The Best Underwear For Women

When it comes to underwear shopping, it's always a struggle to find ones that will be comfortable, last a long time, and look good. The struggle isn’t made any easier by the vast variety of different styles and fabrics you can choose from. To make this task easier for you, we've sifted through the heaps of options out there to find a few of the best. Read on to find our favorite picks in a variety of categories.

Innersy Women’s Underwear Cotton Hipster Panties

Basics are best

When it comes to underwear, sometimes the less fancy, the better.
Best Overall

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Though fancy underwear sounds fun, when it comes to comfort and functionality, that underwear often lacks in both categories. That’s why we love this underwear from Innersy: it’s both comfortable and functional, which is exactly what you want in your undergarments. These are made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex to give you that little bit of stretch. They come in regular and plus sizes, so there is something for everyone.

Pros:

  • Hipster style that works well for low-rise jeans
  • Come in a variety of colors
  • Range of sizes for everyone

Cons:

  • They tend to run small

Wirarpa Women’s High-Waisted Cotton Underwear

Simple support

These are ideal for those times when you need a little bit of shapewear out of your underwear, too.
Best High-Waisted

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We all have those days when low-rise anything just isn’t feeling good. On those days, you not only need high-waisted pants, but you also need high-waisted underwear. This underwear will give you a bit of shapewear and help you feel more supported. They come with the right amount of spandex to give you a bit of a stretch without being too baggy. They also have a double-layer fabric-covered waistband that gives the ultimate comfort and keeps the underwear from rolling or bunching. What we love about these is that they’re great for women who are recovering after a C-section or abdominal surgery. That’s due to the little bit of pressure they put on the stomach, which can help soothe the areas after surgery.

Pros:

  • Double-layer crotch for additional protection
  • Breathable
  • Perfect fit: not too tight, not too loose

Cons:

  • They tend to ride up easily

Hanes Women’s Seamless Boyshort Panty

For full coverage

If you’re looking for more coverage from your underwear, these boyshort-style panties from Hanes are the ticket.
Best Boyshorts

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This style of underwear got its name from the fact that they look similar to men’s boxer shorts. But clearly, they have evolved to take on a slightly more feminine design. These Hanes ones are on the shorter side, which makes them ideal for wearing with a variety of outfits. We also love these boyshorts for sleeping in, too. They have a bit more spandex than some of the other underwear on our list — 7%, to be exact — which ensures extra comfort. The lack of side seams is something you’ll love, too, as you can wear them under your clothes without panty lines showing through.

Pros:

  • Waistband lays flat
  • Helps to smooth all over
  • No tags attached to the fabric

Cons:

  • Rise higher in the front than the back

Reebok Women’s Seamless Hipster Panties

This may seam obvious

Thanks to the seamless design, these provide maximum comfort and discretion.
Best Seamless

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“I love having panty lines,” said no one ever. Yes, we know that we’re all wearing underwear, but it doesn’t need to be seen. And for that reason, we love these hipster panties from Reebok. They feature a seamless edge that prevents any lines from showing, which makes them perfect for all sorts of occasions, but they’re especially useful for the gym, yoga class, or any other exercise. These are made from a soft, lightweight nylon/spandex combo that makes them comfortable for all-day wear.

Pros:

  • Hipster cut works well for all outfits
  • Made to wear all day
  • Won’t show

Cons:

  • Must line-dry

Annyison Women’s Thongs

For less coverage

Sometimes you don’t want underwear that covers everything.
Best Thong

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You’ll feel like you’re wearing nothing when you put on these thongs from Annyison. Not only are thongs made of less fabric than other underwear, but typically, they’re also lighter in weight. These are designed with the popular V-shape that thong wearers love, and they’re great to wear when the weather is hot and you don’t want a lot of extra fabric on your body. The lace waistband makes them seamless so you can wear them under all sorts of outfits. We love that they are breathable and made of high-quality cotton that offers comfort and support.

Pros:

  • Won’t bunch
  • Crotch is made of comfortable cotton
  • Lace won’t irritate

Cons:

  • Must hand-wash

Frequently Asked Questions

How tight should my underwear be?

Your underwear needs to be tight so that it isn’t moving around a bunch, but it shouldn’t be too tight. You know your underwear is too tight if it leaves deep marks on your skin when you take it off. This is not only uncomfortable but can lead to health issues and pain.

How often do I need to replace my underwear?

There is no official shelf life of underwear — it depends upon the quality of your underwear and how long it stays in good shape. If it has lost its shape and its elasticity, you might think about replacing it.

What is the best material for underwear?

To get the most comfort and the best protection, underwear that is made of moisture-wicking or absorbent materials is best. Cotton is one of the top picks. This will help to keep you cool and dry without making you uncomfortable. If you have too much moisture in there, you run the risk of yeast, bacteria, and infections.

About the Author

Since moving to Los Angeles from Montana, Leslie has developed a keen sense of the styles and trends that come with living in a big city. Still, she likes to have fun with her fashion, which for her means experimenting with her outfits rather than following the mold. Leslie hopes to help people find products that inspire them to follow their own tastes as well.

Why Trust Us

Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.