21 Best Women’s Underwear & Panties

After 18 hours of research evaluating 145 products, we picked Calvin Klein Women’s 3 Pack Carousel Bikini Panty as our top choice.

Ladies, let’s face it. While lingerie is great for those intimate moments in your life, let’s talk practicality and why choosing from a list of the best underwear for women is important for your everyday needs.

Lingerie really can’t compete with underwear. Why? Because lingerie serves one purpose: to be sexy. The best women’s underwear, on the other hand, needs to meet a number of your needs.

Let us explain:

When it comes to underwear for women, you need not only something that looks nice but also something that will perform well under certain conditions. A day at the office. A weekend hike. A lazy day on the couch.

Whatever the case, your underwear should feel good and not distract from whatever it is you’re doing.

Now:

How do you find the best panties for every occasion? There are very clear leaders when it comes to women’s underwear brands—each has it’s own specialty and style.

#1 Best Women’s Calvin Klein Underwear Overall

Calvin Klein Women’s 3 Pack Carousel Bikini Panty

Long-lasting underwear
Soft, comfortable, and breathable fabric
Pretty design

Pros

If you’re looking for super comfortable cotton underwear at a steal of a price, you probably can’t get any better than this 3-pack from Calvin Klein.

Product Ratings

Fabric

9.5/10

This best-selling Calvin Klein women’s underwear is made from 90% cotton and 10% Elastane. It has comfort and breathability on lockdown.

Cotton is the key to good underwear “health”, so these are a great choice for breathability. As a bonus, this bikini underwear is machine washable.

Comfort

9.5/10

When it comes to underwear waistbands, it can often be tricky finding one that doesn’t cut into your hips. That’s not a problem with these. Nor is the rest of the soft, lightweight material.

Value

9.5/10

For just under $20 you get a pack of three comfy, durable, and long-lasting panties. That works out to just $7 a pair. Plus, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you get free two-day shipping.

Overall Editor Score

9.5/10

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#2 Most Comfortable Women’s Underwear

Tommy John Air Thong

So light and comfy you won’t even know you’re wearing them
Moisture-wicking for all day comfort
Cooling fabric; excellent breathability

Pros

Modest coverage, stylish, feather-light, no visible panty line, highly versatile, anti-microbial, soft and stretchy, cool cotton, breathable, no rolling or bunching. The underwear you want all day, every day!

Product Ratings

Fabric

9.5/10

The feather-light fabric barely feels like anything’s there, and you may just forget you’re wearing anything at all after a few minutes. There are no visible panty lines with these thongs, and they’re designed to avoid bunching or rolling up—perfect to wear under that LBD or cocktail gown. The seamless edges won’t be visible beneath even a tight dress or skirt.

Comfort

9.5/10

These underwear are made with a mix of 77% nylon mesh and 23% spandex. This mixture makes them super soft, super lightweight, and wonderfully breathable.

The Spandex also gives them a nice stretch, so they’re easy to pull on and off even if you’re packing a bit more “junk in the trunk”. It’s also anti-microbial and non-pilling, so you can use it over and over again without worrying about it being damaged in the wash.

However, there is a cotton gusset in the crotch, guaranteed to keep you feeling fresh. The “Cool Cotton” fabric is fast-drying, cooler than regular cotton, and with great breathability—all vital for all-day comfort.

Be warned: the fabric may stretch out over time, so they’re not the longest-lasting underwear on the market.

Value

9.5/10

At $26 per pair, these are slightly on the pricier side, but well worth it for cool, invisible comfort. Definitely a great pair to own if you want to feel as good as you look in any dress!

Overall Editor Score

9.5/10

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#3 Best Women’s Sheer Panties

Victoria’s Secret Angel Mesh Hiphugger Panty

The sheer fabric is extremely light and thin
Feels like you aren’t wearing anything at all
No panty lines no matter what you wear

Pros

Supersmooth, seamless and totally elastic free semi-sheer hiphugger.

Product Ratings

Fabric

9.5/10

This mesh hiphugger is made of a super smooth blend of nylon and spandex. They feel and look similar to panty hose.

And, in case you were wondering, you can wash these in the washing machine. Just make sure to wash them on delicate.

One thing we love about these is that they’re extremely thin and lightweight making them perfect for the heat of the summer.

We also love that they come in 9 different colors, including all the basics like black, nude, and champagne.

Comfort

9.5/10

Since these mid-rise hiphuggers are elastic-free, they’re extremely comfortable. Not to mention, seamless. So you can say goodbye to those embarassing panty lines.

These babies provide full-booty coverage, but they’ll still show off your sexy curves.

Value

9.5/10

We think $10.50 for a pair of Victoria’s Secret undies is a real steal. Especially since you know they’ll be made with quality in mind.

Overall Editor Score

9.5/10

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#4 Best Organic Underwear

Pact Classic Fit Bikini

Fair Trade Certified brand
Bikini-style cut that fits all body types
Fuller coverage and shrink-resistant organic cotton fabric

Pros

Everything you love about granny panties, but with a modern and stylish look.

Product Ratings

Fabric

9.7/10

Cotton panties are a classic, but they’re not the most fashionable. Except Pact has had enough of that and came up with this bikini-cut cotton underwear. Its fabric is softer than the commercial kind and stays the same size even after several washes.

Comfort

9.7/10

Putting this underwear on feels like wearing skin. It’s soft, molds to your shape, and stays moisture-free. And despite being low rise, it covers the bum area pretty well.

Value

9.0/10

The price tag reads at around $12 per piece, not bad considering the quality. If that’s too steep for a pair, wait for Pact’s discount sales every now and then.

Overall Editor Score

9.5/10

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#5 Best Women’s Thong

MeUndies Women’s Thong

Made with ethically-sourced sustainable materials
Bold colors, cute prints, and classic tones are available in 8 sizes
Ultra soft fabric and stretchable elastic bands

Pros

Exciting design options that are also available for matching underwear sets for partners. Sustainability never looked so cute!

Product Ratings

Fabric

9.6/10

t’s not only paper that comes from trees, but also MicroModal. This sleek material comes from beechwood tree fibers. It’s twice softer and wicks moisture better than cotton.

Comfort

9.5/10

MeUndies designed this particular thong with comfort in mind, and it delivers. The slim seamless cut doesn’t chafe your lady parts, nor does it restrict airflow. It almost feels bare, with just the right amount of support.

Value

9.4/10

Quality comes with a price, and in this case, it’s $18 per pair. Try MeUndies’ membership instead, for discounts and a monthly supply of new panties.

Overall Editor Score

9.5/10

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#6 Best Cheap Panties

Amazon Essentials Women’s Cotton Stretch Bikini Panty, 6-Pack

Incredibly comfortable and won’t ride up
The cotton is so soft and breathable
Feel and look the same after washing

Pros

Classic bikini panties in cotton with a hint of stretch for a secure fit.

Product Ratings

Fabric

9.5/10

The best thing about these panties (besides the price) is the fabric. Amazon designed these with 95% cotton and 5% elastane. So they’re extremely comfortable with a hint of stretch. And, you can machine wash in warm water and tumble dry low without worrying about them shrinking.

The Amazon Essentials Cotton Bikini underwear come in a six-pack and you can currently choose from four styles: all white, all black, basic assorted and fashion assorted.

The basic assorted package comes with the following colors: two white, one light pink, one gray, one black, and one black and white stripe. The fashion assorted package contains: one salmon color, one navy, one navy and white stripe, one gray, one white with black polka dots, and one white with black flowers.

Comfort

9.5/10

Breathable, wedgie-free, soft fabric…of course these are comfortable! Cotton fabric is the best at providing a breathable wear—which previous users are more than willing to attest to. As a bonus, the label is printed on the back waistband for tag-free comfort.

Value

9.5/10

These panties are about as cheap as they get – $12 for a 6-pack (or $2 a pair). However, you have to be an Amazon Prime member to buy them.

Overall Editor Score

9.5/10

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#7 Best Women’s Satin Panties

Barbra’s 6 Pack Satin Full Coverage Women’s Panties

Smooth fabric
Provides full coverage but are still stylish
Very comfortable fit

Pros

These satin high waist panties are breathable and won’t irritate even the most sensitive skin. The fabric is extremely smooth and soft.

Product Ratings

Fabric

9.5/10

Incredibly smooth and soft texture that doesn’t irritate the skin. These are satin panties that allow your body to breath easy.

Comfort

9.4/10

They are well fitted yet don’t feel constrictive. The high waist helps smooth over the stomach and provides full coverage.

Value

9.2/10

You are buying this underwear straight from the source, so they are priced at a fantastic value.

Overall Editor Score

9.4/10

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#8 Best Period Proof Panties

Bambody Period Panties 3-Pack

Less bulk, more absorbency
Cheaper alternative to well-known brands
All-day protection

Pros

These 3-layered panties can get you through a whole cycle, even without pads.

Product Ratings

Fabric

9/10

The bamboo fibers mixed with spandex create a fabric that’s soft yet durable. These feel like regular panties, except they’re better.

Comfort

9.0/10

Like all period panties, these wick away moisture and prevent leaks without fail. But it’s the lack of noise, full coverage and lightweight feel that give other brands a run for their money. A nice plus is that these only need a warm machine wash to prolong use.

Value

10/10

At $30 for 3 pairs, it’s a no-brainer. That’s already a third of the average market price and with all the perks!

Overall Editor Score

9.3/10

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#9 Best Women’s Seamless Underwear

Bali Women’s Comfort Revolution Seamless Brief Panty

Seamless
No wedgies
Easy to wash

Pros

For women looking for a comfortable seamless underwear that won’t ride up, the Bali brief will do the trick. They also happen to be machine washable (unlike most other underwear on this list), which is a big bonus.

Product Ratings

Fabric

9.5/10

If you’re looking for a quality fabric, quality fit, and quality feel, this pair of underwear is a great choice.

Comfort

9.0/10

There were a number of reviewers who complained about this product being too thin and, thus, uncomfortable. However, it’s important to note that these are made with 100% nylon and meant to be a thin, seamless panty. So long as your expectations are set appropriately, you’ll enjoy the comfort of these.

However, since these aren’t made from cotton, they may not be totally breathable. The good news is, no previous users have reported any issues with breathability.

While these are high-waisted underwear, they’re not necessarily meant to serve as control top panties (nor does the manufacturer claim they should).

Value

9.5/10

In terms of buying underwear as singles, these are some of the more affordable ones on our list at $6 a pair.

Overall Editor Score

9.3/10

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#10 Best Women’s Active Underwear

Kalon 6-Pack Nylon Spandex Thong Underwear

Perfect for heavy workouts
High-waist yet breathable
Stretches with ease

Pros

If you’re looking for active underwear, these circular knit thongs are up to the task. Fits well around the waist covers your lady bits, and stays put even after a day of work and play.

Product Ratings

Fabric

9/10

The nylon-spandex fabric stretches on the higher part of the hips with ease. Despite its soft texture, it doesn’t slip or roll regardless of your activity. The material holds up even after several washes.

Comfort

9.5/10

The undies don’t chafe or leave marks, nor do they feel cinched around the groin or hips. The interior is comfortable, even without a gusset. The style and design also make it easier to move with confidence.

Value

9.0/10

At only $24 for a 6-pack, Kalon’s are a good investment for newbies in the thong department.

Overall Editor Score

9.2/10

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#11 Best Women’s Lace Panties

Hanky Panky Women’s Signature Lace Boyshort Panty

Won’t ride up or show any visible panty lines
Incredibly sexy
Breathable and extremely comfortable

Pros

The outside fabric is 100% nylon and the inside is 100% cotton, so these provide the perfect mix of pretty and comfort all rolled into one pair of underwear. Also, these are made in the USA.

Product Ratings

Fabric

9.5/10

The Hanky Panky boyshorts are made with 100% lace (or nylon) exterior with a 100% cotton interior. Which, in our opinion, is the perfect combination.

As a bonus, these boyshorts come in 32 gorgeous colors, including chai and dark dahlia (our two faves).

It is extremely rare for women to speak poorly about the quality of Hanky Panky’s underwear, though we should mention that some people have had issues with the underwear fading after washing (remember: these need to be hand-washed).

Comfort

9.0/10

How many things are attractive and practical? Not many, however, the Hanky Panky panties are one of them. And, if you haven’t fallen in love with boy shorts yet, get ready because these are both sexy and provide a good amount of coverage.

With a cotton interior, you don’t have to worry about discomfort caused by the lace. And, since they’re made from cotton, they have impressive breathability.

These panties have a medium rise and cover the hips and booty with delicate lace trim around the waistband and leg. Since these only provide moderate coverage and sit low on the hips, there isn’t much support.

Also, keep in mind that these do run large, so order a size down.

Value

9.0/10

These are really pricey (almost $30 for a single pair), but it’s important to remember that you’re paying for well-made, super sexy panties.

Overall Editor Score

9.2/10

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#12 Best Women’s Bikini Underwear

Calvin Klein Women’s Sleek String Bikini Panty

Comfortable and sleek
Very lightweight feel
Incredible fit

Pros

The Calvin Klein Women’s Sleek String Bikini Panty is sleek and extremely comfortable. It’s very thin and doesn’t show through pants to create underwear lines. This underwear is fitted and lightweight.

Product Ratings

Fabric

9/10

The fabric of these panties is made from 83% Nylon and 17% Elastane. They are very sleek and soft, with a very lightweight feel. Machine washable and come with the Calvin Klein logo on them.

Comfort

9.2/10

Many reviewers say that thanks to the material of these panties, it feels as if they aren’t even wearing underwear. This underwear is non-irritating and provides full coverage in the back while remaining sleek and sexy in the front.

Value

8.9/10

Each pair costs $11, which can definitely add up when buying in bulk. They are Calvin Klein, however, and made of durable/comfortable material.

Overall Editor Score

9.0/10

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#13 Best Women’s High Waist Underwear

Wirarpa Women’s High Waisted Cotton Underwear Multipack

Thick and durable cotton blend
Stays in place even with lots of movement
Smoothens the silhouette and offers tummy support without compression

Pros

These panties are a great alternative to tummy control pairs that are restrictive.

Product Ratings

Fabric

9/10

A good stretch is more than possible with these pants’ cotton-spandex fabric. The material provides ample coverage on the cheeks and clings onto the skin. The waistband has a thicker layer for a stronger grip without the cinching feel.

Comfort

9.0/10

At the end of the day, feeling good is as important as looking good. These high-waist undies don’t roll up or bunch, nor do they squeeze your belly or legs. The double-layered crotch also guarantees added protection against sweat.

Value

9.0/10

A 5-pack of these is only around $25, and you even get to choose from a wide range of colors and sizes.

Overall Editor Score

9.0/10

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#14 Best Women’s Low Rise Underwear

Fruit of the Loom Women’s Underwear Breathable Panties 6-Pack

Good quality at an affordable price
Lightweight and breathable
Cool and dry throughout the day

Pros

These panties have micro-mesh fabric and moisture-wicking cotton liner, great for daily wear.

Product Ratings

Fabric

9/10

This hybrid of polyester, spandex and cotton feels soft and smooth to the skin. The micro-mesh also lends a cooling sensation while providing full coverage.

Comfort

9.0/10

Looking sexy will be the last thing on your mind when you wear a pair of these granny panties. The low-rise fit gives enough room for the belly and the hidden elastic bands don’t cut up your circulation. And the best part — no tags!

Value

9.0/10

A 6-pair pack of these are only under $14, so it’s no surprise that they’re almost always running out of stock.

Overall Editor Score

9.0/10

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#15 Best Women’s Plus Size Underwear

Fruit Of The Loom Women’s Plus-Size Fit For Me Breathable Brief 5-Pack

Ample room for curves
Moisture-wicking cotton-mesh fabric
Comfortable elastic bands

Pros

These briefs aren’t tight around the waist or legs, and the cotton-mesh keeps the entire area cool and dry. The design is perfect for curvy and plus-sized women.

Product Ratings

Fabric

9/10

These are the panties to wear during the summer. The cotton, polyester and spandex material is stretchable yet stays put. You can even machine wash them without worries.

Comfort

9.0/10

It’s worth mentioning that the leg bands in these undies won’t leave marks on your skin. The same goes for the waistband because both are in the same cotton-mesh fabric that makes up the panties. These pairs won’t be a pain to take on and off.

Value

8.0/10

Save yourself a trip to your local Walmart and buy via Amazon instead. These are a deal you can’t miss at around $25 for a 5-pack.

Overall Editor Score

9.7/10

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#16 Best Women’s Cotton Boyshort

Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Boyshort Panty

Stylish Calvin Klein design
Accurate size chart
Proven and tested quality

Pros

You can’t go wrong with Calvin Klein underwear, especially with this cheeky boyshort. It’s sleek, breathable, soft to the skin, and lasts a long time.

Product Ratings

Fabric

9/10

The formula to Calvin Klein’s iconic underwear fabric is cotton, modal and elastane. These create a soft and stretchy material that only gets better through time. Careful though, the seams might not hold up well if machine washed too often.

Comfort

9.0/10

Besides the quality, the breathability surpasses body type and size. It’s not too roomy on the back, but not too tight on the legs either. If you get your size right, you’ll be sure to have the perfect fit.

Value

8.0/10

Since this pair is from a well-known brand, it’s a bit more expensive than the others in this list. But if you’re looking for foolproof undies, this is well worth its price.

Overall Editor Score

8.7/10

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#17 Best Women’s Seamless Hipster Panties

Reebok Women’s Seamless Hipster Panties, 5-Pack

Stretchy, soft, and super comfy
Stays in place
Moisture-wicking active underwear

Pros

The elastic waistband flatters all shapes, and the fabric keeps the skin cool.

Product Ratings

Fabric

8/10

The nylon and spandex combination makes the fabric sweat resistant and machine washable. If you don’t mind panty lines, you can trust a pair of these to withstand workout sessions.

Comfort

8.0/10

Movement isn’t a problem for these panties, and it fits to form. Make sure to get the correct size!

Value

8.0/10

A multipack costs around $26, and that’s $5 per pair. Not bad for quality underwear from a reputable sports brand.

Overall Editor Score

8.0/10

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#18 Best Women’s Cotton Panties

Fruit of the Loom Women’s Tag Free Cotton Bikini Panties 6-Pack

Soft and durable
Full bottom coverage
True bikini fit

Pros

Comes in 6, 20, and 12-piece packs of assorted colors. These panties are the epitome of comfort at 100% cotton.

Product Ratings

Fabric

7/10

If you have sensitive skin, these undies are your best bet. The material used is 100% cotton, which means the pairs get softer with every machine wash. You might find yourself with threadbare underwear, though, since the construction is poor.

Comfort

8.0/10

These are the ultimate granny panties — snug, breathable, and reliable. Although they come in assorted colors you might find bright or childish. But comfort always trumps the need to look sexy.

Value

9.0/10

The price ranges from $15-30, depending on the size, color, to pieces per pack.

Overall Editor Score

8.0/10

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#19 Best Women’s No Show Underwear

Thirdlove Comfort Stretch Bikini

Seamless mid-rise that leaves no trace
Soft and stretchable second-skin fabric
Flattering color options

Pros

The stitch-free design and smooth seams don’t leave any trace of panty lines.

Product Ratings

Fabric

8/10

The second-skin feel of the material is enough reason for you to consider a pair. But this needs hand washing to maintain its silky smooth texture and stretchability.

Comfort

8.0/10

Your bottom deserves the extra care this nylon-spandex panty provides. It’s breathable, feather-light and easy to stretch. Although the seams might ride up or bunch due to its bikini-cut style.

Value

7.7/10

The price starts at around $12 a pair, but if you buy a set of 3 you’ll get to save $6.

Overall Editor Score

7.9/10

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#20 Best Women’s Plus Size Boy Shorts

Barbra’s 6 Regular & Plus Size Pack Lace Boyshort Panties

High-quality lace material available in sexy colors
Won’t roll down or ride up
Flatters all body types

Pros

These delicate-looking lace boyshort panties look more comfortable than they look. Not to mention the 100% cotton liner that wicks away moisture.

Product Ratings

Fabric

8/10

These lace boyshorts feel like functional lingerie. The material stretches to fit your form better. It has a sexy look that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.

Comfort

7.0/10

Keep in mind that these boyshort panties are cheekier than the usual. If you’re looking for full coverage, these aren’t the undies for you.

Value

8.0/10

Spice up your underwear game by giving these sexy pants a try. These only cost around $20 for a 6-pack, a nice bargain if you ask us.

Overall Editor Score

7.7/10

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Women’s Underwear Tips & Guide

Types of Women’s Underwear

Women’s underwear comes in many shapes and sizes. Scroll through any catalog, and you’ll find dozens of fancy styles and names. However, most fall under the primary categories listed below:

Thong – Thong underwear uses minimal fabric to make an understated underwear style. The underwear is revealing, comfortable, and body and back-hugging, perfect for wearing under tight and form-fitting clothing. It’s a smooth, sleek style of underwear that is highly comfortable.

Hipster – For everyday underwear, you can’t beat the hipster! These underwear have a low rise in the front and back, with wider sides to cover the hips. They offer coverage ranging from minimal to moderate, making them a good choice whether you’re going for professional, comfortable, or saucy.

Bikini – This style is inspired by bathing suit/bikini bottoms, with a higher cut leg, thin sides, and low rise to offer less coverage for your butt. It’s a flattering style for most figures and is very feminine with just a hint of flirtatious. The bikini-style works perfect with most outfits.

Boy Shorts – Think of these as the feminine version of men’s boxer briefs: comfortable, good coverage, close-fitting, and very ladylike. They have a longer cut that runs to the tops of the thighs. They can be worn under dresses and skirts or, if they’re long enough, even on their own as loungewear and sleepwear.

Full Brief – Full brief is a modern variation on the classic brief underwear. They have both high rises and thick sides, offering complete coverage front, back, and side. They’re ideal for using with high-waisted outfits or when you want a smooth, flat silhouette.

French Cut – French Cut underwear are designed to sit at your natural waistline, with a flatteringly high cut that offers moderate coverage to the front while following the leg’s natural curvature to offer total coverage on the back. Think sexy in the front, professional in the back. Best of all, there’s no elastic around the leg, so no risk of riding up.

Hi Cut Brief – These briefs offer full coverage on the front and back, but the high cut of the thigh means they end at the hip crease. The wider leg openings and minimal side coverage are great for wearing with form-fitting outfits.

G-Strings – Every woman ought to own at least a few of these, designed to offer only the barest amount of coverage on the front, back, and sides. The “barely there” underwear are definitely designed with hot and steamy in mind.

What are Aerie Underwear?

No, Aerie underwear aren’t some new style of minimalist “barely there” underwear. (It would be a cool name, though.)

The term “Aerie underwear” refers to the Aerie line of clothing offered by American Eagle. It’s an online-based line of underwear that is highly affordable (as low as 10 pairs of underwear for just $30). For women who know their sizes well and want inexpensive, comfortable, and stylish underwear, the Aerie underwear line is a convenient option.

Underwear Fabric Options

Underwear doesn’t just come in many sizes, shapes, and colors; there’s also a hefty range of fabrics to choose from! Here are the most common options:

Cotton – For healthy “lady bits”, you can’t beat cotton. It’s lightweight, soft, breathable, and natural. You’ll find it’s also a very inexpensive material, and one that is ideal for use in your everyday life. The perfect material for using at the office, lounging at home, or sleeping.

On the downside, it can get soaked through easily, and it holds the moisture (sweat or water). Definitely not to wear while swimming or doing heavy exercise!

Nylon/Polyester – These two synthetic materials are ideal for activewear, making them the right fabric for underwear to use while exercising. They wick moisture away from the body, reducing the risk of rashes, chafing, and infections. They’re also highly durable, comfortable, less prone to sagging than cotton, and ideal for bikinis and sports underwear. Best of all, they can help to slim down your form.

On the downside, nylon and polyester are both more likely to cause irritation, rashes, and infection. ONLY wear synthetic underwear when at the beach, swimming, or working out, and change back into cotton underwear as soon as possible.

Silk – Silk is a slippery fabric that slides all over the place. It’s lightweight, traps heat near your body, and feels soft and luxurious against your skin. It’s the ideal fabric to use for sleepwear, as it will feel “barely there”.

However, silk is pricey and lacks durability. It also traps moisture against your skin and raises your risk of infections. You’re better off owning a few pairs of silk underwear that you slip into when you want to feel sexy, then change back into regular cotton underwear when you’re done.

Lace – Lace isn’t as thick or bulky as it once was. Now you can find natural lace (made from cotton fibers) mixed with just enough nylon or polyester to have elasticity without increasing irritation or infection risk. Lace is soft, smooth, and sexy, even if it’s just used as a trim for other underwear. High-quality lace will also be more durable than other materials.

Be warned: lace offers you little protection against the cold, and the barely-there material isn’t exactly the definition of modesty.

How to Choose the Right Underwear

When underwear shopping, here are the steps to finding the right underwear:

Step 1: Know your size. Not just your waist size, but also your hip size. Follow this guide to measure your waist and hip size, and have the numbers handy when you go shopping.

Step 2: Compare sizes. Every brand of clothing will have its own unique sizes. One brand’s “Small” will be another brand’s Medium or X-Small. Look over the list of sizes to find the one that matches your waist and hip size, rather than simply buying the size you always go with.

Step 3: Choose the right style. Think about what style suits your lifestyle, outfits, comfort, and hygiene needs best. Consider three or four styles so you’ll be prepared for anything life will throw at you.

Step 4: Consider the factors. Fit is important, as you want underwear, that isn’t too tight or hangs too loose. The strength of the elastic waistband will determine how durable the underwear are. Choose the right fabrics according to your activity.

These four steps will help you to walk out of the store with those perfect pairs of underwear every time.

Underwear by Body Type

Not sure what type of underwear suits you best? Here is a list of underwear and their suitability according to your body type:

Active body – For gym rats, CrossFitters, and lean women, bikini underwear are a sleek, understated, active choice. Hipster briefs are a minimalist choice that will combine well with Yoga pants and other activewear.
Heavier in the midsection – High-waisted briefs can conceal a bit of extra bulk around the tummy, even helping to define your natural curves. If you wear dresses that cinch at the waist, these are your best friend.
Women with full hips and butts – Boy shorts and boy short thongs are just the thing to emphasize your assets, without constricting a bit of extra around the belly and love handles. Bikini underwear can also show off your curves beautifully. To cover bigger butts, go for boy shorts or hipsters.
Women with big legs – Thigh huggers are cut to mid-thigh, with a high waist that can help to contour your waist and stomach and slim down your legs. If you’re wearing tight dresses, this is the perfect undergarment.
Shorter torso – If you have a short torso, try wearing low-waist knickers or hipsters to make your midsection look longer.
Flat booty – A pair of cheekies will give you a boost to your butt, drawing the attention to what curves are there.

Rules for Comfort and Hygiene

Finding the right pairs of underwear is SO important—not just for comfort, but for your health as well. The right underwear can protect your delicate parts, reduce infection risk, provide comfort and modesty, and still accentuate your femininity. Below, we’ve got a complete guide to choosing the right underwear for both comfort and hygiene:

Buy Active Underwear – You need at least 3-6 pairs of underwear to use when working out. Preferably something with nylon or polyester, and any style that ISN’T thong (too high risk of infection). Go for moisture-wicking, breathability, and comfort.

Be Wary of Thongs – Did you know that G-strings/thongs can increase your risk of vaginal infection? This is due to their unique shape, which increases the risk of bacteria traveling from the anus to the vagina. Thus, it’s recommended that you only use G-Strings and Thongs when wearing body-con skirts and dresses. ONLY wear them in bed or under that Little Black Dress.

Have a Few Pairs of Briefs – While not the sexiest underwear, briefs are practical, comfortable, and suitable for everyday use. Modern briefs have left the “granny panties” style behind, offering better styles and cuts without sacrificing protection.

Ventilation Matters – When buying underwear, ALWAYS think about letting your downstairs parts breathe. A lack of ventilation can lead to a higher risk of infection, thanks to an increase in trapped heat and moisture. Anything that’s too tight will also limit ventilation. Use cotton for comfort and breathability throughout the day, and change out of active underwear and bikinis as soon as you finish your workout. Find a size, cut, and style that allows plenty of airflow.

Change Regularly –This may seem like standard operating procedure, but it has to be said! Never sit too long in damp, sweaty underwear. If you’re very hot or sweating, change your underwear more than once a day. ALWAYS change your underwear after a workout!

Get Rid of “Expired” Underwear – If the fabric is pilled or bunching, the elastic is loose, and the material has a permanent odor, it’s time to throw out the underwear. Underwear that is old and worn out will rub more, increase the risk of infections, and shift around. Plus, underwear starts to look bad when it gets too old.

Go for Seamless – Not only will seamless underwear be more comfortable and less visible, but they’ll reduce friction that could lead to irritation or infections.

Save Silk and Lace for Sexy Times – Silk and lace are both wonderfully sexy options, but they’re not the most hygienic or durable. Save them for the moments when someone will be looking at your underwear. The rest of the time, wear cotton or cotton blends.

Find the Right Size – While it’s tempting to keep undies that you USED to fit into, it’s better to buy the right size even if it’s larger than you’d like. Anything that’s too tight will rub against your sensitive skin, increasing the risk of infections, rashes, and irritations. Plus, the too-tight elastic will give you a muffin top.

Use Cotton Under Shapewear – Shapewear can give your waist, hips, and butt a beautiful look, but the tight synthetic material can cause UTIs and other problems. Try to use shapewear no more than two or three times a week, and when you do, wear cotton underwear BENEATH it to provide a layer of protection.

Sleep Commando – At least a few times a week, skip the underwear overnight. This will give everything a chance to air out, keeping everything dry and reducing your risk of yeast infections. Under your loose-fitting, comfortable cloth pajamas, go commando!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most comfortable women’s underwear?

The Calvin Klein Women’s Carousel Bikini Panty is no doubt the most comfortable underwear voted by Lovablepicks’s product team. The fabric is made of 90% cotton and 10% elastane, offering maximum comfort and breathability without compromising support.

How many pairs of underwear should a woman own?

For most people, having about 3 week’s worth of clean underwear (around 20-25 pieces to be exact) is ideal, so as to give you enough clean ones as you undergo laundry cycles. Having an extra supply of clean underwear can also be beneficial during emergency situations where usual laundry cycles aren’t an option.

What is the best underwear for sports/workout/athletic training?

After reviewing over 150 women’s underwear, the Kalon Nylon Spandex Thong Underwear won the top spot for the best underwear for sports, workouts, or athletic training. It fits well around the waist and stays put even with extreme physical activity. It also doesn’t leave chaffing or marks, making it easier to move with more comfort and confidence.