We don’t know about you, but one of the longest relationships we’ve ever had is with our underwear.
They’ve been through so much with us — the firsts, the lasts, the wedgies, and beyond. That’s why finding the perfect panty style for you is essential.
RELATED: The 19 best pairs of period underwear to wear during your time of the month
Should you choose a lacy dream or opt for some staple cotton briefs? Does it even matter apart from looks? What about those pesky panty lines that you’re just so sick of?
There’s a solution for every undie problem, concern and desire — trust us, we did the research, and we’re sharing our findings with you.
- Best Overall: Chantelle Soft Stretch Seamless
- Best Seamless: Commando Butter Hipster
- Best PlusSize: Honeylove Silhouette Brief
- Best Cotton: ThirdLove Cotton High Leg Bikini 3 Pack Box
- Best Silk: Gooseberry Intimates Manhattan Briefs Black
- Best Thong: Skims Cotton Jersey Dipped Thong
- Best Boy Short: Skims Boy Short
- Most Comfortable: Knickey Mid-Rise Brief
- Best No-Show: Intimissimi Seamless Supima Cotton Panties
- Best Breathable: Adidas Micro Flex Thong Panty (2 Pack)
Keep reading to discover the best cotton undies, pairs for working out, period options, lace intimates and more. To help you dive in, we listed all the best underwear categories below.
Interested in updating the rest of your intimates? Checkout out our recommendations for bralettes, wireless bras, push-ups bras, plus-size bras and lingerie.
Reviewed
Best Overall: Chantelle Soft Stretch Seamless
Pros:
- Four-way stretch
- Stays in place
Cons:
- None we can list
Never have I ever found a better pair of underwear in all my life. This high-waisted pair stays in place with a one-size-fits-all with zero lines. It feels like a second skin with its four-way stretch that moves with your body. Plus, it comes in a wide array of colors. Honestly, this gets all the stars in my book. It has been an unrivaled favorite for over ten years!
Best Seamless: Commando Butter Hipster
Pros:
- Maintains shape after washing
- Ultra-soft and stretchy
- No underwear lines
Cons:
- Pricey
Smooth as butter, hence the name. I can vouch for the material being ultra-soft and luxurious. It maintains its shape wash after wash and stays in place, and true to the name, it feels like you’re going commando. I never feel uncomfortable walking around or need to pinch them down when no one is looking. I mean, we’ve all been there but it’s nice when you don’t have to remain there.
Best Boy Short: Skims Boy Short
Pros:
- Versatile, great for pre- and post-maternity
- Smooth finish and feels soft against your skin
Cons:
- None we can add
Staying comfortable is a primary focus — especially during the end of pregnancy. That’s difficult to achieve when your stomach is popping out of your jeans. I’ve sworn by Skims, pre-, post, and during pregnancy because the fabric honestly feels like it’s not even there (it’s ultra-light) while still miraculously holding you in. Skims uses a bit more spandex than some other brands, which keeps the material smooth and flat on your body. They do offer specific maternity underwear, but I lived in the Boy Shorts while I was pregnant. Shorter underwear hits at a weird place on a baby belly, but these have a curve-hugging. high waist that never irritated my skin.
Reviewed by Miska Salemann, commerce reporter.
Best PlusSize: Honeylove Silhouette Brief
Pros:
- Breathable and not restricting; great for wearing during your time of the month
- Sizing is from XS to 3X in different silhouettes
- available in multiple colors
Cons:
- Sellout risk
Best high-waisted: The Honeylove briefs are the best ones to wear during your time of the month (TMI, but a girl’s gotta help another girl out). They’re thick without feeling like granny panties and are a bit compressive without feeling restrictive. I 10/10 recommend having them in your underwear drawer.
Reviewed by Victoria Giardina, commerce & content strategist.
Others we recommend
Best Value: Amazon Essentials Cotton Bikini Brief Underwear (6-Pack)
Pros:
- Great value
- Multiple color options
Cons:
- None we can add at this price point
With a whopping 112K+ reviews on Amazon, it’s no surprise Amazon Essentials’ Cotton Bikini Brief Underwear is the six-pack high up on our list. You can select from an array of color options, though we think a mix of black, nude, gray and white is just perfect.
Best Cotton: ThirdLove Cotton High Leg Bikini 3 Pack Box
Pros:
- Great for sensitive skin
- Multiple colors
Cons:
- Some say the cotton is not as comfortable as some of ThirdLove’s other materials
This traditional cotton panty is perfect for daily wear and is a soft, comfy material. It’s ideal for sensitive skin and comes in a 3-pack.
Best No-Show: Intimissimi Seamless Supima Cotton Panties
Pros:
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Seamless sides
Cons:
- May not be true to size, suggested to size down
The classic cotton underwear gets an upgrade with this Intimissimi panty. You’ll be 100% in love with the seamless sides and cotton gusset.
Most Comfortable: Knickey Mid-Rise Brief
Pros:
- 95% certified cotton
- Cooling
Cons:
- None we can add
Classic, comfortable and cool: This undie is made with 95% certified organic cotton, has a waistband that never digs in, minimal leg elastics for secure placement and a high mid-rise. Choose from an array of colors.
Best Cotton Spandex: Hanky Panky SUPIMA Cotton V-kini
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Gives off sex appeal
Cons:
- Not seamless
Show off your backside with this Hanky Panky cotton undie. It’s perfect for wearing under skirts and dresses while offering comfortable cotton-spandex jersey material. So don’t mind us while we snag a pair in every color!
Best Thong for Workouts: Auden Seamless Thong
Pros:
- Hardly noticeable
- Seamless
- Multiple colors to choose from
Cons:
- None we can add for this price
While not advertised as an undie made for workouts, it might as well be. Because of its barely-there feel and super stretch material, it seamlessly moves along with you.
Best Thong: Skims Cotton Jersey Dipped Thong
Pros:
- Has a slimming effect
Cons:
- Pricey
Created as a throwback-style thong, This Skims undie is made with 90% cotton and 10% spandex, making it breathable and perfect for keeping you dry.
Best Bikini InvisiWear Mid-Rise Bikini Underwear (3 Pack)
Pros:
- Stays in place
- Comes in a three-pack
Cons:
- None we can add
We couldn’t talk about workout wear without mentioning lululemon. This “virtually undetectable” panty is smooth under leggings and doesn’t slip or slide.
Best Breathable: Adidas Micro Flex Thong Panty (2 Pack)
Pros:
- Moisture wicking
- Seamless
Cons:
- May need to size down
Enjoy a thong that moves with you. This Adidas panty is made with comfort in mind, features multi-directional stretch, and offers smooth construction. And did we mention that the gussets keep moisture and odor at bay? That’s enough to reel us in!
Best Cheeky: Auden Laser Cut Cheeky Underwear
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Great value
Cons:
- Inconsistent sizing and may lose its shape
If you’re searching for the perfect secret undie but don’t want to spend a fortune, this is it. The Auden Laser Cut Cheeky Underwear sold at Target is lightweight and does the job.
Best Shaping: Spanx Undie-tectable Brief
Pros:
- Seamless
- Tummy control
Cons:
- Might be a little too expensive for some
Us? Wearing underwear? We have no idea what you’re talking about. With these Spanx Undie-tectable briefs, your undies will be your best-kept secret.
Best Seamless Thong: VOENXE 5-Pack Seamless Thongs
Pros:
- Great value
- Multiple colors
Cons:
- Loses its shape after several washes
This five-pack of seamless thongs is comfortable, breathable, and low-waisted. Choose from eight various prints and color combinations.
Best Lingerie:Lounge Underwear Blush Embroidered Thong
Pros:
- Inclusive sizing
- Stylish
Cons:
- Not the most comfortable
This two-tone undie features rose-inspired embroidery, bow details, and cut-out features. What’s not to love about this gorgeous option?
Best Inclusive Sizing: Skims Fits Everybody Dipped Front Thong, $18
Pros:
- Fits every body shape
- Ultra-stretch and quick-drying
Cons:
- None we can add
Available in sizes XXS to 4X, this Fits Everybody panty features a v-front and a thong back, is quick-drying and includes Max-Strech technology for fantastic comfort.
Best for Period: Knix Super Leakproof® No-Show High Rise
Pros:
- Inclusive sizing from XS to XXXXL
- Leakproof
- Seamless
Cons:
- A bit pricey
We have some good news if you’re sick of pads, tampons, and period cups. Just slip on one of these high-rise undies, and you’re good to go. Comes in various colors and inclusive sizing from XS to XXXXL.
Best Postpartum: Bambody Absorbent Panty
Pros:
- Soaks up liquid
- Comfortable fit, not too heavy
Cons:
- None we can add
This maximum protection panty is equivalent to two tampons made from bamboo rayon, cotton, and spandex. Best of all, they feel just like regular undies. These are great for those unexpected leaks that we can’t help after giving birth.
Best Leakproof: Proof Leakproof Lace Cheeky
Pros:
- Stylish while practical
Cons:
- Very pricey
Holding up to six teaspoons, this lace cheeky underwear is flirty and practical. Featuring multi-layer Leak-Loc technology, you can rest assured you’re protected.
Best Lace: Soma Signature All-Over Lace Thong
Pros:
- Stylish
- Seamless
Cons:
- Not the softest material
An all-star panty, the Soma lace thong is virtually invisible under clothes and eliminates panty lines. Best of all, the lacy design will have you feeling classy and fancy.
Best Thong Value Pack: Annyison 10-Pack Lace Thongs
Pros:
- Very comfortable for a thong
- Low waist and lace detailing
- Holds up after several washes
- Great value
Cons:
- None we can add
With a low waist, you can enjoy delicate detailing, various colors and a comfortable fit. Best of all, you get 10 pairs for an unbeatable price.
Best Sexy: LoveSuze Ever-Stretch Leopard Lace Bikini
Pros:
- Playful and stylish
- Inclusive sizing from XS to 3X
Cons:
- Only three colors to choose from
This low-rise bikini undie features moderate back coverage, 100% cotton lining and comes in three colors. We’ll take one of each, please!
Best Retro Style: Bloomers Her Highness Lae Brief
Pros:
- Retro style
- Lots of colors to choose from
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Designed for women who love to have fun and keep it cozy with a retro touch. Have you ever seen a pair of lace undies this cute? Same. Plus, they are oh-so-comfortable.
Best Silk: Gooseberry Intimates Manhattan Briefs Black
Pros:
- Feels soft against your skin
Cons:
- Very expensive
Sure, silk dresses and ribbons are great, but silk panties are even better. These Gooseberry Intimates briefs even add something special with the mesh side paneling.
Pact Apparel Maternity Foldover Hipster 4-Pack
Pros:
- Includes a foldover waistband
- Breathable material
Cons:
- Set variety color pack
This four-pack of maternity underwear uses breathable and organic cotton. Further details include a fold-over waistband, a cheeky backside and a delicate lace trim.
Best Maternity: Kindred Bravely Grow With Me Maternity & Postpartum Brief (2 Pack)
Pros:
- Feels lightweight and breathable
- Doesn’t roll up
Cons:
- No compression
They’re stretchy. They’re lightweight. They’re breathable. Need we say more? If so, know they’ll become your new favorite maternity undies.
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