What Underwear to Wear With Leggings

Leggings or yoga pants are designed to be skin-tight. And when you’re working out, you can be bending over, stretching, and getting into all manner of awkward contortions. So, it’s natural to worry about what’s going on back there (panty lines, etc.) and what other people in your class or gym will be looking at.

Let’s face it: We’ve all been in the situation where we saw somebody and realized their leggings were completely see-through. It can be the worst nightmare to imagine you’re that person. So, let’s make sure that doesn’t happen!

First: Your Leggings Shouldn’t Ever Be See Through

Okay, let’s put this one to rest right from the get-go: Leggings or yoga pants should NOT be see-through.

Leggings often have a bad reputation because some of them are see-through (or they can become see-through after many wearings). Beware the cheapest legging option: Often cheaper leggings or yoga pants will become transparent after a few washes. Or they will lose their shape, becoming baggy in the ass or legs. You may also find the color fades, so your perfect black leggings soon become a sad grey version of themselves.

So, if you want leggings that will hold their shape, color, and opaqueness, spend a little more. You’ll be the best judge here. But do try leggings on and keep an eye on them as they wash. Soon you’ll be able to separate the real deal from the pretenders.

Unlike tights, leggings should be completely opaque.

Should You *Really* Worry About Visible Panty Lines?

This Guardian article by Zoe Williams, penned in 2018, claimed fear of a VPL (visible panty line) was on the decline. Elizabeth Day claims in You Magazine that ‘it’s my right to have a VPL.’ And based on my own observation of women in my neighborhood, women are no longer pretending they don’t wear panties. They’re there under jeans, leggings, and shorts.

Just as Carrie Bradshaw made it cool to show your bra, so it seems we’re becoming matter-of-fact about our undies.

Or are we? Because for every article hailing the demise of our VPL preoccupation, there are scores more roundups of the best seamless undies to avoid a VPL. So it seems, for some of us the VPL is still a thing.

So… this is really about YOU. If you’re comfortable rocking a VPL, do it. No shade here (indeed, I’m right there with you!) But if you prefer a smooth and seamless silhouette, we’re similarly not going to shame you. 

But know this: Regardless of where you stand on the VPL, you shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort.

Avoid These Styles of Knickers to Prevent a VPL

If you’re in the camp of people who are concerned about visible panty lines (VPL), there are definitely some styles of underwear to avoid. Generally, the VPL occurs from two areas of your underwear:

• The edge of the underwear that cuts across your buttocks
• The seam that runs horizontally across the gusset at the rear

Sometimes side seams can also play into a VPL.

So you want to avoid underwear that is going to make these edges and seams prominent. Given the infinite number of styles, brands, and materials of underwear, it is impossible to provide a comprehensive list of all underwear that will be problematic when it comes to a VPL. And there will be exceptions even to what follows. But, in general, I’d stay away from the following:

Classic Cotton Panties

Your classic cotton undies are usually made of thicker material (think t-shirt material) and have elasticated edges (perhaps with a little decorative detailing.) Because they’re made of thicker materials, the gusset seam can be bulky and quite visible, even under looser pants and jeans—but definitely under leggings.

So, if a VPL is a concern for you, stay away from those classic cotton briefs.

Bikini Cut

While bikini cut underwear is a popular choice (indeed, it’s one of our most popular style), the seam of the bikini style usually cuts slightly across the bottom rather than sitting along the crease of your bottom. This means that it can be a very visible line beneath silky or tight-fitting materials, including yoga pants and leggings.

‘Cheeky” Underwear

Similarly, cheeky underwear usually reveals a little more of your bum with an edge that cuts higher across the derriere. This means you will likely see the seam beneath sheer or skin-tight clothing, again including leggings.

That said, some bikini and cheeky style underwear can be made of whisper-thin seamless underwear materials. The good news is that many retailers will also include a 'no VPL,' 'seamfree,' or 'seamless underwear' label on such options.

Underwear with a Thick Gusset Seam

Regardless of the style of underwear, if the gusset seam is higher up towards the back of the underwear or is thicker, odds are it will be visible, especially if you’re doing forward bends.

The Best Underwear to Avoid a VPL Under Leggings

So, what is the best underwear to avoid the visible panty line? Here are some of our top picks.

Look for Underwear Labelled ‘Seamless Underwear’ or ‘Seam-Free’ or 'Invisible Underwear'

Many retailers and manufacturers understand the demand for seam-free underwear, and so they’ve labeled their products explicitly to call out these features. These labels might say: ‘seamless underwear,’ ‘seam-free,’ ‘No VPL,’ or 'no show panties.'

You might be surprised by the range of options (including styles that traditionally show a VPL, like the bikini style) that you’ll find in seamless varieties. Some may even include a pretty lace detail that you wouldn't expect in a seamless pair of underwear. 

That said, some labels are more trustworthy than others so before you overhaul your entire underwear drawer, try out one or two just to make sure they truly live up to those claims to rid you of pesky panty lines.

Wear Underwear in a Thong Style

The thong or G-string was the traditional underwear to wear if you wanted no VPL. Before today’s modern seam-free materials ever existed, the only way to really rid yourself of a VPL was to remove the bum covering altogether.  

Now thongs are a love-it or hate-it style of underwear. Some women find them excruciatingly uncomfortable, and others love the nearly nude feeling of wearing a thong. 

At Knix, we offer two styles of thong:

1. Essential Thong

The Essential Thong is seamless underwear that maximizes comfort and disappears under even the tightest of tights. Plus, the quick dry gusset and soft, breathable fabric will keep you cool and dry all day long.

• Sizes: XS to XXXXL
• Colors: 17 colors and patterns
• Value: Buy 3-5 Save 20%, Buy 6+ Save 30%

Here’s what one customer said: “Most comfortable thong I have ever owned. So soft and fits great. stays in place and seamless! Will definitely get more of these!”

2. Essential High Rise Thong

The Essential High Rise Thong offers the smoothing comfort of a high rise with the seamless look of a thong. The best of both worlds in your new favorite bottom.

• Sizes: XS to XXXXL
• Colors: 4 colors and patterns
• Buy 3-5 Save 20%, Buy 6+ Save 30%

Don’t take our word for it, here’s what one of our customers says: “These are perfect. I love the comfort of high rise but hate a panty line, so these are an amazing solution. Won’t be buying any other underwear but these from now on!”

Shortie Style Underwear

If you’re really not into thongs, no matter how comfortable other people say they are, don’t fret: you still have options. Full coverage shortie-style underwear can be surprisingly seamless under leggings, tight jeans, and silky skirts and dresses. 

Indeed, I would say it’s the absolute best underwear to wear all-around! Boyshorts work in completely the opposite way to thongs: By offering full coverage, the seams sit in the natural creases of your body, so are invisible under clothes.

Discover the Essential Boyshort

With Knix’s Essential Boyshort, you’ll slip into the best seamless underwear around that is designed to maximize comfort. Plus, the quick dry gusset and soft, breathable fabric will keep you cool and dry all day long.

The Essential Boyshort provides extra coverage through the hip and bum, and sits slightly higher than our bikini silhouette. Our fabric's stretchability means they'll relax perfectly to your size.

• Sizes: XS to XXXXL
• Colors: 27 colors and patterns

Wanna know what buyers think about wearing underwear like this? Here you go!

“Fit is extremely comfortable, and best of all, ladies, there are no Panty lines.”

“Love the boyshorts! I now have way more pairs than I actually need, but Knix keeps coming out with adorable colors and prints I can't say no to. They are super comfortable, fit well & no VPL.”

Choosing a Nude Shade Is Wise

Remember when we said leggings should absolutely NOT be see-through at the beginning? Well, this is true. Your leggings should be completely opaque.

That said, if you’ve had a bad experience in the past, you might feel a little paranoid about it happening all over again. If you’re concerned or insist on wearing leggings that are losing their opaqueness, one tip would be to wear nude underwear. This will mean your underwear is less obvious beneath them. You should choose the shade of nude that most closely matches your skin color. You could also opt for a boyshort style to protect your modesty.

On Your Period or Experience Light Bladder Leaks? Try Leakproof Underwear

If you’re working out while on your period (and you should, exercise has tremendous benefits if you’re experiencing PMS!), you may be worried about VPLs and also about leaks. 

Let’s face it: Most of us reach for our comfiest cotton granny panties during our periods. And if you have a heavy flow and experience regular leaks, the anxiety of working out in tight leggings may be enough to keep you on the couch.

Never fear: Those Knix underwear options we shared above also come in Leak resistant versions. This means they can absorb period blood. And you can rely on them completely or use them as back-up to tampons or menstrual cups.

And even if you're not on your period, the sweat displacing fabrics in our Leakproof collection are perfect to wear under leggings during that sweaty yoga class. Indeed, a lot of our customers tell us they love them for everyday wear, especially during the summer months when those sweat displacing materials help keep them cool. You can browse our full Leakproof collection here. 

If you’re wearing leggings and still concerned with VPL, we’d look at these styles:

1. Super Leakproof Boyshort

The Super Leakproof Boyshort - switch from relying on disposable products to wearing incredibly comfortable and machine-washable boyshort underwear that will protect you every day of your cycle!

These full coverage boyshorts provide extra coverage through the hip and bum and sit slightly higher than our bikini silhouette. The ultra-thin & absorbent gusset is 9” long, providing confident coverage in the front and behind. The fabric is designed to feel snug at first but relax with wash and wear for a perfect fit.

• Sizes: XS to XXXXL
• Colors: 18 colors and patterns

Here’s what our customers have to say:

“I LOVE these underwear and wear them as my regular underwear now, not just on my period. No underwear lines and they are a wonderful fit!”

“These underwear are so comfortable! They feel great and look great under clothes! I am hooked on Knix!”

2. Super Leakproof Thong

The Super Leakproof Thong - switch from relying on disposable products to wearing incredibly comfortable and machine-washable underwear.

The thong provides a mid-rise silhouette with minimal bum coverage. The ultra-thin & absorbent gusset is 8-9” long, providing confident coverage in the front and behind. The fabric is designed to feel snug at first but relax with wash and wear for a perfect fit.

• Sizes: XS to XXXXL
• Colors: 19 colors and patterns

What our customers say: “Finally I can wear leggings on my period without having to wrap a liner around my thong haha. Such an improvement, I am so comfortable in leggings and especially useful for the gym/working out”

So, What Underwear to Wear Under Leggings? You Have Lots of Options!

So, you have lots of amazing options when it comes to what underwear to wear under your workout leggings or yoga pants! Truly, there are no rules. If you don’t care about VPLs, rock your favorite undies. If you’re concerned about VPLs, your only choice isn’t a thong: You can find seamless undies in all kinds of styles!

And if you experience crotch sweat (very common and normal when you’re working out) or light bladder leaks, or you’re on your period, you can even try leakproof undies. 

If you’re concerned about your leggings not being fully opaque, stick with your natural ‘nude’ shade so that your underwear isn’t visible if your leggings aren’t completely opaque. But that might also be a sign that it’s time to shop for new leggings!

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.