Quick answer
Choose underwear with raw-cut or bonded edges and a snug, full-coverage fit to avoid lines and riding up under leggings. For low-impact wear, a seamless brief or cheeky hipster works well; if you prefer minimal coverage, a sport thong can work but check the waistband.
Start with the legging fabric and fit
Before you pick underwear, look at your leggings. Compressive, thick fabrics (like those with a high spandex blend) hide lines better than thin, shiny materials. If your leggings are thin, you'll need underwear with flat, raw-cut edges to prevent panty lines. Also check the rise: high-waisted leggings pair best with underwear that sits at or below the waistband to avoid rolling.
Decide on coverage: brief, cheeky, or thong
Full-coverage briefs and cheeky hipsters stay put during movement because they have more fabric to grip. Thongs eliminate panty lines but can shift if the waistband isn't snug. For yoga or light workouts, a cheeky hipster offers a balance of coverage and minimal lines. If you're doing high-impact activities, a sport brief with wide waistband is less likely to ride up.
Check the edges: raw-cut vs. stitched
Raw-cut leg openings (laser-cut or bonded) lie flat against the skin and don't create ridges under leggings. Stitched seams, especially thick ones, can show through. Look for underwear labeled 'seamless' or 'raw cut'—but note that raw-cut edges can roll if the fit is too tight. Always test by moving around.
Match the waistband to your activity
A wide, flat waistband stays in place during yoga and squats. Thin elastic bands can dig in and create a visible line. For low-impact lounging, a thin strap bralette-style waistband is comfortable but may shift. If you're between sizes, size up for comfort—too-small underwear is the main cause of riding up.
Step-by-step: choose and test your leggings underwear
- Assess your leggings: Check fabric thickness and rise. Thin leggings need seamless, raw-cut underwear; high-waisted leggings need low-rise underwear to avoid rolling. Mistake: wearing high-waisted underwear with low-rise leggings causes rolling.
- Pick your coverage level: Choose a brief for full coverage, cheeky for moderate, or thong for minimal. Match to activity: more movement needs more coverage. Checkpoint: bend over and squat—if underwear shifts, size up or switch style.
- Check the edges and seams: Look for raw-cut or bonded edges. Avoid thick seams. Run your finger along the edge—if it feels bulky, it may show. Mistake: assuming all seamless underwear is line-free; some have glued seams that can still show.
- Test the fit with movement: Put on leggings over underwear and move: walk, squat, and stretch. Adjust if you feel bunching or see lines. Checkpoint: if you see lines, try a different rise or fabric thickness.
- Wash and care for longevity: Wash raw-cut underwear in a mesh bag on gentle cycle to prevent edges from fraying. Avoid fabric softener, which can break down stretch. Next step: rotate 3-4 pairs to reduce wear and maintain fit.
Product facts
- Black Boy Short: Full-coverage boy short silhouette with raw-cut leg openings. Provides reliable coverage and helps prevent visible lines under leggings, making it a solid choice for everyday wear.
- Amber Cheeky Hipster: Cheeky hipster fit with moderate rear coverage and raw cut leg openings. Balances minimal lines with enough coverage to stay put during light activity, ideal for yoga pants.
- Amber V Neck Bralette: Deep V-neckline with thin straps and light support. Offers a barely-there feel for lounging, but not designed for high-impact workouts where more support is needed.
