ultrarunningmom

Sorry guys this one is mostly for the ladies, but if you have lady runner friends or lovers you may want to continue reading.

Basically, there are three options regarding underwear when exercising none, your basic everyday, or specialized. Is there a best and worst or is it all personal preference?

If you’re going with the none option, let’s just say, panty lines could be the least of your problems. You have to be careful with the type of fabric your workout clothes are made from if you are going without any panties. Bacteria grow where it is warm and moist. If you aren’t wearing any panties and your shorts/pants are not made from moisture wicking material, stop by the pharmacy for a yeast infection cream on your way home from the gym.

If you have moisture wicking shorts or pants and you wash them on a regular basis, you are less likely to be growing something you don’t want down under. If you are just a panty wearing kind of girl, there are still options for you.

What about the thong? Experts say regardless of the type of material the thong is made of, it is not your friend during exercise because it shifts and rubs, which can cause an UTI or vaginal infection. Apparently the thong acts like a slip and slide for bacteria from your backend to your front (don’t visualize).

Okay so no thong… you’ve convinced me of that one. What about lace and satin? You never know right, what if you’re hauled away in an ambulance you want to look sexy right? Wrong. Lace, satin and even cotton are not good choices. Although, out of the three cotton is the best.

Ladies your best bet is to spend the extra money and get moisture wicking panties to use during exercise (but make sure they are not thongs!) or buy bottoms that have a bit of liner between the legs and are moisture wicking.

When you are choosing panties, go with ones that are seamless.

What about shaving and waxing down there, will that help? Nope. It actually makes it worse. Pubic hair protects the genital area from STIs, burns and ingrown hairs. If you do go fuzz free, you should use panties to reduce friction. Blisters and chafing between your legs is not good.

For athletes who participate in triathlons, swimming events, or long endurance events, experts recommend wearing two piece suits to be able to change along the way to maintain some dryness down there preventing infections.

When you’re surfing the crimson wave or visiting aunt flow (aka menstruating, I had to put something in there to protect our male counterparts sensitivities if they chose to continue reading after the slip and slide comment), using a tampon or menstrual cup are your best options. Pads will just cause chafing and irritation.

And there you have it, moisture wicking seamless panties (no thongs!) or bottoms are best for us ladies.

Run Happy and Run Free!