Fruit of the Loom Breathable Underwear is the first pick for plus-size hikers who want a multi-pack of moisture-wicking pairs. For a hike, that means you can rotate fresh pairs on multi-day trips without washing every night.
The pairs come in plus sizes, which is the main reason this pick comes first. Three other picks follow, each for a different need: airflow on active days, packing for trips, and sensitive skin. Pick the one that matches the way you hike, and the rest of this article explains each choice. Related reading: Best Hiking Shirts for Sun and Sweat: Five Picks Compared.
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How we picked: from products sold on Amazon for this need, compared by what their makers state and what buyers report in their reviews.
The Picks at a Glance
Product | Best for | Item weight | Weight | Additional features | Buyer rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fruit of the Loom Breathable | Plus-Size Hikers | 3.52 ounces | 3.52 ounces | Moisture Wicking | 4.5 of 5 (9,799 reviews) | |
ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Bikini Brief | Airflow on Active Days | 3.2 ounces | 3.2 ounces | Breathable | 4.5 of 5 (1,278 reviews) | |
ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Bikini Cut | Trip Packing | — | — | Breathable | 4.1 of 5 (277 reviews) | |
KEECOW Merino Bikini 5-Pack | Sensitive Skin | — | — | Breathable, Lightweight, Moisture Wicking | 5.0 of 5 (2 reviews) |
Buyer ratings as shown on Amazon on October 13, 2026; they change.
Fruit of the Loom Breathable: Best for Plus-Size Hikers
Fruit of the Loom Breathable is the first pick for plus-size hikers who want a multi-pack of moisture-wicking everyday underwear.
The maker lists a 4-pack of bikini underwear with a CoolBlend fabric of 54% cotton, 40% polyester and 6% spandex. The cotton makes the pairs soft against the skin, while the polyester and spandex add stretch and help the fabric move moisture outward. In daily use, four pairs mean you can rotate through a week of hikes without washing every evening.
The maker also lists a soft microfiber leg and waistband, and says the underwear is machine washable. For you, that means the waistband and leg openings are less likely to feel scratchy after a long day on the trail, and cleanup is no extra work after a dusty hike.
Pros
Four pairs in one pack, so you have spares for multi-day trips
Machine washable, which keeps trail cleanup simple
Buyers say they feel comfortable, almost like wearing nothing at all
Buyers say the fabric is very breathable and good value for the money
Cons
Buyers say the fabric does not last very long before wearing out
The cotton blend dries more slowly than synthetic or merino pairs, so it suits cooler or shorter hikes better than long wet ones
If you sweat heavily or hike in wet weather, look at a synthetic or merino pick instead, because those dry faster.
ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Bikini Brief: Best for Airflow on Active Days
ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Bikini Brief 2 Pack is the pick for hikers who want airflow on active days. It suits people who want little fabric at the waist and a close fit that moves with them on the trail.
The maker describes the brief as designed for a snug active fit and lower rise, ideal for high-energy activities. A close fit means less fabric bunching up on a steep climb, while a lower rise leaves more of the waist uncovered, which is the trade-off for anyone who wants full coverage.
The fabric is an ultralight breathable mesh that supplies airflow. On a warm trail, a light, open mesh holds less heat against your skin than heavier cotton would. Each pair weighs 3.2 ounces, and the pack contains two, so a spare pair adds very little to your pack.
The maker also says the flatlock seams reduce chafing and the waistband retains its shape. Flat seams lie against the skin instead of ridging, which matters on long days of walking. The fabric is 89% nylon and 11% elastane jersey and is machine washable, so you can toss it in the wash without extra care.
Pros
Buyers say they dry quickly after washing or sweating.
Buyers say they wick moisture well during running and backpacking.
Two pairs come in one pack, so you have a spare for a multi-day trip.
Cons
Buyers say the fit runs a tad big for some wearers.
Buyers say they fall apart over time for some owners.
Buyers say they are expensive for what they are.
If you want full coverage at the waist, look at another pick in this list instead.
ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Bikini Cut: Best for Trip Packing
The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Bikini Cut Brief is the pick for trip packing. It is a women’s bikini-cut brief made from a stretchy synthetic fabric, and the maker says it is built to survive a suitcase.
The maker describes the fabric as a comfortable, wear-friendly synthetic that holds up however often you pack it. For a traveler, that means a pair can be folded into a bag trip after trip without wearing out quickly. The fabric is 89% nylon and 11% elastane.
The maker says the pair uses an ultralight breathable mesh and a lower, snug active fit. In daily use, the mesh helps air move on hot days, and the lower rise keeps the waistband off the hips and stomach. The flatlock seams are stated to reduce chafing, and the waistband keeps its shape. The maker says it is easy to care for, and that you only need two for any trip. Two pairs means one can be washed while you wear the other.
Pros
Synthetic fabric stated to be wear-friendly and durable for frequent packing.
Flatlock seams stated to reduce chafing during hiking or swimming.
Breathable mesh stated to keep you cool in warm weather.
Easy care, with the maker saying two pairs cover a trip.
Cons
The synthetic fabric is a trade-off if you want natural fibers.
If you want a plus-size fit or natural fibers, look at the first pick, Fruit of the Loom Breathable Underwear, or the merino option instead.
KEECOW Merino Bikini 5-Pack: Best for Sensitive Skin
The KEECOW Merino Bikini 5-Pack is the pick for sensitive skin, because it is made from merino wool that the maker says feels smooth against bare skin. It suits buyers who want a soft, everyday pair that also handles sweat and temperature changes.
The maker states that the merino has superfine fibers, so each pair feels naturally smooth and itch-free on bare skin. For someone whose skin reacts to scratchy fabric, that means the pair can be worn all day without the constant irritation that coarser fabrics can cause.
The maker also says merino pulls perspiration away and dries fast. On a hike, that means the fabric moves sweat away from your skin instead of holding it, and it dries sooner if you get caught in a rain shower or a stream crossing. The maker adds that the fabric is lightweight, breathable and regulates temperature, staying cool when it is warm and cozy when it is cold.
Pros
Smooth, itch-free feel on bare skin, the main reason for this pick
Five tagless pairs in coordinated colors, enough for a week of hikes and everyday wear
Machine washable on a cold gentle cycle, so care is simple
Lightweight and breathable, so it adds little bulk under hiking layers
Cons
Wool only, so it is not the right choice for buyers who want only synthetic or cotton underwear
The low-rise cut sits below the waist, which gives less coverage for buyers who prefer a higher waist
If you want synthetic or cotton fabric, look at the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Bikini Brief 2 Pack instead.
How do you choose hiking underwear that fits and dries fast?
Start with the cut and fabric that match your hike. A brief sits above the hips and gives you more coverage than a thong or a low-rise bikini, so it is the safer default for long days on the trail. [1]
Fit matters as much as coverage. A good-fitting pair supports you, avoids chafing, and helps the fabric wick sweat away from your skin. [1] Chafing is the rubbing that causes red, sore patches on a long hike, so a snug band with no bunching at the legs is the fit to look for. Flatlock seams, which lie flat against the skin, are one design feature that helps here.
Choose fabric by the weather you expect. Synthetic and merino fabrics dry faster than cotton blends, which matters if you wash in a stream or sweat through a warm day. [2] A cotton blend will feel softer at first, but it holds moisture longer, so pick it for short, dry-weather outings.
Pick the cut last, once fit and fabric are settled. A bikini cut covers more than a thong, and a low-rise cut sits below the waist, so it can leave the lower back uncovered when you bend or squat. Choose the one that stays put under your hiking pants. You may also find this useful: Best Hiking Boots for Women: Five Picks and How to Choose.
Which pair should you start with?
Fruit of the Loom Breathable Underwear is the first pick for plus-size hikers who want a multi-pack. Choosing a pair is easier once you settle on the fabric, so start there.
For most hikers, the fabric decides how the underwear feels after a long climb. Synthetic blends dry quickly after sweating, which keeps you from carrying a damp layer for hours. Merino wool suits you if your skin reacts to synthetics, since its fine fibers feel smooth on bare skin.
If you pack for a multi-day trip, a 4-pack or 5-pack means you can wear one pair while another dries in your pack or on a line at camp. The Fruit of the Loom set gives you four pairs in a single purchase, which is the simplest way to start. Pick the cut last, once you know which fabric suits your climate and skin.