Published 09:52 13 May 2026 GMT+1

Your gym habit could be sabotaging your vaginal health - here's how bamboo underwear helps

If you workout regularly, your gynaecologist wants you to read this.

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Natalie Corner

The gym is where muscles are built and where we get to put on our cutest matching set, but it’s also the one good habit that could be sabotaging our vaginal health.

Don’t get us wrong, we love to embrace the sweaty legging marks during a hard workout because it’s only natural. But don't linger too long afterwards in your sweaty thongs or pants, as it's unfortunately the perfect environment for irritation, infections and bacterial vaginosis.

So, even if we’re locked in with our summer fitness programme, working up a sweat could effectively increase the amount of yeast in our vaginas as it thrives in a warm, moist environment, however Step One bamboo underwear may just be the solution.

Step One underwear

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Intimate health and hormone health expert, Dr Shirin Lakhani says: “Fabric plays a surprisingly important role in maintaining the balance of the vaginal microbiome. Synthetic materials can trap heat and moisture close to the body, creating a breeding ground for bacteria where irritation or infection is more likely.”

One solid option for managing genital health during and after the gym is looking at the material of your underwear, and considering swapping to cotton or bamboo.

The organic material, which is what the Australian brand Step One underwear is made from, can absorb up to more moisture than cotton, which pulls sweat away from the skin and allows it to evaporate more quickly.

Sweaty underwear is a breeding ground for bacteria (Getty/Alexandr Dubynin)

Dr Shirin adds: “For women who experience recurrent irritation, itching or sensitivity around the vulval area, breathable fabrics can make a huge difference.

“Natural or semi-natural fibres such as bamboo are often softer against the skin and tend to wick moisture away more effectively than some synthetic blends, which is especially important to help with dampness during workouts or hot weather.

“For people with sensitive skin or conditions such as lichen sclerosus or eczema affecting their intimate health, hypoallergenic fabrics such as bamboo may also be beneficial because they tend to cause less rubbing and irritation.

Not only is bamboo fabric more breathable and moisture-wicking so you can stay dry and comfortable during workouts, it’s antibacterial and environmentally responsible too.

Step One underwear is made from bamboo and has moisture wicking features as well as anti-chafing

Some lab tests confirm that bamboo fabric stops bacteria from expanding, with natural compounds like flavonoids, phenols, and lignin creating this antimicrobial effect.

Even more impressive: the Japan Textile Inspection Association found that bamboo fabric keeps 70 percent of its antibacterial properties even after 50 industrial washes, and tests showed it kills 99.8 percent of bacteria within 24 hours.

For those who struggle with vaginal infections such as thrush or bacterial vaginosis, the bamboo fabric is particularly helpful as it naturally contains properties that resist bacteria and fungi. The fabric also absorbs three times its weight in water, making it four times better at absorption than regular cotton.

“It’s important to remember that no fabric alone prevents infections,” Dr Shirin says, “Good intimate hygiene, changing out of sweaty clothing as soon as possible, and avoiding overly tight underwear or bottoms are just as important.”

What bamboo underwear should you buy?

Founded in Australia, Step One is a unisex underwear brand focused on everyday comfort and support.

The underwear is made from breathable, antibacterial bamboo material, and is also praised for it's anti-chafing features.

Customers have gushed over just how good the underwear is: "Originally my intention was to only wear pants in the gym but I've taken to wearing the briefs in general as they are so comfy and it's so hot at the moment the wicking is a god send.

"I have experienced chafing in the gym with other pants and now have none of that despite my vigorous exercise regime as I undertake a lot of HITT and bootcamp. Love these."

Another customer added: "Excellent service, quick delivery and the boxers are butter soft and great for running, I wear them under my running shorts for extra support and they stay in place perfectly, preventing the ‘chub rub!’ Also work nicely under gym leggings, as you don’t see the seams so no VPL!"

You can find men's and women's styles on the Step One website here.