Marina Wiersma
8 min
3.7K
After 18 hours of research evaluating 145 products, we picked Calvin Klein Women's 3 Pack Carousel Bikini Panty as our top choice.
Ladies, let's face it. While lingerie is great for those intimate moments in your life, let’s talk practicality. We'll also walk you through why buying from a list of the best underwear for women is important.
Lingerie really can’t compete with underwear. Why? Because lingerie serves one sole purpose: to be sexy. The best women’s underwear, on the other hand, needs to meet a number of your needs.
Let us explain:
When it comes to underwear for women, you not only need something that will look nice, but also something that will perform well under certain conditions. A day at the office. A weekend hike. A lazy day on the couch.
Whatever the case, your underwear should feel good and not distract from whatever it is you're doing.
Now:
How do you find that perfect pair that will work for all occasions? There are very clear leaders when it comes to women’s underwear brands—each has their own specialty and style. That's why we created this list of the best.
When you're done, pop over to our guides on the best bras, best push up bras, and best sports bras to make sure you've got something to wear up top.
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Have trusted our product reviews
Classic bikini panties in cotton with a hint of stretch for a secure fit.
You have to be an Amazon Prime member to buy these and they're aren't a lot of colors to choose from.
The best thing about these panties (besides the price) is the fabric. Amazon designed these with 95% cotton and 5% elastane. So they're extremely comfortable with a hint of stretch. And, you can machine wash in warm water and tumble dry low without worrying about them shrinking.
The Amazon Essentials Cotton Bikini underwear come in a six-pack and you can currently choose from four styles: all white, all black, basic assorted and fashion assorted.
The basic assorted package comes with the following colors: two white, one light pink, one gray, one black, and one black and white stripe. The fashion assorted package contains: one salmon color, one navy, one navy and white stripe, one gray, one white with black polka dots, and one white with black flowers.
Breathable, wedgie-free, soft fabric…of course these are comfortable! Cotton fabric is the best at providing a breathable wear—which previous users are more than willing to attest to. As a bonus, the label is printed on the back waistband for tag-free comfort.
These panties are about as cheap as they get - $12 for a 6-pack (or $2 a pair). However, you have to be an Amazon Prime member to buy them.
Gap is a really well-known clothing brand, but did you know they’ve ventured out into workout attire as well? Our pick for best women’s underwear overall happens to be from GapFit Breathe—a line of clothing focused on comfort, softness, breathability, and functionality.
Aside from the high cost (which we’ll cover shortly), the only real issue we’ve seen with these is that some pairs have a tendency to ride up.
Gap is all about delivering high quality clothing at an affordable price, and that’s exactly what you’re going to get with this underwear (so long as you follow their wash instructions).
This underwear is beyond comfortable. Made from a super thin polyester-Lyocell-spanex blend, this high-waisted underwear is thin, soft, and fits really well. Gap certainly named this line of clothing “Breathe” for a reason.
While this underwear is high-waisted, the fabric is super thin and meant more to help with comfort, breathability, and style than support.
This underwear is definitely expensive, but Gap has sales online and in store regularly, so it shouldn’t be difficult to get these at a cheaper price.
For women looking for a comfortable seamless underwear that won’t ride up, the Bali brief will do the trick. They also happen to be machine washable (unlike most other underwear on this list), which is a big bonus.
A few reviewers noted that the sizing may not be consistent with this pair of underwear, so if you buy a few different pairs, make sure to compare them with one another before trying them on and committing to the purchase.
If you’re looking for a quality fabric, quality fit, and quality feel, this pair of underwear is a great choice.
There were a number of reviewers who complained about this product being too thin and, thus, uncomfortable. However, it’s important to note that these are made with 100% nylon and meant to be a thin, seamless panty. So long as your expectations are set appropriately, you’ll enjoy the comfort of these.
However, since these aren’t made from cotton, they may not be totally breathable. The good news is, no previous users have reported any issues with breathability.
While these are high-waisted underwear, they’re not necessarily meant to serve as control top panties (nor does the manufacturer claim they should).
In terms of buying underwear as singles, these are some of the more affordable ones on our list at $6 a pair.
This pair of Aerie underwear strikes the perfect blend between bikini underwear and thong—and it does it all with a soft, seamless, and barely-there lightweight fabric.
American Eagle (the parent company of Aerie) is known for catering to a younger crowd, so this pair of underwear might not be for everyone. And, because they are so cheap, there have been issues reported with the overall quality.
The biggest drawback to these thongs most definitely resides in the overall quality of the fabric. Reviewers have noted that the lace lining tears easily, the dye fades, and that the white fabric in the crotch stains easily.
Fans of Aerie are adamant that these are the most comfortable thong underwear you could wear, and we couldn’t agree more. With super soft fabric, no tags, and a seamless design, these thongs are the epitome of comfort.
No issues have been reported with breathability, either. It’s important to note though that these are not made with cotton, so you may find them lacking if you put them to the test.
If you can get these on sale in the store, or if you can be patient and wait for an online sale, you can get a great deal when buying these in bulk.
Supersmooth, seamless and totally elastic free semi-sheer hiphugger.
If you're curvy, the waist may roll down since they are seamless.
This mesh hiphugger is made of a super smooth blend of nylon and spandex. They feel and look similar to panty hose.
And, in case you were wondering, you can wash these in the washing machine. Just make sure to wash them on delicate.
One thing we love about these is that they're extremely thin and lightweight making them perfect for the heat of the summer.
We also love that they come in 9 different colors, including all the basics like black, nude, and champagne.
Since these mid-rise hiphuggers are elastic-free, they're extremely comfortable. Not to mention, seamless. So you can say goodbye to those embarassing panty lines.
These babies provide full-booty coverage, but they'll still show off your sexy curves.
We think $10.50 for a pair of Victoria's Secret undies is a real steal. Especially since you know they'll be made with quality in mind.
The Calvin Klein Women's Sleek String Bikini Panty is sleek and extremely comfortable. It's very thin and doesn't show through pants to create underwear lines. This underwear is fitted and lightweight.
The underwear typically runs large in size.
The fabric of these panties is made from 83% Nylon and 17% Elastane. They are very sleek and soft, with a very lightweight feel. Machine washable and come with the Calvin Klein logo on them.
Many reviewers say that thanks to the material of these panties, it feels as if they aren't even wearing underwear. This underwear is non-irritating and provides full coverage in the back while remaining sleek and sexy in the front.
Each pair costs $11, which can definitely add up when buying in bulk. They are Calvin Klein, however, and made of durable/comfortable material.
These satin high waist panties are breathable and won't irritate even the most sensitive skin. The fabric is extremely smooth and soft.
These panties run on the smaller side, so maybe order up a size or two.
Incredibly smooth and soft texture that doesn't irritate the skin. These are satin panties that allow your body to breath easy.
They are well fitted yet don't feel constrictive. The high waist helps smooth over the stomach and provides full coverage.
You are buying this underwear straight from the source, so they are priced at a fantastic value.
Use coupon: TJFAV during checkout
One of the most comfortable underwear by Tommy John will change the way you wear underwear. Tommy John underwear features a non-pilling micro fabric that's super soft and comfortable. Designed for every day, the fabric was made to move with you, but also knows when to stay put. Use Coupon Code: "TJFAV" during checkout to save 20% off your first order.
The outside fabric is 100% nylon and the inside is 100% cotton, so these provide the perfect mix of pretty and comfort all rolled into one pair of underwear. Also, these are made in the USA.
They’re expensive (not the most expensive on our list, but close). They also need to be hand-washed which makes them more labor intensive to care for.
The Hanky Panky boyshorts are made with 100% lace (or nylon) exterior with a 100% cotton interior. Which, in our opinion, is the perfect combination.
As a bonus, these boyshorts come in 32 gorgeous colors, including chai and dark dahlia (our two faves).
It is extremely rare for women to speak poorly about the quality of Hanky Panky’s underwear, though we should mention that some people have had issues with the underwear fading after washing (remember: these need to be hand-washed).
How many things are attractive and practical? Not many, however, the Hanky Panky panties are one of them. And, if you haven’t fallen in love with boy shorts yet, get ready because these are both sexy and provide a good amount of coverage.
With a cotton interior, you don’t have to worry about discomfort caused by the lace. And, since they're made from cotton, they have impressive breathability.
These panties have a medium rise and cover the hips and booty with delicate lace trim around the waistband and leg. Since these only provide moderate coverage and sit low on the hips, there isn't much support.
Also, keep in mind that these do run large, so order a size down.
These are really pricey (almost $30 for a single pair), but it’s important to remember that you’re paying for well-made, super sexy panties.
Modest coverage, stylish, feather-light, no visible panty line, highly versatile, anti-microbial, soft and stretchy, cool cotton, breathable, no rolling or bunching. The underwear you want all day, every day!
May stretch out too easily and not as long-lasting as you might like.
These underwear are made with a mix of 77% nylon mesh and 23% spandex. This mixture makes them super soft, super lightweight, and wonderfully breathable.
The Spandex also gives them a nice stretch, so they’re easy to pull on and off even if you’re packing a bit more “junk in the trunk”. It’s also anti-microbial and non-pilling, so you can use it over and over again without worrying about it being damaged in the wash.
However, there is a cotton gusset in the crotch, guaranteed to keep you feeling fresh. The “Cool Cotton” fabric is fast-drying, cooler than regular cotton, and with great breathability—all vital for all-day comfort.
Be warned: the fabric may stretch out over time, so they’re not the longest-lasting underwear on the market.
The feather-light fabric barely feels like anything’s there, and you may just forget you’re wearing anything at all after a few minutes. There are no visible panty lines with these thongs, and they’re designed to avoid bunching or rolling up—perfect to wear under that LBD or cocktail gown. The seamless edges won’t be visible beneath even a tight dress or skirt.
At $26 per pair, these are slightly on the pricier side, but well worth it for cool, invisible comfort. Definitely a great pair to own if you want to feel as good as you look in any dress!
If you’re looking for super comfortable cotton underwear at a steal of a price, you probably can’t get any better than this 3-pack from Calvin Klein.
The only negative noted about these panties is a slight bagginess in the backside.
This best-selling Calvin Klein women's underwear is made from 90% cotton and 10% Elastane. It has comfort and breathability on lock down.
Cotton is the key to good underwear “health”, so these are a great choice for breathability. As a bonus, this bikini underwear is machine washable.
When it comes to underwear waistbands, it can often be tricky finding one that doesn’t cut into your hips. That’s not a problem with these. Nor is the rest of the soft, lightweight material.
For just under $20 you get a pack of three comfy, durable and long-lasting panties. That works out to just $7 a pair. Plus, if you're an Amazon Prime member, you get free two-day shipping.
Women's underwear come in many shapes and sizes. Scroll through any catalogue, and you'll find dozens of fancy styles and names. However, most fall under the primary categories listed below:
Thong – Thong underwear uses minimal fabric to make an understated underwear style. The underwear is revealing, comfortable, and body and back-hugging, perfect for wearing under tight and form-fitting clothing. It's a smooth, sleek style of underwear that is highly comfortable.
Hipster – For everyday underwear, you can't beat the hipster! These underwear have a low rise in the front and back, with wider sides to cover the hips. They offer coverage ranging from minimal to moderate, making them a good choice whether you're going for professional, comfortable, or saucy.
Bikini – This style is inspired by bathing suit/bikini bottoms, with a higher cut leg, thin sides, and low rise to offer less coverage for your butt. It's a flattering style for most figures, and is very feminine with just a hint of flirtatious. The bikini style works perfect with most outfits.
Boy Shorts – Think of these as the feminine version of men's boxer briefs: comfortable, good coverage, close-fitting, and very ladylike. They have a longer cut that runs to the tops of the thighs. They can be worn under dresses and skirts or, if they're long enough, even on their own as loungewear and sleepwear.
Full Brief – Full brief is a modern variation on the classic brief underwear. They have both high rises and thick sides, offering complete coverage front, back, and side. They're ideal for using with high-waisted outfits or when you want a smooth, flat silhouette.
French Cut – French Cut underwear are designed to sit at your natural waistline, with a flatteringly high cut that offers moderate coverage to the front while following the leg's natural curvature to offer total coverage on the back. Think sexy in the front, professional in the back. Best of all, there's no elastic around the leg, so no risk of riding up.
Hi Cut Brief – These briefs offer full coverage on the front and back, but the high cut of the thigh means they end at the hip crease. The wider leg openings and minimal side coverage are great for wearing with form-fitting outfits.
G-Strings – Every woman ought to own at least a few of these, designed to offer only the barest amount of coverage on the front, back, and sides. The "barely there" underwear are definitely designed with hot and steamy in mind.
No, Aerie underwear aren't some new style of minimalist "barely there" underwear. (It would be a cool name, though.)
The term "Aerie underwear" refers to the Aerie line of clothing offered by American Eagle. It's an online-based line of underwear that is highly affordable (as low as 10 pairs of underwear for just $30). For women who know their sizes well and want inexpensive, comfortable, and stylish underwear, the Aerie underwear line is a convenient option.
Underwear doesn't just come in many sizes, shapes, and colors; there's also a hefty range of fabrics to choose from! Here are the most common options:
Cotton – For healthy "lady bits", you can't beat cotton. It's lightweight, soft, breathable, and natural. You'll find it's also a very inexpensive material, and one that is ideal for use in your everyday life. The perfect material for using at the office, lounging at home, or sleeping.
On the downside, it can get soaked through easily, and it holds the moisture (sweat or water). Definitely not to wear while swimming or doing heavy exercise!
Nylon/Polyester – These two synthetic materials are ideal for activewear, making them the right fabric for underwear to use while exercising. They wick moisture away from the body, reducing the risk of rashes, chafing, and infections. They're also highly durable, comfortable, less prone to sagging than cotton, and ideal for bikinis and sports underwear. Best of all, they can help to slim down your form.
On the downside, nylon and polyester are both more likely to cause irritation, rashes, and infection. ONLY wear synthetic underwear when at the beach, swimming, or working out, and change back into cotton underwear as soon as possible.
Silk – Silk is a slippery fabric that slides all over the place. It's lightweight, traps heat near your body, and feels soft and luxurious against your skin. It's the ideal fabric to use for sleep wear, as it will feel "barely there".
However, silk is pricey and lacks durability. It also traps moisture against your skin and raises your risk of infections. You're better off owning a few pairs of silk underwear that you slip into when you want to feel sexy, then change back into regular cotton underwear when you're done.
Lace – Lace isn't as thick or bulky as it once was. Now you can find natural lace (made from cotton fibers) mixed with just enough nylon or polyester to have elasticity without increasing irritation or infection risk. Lace is soft, smooth, and sexy, even if it's just used as a trim for other underwear. High quality lace will also be more durable than other materials.
Be warned: lace offers you little protection against the cold, and the barely-there material isn't exactly the definition of modesty.
When underwear shopping, here are the steps to finding the right underwear:
Step 1: Know your size. Not just your waist size, but also your hip size. Follow this guide to measure your waist and hip size, and have the numbers handy when you go shopping.
Step 2: Compare sizes. Every brand of clothing will have their own unique sizes. One brand's "Small" will be another brand's Medium or X-Small. Look over the list of sizes to find the one that matches your waist and hip size, rather than simply buying the size you always go with.
Step 3: Choose the right style. Think about what style suits your lifestyle, outfits, comfort, and hygiene needs best. Consider three or four styles so you'll be prepared for anything life will throw at you.
Step 4: Consider the factors. Fit is important, as you want underwear that isn't too tight or hangs too loose. The strength of the elastic waistband will determine how durable the underwear are. Choose the right fabrics according to your activity.
These four steps will help you to walk out of the store with those perfect pairs of underwear every time.
Not sure what type of underwear suits you best? Here is a list of underwear and their suitability according to your body type:
Finding the right pairs of underwear is SO important—not just for comfort, but for your health as well. The right underwear can protect your delicate parts, reduce infection risk, provide comfort and modesty, and still accentuate your femininity. Below, we've got a complete guide to choosing the right underwear for both comfort and hygiene:
Buy Active Underwear – You need at least 3-6 pairs of underwear to use when working out. Preferably something with nylon or polyester, and any style that ISN'T thong (too high risk of infection). Go for moisture-wicking, breathability, and comfort.
Be Wary of Thongs – Did you know that G-strings/thongs can increase your risk of vaginal infection? This is due to their unique shape, which increases the risk of bacteria traveling from the anus to the vagina. Thus, it's recommended that you only use G-Strings and Thongs when wearing body-con skirts and dresses. ONLY wear them in bed or under that Little Black Dress.
Have a Few Pairs of Briefs – While not the sexiest underwear, briefs are practical, comfortable, and suitable for everyday use. Modern briefs have left the "granny panties" style behind, offering better styles and cuts without sacrificing protection.
Ventilation Matters – When buying underwear, ALWAYS think about letting your downstairs parts breathe. A lack of ventilation can lead to a higher risk of infection, thanks to an increase in trapped heat and moisture. Anything that's too tight will also limit ventilation. Use cotton for comfort and breathability throughout the day, and change out of active underwear and bikinis as soon as you finish your workout. Find a size, cut, and style that allows plenty of airflow.
Change Regularly –This may seem like standard operating procedure, but it has to be said! Never sit too long in damp, sweaty underwear. If you're very hot or sweating, change your underwear more than once a day. ALWAYS change your underwear after a workout!
Get Rid of "Expired" Underwear – If the fabric is pilled or bunching, the elastic is loose, and the material has a permanent odor, it's time to throw out the underwear. Underwear that is old and worn out will rub more, increase the risk of infections, and shift around. Plus, underwear starts to look bad when it gets too old.
Go for Seamless – Not only will seamless underwear be more comfortable and less visible, but they'll reduce friction that could lead to irritation or infections.
Save Silk and Lace for Sexy Times – Silk and lace are both wonderfully sexy options, but they're not the most hygienic or durable. Save them for the moments when someone will be looking at your underwear. The rest of the time, wear cotton or cotton blends.
Find the Right Size – While it's tempting to keep undies that you USED to fit into, it's better to buy the right size even if it's larger than you'd like. Anything that's too tight will rub against your sensitive skin, increasing the risk of infections, rashes, and irritations. Plus, the too-tight elastic will give you a muffin top.
Use Cotton Under Shapewear – Shapewear can give your waist, hips, and butt a beautiful look, but the tight synthetic material can cause UTIs and other problems. Try to use shapewear no more than two or three times a week, and when you do, wear cotton underwear BENEATH it to provide a layer of protection.
Sleep Commando – At least a few times a week, skip the underwear overnight. This will give everything a chance to air out, keeping everything dry and reducing your risk of yeast infections. Under your loose-fitting, comfortable cloth pajamas, go commando!
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Marina is a California girl and former Idaho resident who is currently living her best life in the Seattle area with her husband and newborn baby. She has a BA in Journalism from Boise State University, as well as a M.Ed from Western Washington University.
Marina has a passion for running, hiking, brunching and, of course, all things home decor. When she isn’t writing, Marina loves to be with family and friends, preferably in the outdoors.
Marina covers everything from health and beauty to babies and women. If the product is in one of these categories, she's likely tried it. For all beauty + mom advice, she's your go-to girl. Want to be friends? Follow her on Instagram: @mrswiersma
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10 Best Women's Underwear & Panties
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