Cosabella (plain "mesh" fabric), or Commando thongs are tolerable. :-)

I think that most people assume one are wearing underwear, so why do panty lines matter, especially in an exercise class when folks are sweaty and not exactly looking fresh?

I guess one could just go commando. :-)

This brand is very good www.hankypanky.com. I have found them at Macy's, Dillards and other stores.

Sorry, that should have been "one IS wearing".

Slightly OT, but related - Have you noticed the crazy ads that are popping up all over the forums in the middle of the threads? When Chispa mentioned the hankypanky site here, I clicked over to the Kitchen forum and there is an ad in the middle of the threads for hankypanky.com. Crazy!

les - I did actually think about going commando, but since I'm not used to it, it might feel strange.

cat_mom - Can you buy either one of those in the store or do you have to order them?

Chispa - I'm going to the mall today, so I'll see if I can find those. Thanks!

Yes, those with thick soles are very comfortable ;P

VS Cotton thong

These are the ones my daughter likes - lace trimmed

She also likes these Pink; lace trimmed

You can go to the store & try them on.
Also; Target sells one similar to the lace trimmed one

I could not go commando. If I couldn't handle a thong; I'd try a boy short cut.

Try a pair of Soma Vanishing Edge panties. They don't show under my fitted yoga pants. They're a little pricey but once you get a pair you'll understand why they have such a following. I found the hipster style cut uncomfortably across the front of my leg but would recommend the bikini.

I've tried all kinds of thongs for working out and haven't found a pair yet. I had 1 pair of tanga style that worked pretty well but I'm pretty sure they showed a bit.

Jennifer

Here is a link that might be useful: Soma Vanishing Edge Panties

I go commando under my cycle shorts, WO capris or yoga pants. I can't stand the feel of underwear under WO clothes unless they are looser sweatpants or shorts.

Nope.

But I still wear one. Personally I think the ones with just a 'string' are the most tolerable. I usually wear lace boy shorts though and they don't dig in b/c there's no elastic bands.

" You can go to the store and try them on." Thongs. In-the- crotch undies.
And possibly not buy, .so they're re-stocked? OMG . Is that really possible? yes, I am afraid it is. And panties of all sorts can be returned, too, I guess. Was once not allowed in many states. was that eons ago?
And commandos was a term originally coined for guys. We women are built and, ahem, function differently. just can't see that .

All the moving around while working out might make a thong uncomfortable or even painful.

I wear Jockey with a "laser-cut edge." I've also seen panties with "thermofusion seams" where the fabric is joined by heat creating a flat "seamless" look.

I never wear anything...and you never wear anything inside cycle shorts...defeats the purpose of the shorts. Also you never wear anything inside of running shorts...since I have been a runner for 34 years guess I am way less worried about undies ! I would never ever put on a thong...much prefer au natural. c

I highly recommend hanky pankys. I have worn nothing but for several years!

I concur, Trailrunner!

Martinca, there was a story on the Today show where they returned (I think VS though could be other brands) panties that were possibly worn and they were put back on the shelves. Even if the tags were cut off, they were re-tagged.

eeewwww....wonder if it is safe to buy the ones in sealed bags??? When I do get them that is what I buy...

Gross, glad I wash everything I buy before I wear it! My mom taught me that, and I am glad she did.

Oh dear, this is taking me to a very scary place. I'm imagining commando girls trying on skinny jeans , or workouts at the store.....never mind swimsuits. Sometimes a blind eye( mind) is best....sigh. :>)
Marti

Hanky Panky says it's a one-size-fits-all. How can that be? Do they stretch that much?

Hanky Panky thongs are the only thongs I find comfortable. They really are one size fits all--I wore them when I was a size 6, while pregnant, and post pregnancy as a size 12.

http://www.hankypanky.com/Signature-Lace-Original-Rise-Thong

I've seen the Cosabelllas in a few stores. I got the Commando thongs in Neiman Marcus but I think I've seen them in other stores, just don't remember where.

I would say that one size fits most. There is an exception to every rule. I have a sister in law that is most likely close to 300 lbs. and I don't think they would fit her.

I am a size 0/2 and the regular rise hanky panky are a bit large for me. The low rise fit just fine. When I posted the web address above I checked the site and it seems they have added new sizing and some new panty/thong styles.

Trailrunner, I'm a runner too but I always wear thongs when I run. Why would you say that you are never supposed to wear underwear with running shorts? That's a personal choice, isn't it? I know plenty of avid runners who wear underwear of some kind with running shorts. Most running shorts I've seen have the attached panty inside and I absolutely hate those. They do not fit my rear end and constantly slide up when I run. I cut them out and wear my thong which for me, is much more comfortable.

As for thongs, they definitely take some time getting used to, but as someone who was blessed/cursed with a curvaceous behind, I have a hard time finding underwear that is comfortable - the part that covers the buns often rides up on me. I started wearing thongs while exercising and decided that I actually like them better (for me). Now I wear them pretty much all the time - I can't remember the name of my favorite brand, they are low-rise so they don't stick out the back of my pants, but I also have some Hanes Barely There that are comfortable. The first pairs I ever bought were Victoria Secret, but I didn't like them at all. The kind I buy now are seamless and feel much better.

Definitely a personal choice to wear them! They are not for everyone but they work best for me and my shape.

I am used to doing ultra marathons and also not wearing the traditional running shorts with the panty liner. I agree they are very uncomfortable. I wear a lycra/cotton breathable tight running short that is mid thigh. It has no seams. When a person is running long distances anything that can chafe/rub will do so. You can't have a separate panty of any kind as there will be places it will rub. Even a thong has seams and elastic something to hold it and the part that goes in the crotch...yikes ! You would end up with the most horrible place after 50 miles.

For those doing shorter distances and also not sweating a lot then I am sure the thongs or panties in the shorts or whatever are just fine.

Cycling shorts are the same thing...no seams anywhere. Nothing to rub.

I didn't realize you were talking about the tight fitting ones. I assumed by running shorts, you meant the loose fitting kind as that's what most people around here wear. The tight ones are too hot in the warm weather. And while I don't do ultra marathons, I do run half marathons and haven't had a problem with chafing, thankfully. Actually, I have had chafing from the shorts themselves - on the inner thigh but only when I'm running the longer distances. For my regular 5-8 miles, I haven't had a problem. I've recently started wearing running skirts with the built in shorts but I still wear a thong with them..

Fourkids - I have a friend who wears those running skirts and loves them. They are actually cute! Around here runners, bikers, etc. wear those fitted, longer leg shorts.

For any of you wearing loose leg shorts - working out in a gym, etc. PLEASE check your rear view when bent over or squatting, etc. Recently at the gym, I got quite an eyeful - much more than I bargained for!! (I was behind the gal!) I've noticed this in PT - one of the therapist was working on a man's leg - bending it, moving it, etc. and you could see right up his short leg. LOL

fourkids...that is what I was talking about...longer longer longer, as you noted almost anything is OK for up to 1/2 marathon...it is the 8-10-12-24 hrs that it can be a problem. The very tiniest thing becomes a huge issue. As far as too hot. I live in hot Alabama and it isn't a problem. There is nothing that is cool to run in in the South LOL ! ( except the pool ) !

LOL, Trail, I understand! A friend of mine is an ultra runner. I personally don't like tight things on when I run unless it's cold. We've had such a mild winter, I never even wore my cold gear running clothes this winter (I did wear tights, but not the insulated kind). I hate summer running here as it's unbearably humid, but I make myself do it!

I got into wearing tight running shorts/tights on my legs for the extra support. It makes a huge difference on a long distance. Like a girdle for support of the legs/lower back. It seems to really help with muscle fatigue. I also always wear tights when it reaches 40 or lower. Same thing..it keeps the muscles warm and prevents injury..at least I feel like that is why I haven't had but one or two in 35 years of running.

As far as the heat and exercise...I call it being " one with the sun". On these long bike rides where the heat just never ever ends my mind just goes somewhere else. Lol...DH would tell you it has stayed there ! The ride in Canada is going to be the longest challenge as far as weather. Weeks of heat that is unending and cold that is combined with wind and rain....who knows which. Every year the past few years has been different according to the records I read so I will have to carry some of everything.

Where do you run...alone..with others...distance ? How old are you ? I am always interested in talking to others that run , Have you tried cycling ? Do you lift weights and cross train ? I always say I cross train and it makes me cross :) Not really I like doing lots of things....got bored with just the running. Good to talk to you !! c

TR, I usually run with friends. A friend of mine started a running group a couple of years ago that meets as soon as we drop our kids at school. We live in a historic, touristy town, and our kids' school is right in the tourist district, so we meet there and run all over town. There's pretty much a standing open invitation that whoever can, meets in front of the local Starbucks at 8am. We all have different schedules so it's different people every day, and different paces so we all just kind of naturally pair off with whomever runs at our pace. On any given day, there's at least 3-4 people. Most of us run in local races and are usually training for something. I typically run with the same two women so we roughly have a plan each week for what we want to run (for instance, our long runs are usually on Fridays). Right now, we are getting ready for the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler in Wash DC a week from Sunday. We have another shorter race two weeks after that, then I'm running the Zooma Half here in Annapolis in June.

I'm 43, have always run short distances for exercise, but only in the last few years have I entered races and done more distance running (no desire/time to do a marathon so half is my limit). I used to do strength training and pilates but my gym closed and only recently found one that I like and joined in December. I am currently do a TRX class for runners. I used to spin, but haven't done that recently. I do love it though. Dh is a novice cyclist - he'd like to do it more but hard to find time for long rides.

We have four kids under the age of 13, so our days are quite full as they are all involved year-round in a variety of sports. I'm fortunate that I have time after I take them to school to exercise, but dh works FT, coaches two lacrosse teams and helps me schlep the kids around so he doesn't have much time to get on his bike. I'm trying to get back into more variety myself as I've gotten flabby since I stopped my strength training. I hope that I am still exercising when I'm your age - you are amazing!

WOW>...YOU are the one that is amazing !! I used to have a group that I ran with but as time goes by things change so I am a loner now...which is OK too. I have plenty to think about.

I started running in SLC in 1978. Never raced till 1989. I raced steadily from 1989 till 2000. That was enough for me. Did road races then added duathlons- run/bike. I got into the ultra trail racing in 1996. I traveled all over the country and Canada to do them. Had a friend and he and I were always training. But the toll on my time was too much . My Dad got sick in 2001 and then passed and Momma came to live with us . When she passed in 2005 I had gotten out of the habit of the trail races. I just kept running the distance for fun and decided I din't need to compete. I started serious cycling in 2007 with 2 different groups in NYC. I loved it and did my first long tour in 2010. Now I guess I am hooked. I am lucky to have a friend and he and I do the rides together and when he is passing through this area he stays with DH and I. He is a good friend and I am lucky.

Almost no one can understand how I can have male friends but it works for me. I will have to see what next year brings. I hate leaving DH but as he says...you can't be here and gone too !". So I just take it as it comes.

Thank you for sharing what you are doing. Wish I lived closer !! Too bad I didn't know you when I came through the area last year on my bike ride up the Atlantic coast. We were in Baltimore and DC as we moved up to
Bar Harbor ME.

I hope you do get back in to the gym. It is the only way to prevent injury. The muscles support the ligaments and tendons and they in turn support the muscles. You need the free weights so that you get both the positive and negative movement of the weight which is for the tendons/ligaments. Machines are OK but just not as beneficial. A light weight will give you way more than a heavy machine setting. Takes more finesse. Good Luck. Please email and let me know how your races go !! c