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What is Moisture Wicking Underwear?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

Moisture wicking underwear is a kind of garment that is usually worn by people during exercise or strenuous activity to keep perspiration from collecting on the skin, which can cause the skin to become clammy and damp. These kinds of under garments are worn for both comfort and, in some cases, safety. A person jogging in warm weather might wear them in order to stay comfortable and keep his skin from getting too sweaty and puckered. A person exercising in below-freezing temperatures might need them to make sure that perspiration does not collect and freeze on the skin. This can lead to serious health risks, such as hypothermia.

The most common types of moisture wicking underwear include boxers and briefs for men and panties and sports bras for women. There are also bras, thongs, and undershirts that are made with moisture wicking materials. These garments may or may not be worn with other, similar garments such as moisture wicking shirts, leggings, or pants. The purpose of all of these kinds of garments is to draw moisture away from the skin so that it can reach the outermost layer of the clothing, from which point it can evaporate. Wearing this underwear, therefore, might be useless if the wearer covers the underwear with heavily insulated garments or ones that breathe poorly.

Moisture wicking underwear include boxers and briefs for men.
Moisture wicking underwear include boxers and briefs for men.

There are many companies that make active wear and sportswear that produce moisture wicking underwear. In some cases, underwear made with this type of material is a bit more expensive than underwear made out of materials that are traditionally used. Although garments made of cotton might be a bit less expensive, there are also a number of companies that produce affordable moisture wicking styles.

Moisture wicking panties might be useful to menopausal women experiencing hot flashes.
Moisture wicking panties might be useful to menopausal women experiencing hot flashes.

In addition to wearing moisture wicking underwear during outdoor exercise and activities, some people also wear it while exercising indoors. For people who perspire quite a bit while using exercise equipment or taking part in exercise routines or classes, these garments can be useful. In these cases, the underwear might simply offer better comfort while exercising. Some people also wear it simply because they find that they perspire heavily during the course of the day. For example, a woman going through menopause might wear moisture wicking panties and a bra on a daily basis in order to remain as comfortable as possible during and after hot flashes.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Discussion Comments

Almita

@MissCourt - I do two hours of dancing everyday. Moisture wicking underwear are a requirement. I'm in hip hop class and my teacher explained on the first day what we should wear -- including moisture wicking underwear.

Hip hop is a fast paced dance, so we all sweat a lot -- and we're all in great shape! it's really hot here, so even with the windows open -- we all need to dress to cool off. Moisture wicking underwear is a blessing.

MissCourt

@minthybear19 - Dancing and any other aerobic exercise requires a pair of special underwear to stay dry and comfortable.

The reason athletes don't talk about what kind of underwear they wear is simple -- it's considered embarrassing to sweat that much. If you sweat profusely, it means one of two things -- you're either working out really hard or you're out of shape.

Honestly, I think that on hot days -- moisture wicking underwear can be comfortable at the office. They should just be for exercise enthusiasts. Everyone should own a pair or two – because everyone should work out.

minthybear19

Anyone who does actual sports should own a few pairs of these. Jogging around in the sun or even in the early morning can cause a lot of discomfort. Long hot jogs are the worst – especially if you're jogging in the fall and are wearing sweat pants. Once you start sweating, it just gets worse.

It's a little discouraging to start a new exercise regiment when you have rashes in sensitive areas. It's not something that most athletes talk about, so no one that is trying to pick up the habit of jogging knows about it.

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    • Moisture wicking underwear include boxers and briefs for men.
      By: Khvost
      Moisture wicking underwear include boxers and briefs for men.
    • Moisture wicking panties might be useful to menopausal women experiencing hot flashes.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Moisture wicking panties might be useful to menopausal women experiencing hot flashes.
    • The most common types of moisture wicking underwear include sports bras.
      By: michaeljung
      The most common types of moisture wicking underwear include sports bras.
    • Moisture-wicking underwear is usually worn during exercise.
      By: Maridav
      Moisture-wicking underwear is usually worn during exercise.
    • Perspiration that freezes on the skin may cause hypothermia.
      By: Antalia
      Perspiration that freezes on the skin may cause hypothermia.