Best underwear for vaginal health
And your overall comfort
When it comes to choosing your underwear, it’s important to think about the material it’s made out of because that can contribute to your comfort and vaginal health.
How does your underwear affect vaginal health?
No one wants a yeast infection or UTI (urinary tract infection), and the underwear you choose can affect how often you deal with them because yeast and bacteria live their best life in moist, dark places. So to combat this, the best underwear material to look for is cotton (or organic cotton if you have sensitive skin) because it’s the most breathable and absorbent material.
You may want to opt for moisture-wicking material for working out as those will feel the most comfortable. But be sure to change out of your sweaty clothes as soon as possible post-workout.
A common perception is that thongs aren’t great for your vagina but it’s not true. Thongs haven’t been proven to be worse than any other underwear when it comes to infection and irritation. Ultimately, it comes down to the materials so choose one that has a cotton crotch area. Also choose one that fits properly because as with other types, if your underwear is too tight, it can lead to chafing and irritation.
Other tips for maintaining a happy healthy vagina
- Avoid synthetic materials like Lycra and nylon: Unlike cotton, they are often non-breathable, which means they will trap heat and moisture, creating a perfect breeding ground for infections.
- Sleep without underwear: If you’re susceptible to vaginal infections, going commando at night can help.
- Avoid synthetic dyes, or chemicals: Your vulva is one of the most sensitive places on your body so if you’re prone to allergic reactions or have sensitive skin, avoid these synthetic ingredients as they might cause a reaction.
- Wash your underwear in hypoallergenic soap: And because your vulva is sensitive, opt for hypoallergenic soap to wash your delicates to avoid irritation.
- Opt for fit: Make sure your underwear fits well and doesn’t cause any unnecessary chafing.
- Replace your underwear: Consider replacing your underwear every year because even clean underwear can contain up to 10,000 living bacteria due to bacteria in washing machine water.
Vulva loving underwear brands
The good news is that there are a ton of fantastic brands out there with comfortable, breathable underwear for you to choose from. We’ve outlined some of our favorites below:
- Huha: These mineral underwear are infused with zinc oxide to keep bacteria at bay, reducing itch, odor, and irritation.
- Knix: One of the early purveyors of period underwear, Knix is made of a wicking polyester layer that absorbs and traps moisture and a waterproof membrane to prevent leaks.
- Thinx: The brand offers a 95% cotton panty that will help absorb when Aunt Flo comes to visit.
- Calvin Klein: Reviewers praised the everyday wearability of this classic brand’s no-frills, standard coverage underwear.
- Everlane: Beyond the overall comfort, fit, and quality, Everlane is also praised for their lightweight Supima cotton composition, which can help bring some comfort in the summer months.
- Pact: Pact is dedicated to eco-conscious manufacturing practices and Fair Trade certification.
- Richer Poorer: Made from a super soft cotton blend, Richer Poorer’s briefs are perfect for lazy days at home or a busy day of errands.
- Proclaim: Made out of their trademarked Tencel, the material is described as feeling as if silk and cotton had a baby. Proclaim undies also come in a variety of skin-tone inclusive options.
- Skims: Skims’ super-soft cotton briefs provide a comfortable fit with adequate support.
- Hanky Panky: These organic cotton boy shorts have been praised for their comfort, fit, and environmentally-friendly material.
Muff love ❤️