The Legging Habit You Need to Ditch, According to a Doctor

Do you wear underwear with workout leggings? We know this question may feel a bit intimate, but here's the thing: It matters. Between hot-button topics like panty lines, naked leggings, and, well, your health "down there," revisiting your activewear undergarment choices is actually important. So we tapped a gynecological expert to fill us in: Is there a right or wrong choice when it comes to leggings and underwear?
"The answer to this has more to do with comfort than any gynecologic risk," says Sara Twogood, MD, an assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at USC's Keck School of Medicine. "Depending on seams or material, not wearing underwear may chafe."
In addition, Twogood notes that moisture due to sweat and general body function are important to factor in, especially if you're wearing leggings for something more active. "If the genital region is constantly moist due to wearing non-breathable material, this increases the risk for a yeast infection. It may also increase odor (and although odor is probably normal under these circumstances, it may be bothersome to the woman)."
Twogood's recommendation is to choose cotton underwear to allow for maximum breathability. And if you're partial to going without underwear, make sure to wash your leggings frequently to avoid odor and possible infection.
Now that you know, read on to shop leggings for whatever activity is on your agenda.
Channel Bella Hadid, and pair these with a matching sports bra.
We love the mesh stripes. Want more? This is hte controvesial trend you need to try!

-
It's Now or Never—54 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Day Deals You'll Regret Skipping
Elevated basics, celeb dupes, luxe-like styles, and more on sale.
-
I'm a Shopping Editor—These 31 Under-$50 Amazon Finds Are Giving Main Character Energy
These were really hard not to gatekeep.
-
I Shop for a Living, and These Are the 15 Pretty Nordstrom Fashion and Beauty Finds in My Cart RN
Lace-trim skirts, shimmery eye shadows, and more.
-
Don't Pack Up Your Sweaters Just Yet—Cool Fashion People Are Repurposing Them in the Chicest Way for Summer
All the outfit inspiration is inside.
-
Put a Hold on Your Black Leggings—This Fresh Color Trend Is the One You'll See Everywhere This Summer
The "just right" shade that feels fresh and elegant for 2025.
-
Hold the Sneakers: *This* Is the Stylish Shoe Trend Fashion People Are Wearing With Leggings to Pilates
Kendall Jenner is leading the way.
-
No One Will Wear This New Legging Trend With Sneakers—Just Heels
Including Hailey Bieber, apparently.
-
Step Away From the Black Leggings—This Is the Low-Key Legging Color Trend You'll See Everywhere This Summer
Jennifer Lopez approved.