Test Lab: Riding Underwear

What’s Best Under Breeches

Finding the perfect underwear for riding is no simple matter. Every woman wants something that stays in place, feels comfortable, and does its job of protecting your sensitive parts from the saddle while remaining invisible to the outside world. If it looks cute to boot, that’s a serious bonus. We put a variety of options to the test.

By SARA LIESER

COMFORT:

4/4

STAY-PUT FACTOR:

3/4

VPL:

3/4

MEUNDIES WOMEN’S BIKINI

Comfort is internet sensation MeUndies’ claim to fame, thanks to the Lenzing MicroModal material used to create “softer-than-soft basics for everybody.” The company makes underwear in a variety of patterns and colors—ranging from adorable to downright odd—and features all the normal cuts: cheeky brief, bikini, boyshort, thong and lacy thong. You can also subscribe and get underwear delivered monthly or save by buying by the pack (but beware—you don’t get to control the colors in your pack).

These lived up to their billing as super soft and comfortable underwear for riding, although the bikinis did shift a little after a good round of sitting trot in a dressage saddle. They are not quite invisible under white breeches, but close. However, if quick drying material is your No. 1 priority, these wouldn’t be my first choice. The material feels more soft and cotton-y rather than high-tech.

Learn more: meundies.com Sizes: XS to 2XL Cost: $16 COMFORT:

4/4

STAY-PUT FACTOR:

4/4

VPL:

3/4

EXOFFICIO GIVE-N-GO SPORT MESH BIKINI BRIEF

ExOfficio aims to remove one of the hassles of travel by offering quick drying, lightweight, odor-resistant basic underwear, as well as other travel-friendly clothing. Their Give-N-Go Sport Mesh line is perfect for riding. They are indeed ultra-light and breathable, but the fabric stays put while flat seams prevent chafing.

While the bikini model did show lines, they also offer a “hipkini” model, which offers more coverage, as well as 2" boy shorts, 4" boy shorts, thongs and a high cut bikini brief.

The colors and cuteness factor leave a little to be desired, but if sport performance outweighs your fashion concerns, definitely give these a try.

Learn more: exofficio.com Sizes: XS to XL Cost: $24

RTESTER’S CHOICE Derriere Equestrian Performance Panty

Derriere bills itself as “The Equestrian Underwear Experts,” and their products don’t disappoint. This company was started in England by Claire Galer, an equine nutrition expert, sports therapist and masseuse as well as an amateur dressage rider.

The underwear has bonded material with no seams and soft, supportive fabric from Italy. All Derriere underwear also feature a sporty wide elastic band at the top with the brand’s logo.

Once you try them in the saddle, you may have a hard time going back to anything else. They don’t move, they don’t rub, and they feel cool and silky against your skin. Basically this underwear doesn’t do anything to distract you from enjoying your ride.

The Performance Padded Panty actually made it easier to sit the trot, as the cushioning absorbed some of the shock and made it feel like my horse had a bit more suspension in his gait. And if you don’t want so much as a hint of a line, they make the Derriere G, which disappears under any garment. COMFORT: STAY-PUT FACTOR:

VPL:

4/4 4/4 3/4

Learn more: derriereequestrian.com Sizes: S to XL Cost: around $25 for unpadded; $50 for padded

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COMFORT: STAY-PUT FACTOR: VPL: 4/4 4/4 2/4

COMFORT: STAY-PUT FACTOR: VPL: 3/4 3/4 4/4

COMFORT: STAY-PUT FACTOR: VPL: 4/4 4/4 3/4

ANDIAMO! WOMEN’S PADDED BRIEF

Padded underwear has come a long way from the diaper-like knickers I remember from my youth, and Andiamo! has mastered the science of providing a little extra protection where riders need it most. Geared toward cyclists and equestrians of every variety, these padded briefs and “skins” (shorts) feature a seamless one-piece crotch with a low-profile open-cell foam pad. The fabric is a mixture of flexible Lycra and wicking polyester, the product is machine washable, and everything Andiamo! makes carries a lifetime guarantee.

While I wouldn’t choose these underwear for a night out, they were really comfortable for riding, and the padding was unobtrusive enough that I wore them for the rest of the evening after my ride without noticing. If long days in the saddle are rubbing you raw, these are absolutely worth checking out.

Learn more: andiamounderwear.com Sizes: XS to XXL Cost: $23.25

KNIXWEAR ATHLETIC BOYSHORTS

The boyshorts cut has never been my favorite because they tend to travel, roll or otherwise shift around without even looking all that adorable. But the KnixWear boyshorts really changed my mind in that regard. The “athletic” model, which is made of nylon and Lycra, was pretty much everything you could want in sport underwear.

They stay in place and are extremely lightweight and cool. They also are about as invisible under breeches as non-thong underwear can be thanks to the seamless design and smooth edges. And they are available with a built-in leak-proof liner.

If boyshorts aren’t your thing, KnixWear makes thongs, bikinis and cheeky cuts in the athletic material as well as a new thigh-saver short that guarantees no lines.

Learn more: knixwear.com Sizes: S to XXL Cost: $23

PATAGONIA BARELY BIKINI

Patagonia makes quality gear for every type of athlete and outdoor enthusiast, and the company’s underwear are no exception. Want breathable, comfortable, no-shift underwear that will take you from the barn to the office and then to the gym after work? Patagonia offers a vast variety of choices!

I tried the “barely” bikini, which features a quick drying crotch and a featherweight polyester and recycled spandex material that wicks. They were just barely visible under breeches, but those panties were staying put.

I also rode in the “daily” style, which is a jersey fabric with bonded side seams and leg openings to prevent lines. They were truly invisible under clothing, even in a bikini cut, but they did shift around more.

Patagonia also has an “active” line of underwear, which are lightweight, seamless and feature odor control.

All of these come in different cuts, including bikinis, thongs, briefs, boyshorts and hipsters, as well as a variety of colors. The company offers an “ironclad guarantee,” so if you aren’t satisfied with a product you can return it.

Learn more: patagonia.com Sizes: XS to XL Cost: $22