TK pairs to stock up on

Finding the best underwear for women can be difficult, especially as our bodies change over time. From a former thong-only lover (don’t judge me, I’m in my 20s and a product of the ’90s!), my underwear preferences have evolved. The hardest part is finding something that doesn’t ride up, bunch, roll, or deteriorate over time. It’s no secret that women replace their underwear very rarely, yet we still want our purchases to last.

Let’s be honest, different body types have different needs for underwear. Most of the time, underwear is functional. Other days, it just has to suit your needs. That’s why in this roundup, I’ve included some practical ones as well, like maternity, period underwear, and lace. I’ve included not only my personal favorites, but also reviewers’ opinions. Explore the best women’s underwear in terms of quality, durability, price, and special features to find the perfect underwear for your needs.

Featured image from an interview with Beth Hitchcock.

The best underwear for women

The world of women’s underwear has definitely evolved. Gone are the days when there were only a few options and styles. You can go all out for comfort, quality and style. Finding the best women’s underwear among everything from thongs to briefs requires understanding your personal preferences and needs. Whether you have a specific preference for everyday wear, maternity or lace or period underwear, your journey to finding the perfect fit continues guided by informed decisions and reviews.

To find the best women’s underwear, you need to prioritize comfort and durability to ensure that every purchase meets the highest standards of satisfaction, functionality, and occasional style.

We recommend:

1. Overall Grand Prize: Pact Everyday High Cut Briefs – $10 at Pact
2. Best luxury splurge: Kiki de Montparnasse Beaded Lace T-Back – $595 at Saks Fifth Avenue
3. Best Budget: Aerie Superchill No-Show Cotton Cheeky Underwear – $8.95 at Aerie
4. Most comfortable: MeUndies Feel Free Bikini – $20 at MeUndies
5. Best white underwear: Negative Underwear Whipped French Cut Briefs – $45 at Negative Underwear

1. Overall Grand Prize: Pact Everyday High Cut Briefs

Pact is comfortable yet sexy at the same time, which is what makes these briefs so special. The organic cotton fabric feels luxurious against the skin, and the high rise waist is flattering to any body type. They feel far more expensive than they are, and we recommend getting them in all colors.

Strong Points: It’s comfortable, breathable, fits true to size and is buttery soft against your skin.

Cons: The biggest complaint I hear is that they wear down and become loose over time, but mine have lasted two years, and for an inexpensive purchase I’d say it’s worth the value.

detail:

• color: Five color options, including pastel pink and yellow
• Size range: XS (hips 35-36.5 inches) to 3XL (hips 55-56.5 inches)

2. The ultimate luxury splurge: Kiki de Montparnasse Beaded Lace Song

Kiki De Montparnasse’s beaded lace thong is a luxurious piece featuring intricate beadwork and an alluring silhouette, perfect for a special occasion if you’re looking for a piece to wow people.

Strong Points: Super sexy, high quality hand beaded, great attention to detail. So gorgeous.

Cons: It is very delicate, dry clean only, and expensive.

detail:

• color: black
• Size range: XS (hips 34-36 inches) to L (hips 41-43.5 inches)

3. Best Budget: Aerie Super Chill No Show Cotton Cheeky Underwear

This no-show sexy underwear from Aerie is affordable and comfortable, making it perfect for everyday wear.

Strong Points: Praised for its comfort and soft cotton fabric, it flatters a variety of body types, with size options to fit even the petite bottom.

Cons: The elastic will stretch over time, and some reviewers complain about loose seams and stitching.

detail:

• color: 4 color options
• Size range: XXS (hips 32-33 inches) to XL (hips 43.5-45.5 inches)

4. Most comfortable: MeUndies Feel Free Bikini

The Feel Free Bikini by MeUndies offers unparalleled comfort with a specially designed waistband that prevents rolling and allows for breathability. There’s a reason this brand, and this bikini in particular, is such a perennial favorite.

Strong Points: The waistband is specially designed to prevent rolling up, and it’s also extremely breathable. It comes in a wide variety of colors, so be sure to stock up before you buy.

Cons: Some people complain of fading.

detail:

• color: 48 color options including a wide range of 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 Briefs

Negative Underwear’s French Cut Briefs combine luxurious comfort with a stylish, flattering cut that will complement any wardrobe. Attention to detail in the design makes these briefs anything but ordinary.

Strong Points: Luxuriously soft, smooth, stylish and flatteringly cut, white underwear can sometimes make you look like you just came out of the hospital, but trust us, this is not the case.

Cons: The price will be higher.

detail:

• color: 9 colors and patterns
• Size range: XS (hips 34.5-36 inches) to XXL (hips 45-46.5 inches)

6. Best High Rise Brief: Cuup High waist

These gorgeous, affordable trousers are cut at the high waist for a flattering midsection, while also being stylish and comfortable.

Strong Points: The high waist design creates a beautiful silhouette and makes your stomach look slimmer. Made from high quality materials.

Cons: Size Mismatch

detail:

• color: Eight basic colors and some seasonal colors.
• Size range: XS (hips 33-35 inches) to XXXL (hips 46-49 inches)

7. Best Bikini: Third Love Comfort Stretch

ThirdLove bikinis are designed with flexibility in mind, with waistbands that don’t dig into your sides (we’ve all been burned there at some point).

Strong Points: Extremely comfortable, stretchy and flexible, the waistband won’t dig in or roll up.

Cons: They come in inconsistent sizes, have fit issues, and are limited in colors and patterns.

detail:

• color: Taupe
• Size range: XS (hips 35-36 inches) to 3X (hips 54.5-56.5 inches)

8. Best Hipster: Gap Hipster Breath

Gap’s Hipsters offer soft, no-show styles at affordable prices, perfect for everyday wear.

Strong Points: No-show style, soft fabric, and affordable price.

Cons: It may wear out over time.

detail:

• color: 11 color options
• Size range: XXS to XXL

9. Best Boy Shorts: Commando Classic Boyshorts

Commando’s Classic Boyshorts are a staple in my styling kit, with seamless construction, a relaxed fit that hides panty lines, and great coverage.

Strong Points: The seamless construction reduces the appearance of panty lines while still providing full coverage. The price is higher than other options, but in my experience, it’s still worth it.

Cons: Some reviews have noted issues with the rubber degrading over time.

detail:

• color: 4
• 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 is incredibly soft and barely there to feel, giving you invisible panty lines.

Strong Points: Seamless construction prevents visible panty lines under clothing, and they’re super soft, so they feel like you’re wearing nothing at all.

Cons: It has a smaller size range than the other options.

detail:

• color: 5 Neutral Colors
• Size range: XS (hips 35.5 inches) to XL (hips 45.5 inches)

11. Best Shapewear Underwear: Skims Seamless Sculpt Mid Waist

Skims’ seamless sculpted mid waist effectively shapes and supports the body while still providing comfort.

Strong Points: Shapewear has a bad reputation for being uncomfortable, but this product does just that – it sculpts and smooths, making it perfect for wearing under tight skirts or dresses.

Cons: Because shapewear is so body-specific, choosing the right size can be a bit of a challenge.

detail:

• color: Available in 9 colors including nude.
• Size range: XXS (hips 31-34 inches) to 4X (hips 55.5-59 inches)

12. Best Period: Saart Heavy Absorbency Briefs

These period-friendly briefs are super absorbent and odor-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about heavy flow days. These briefs are the equivalent of 3 pads or 4 regular tampons.

Strong Points: It’s soft, breathable, absorbent and odor resistant, and is PFAS-free.

Cons: Because it is highly absorbent, it may feel bulky.

detail:

• color: black
• Size range: XS (hips 30-33 inches) to XXL (hips 47-50 inches)

13. Best Race: Cat the Label Marilyn Underwear

Known for their delicate and sexy designs, Kat the Label offers lingerie that is easy to wear and affordable. Perfect for those new to the brand, Marilyn underwear combines quality and style, combining soft, stretchy lace with a stylish, classic vibe.

Strong Points: It’s relatively affordable considering its exquisite and high-quality design.

Cons: It is delicate, so please handle with care.

detail:

• color: Black and White
• Size range: XS (hips 34-36 inches) to XL (hips 42-46 inches) Note: 2X is out of stock.

14. Best No-Show: Naiy Barely Zero Mid Waist Briefs

Sometimes the trendiest and best outfits call for invisible seamless underwear. Wear this underwear when you want your underwear to be less likely to get in the way of your outfit.

Strong Points: It is highly breathable and can be worn seamlessly under clothing. It has excellent elasticity.

Cons: Sizing may vary, one size does not fit all.

detail:

• color: 6 Neutral Color Options.
• Size range: One size (hips 31.5″-39.5″)

15. Best Maternity: Storq Recovery Brief

Maternity has long been overlooked in terms of design. But since Storq hit the market with its inclusive, flattering cuts and fun prints and colors, women around the world have been flocking to the brand. These briefs support women through every stage of pregnancy, from early to late. The soft modal jersey offers unmatched comfort and a luxurious feel.

Strong Points: It is comfortable and stretchy enough for both pre- and post-pregnancy.

Cons: Larger fit. Final sale item.

detail:

• color: 7 colors and prints
• Size range: XS (34″ hips) to 3XL (54″ hips)