Choosing the right women's underwear can be tricky, especially as our bodies change. As someone who once swore by thongs in my younger years, I can relate to the challenge of finding options that don't bunch, roll, or wear out quickly. Despite knowing that many women don't replace their underwear often enough, we still want our choices to be durable.
Every woman's body has unique needs when it comes to underwear. Some days call for practicality, while others require something that serves a specific purpose. This list includes utility options like maternity and period underwear alongside stylish picks. I'm sharing my favorites along with insights from other users, focusing on quality, durability, and price to help you find your perfect match.
Featured image from our interview with Beth Hitchcock.
Top Women's Underwear Choices
The landscape of women's underwear has changed dramatically. We now enjoy a variety of styles and options. From thongs to briefs, the key to finding the right underwear is understanding your preferences and needs. Whether it's for daily wear, maternity, or special occasions, making informed choices is essential.
Prioritizing comfort and quality ensures that every purchase satisfies your needs in both style and function. Let's explore the best options available.
Our Recommendations:
- Best Overall: Pact Everyday High Cut Brief – $10 at Pact
- Best Luxury Option: Kiki De Montparnasse Beaded Lace Thong – $595 at Saks Fifth Avenue
- Best Budget Option: Aerie Superchill No Show Cotton Cheeky Underwear – $8.95 at Aerie
- Most Comfortable: MeUndies Feel Free Bikini – $20 at MeUndies
- Best White Underwear: Negative Underwear Whipped French Cut Brief – $45 at Negative Underwear
1. Best Overall: Pact Everyday High Cut Brief
This brief combines comfort with a hint of sexiness. Made from organic cotton, it has a luxurious feel and a flattering high-rise waist. It feels more premium than its price suggests—definitely worth getting in multiple colors.
Pros: Soft, breathable, and true to size.
Cons: Some users report they can wear out after a while, though mine have lasted for two years. Given the price, this aligns with expectations.
Details:
- Colors: Five options, including pastel pink and yellow
- Size range: XS (35-36.5-inch hips) to 3XL (55-56.5-inch hips)
2. Best Luxury Option: Kiki De Montparnasse Beaded Lace Thong
This luxurious thong features exquisite hand beading and a flattering silhouette, perfect for special occasions.
Pros: Elegant design and exceptional craftsmanship.
Cons: Very delicate; only dry-cleaning is recommended, plus a steep price.
Details:
- Colors: Black
- Size range: XS (34-36-inch hips) to L (41-43.5-inch hips)
Kiki De Montparnasse Beaded Lace Thong
$595 at Saks Fifth Avenue3. Best Budget Option: Aerie Superchill No Show Cotton Cheeky Underwear
This cheeky style offers comfort and affordability, making it ideal for everyday use.
Pros: Highly praised for comfort, soft cotton, and flattering fit.
Cons: Elastic may stretch over time, and some report loose stitching.
Details:
- Colors: Four options available
- Size range: XXS (32-33-inch hips) to XL (43.5-45.5-inch hips)
Aerie Superchill No Show Cotton Cheeky Underwear
$8.95 at Aerie4. Most Comfortable: MeUndies Feel Free Bikini
With a unique waistband designed to stay in place, this bikini offers fantastic comfort and breathability, making it popular among users.
Pros: Non-rolling waistband and a wide array of colors to choose from.
Cons: Some users mention color fading.
Details:
- Colors: 48 options available, including various prints
- Size range: XS (35-36-inch hips) to 4XL (52-54-inch hips)
5. Best White Underwear: Negative Underwear Whipped French Cut Brief
This stylish brief combines luxury with a flattering cut that enhances your wardrobe.
Pros: Soft, smooth, and brilliantly styled.
Cons: Higher price point.
Details:
- Colors: Nine colors and patterns
- Size range: XS (34.5-36-inch hips) to XXL (45-46.5-inch hips)
Negative Underwear Whipped French Cut Brief
$45 at Negative Underwear6. Best High-Rise Brief: Cuup The Highwaist
This affordable high-waisted design smooths the stomach area, offering a flattering fit.
Pros: Smoothing and stylish with quality materials.
Cons: Some sizing inconsistencies.
Details:
- Colors: Eight core colors plus seasonal options
- Size range: XS (33-35-inch hips) to XXXL (46-49-inch hips)
7. Best Bikini: Third Love Comfort Stretch
Designed for flexibility, this bikini features a waistband that won't dig into your sides.
Pros: Great comfort and stretch without side digging.
Cons: Some have experienced sizing issues.
Details:
- Colors: Taupe
- Size range: XS (35-36-inch hips) to 3X (54.5-56.5-inch hips)
8. Best Hipster: Gap Breathe Hipster
This soft hipster offers a no-show style at an accessible price, perfect for daily use.
Pros: Soft fabric and no-show design.
Cons: Potential for wear over time.
Details:
- Colors: 11 different options
- Size range: XXS to XXL
9. Best Boyshort: Commando Classic Boyshort
This boyshort features seamless construction, ensuring no visible panty lines and ample coverage.
Pros: Seamless design prevents lines and offers full coverage. Although pricier, they maintain quality well.
Cons: Some users report elastic issues over time.
Details:
- Colors: Four
- Size range: XS/S (34-36-inch hips) to L/XL (42-46-inch hips)
10. Best Thong: Quince Second Skin Thong
This thong boasts a seamless design that eliminates visible panty lines while feeling super soft.
Pros: Seamless construction gives a barely-there sensation.
Cons: Limited size selection.
Details:
- Colors: Five neutral tones
- Size range: XS (35.5-inch hips) to XL (45.5-inch hips)
11. Best Shapewear: Skims Seamless Sculpt Mid Waist
This shapewear offers comfort while providing support and shaping.
Pros: Comfortable and smoothing, perfect under tighter dresses.
Cons: Sizing can be tricky due to body specificity.
Details:
- Colors: Nine shades, including various nudes.
- Size range: XXS (31-34-inch hips) to 4X (55.5-59-inch hips)
Skims Seamless Sculpt Mid Waist
$34 at Skims12. Best Period Underwear: Saalt Heavy Absorbency Brief
These briefs provide excellent absorbency and odor control, making them reliable for heavy flow days, replacing up to four regular tampons.
Pros: Soft, breathable, and PFAS-free.
Cons: They may feel bulkier due to their absorbency.
Details:
- Colors: Black
- Size range: XS (30-33-inch hips) to XXL (47-50-inch hips)
13. Best Lace: Kat the Label Marilyn Underwear
This delicate lace underwear combines quality and style, making it an excellent choice for an everyday feminine touch.
Pros: Affordable considering the intricate design.
Cons: Handle with care as they can be delicate.
Details:
- Colors: Black and white
- Size range: XS (34-36-inch hips) to XL (42-46-inch hips) Note: 2X is out of stock.
Kat the Label Marilyn Underwear
$35 at Kat the Label14. Best No-Show: Neiwai Barely Zero Mid Waist Brief
This seamless brief is perfect for outfits that require invisible underwear, ensuring you stay stylish without visible lines.
Pros: Breathable and seamless, ideal for layering.
Cons: Inconsistent sizing; one size may not fit all.
Details:
- Colors: Six neutral shades.
- Size range: One size (31.5 – 39.5-inch hips)
Neiwai Barely Zero Mid Waist Brief
$15 at Neiwai15. Best Maternity: Storq Recovery Briefs
Storq's maternity line is designed with stylish cuts and prints that accommodate women during all pregnancy stages. The soft modal jersey ensures exceptional comfort.
Pros: Stretchy and comfortable for pre- and post-birth.
Cons: Bulkier fit, and final sale items.
Details:
- Colors: Seven unique colors and prints
- Size range: XS (34-inch hips) to 3XL (54-inch hips)
