11 Best Breathable Underwear That’s Ideal for Travel
It may sound a bit silly, but breathable underwear is definitely where it's at. Especially when you're traveling. After all, who doesn’t want undies that make them feel comfy, soft, and sexy? These are the year’s best picks for cute underwear that breathes.
What makes underwear ‘breathable’?
Breathable underwear is a girl’s best friend because it keeps you feeling clean, comfy, and cute. This is because breathable underwear helps dissipate any bacteria or smells that may have developed throughout the day (hey, it’s normal). AKA breathable underwear helps make sure you don’t end up with any irritation, inflammation, or discomfort down there (because who wants that?).
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11 best breathable underwear for women
1. Best overall breathable underwear: Bombas
Shopping for underwear usually isn’t a favorite chore. That’s why we turn to this 3-pack from Bombas to skip the headache and get straight to the comfy breathable underwear we’re looking for. Made out of a nylon-modal blend (FYI modal is a fiber made from beech tree pulp), the Women’s Ribbed Seamless Bikini 3-Pack includes just a hint of spandex to give it a bit of supportive stretch. What it doesn’t include? A tag, so there’s nothing scratching, poking, or irritating you throughout the day.
Price: starting at $57 for a 3-pack
2. Best hemp breathable underwear: Wama
A close runner-up to the classic cotton, hemp is another great natural material for breathable underwear. That’s why this pick from Wama combines both hemp and cotton so you can get the best of both worlds! Their Hemp Bikini features a soft, flexible waistband that sits comfortably at the hip. It’s durable enough to withstand cycles in the washing machine but soft enough to baby sensitive skin. Plus, it’s available in a range of different nude hues, as well as classic black, green, and purple.
Price: starting at $24
3. Best breathable thongs: Cosmolle
Experience ultimate comfort with Cosmolle's AirWear Free Cut Thong, a seamless wonder that embraces your body like a second skin. Designed to eliminate visible lines, this no-show underwear provides a smooth appearance while keeping you cool throughout the day. Crafted with Collagen Polyamide Yarn for its skin-loving properties and 3D printed with zero seams, this thong takes underwear comfort to a whole new level.
Price: starting at $8
4. Best shaping breathable underwear: Quince
We all have those days when we want a little extra support. For a pair of undies that’ll help accentuate your natural shape without making you feel uncomfortable, turn to the Shaping High-Waisted Thong from Quince. Available in a 3-pack in your choice of Black, Sand, or Cocoa, this set of shaping breathable underwear gives you medium compression with a soft and smooth nylon-cotton blend. It’s also seamless, which means you don’t have to worry about unsightly lines showing through your favorite summer sundresses.
Price: starting at $30 for a 3-pack
5. Best Merino Wool breathable underwear: Woolly Clothing Co
If you think Merino Wool is just for your sweater collection—think again! Merino Wool is also a great fabric for breathable underwear because it’s ultralight, moisture-wicking, and soft to the touch. And when it comes to shopping for Merino Wool underwear, Woolly Clothing Co has some of the best on the market. Their Merino Wool Bikini Brief is made out of 95% Ultralight Australian Merino Wool with 5% elastane to give it a comfortable stretch. It’s also odor-resistant, tagless, and designed with a classic, everyday style.
Price: starting at $30
6. Best organic cotton breathable underwear: Felina
Cotton may be the crowd favorite when it comes to breathable underwear—but certified organic cotton takes it to a whole other level. Ethically produced without any harmful ingredients or pesticides, this Organic Cotton Bikini Underwear 6-Pack from Felina is as elegant as it is environmentally friendly. (P.S. It’s even made with plant-based dyes!) The no-show flat elastic means you won’t get caught showing any panty lines, while the delicate design and soft-hued color range give you plenty of options to dress by mood with a little flirty flair.
Price: starting at $32 for a 6-pack
7. Best high-waisted breathable underwear: Hanes
Hanes is another staple in the underwear industry (is that a thing?), and we know why. With these High-Waisted Panties, Hanes has totally nailed down the perfect design that will flatter your curves without riding up and making you uncomfortable during the day. (IYKYK.) You can shop it in a range of colors and prints or go for all-classic white for that cool-girl Rachel Green vibe that—let’s be honest—we all want. (Anybody else remember The One with the East German Laundry Detergent where Ross teaches Rachel how to do laundry? Spoiler: High-waisted, breathable white cotton panties make an appearance.)
Price: starting at $13.50 for a 6-pack
8. Best French-cut breathable underwear: Jockey
Calling all Francophiles! If you’re after that effortlessly chic, French-girl style, then why not start with the basics? A pair of French-cut underwear is timeless, flattering, and (dare we say) coquettish. And now you can score the look, too, with the Jockey Women’s Underwear Elance French Cut 6-Pack. Available in sleek black, flirty pastels, fresh white, and six other color combinations, you can’t go wrong with any of these underthings. Plus, they’re all made of 100% cotton for supreme comfort and breathability that lasts all day long.
Price: starting at $40 for a 6-pack
9. Best quick-dry breathable underwear: Balanced Tech
When you’re on the go and doing laundry in a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb, you don’t have time to let laundry hang out to dry for a few days. That’s why we love the Quick-Dry Breathable Seamless Thong from Balanced Tech. Made out of a unique blend of polyester, nylon, and elastane, these lightweight undies dry in a flash so you can wash ‘em, dry ‘em, and pop ‘em in your suitcase to hit the road again. Tagless labeling eliminates irritation; odor resistance keeps you feeling fresh; and 11 color options make it easy to find your perfect match.
Price: starting at $34 for a 6-pack
10. Best boyshorts breathable underwear: Mordlanka
We all know it: Boyshorts are some of the comfiest underwear for when you’re lounging around at home on self-care days. And this pick from Mordlanka isn’t just lightweight, breathable, and comfy—it’s sporty and sexy, too. Featuring 95% cotton and available in a range of fun different colors, the Women Boyshorts Underwear Cotton Panties will be your new outfit of choice for lazy Sundays at home. Best of all, it’s machine-washable (hello, lazy Mondays), so you never have to waste time hand-washing your delicates in the sink.
Price: starting at $27 for a 6-pack
11. Best hipster breathable underwear: Wealurre
We believe hipster underwear is unjustly underrated. If you’re not already onboard, then this pair from Wealurre may just change your mind. Made out of a cotton-spandex blend for ultimate breathability that doesn’t compromise on stretch, the Hipster Underpants Lace Briefs Pack is comfortable, flattering, and (bonus!) machine-washable. The lace waistband adds a touch of femininity, while the no-show seams save you from awkward panty lines showing through your form-fitting skirt. Shop it in all black, flirty pastels, or sultry jewel tones, and then let us know—are you a hipster convert?
Price: starting at $30 for a 5-pack
Breathable underwear - common FAQs
What is the most breathable fabric for underwear?
The most breathable fabric for underwear is cotton. Cotton comes in at #1 because it’s highly absorbent and helps remove built-up heat. It’s also soft to the touch and affordable, so stock up!
What is the best material for underwear in humid weather?
If you live or travel in humid weather, the best underwear to shop for is cotton or hemp. Both of these are natural materials that keep the air flowing to help whisk away sweat and dissipate built-up heat.
Which fabric is good for underwear hygiene?
To practice good hygiene, shopping for cotton underwear is your best bet. Cotton is a highly-breathable, absorbable material, making it a great pick for sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation, inflammation, or infections.
