazine points out, tight and non-breathable clothing “traps heat and moisture, which can encourage the growth of candida,” increasing the risk of itchy infections.

If you're hitting the hot yoga flow, crushing marathon training, or dominating CrossFit in your leggings, here are your survival options:

• Moisture-wicking performance underwear tailored for workouts

• Leggings with built-in liners (yep—they exist!)

• Going commando + wearing moisture-wicking leggings (living dangerously—but some swear by it)

The Special Occasion Predicament

Sometimes you're wearing leggings not for a casual Netflix binge but for something fancier. Maybe you're sporting leather-look leggings for a night out or wearing those dressy ones with the side slit to a dinner party.

The key consideration here should be the thickness and opacity of your leggings. The thinner and more form-fitting they are, the more important underwear becomes—unless you're aiming for that ""I forgot my pants"" vibe.

For special occasion leggings:

• Seamless thongs are your friend for thin or fancy leggings
• Shapewear-style underwear if you want that smooth silhouette

Remember, at the end of the day, your down-there care plan is entirely your business. We're just here to make sure whatever choice you make is an informed one—and preferably one that doesn't end with you calling a friend for an emergency pants delivery.

If you’re not too keen on commando, there are STILL more options if you need to know what kind of underwear to wear with leggings.

I may be biased, but the best underwear for leggings are seamless thongs—and the best part about that fact is that you can get some right here. Let me break it down. A thong forgoes hugging your cheeks for a more direct route: it goes right up your butt crack. By going up your crack, thongs reduce the amount of fabric on your butt therefore reducing your chance of panty lines.

But we didn’t stop there. We took every possible seam out of our thongs to make them virtually seamless. Less seams means less bulky fabric underneath your leggings. Speaking of bulky fabric, you’re gonna want something stretchy and thin to pair with that seamlessness. That’s why these undies are made from a nylon and spandex blend. Voilà. No panty lines. No problems. If you are on the fence, check out our guide on the benefits of each type of women's underwear.

Now I bet you’re thinking about breathability, right? Every seamless thong you can find here has a 100% cotton liner for extra comfort and reduced chance of irritation. Try a subscription to get a new seamless thong every month for 35% off plus free shipping. Cancel anytime—you wear the pants.

We’ve covered a lot of ground here talking about Visible Panty Lines (aka VPL), the benefits and drawbacks of going commando, as well as an in‑depth description of why thongs are a fan favorite for wearing underneath your leggings.

All of this undie talk has brought me to another burning question: what if you, my precious reader, DGAF about panty lines?! What if you have no opinion on going commando? What if you just wanted a one‑line answer rather than paragraphs of information? I STILL have the answer. Above all in life, comfort is key.

If a specific cut of underwear makes you the most comfortable, whether it’s literal comfort or emotional comfort… you do YOU. If you can’t stand conforming to societal norms of wearing underwear every day… don’t do it. Go commando forever. Tie your old underwear to a stake and set it on fire while chanting curses and spells. If you bend over backwards for a bikini cut, rock them and get more here.

If you’re a die‑hard for boyshorts, I get it. They’re fantastic. And you can get the best ones available right here. If you’re trying to show off those magnificent cheeks, hell yes—shop cheeky undies here. And if you’re more of a buy‑in‑bulk kinda gal, save up to 33% with the women’s underwear pack builder. Buy more, save more, get more underwear. Live your life the way YOU want.

Stay Weird & Keep it Comfy

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Should you wear underwear with leggings during your period?

Answer: Absolutely wear underwear with leggings during your period. Choose moisture-wicking, dark-colored underwear with full coverage to prevent leaks and stains. Period underwear or cotton styles with a higher waistband provide extra security and comfort. Your leggings (and dignity) will thank you for that additional protective barrier between your flow and the world.

Question: How do you wash leggings to maintain opacity and prevent underwear show-through?

Answer: Wash leggings inside-out in cold water on a gentle cycle with similar colors. Avoid fabric softeners which break down elastic fibers and reduce opacity over time. Air-dry whenever possible—heat is the death knell for stretchy fabrics. For black leggings, use detergent specifically for dark clothes to prevent fading that leads to the dreaded see-through butt situation.

Question: Do you wear underwear with compression leggings?

Answer: Compression leggings actually work best without underwear. They're designed to fit like a second skin, with moisture-wicking properties that function optimally against bare skin. Adding underwear creates friction, additional seams, and can reduce compression benefits. If going commando makes you nervous, choose ultra-thin, seamless underwear that won't interfere with the compression technology.

Question: How do you know if your leggings are too sheer to wear without underwear?

Answer: Perform the squat test in natural lighting: put on the leggings, squat in front of a mirror, and check for transparency. If you can see skin tone or color details through the fabric, they're too sheer for commando wear. Quality leggings should maintain at least 85% opacity when stretched. When in doubt, darker colors and thicker fabrics provide more coverage than lighter, thinner options.