Until recently, I’d never really given much thought to the undergarments I wear with my yoga clothes. Sure, you need a supportive bra and a top that won’t cause you to flash your goodies every time you go into Downward Facing Dog, but what it boils down to is comfort. You have to be comfortable when you practice so your mind isn’t cluttered with unnecessary worries about wardrobe malfunctions.
Let me be clear about something. As far as I’m concerned, a thong is by design the epitome of the words “wardrobe malfunction.” (And don’t even get me started on muffin tops.) As unsightly as VPLs are, I had just accepted them as a necessary evil—a sacrifice I would make in the name of my yoga practice.
But recently I’ve questioned this position. There HAS to be a better way!
Yoga clothing manufacturers are masters of innovative design. If they can make yoga pants that can make everyone’s derriere look amazing, then why, oh why, can’t they come up with comfortable, full-coverage panties that aren’t visible underneath those pants? My suspicion is that this fabled practical, comfortable, and attractive pair of panties exists somewhere out there—and if it does, I’m going to find it!
I’ve already gathered some helpful suggestions from my friends on Twitter, but I’d love to collect more here. I intend to try them all and put an end to this problem once and for all! Mwahahahahaha!
As far as I understand it, anything which fits into the "No VPL" category has to either do it by not covering anything (i.e. the dreaded thong), or else it has to be made from shiny material which skims overs bumps, i.e. synthetic. And in my book, both things = major yoga wardrobe malfunction! So I'm afraid your fabled perfect pair may not exist…or at least they may not be that suited to a sweaty yoga practice where natural fibres are definitely what is required!! So as an ashtangi who is hooked on natural fabrics, I choose function over form 🙂
At the risk of TMI, I tend to wear fitted/spandex yoga pants, and forgo the undergarments altogether. Then again, I'm someone who only owns thongs (I know, I know, but they're the only thing I find comfortable), and those don't really work when you're contorting yourself. So, that's how I've solved this lovely conundrum, but I suspect going commando doesn't appeal?
I tend to go for the cotton/spandex boyshorts from Gap. they don't show through most yoga pants and they're comfy!
ps love the new look!!
In cycling we never wear underwear. Yoga pants should have built-in underwear, like cycling shorts.
Or you could just move to West Africa, where panty lines are totally normal and no one cares. Don't ask me how I know this.
I'm a no panty gal myself, but would love the little extra protection, in any form. YOGIS UNITE!!! I look forward to the research report!!
DaydreamingMel, If I can't find comfortable VPL-free panties, I'm going to figure out how to make my own. 🙂
Liv, Kelly, & blogasana, Is commando really comfortable? I think I'd feel a little icky.. and I know my mother would not approve… but I'll try it..
Cory, Thanks! I'll add those to my list!
My only comment to commando is, as a teacher when gals wear thin yoga pants certain poses are TMI. But I can see how it is comfie but I still prefer my Hanky Pankies.
How about seamless laser-cut panties? Not exactly the sexiest garment you can get, but they're invisible under practically any kind of pants and comfy.
http://biulandia.pl/images/produkty/laserowe_granatowe_1.jpg
http://biulandia.pl/images/produkty//Laserowe_granatowe.jpg
Btw, I don't like to comment, but I'm a regular here and I love your blog :). Also, they new layout is pretty cool.
You gals are barking up the wrong tree .. you have to try Tri.
If these bottoms are good enough for girls to swim 3 miles, bike over 100 miles and then run a marathon .. I think they can handle MeredithLeBlanc's flow class.
Gotta love spandex, but Team Estrogen has some other interesting new products as well, like the Moxie short with built in liner
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSU_30505F_0.html
Besides SpoiledYogi can get double use when she runs her marathon, finishes that then heads off for an easy Bikram hour at the studio
has anyone tried the lll undergarments? do they go well with their pants?
Meredith, That's exactly what I was afraid of! Ewww. 🙂
ThisOnesOptimistic, Thanks so much for making yourself known. And I like those laser cut panties! Where do you find them? (And you should comment more, you obviously have much to add to the conversation!)
Frenzy, I want those shorts! Who knew you'd have so much to add to this conversation. Today was a much better day. 🙂 Thanks!
Emma, No. Is that triple L? Can you give us a link?
Wait, so..what was the consensus report here? Answers, I need answers!! 🙂
The panties in the picture are actually made by a Polish company and around where I live (Central Europe) you can buy them virtually everywhere: sports stores, lingerie boutiques… But I know that Sloggi and Naturana also produce them. Check out figleaves.com 🙂
http://www.figleaves.com/us/product.asp?product=Naturana-Invisible-Touch-laser-cut-brief&product_id=NTR-4476&size=&colour=White
http://www.figleaves.com/us/product.asp?product=Sloggi-Light-Cotton-Hipster&product_id=SI-M2145&size=&colour=Nude
http://www.figleaves.com/us/product.asp?product=Sloggi-Light-shorty&product_id=SI-27728&size=&colour=Nude
Thanks for the links! 🙂
hi! you might wanna try victoria's secret seamless panties. – – arvee
I prefer to go commando when wearing tight yoga pants/leggings. But I recently purchased a couple of pairs of Be Present Yoga pants which are woven and aren't skin tight and panties are a must to keep the crotch material from getting "stuck" in certain areas. I found some panties at Victoria's Secret which have no elastic around the legs or waist, they are working pretty well, but currently they don't have them for sale. They also have some that have a soft flat elastic band glued onto the leg and waist openings, but I find the band still shows an "indent". I really do not like thongs at all. It's really trial and error, keep looking and when you find something that works, buy a dozen!!
I find lycra boyshorts are the best.
No ptl's and they make your butt look awesome.
Also they don't crawl up your butt.
But they have to be made of Lycra and spandex.
Victoria Secret's are just awful, they have no shape, not long enough in leg, and they crawl up.