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Finding the best women’s underwear can be a challenge, especially as our bodies change over time. As a former thong lover (don’t judge me – I was in my 20s and a product of the ’90s!), my lingerie preferences have changed. My biggest struggle is finding options that won’t rise, pile, roll, and break down over time. Even though we all know that women don’t change their underwear often enough, we still want the products we buy to stand the test of time.
Let’s face it: every body type has different needs when it comes to underwear. Most of the time, underwear is functional. On other days it has to meet demand. That’s why you’ll find some practical picks in this roundup, like maternity wear, period underwear, and lace. Not only do I share my personal favorites, but I also share critics’ insights. We’ll explore the best women’s lingerie in terms of quality, durability, price point, and special features so you can find the perfect bra to suit your needs.
Featured image is from our interview with Beth Hitchcock.
Best underwear for women
There’s no doubt that the world of lingerie has changed. Gone are the days when there were only a handful of options and styles. The pursuit of comfort, quality and style are all here to satisfy your needs. From thongs to briefs and everything in between, finding the best women’s underwear requires understanding personal preferences and needs. Whether it’s everyday wear, maternity wear, or a specific preference like lace or period underwear, the journey to finding the perfect fit continues, guided by informed decisions and reviews.
Discovering the best women’s underwear means prioritizing comfort and durability, ensuring every purchase meets the highest standards of satisfaction, functionality and every occasional style. Next, let’s take a closer look.
Our top picks:
- Best Overall: Pact Everyday High Cut Briefs – $10 at Pact
- Best luxury splurge: Kiki De Montparnasse beaded lace thong – $595 at Saks Fifth Avenue
- Best budget: Aerie Superchill No Show Cotton Cheeky Bra – Aerie $8.95
- Most comfortable: MeUndies Casual Bikini – $20 at MeUndies
- Best White Underwear: Negative Underwear Whipped French Cut Briefs – Negative Underwear $45
1. Best Overall Look: Pact Everyday High Cut Brief
Pact combines comfort with just enough sexiness to make these briefs feel special. The organic cotton material feels luxurious and the high-rise silhouette flatters every figure. They feel much more expensive than they are – I recommend getting a pair of each color.
advantage: Comfortable, breathable, true to size and soft to the touch.
shortcoming: The biggest complaint I hear is that they wear out and become loose over time. However, my partner has been helping for two years. Since they are cheap, they feel consistent with their value.
detail:
- color: Five color options including pale pink and yellow
- Size range: XS (hips 35-36.5 inches) to 3XL (hips 55-56.5 inches)
2. Best Luxury Brand: Kiki De Montparnasse Beaded Lace Thong
Kiki De Montparnasse’s beaded lace thong is a luxurious piece thanks to its intricate hand-beading and flattering silhouette. If you are looking for a wow factor for your special occasion, then this is the place for you.
advantage: Super sexy, high quality hand beading with attention to detail. Very luxurious.
shortcoming: Very delicate, dry clean only, and very expensive.
detail:
- color: black
- Size range: XS (hips 34-36 inches) to L (hips 41-43.5 inches)
3. Best Budget: Aerie Superchill No Show Cotton Cheeky Underwear
Aerie’s invisible cheeky bra combines affordability and comfort, making it an everyday favorite.
advantage: Highly regarded for its comfortable and soft cotton fabric, it suits a variety of body types. Size options for petite butts.
shortcoming: The elastic can peel off over time, and some reviewers have complained about loose seams and stitching.
detail:
- color: Four color options
- Size range: XXS (hips 32-33 inches) to XL (hips 43.5-45.5 inches)
4. Most Comfortable: MeUndies Feel Free Bikini
MeUndies’ Feel Free Bikini offers unparalleled comfort, with a specially designed waistband that prevents rolling and ensures breathability. There’s a reason this brand—and this shoe in particular—has a cult following.
advantage: The waistband is specially designed not to curl and is very breathable. There are also many colors to choose from─just think of it as a sign of stocking up.
shortcoming: Some people complain about fading.
detail:
- color: 48 color options including multiple prints and colors
- Size range: XS (hips 35-36 inches) to 4XL (hips 52-54 inches)
5. Best White Underwear: Negative Underwear Whipped French Cut Brief
Negative Underwear’s French-cut briefs combine luxurious comfort with a sleek silhouette that’ll make a great addition to any wardrobe. It’s the details that make them extraordinary.
advantage: Luxurious, soft, smooth and stylish with a flattering cut. White underwear will make you look like you just came out of the hospital—trust me: that’s not the case with these.
shortcoming: The price is higher.
detail:
- color: Nine colors and patterns
- Size range: XS (hips 34.5-36 inches) to XXL (hips 45-46.5 inches)
6. Best high-rise briefs: Cuup The Highwaist
This gorgeous and affordable piece features a high-rise silhouette that smoothes the tummy area for both beauty and comfort.
advantage: The high-rise silhouette creates a flattering silhouette and smoothes the tummy area – made from premium materials.
shortcoming: Dimensions are not consistent
detail:
- color: Eight core colors and several seasonal and limited edition colors.
- Size range: XS (hips 33-35 inches) to XXXL (hips 46-49 inches)
7. Best Bikini: Third Love Comfort Stretch
Third Love’s bikini has a flexible front so the waistband doesn’t dig into your sides. (I know we’ve all been burned there before.)
advantage: Superior comfort, stretch and flexibility. The waistband won’t dig into your sides or curl.
shortcoming: Size inconsistencies or fit issues. Colors/patterns limited.
detail:
- color: taupe
- Size range: XS (hips 35-36 inches) to 3X (hips 54.5-56.5 inches)
8. Best Hipster: Gap Breathe Hipster
Gap’s stylish styles offer soft, invisible styles at affordable prices that are perfect for everyday wear.
advantage: Invisible style, soft fabric and affordable price.
shortcoming: May wear down over time.
detail:
- color: 11 color options
- Size range: XXS to XXL
9. Best plain briefs: Commando Classic plain briefs
Commando’s classic boxer shorts are a staple in my styling kit. This piece features seamless construction, a relaxed fit and good coverage to avoid visible panty lines.
advantage: Seamless construction helps avoid visible panty lines and provides good full coverage. While the price is higher than other options, my experience is that these options retain their value.
shortcoming: Some reviewers have noted issues with the elastic band not holding on well over time.
detail:
- color: Four
- Size range: XS/S (hips 34-36 inches) to L/XL (hips 42-46 inches)
10. Best Thong: Quince Second Skin Thong
Quince’s Second Skin Thong creates an invisible panty line for an incredibly soft, almost non-existent feel.
advantage: Seamless construction helps avoid visible panty lines under clothing. It’s so soft and feels like you’re not wearing it.
shortcoming: Smaller size range than other options.
detail:
- color: five neutral colors
- Size range: XS (hips 35.5 inches) to XL (hips 45.5 inches)
11. Best Shapewear: Skims Seamless Sculpt Mid Waist
Skims’ seamless, sculpted midrise provides comfort while still effectively shaping and supporting your body.
advantage: Shapewear is not very good at wrapping, but not very comfortable, but this pair does it. They have a shaping and smoothing effect, making them ideal for wearing under bodycon skirts and dresses.
shortcoming: Shapewear fits the body very well, so you may experience some size challenges.
detail:
- color: Nine stock colors, including a range of nudes.
- Size range: XXS (hips 31-34 inches) to 4X (hips 55.5-59 inches)
12. Best period: Saalt Heavy Absorbency Brief
These period-friendly briefs offer superior absorbency and odor control, so you don’t have to worry, even on your heaviest flow days. These briefs replace three pads or four regular tampons.
advantage: Absorbent and odor control while still soft and breathable. No PFAS are used for treatment.
shortcoming: Due to their light-absorbing properties, they can feel bulky.
detail:
- color: black
- Size range: XS (hips 30-33 inches) to XXL (hips 47-50 inches)
13. Best Lace: Kat the Label Marilyn Underwear
Kat the Label is known for its sophisticated, sexy designs that make lingerie accessible and easy to wear. Marilyn lingerie is a great introduction to the brand, which combines quality and style, with soft stretchy lace and a sleek, classic feel.
advantage: The price is relatively affordable considering its intricate, high-quality design.
shortcoming: They can be fragile, so handle with care.
detail:
- color: black and white
- Size range: XS (hips 34-36 inches) to XL (hips 42-46 inches) Note: 2X out of stock.
14. Best Absentee Award: Neiwai Barely Zero Mid-Rise Briefs
Sometimes the best and most popular garments require invisible, seamless underwear. This is your best option when you want to make sure your underwear doesn’t interfere with your clothes.
advantage: Very breathable and seamless under clothing. extra flexibility
shortcoming: Dimensions may vary. One size fits all, but we know that’s not always the case.
detail:
- color: Available in six neutral colors.
- Size range: One size fits all (hips 31.5 – 39.5 inches)
15. Best Maternity Wear: Storq Recovery Briefs
Motherhood has long been overlooked in design. But ever since Storq entered the market with its inclusivity, flattering cuts, and fun prints and colors, women around the world have flocked to the brand. These panties support women through all stages of pregnancy, from early pregnancy to the fourth month. Soft modal jersey fabric provides unparalleled comfort and luxury.
advantage: Comfortable and stretchy, perfect for pre and postpartum.
shortcoming: looser. The final product is sold.
detail:
- color: Seven colors and prints
- Size range: XS (hips 34 inches) to 3XL (hips 54 inches)
