The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.Women's activewear brand Athleta released its first underwear collectionand it thoughtfully considers the different fabrics and designs needed during different levels of physical activity. With its free-cut edges and barely-there look and feel, Incognita is made for yoga and Pilates. Performa employs a lightweight, mesh fabric that wicks away the sweat of high-intensity workouts. And the 100% organic cotton Natura is great for casual, everyday wear. It's also moderately priced at $16 a pair so you don't have to decide between effectiveness and comfort the next time you work out.No one likes wearing uncomfortable underwear, but the discomfort is never so egregious as it is when you're working out. Even if you thought the pair was suitable for everyday wear, the feeling can quickly change as you shift your body into different angles and speeds at the gym or studio.Not one to let this tiny piece of fabric hold you back from easing into your yoga flow or running your fastest mile yet, Athleta has made a new Performance Underwear collection that anyone who leads an active lifestyle will want to stock in her drawer.The line consists of three distinct fabricsIncognita, Performa, and Naturaand each one is optimized for a different type of activity. Incognita is best for yoga and Pilates, Performa for high-intensity workouts, and Natura for day-to-day wear.Women wear specific sports bras, leggings, shorts, tops, and shoes that are optimized for particular activities, so it's surprising, and thus all too welcome, that Athleta is one of the few mainstream activewear brands to offer performance-specific underwear.I've tried my fair share of comfortable underwear, but I've still often found myself wishing it could be lighter, more moisture-wicking, and less intrusive as I pushed myself through workouts. If you run, lift, spin, or basically engage in any intense activity where you're sweating and your heart rate is shooting up, the Performa underwear is what you should wear under your clothes. The slightly stretchy underwear comes in bikini or thong styles and features a sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and lightweight mesh nylon fabric. Though it feels super light, the bonded seams keep it secure and close to your body so you never have to interrupt a workout to readjust your underwear.For yogis, there's the Incognita underwear, which was my favorite of the three because of its free-cut edges that make it virtually invisible under yoga leggings and tights. Again, it's lightweight and sweat-wicking, but has a unique center back seam to prevent it from slipping while you change poses. The Incognita fabric is available in high-waisted, bikini, and thong styles.Lastly, Athleta combines 100% organic cotton and an unobtrusive lace pattern to make its soft, stretchy, and seamless Natura bikinis and thongs. The comfortable Natura styles are made for the regular, low-impact activities (like walking) that you do outside of dedicated workouts. Wear the Natura underwear to work, at home on the weekends, or out to social events and it won't ever feel incompatible.My experience with Athleta's Performance Underwear has convinced me that more fitness brands should make underwear that fits active lifestyles and pairs well with existing gear like shorts and leggings. The idea of "performance underwear" is something I didn't realize makes total sense until I actually tried it, and now Athleta's is the first I reach for when I know I need a distraction-free workout. It's a simple but immediately noticeable switch.Shop all Performance Underwear for $16 a pair at Athleta hereJoin the conversation about this story
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