We’ve all been there, you pull on your favourite pair of leggings, check the mirror, and… not again, VPL. The visible panty line struggle is real, especially with gym leggings, which are meant to fit smoothly and seamlessly, not betray you and your comfy undies under the squat rack.
Now, while no-show underwear is often seen as the go-to solution for VPL, seamless underwear can help out a lot with comfort during your workouts. By removing bulky side seams and using smooth, stretchy fabrics, seamless underwear helps reduce visibility under leggings while delivering the kind of comfort your everyday underwear can’t.
No itchy seams, no digging waistbands, no awkward shifting mid glute-workout. Softer, stretchier and made for that ‘barely-there’ feel, they’re a game-changer for gym girls and legging lovers alike.
In this guide, we’ll break down what seamless underwear really is, why it matters for the gym, the best cuts and fabrics to look for, plus our favourite picks.
Because the only lines we want to see? Are the ones contouring our glutes from our leggings.
What Is Seamless Underwear?
You’ve probably seen “seamless” thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean?
Seamless underwear is constructed without traditional side seams. This makes them smooth, flexible, and less likely to rub, chafe, or dig in during workouts.
Unlike no-show underwear, seamless isn’t laser-cut* or bonded** for guaranteed invisibility, but it is designed to sit flat against your skin, which reduces lines under leggings compared to stitched underwear.
💡 VPL stands for Visible Panty Line - those telltale outlines under leggings or fitted trousers. While seamless underwear helps minimize them, it isn’t always completely invisible, the way bonded no-show designs are.
*Laser cutting is a precise cutting technique designed to give an invisible finish under clothing, creating smooth, fine edges and a seamless fit that eliminates any visible lines from showing under your leggings.
**Bonded edges on underwear refer to edges that are joined together using a bonding process (heat and adhesive) rather than traditional stitching. This creates a smooth, flat finish that is virtually invisible under clothing.
Why You Need Seamless Underwear for the Gym
Seamless, sweat-wicking underwear isn’t just about appearances; it’s about comfort and performance too.
Confidence, minus the distraction - whether you’re squatting, stretching, or sprinting, you shouldn’t have to second-guess if the outline of your underwear is showing through leggings. Seamless underwear gives you the peace of mind to perform your best.
Fabric benefits - unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture, sports underwear is usually made with sweat-wicking, breathable and quick-drying fabrics. This keeps you feeling fresher, cooler, and more hygienic through your session.
Comfort and chafe prevention - without bulky seams or rigid elastic, seamless underwear reduces chafe rub, which can make all the difference during long runs, spin classes, or heavy lifting days where there’s a lot of leg mobility and hinging happening.
Hygiene matters - workouts can get real sweaty, especially during warmer weather, so breathable, moisture-managing fabrics create a healthier environment for your skin, reducing irritation and the risk of infection.
In short? Seamless underwear is as important to your training kit as your sports bra or squat-proof leggings.
The Best Seamless Underwear for Leggings
When it comes to seamless underwear for leggings, it’s not a one-size-fits-all. Different cuts work better depending on your workout, outfit, mood, and personal preference. While some love the minimal fit a thong offers, others couldn’t for the life of them imagine wearing anything that doesn’t cover the entire bum.
Thongs
Thongs are the go-to for minimal lines. With less material, they give you the smoothest finish under even the tightest leggings, making them perfect for leg day when you don’t want a single distraction as you squat or set up for RDLs. Wearing high-waisted leggings? Choose our high-rise thongs. Going for something a little more mid-rise, and our mid-rise thongs will be your best partner. This will ensure any seams match up with where the seams are on the leggings for better VPL coverage. Also, the minimal coverage of a thong means less fabric to trap heat and sweat, making your workout a little less clammy.
Brazilians
A happy middle ground. Brazilians give more coverage than a thong but still sit low and discreet for almost-invisible wear. They’re ideal for cardio training or HIIT, where you’re moving fast and want underwear that feels secure but won’t peek through your leggings.
Full Briefs/Boxers
Sometimes comfort comes first. On period days, or when you just want something that feels more supportive, full briefs are your best friend. They’re breathable, stretchy, and give coverage without compromising comfort. Pair with your comfiest leggings for rest days or yoga flows. (For more on training through your cycle, check out our guide to working out on your period.)
How to Choose Seamless Underwear For Maximum Comfort & Minimal VPL
Not all seamless underwear is created equal. Here’s what to look for if you want pieces that genuinely feel invisible:
Seamless design - underwear made without stitched seams sits smoothly under leggings for an invisible, distraction-free fit.
Lightly compressive - your seamless underwear should feel like they’re giving you a gentle “hug,” keeping them from rolling or shifting mid-workout, without feeling restrictive.
Fabric matters - nylon and polyamide blends feel silky and stretchy, ideal for workouts, and they might feel a little different from what you’re probably used to. Modal offers a softer, cotton-like feel, better for lounging. Cotton briefs are great if you want to go natural, but they can get damp pretty quickly when you start to sweat. These fabrics are smoother, lighter, and designed for movement.
Color counts - nude tones (close to your skin color) are your best bet under light leggings. Black pairs perfectly with darker shades. White, ironically, is often the most visible under light-colored leggings, so maybe keep these for rest days when you’re seeking that baggy-sweatpants type comfort.
Bonded edges & laser-cut hems - offer a truly invisible fit, these lie flat against your skin, meaning no digging and no telltale lines.
Care Tips to Keep Your Seamless Underwear Like New
Seamless underwear is delicate, but with a little care, it’ll last longer:
Wash cold and air dry - heat breaks down stretch fibres and bonding, so avoid hot washes and the tumble dryer to make your panties last longer.
Use a laundry bag - this protects them from snags in the machine.
Quick dry hack - if you’re rushing between workouts, roll damp underwear in a towel to absorb excess water, then hang it to air dry. It will dry faster without heat damage.
If you’re doing a full activewear wash, we’ve an entire guide on how to wash workout clothes and remove sweaty smells correctly.
FAQs Answering the Internet’s Biggest Seamless Underwear Questions
What is invisible underwear?
Invisible underwear is simply underwear that is designed to be undetectable under clothing, and is known commercially as seamless/no-show underwear. We’re talking lightweight fabrics, no bulky side seams or elastic that would show through leggings or other fitted pants. Gymshark’s range is seamless rather than no-show, so while they help reduce lines, they’re not fully invisible.
Does seamless underwear mean no-show?
As we explored earlier, seamless under-wear doesn’t necessarily mean no-show. Seamless underwear is made from a single piece, just like our seamless leggings, meaning there’s no side seams. No-show underwear tends to have bonded hems or laser-cut designs for true invisibility.
How do I stop underwear from rolling down during workouts?
To stop underwear rolling down, make sure to go for light compression styles with waistbands that have some hold to them. Flimsy, loose underwear has a tendency to roll down during movement. If you’re in between sizes, size down for a snugger fit; the fabric stretch will keep them comfortable.
Does seamless underwear prevent cameltoe?
Not always. Seamless underwear is designed to sit flatter under leggings, removing raised seams around the edges, but that doesn’t necessarily stop camel toe from happening. Unless the underwear has added lining or padding at the front, it can still happen, but that’s just a matter of anatomy! However, many gym goers recommend wearing a thin panty liner to help minimize camel toe in leggings.
Fancy some new socks while you’re refreshing your underwear drawer? Shop our collection of crew socks, running socks, and trainer socks for every activity.
Final Thoughts - Comfort First, Always Seamless
Seamless underwear is a lot about how your leggings look, but more importantly, it’s about how you feel - giving you comfort, support, and smooth lines where it counts. With soft fabrics and a distraction-free fit, you can focus on your gym workout, recovery run, or daily errands without worrying about what’s happening underneath.
Shop our selection of women’s seamless underwear for the gym when you download the Gymshark App below.
