A Guide to Women's Underwear: Types and When to Wear Them

Underwear is one of the most essential items in a woman’s wardrobe, yet it's often the most overlooked. The right pair can provide comfort, confidence, and support, while the wrong pair can lead to discomfort or even health issues. With so many styles available, choosing the right one for the occasion, outfit, or personal comfort can be a challenge. In this post, we’ll break down the most common types of women's underwear and explain why you might choose each style.

1. Briefs: Classic Comfort and Coverage

What they are: Briefs are a traditional style of underwear, offering full coverage of the hips, buttocks, and lower stomach. They tend to have a higher waistband and sit comfortably on the waist or just below it.

Why wear them:

• Comfort and coverage: Briefs are ideal for women who want full coverage and a more secure fit. They are particularly good for all-day wear because they provide comfort and stay in place.
• Support: The full coverage design makes briefs a great option for women who prefer more support, especially for everyday wear.
• Good for under dresses and skirts: The classic cut makes them a reliable choice for when you're wearing dresses or skirts, offering enough coverage without lines showing through.

Best for: All-day comfort, more modest coverage, or when you want a classic, practical choice.

2. Bikini: Flattering and Versatile

What they are: Bikinis are one of the most popular types of women’s underwear, offering a moderate rise and less coverage on the hips and buttocks compared to briefs. They generally have a higher cut on the thighs and are available in a variety of waistband styles—low, mid, and high rise.

Why wear them:

• Balance of comfort and style: Bikinis offer a good balance between coverage and sexiness, making them perfect for everyday wear, especially when you need something that won’t show under your clothing.
• Variety of rises: With options like high-rise, mid-rise, or low-rise, bikinis work for different body types and personal preferences.
• Great for under fitted clothing: The moderate cut and lack of excess fabric make bikinis an ideal choice under jeans, leggings, or tighter dresses.

Best for: Daily wear, moderate coverage, and when you want something versatile and flattering under most outfits.

3. Thongs: Minimal Coverage for a Seamless Look

What they are: Thongs are underwear with a narrow strip of fabric at the back, offering minimal coverage for the buttocks. The waistband sits at the hips or lower, with a very thin strip of fabric running between the buttocks.

Why wear them:

• No visible panty lines: Thongs are the ultimate solution for avoiding visible panty lines (VPL), especially when you're wearing tight or bodycon clothing like leggings, skinny jeans, or dresses.
• Sexy and comfortable: Despite their minimal design, many women find thongs surprisingly comfortable. The lack of excess fabric can feel freeing and allows for maximum movement.
• Good for smooth silhouettes: When you want to achieve a sleek, smooth look under fitted clothing, thongs are perfect.

Best for: Tight-fitting outfits, no-show underwear under dresses or leggings, and for when you want a smooth, invisible fit.

4. Boyshorts: Full Coverage with a Modern Twist

What they are: Boyshorts are a style of women’s underwear that offer full coverage of the hips, buttocks, and sometimes part of the thighs. They have a rectangular, more “boyish” shape, hence the name, and typically sit on the hips.

Why wear them:

• Comfort and coverage: Boyshorts are often described as one of the most comfortable underwear styles. They provide full coverage, especially on the sides and back, while still having a more modern, stylish appearance.
• Great for lounging or sleeping: With their relaxed fit, boyshorts are ideal for lounging around the house or wearing to bed.
• Under dresses or skirts: Boyshorts provide a great alternative to briefs, as they cover more of the thighs and have a smooth, no-show look under skirts or dresses.

Best for: Comfortable everyday wear, lounging, or when you prefer full coverage with a stylish twist.

5. Hipsters: The In-Between Option

What they are: Hipsters sit lower on the waist, around the hip bones, and provide more coverage than a bikini but less than a brief. They typically have a moderate cut on the thighs and are available in a range of fabrics and styles.

Why wear them:

• Good balance of coverage and style: Hipsters offer moderate coverage on both the front and back, making them a great choice for women who want something more comfortable than a bikini but less bulky than briefs.
• Great for daily wear: The low-rise design works well under most pants or skirts, and the comfortable fit makes them ideal for all-day wear.
• Flattering on most body types: The style tends to be flattering on a variety of body types, as the waistband sits comfortably on the hips, and the design offers full coverage without feeling too constricting.

Best for: Everyday wear, comfort with a bit of style, and when you want a good middle ground between a bikini and a brief.

6. Seamless Underwear: Smooth and Invisible

What they are: Seamless underwear is designed with no seams or stitching along the edges, offering a smooth, invisible fit under clothing. These come in various styles, from thongs to briefs, but the standout feature is the lack of visible lines.

Why wear them:

• Invisible under clothing: Seamless underwear is perfect for wearing under tight or body-conscious clothes. The lack of seams means there are no panty lines, making them ideal for smooth, flawless looks.
• Comfortable fit: Many seamless designs are made from stretchy, soft materials, offering a second-skin feel that is incredibly comfortable.
• Great for sensitive skin: Without bulky seams or stitching, seamless underwear is often a good choice for women with sensitive skin, as it reduces chafing.

Best for: Wearing under tight, form-fitting clothing, for comfort, or for when you want to avoid any visible lines.

7. High-Waisted Underwear: Retro Glam with Full Coverage

What they are: High-waisted underwear sits above the belly button and offers full coverage over the hips and buttocks. This style is reminiscent of vintage or retro designs and has made a comeback in recent years.

Why wear them:

• Flattering shape: High-waisted underwear creates a smooth, flattering silhouette, especially under dresses or skirts, as it can smooth out the tummy area and give a lifted appearance to the buttocks.
• Comfortable and supportive: Many high-waisted designs offer excellent tummy control, which can make them a go-to choice for women who want extra support or shaping.
• A chic, vintage look: High-waisted styles exude a glamorous, retro vibe and can make you feel confident and chic.

Best for: When you want a vintage-inspired, smooth look, extra tummy support, or fuller coverage.

8. Shapewear: Sculpt and Smooth

What they are: Shapewear is a type of underwear designed to smooth and shape the body, often made from compression fabrics that cinch in the waist, tummy, and thighs. Some shapewear styles extend to the full body, while others are targeted to specific areas.

Why wear them:

• Smoothing effect: Shapewear is perfect for smoothing out lumps and bumps, providing a sleek, contoured look under form-fitting clothes or special outfits.
• Boost confidence: The compression effect can provide additional confidence, especially when wearing a tight dress or outfit.
• Targeted control: Many shapewear pieces are designed to target specific areas (such as the waist, hips, or thighs), allowing for customized support.

Best for: Special occasions, when you want extra shaping and support, or for wearing under tight, structured clothing like bodycon dresses.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Style

Choosing the right type of underwear depends on your personal preferences, outfit choice, and the level of comfort and support you need. Whether you’re looking for a classic pair of briefs for everyday comfort, a thong for no-show lines, or high-waisted underwear for extra shaping, there’s a style for every need and occasion.

The key is finding the perfect fit. Comfortable underwear can make all the difference in how you feel throughout the day. Consider your outfit, activity, and comfort level to help you choose the best pair for your needs, and don't be afraid to mix and match styles based on what works for you.