The Best Underwear for Women: Expert Picks for Every Style and Need
Your go-to guide for choosing comfortable, stylish, and functional women’s underwear, expertly curated and reviewed.
The Best Underwear for Women in 2025: The Ultimate Guide
Finding the perfect women’s underwear is as much about comfort and functionality as it is about style. The choices can seem endless—thongs, briefs, high-waists, seamless, cotton, lace—but knowing what works best for your needs makes all the difference. This comprehensive guide highlights the best underwear for women according to expert recommendations, user reviews, and thoughtful curation, covering comfort, style, innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Great Underwear?
- Top Editor Picks: Best Underwear for 2025
- Underwear for Every Body and Occasion
- Choosing the Right Style
- Best Fabrics for Underwear
- Most Popular Underwear Brands
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Great Underwear?
Great underwear combines comfort, breathability, stretch, and style. Your best pick will depend on your personal preferences and daily needs, but most top-rated options share these features:
- Comfortable, irritation-free fit—No pinching or rolling
- Soft, breathable fabric—Keeps you cool and dry all day
- Appropriate coverage—From cheeky thongs to full-coverage briefs
- No visible lines—Especially for fitted outfits
- Easy care—Machine washable, long-lasting
- Inclusive sizing—Care for all body shapes and sizes
- Functional extras—Moisture wicking, absorbency, seamless design
Top Editor Picks: Best Underwear for 2025
From barely-there thongs to luxurious silk panties and innovative period underwear, here are some of the standout options for this year, reviewed and loved by consumers and fashion editors alike.
Bestselling Comfortable Underwear
- Lululemon InvisiWear Mid-Rise Thong
- Why It’s Great: InvisiWear’s thongs are renowned for their comfort and durability. They stay in place even during high-intensity workouts and offer a barely-there feel with a breathable cotton gusset for moisture management.
- Features: Invisible under leggings, moisture-wicking, retains shape after washing, available in multiple colors and sizes (XS–2X).
- Cons: Colors may dull over time, but the fabric remains resilient.
- Stripe & Stare Briefs
- Why It’s Great: Touted as the softest, most comfortable knickers in the world, made from sustainable TENCEL™. Perfect for daily wear and suitable for sensitive skin.
- Features: Ultra-soft, cute embroidery options, eco-friendly, available in inclusive sizes.
- SKIMS Fits Everybody Boy Short
- Why It’s Great: Hugging comfort and a range of nude shades, ideal for both lounging and seamless under clothes. Wide size range ensures a good fit for all.
Best Underwear for Workouts and Sweaty Days
- lululemon InvisiWear Thong (again)
- Features: Nylon-Lycra blend with a cotton gusset, sweat-wicking, resists bunching and slipping.
- Under Armour Pure Stretch Thong
- Why It’s Great: Super lightweight, quick dry, and seamless edges for high-movement activities.
Best Period-Proof Underwear
- Thinx Everyday Comfort Bikini
- Why It’s Great: Offers multiple absorbency levels, can hold up to five tampons’ worth. Superb for heavy periods, reliable for overnight and daily wear, and excellent for those who sweat.
- Cons: May retain odor if not washed carefully—always follow care instructions.
- Sizes: XS–4X
- Material: 95% cotton, 5% elastane
- Knix Super Leakproof Bikini
- Why It’s Great: Leading period underwear technology for maximum comfort and leak coverage.
Luxury Picks
- Dora Larsen Embroidered Briefs
- Why It’s Great: Gorgeous lace, tulle, and color-blocked embroidery designed for luxury and comfort.
- Sustainability: Focus on responsible sourcing and limited collections.
- Scarlett Gasque Silk Corset Panties
- Why It’s Great: Vintage-inspired luxury with 1950s glamour; think Old Hollywood, but completely wearable today.
Editor Picks At a Glance
What others are reading
| Product | Best For | Key Features | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lululemon InvisiWear Thong | Seamless comfort, workouts | Moisture-wicking, stays in place | XS-2X |
| Thinx Everyday Bikini | Periods, heavy sweat | Absorbent, odor-resistant | XS-4X |
| Stripe & Stare Briefs | Everyday comfort, eco-conscious | Ultra-soft, eco-friendly | XS-3X |
| Dora Larsen Embroidered | Luxury & special occasion | Lace, tulle, bold colors | XS-XXL |
Underwear for Every Body and Occasion
Women’s underwear is not a one-style-fits-all situation. Here are popular categories for different needs, lifestyles, and personal tastes:
- Everyday Classics: Briefs and bikinis for comfort and coverage.
- No-Show/Seamless: For dresses, leggings, and skinny pants, look for laser-cut underwear like thongs and hipsters that vanish under clothes.
- Sustainable Picks: Brands like Stripe & Stare, Fruity Booty, and Dora Larsen focus on responsible sourcing and eco-friendly fabrics.
- Luxury and Lace: Special occasion or just to feel fabulous, try vintage-inspired or silk pieces from Scarlett Gasque or Intimissimi for that luxe touch.
- Inclusive Fit: Brands including Wacoal and Pour Moi offer a huge range of cup and band sizes, ensuring a flattering fit for everyone.
Many women find it’s best to stock their drawer with an assortment of styles for different moods and outfits.
Choosing the Right Style
Style impacts both comfort and the look of your outfit. Here are the essential types and what they’re best for:
- Bikini Briefs: The all-rounder—comfortable, flattering, sits below the waist, ideal for everyday wear.
- High-Waist Briefs: Smoothing, supportive, and perfect for high-rise pants or when you want extra coverage.
- Thong: Bye, VPL (Visible Panty Line)—great under leggings and fitted skirts, but not for everyone comfort-wise.
- Boyshorts: Sporty or for lounging, provides more bottom coverage.
- Seamless: Designed for invisible look under tight outfits. Laser cut edges and smooth fabrics make these a gym and party essential.
- Period Underwear: Leak-proof, designed to replace or supplement pads and tampons.
Best Fabrics for Underwear
Fabric determines comfort, breathability, and longevity. Here are the most common options and what to expect from each:
- Cotton: Naturally breathable and hypoallergenic. The top choice for daily underwear—absorbent, easy to wash, gentle on sensitive skin.
- Microfiber (Nylon/Polyester with Spandex): Ultra-soft and stretchy. Good for moisture wicking and seamless styles.
- Lace: Adds flair and romance. Look for lined gussets to avoid irritation.
- TENCEL™/Modal: Sustainable, very soft, and great for sensitive skin. Stripe & Stare use this for their signature comfy undies.
- Bamboo: Soft, moisture-wicking, and eco-friendly, becoming more popular in sustainable brands.
- Mesh/Tulle: Often for decorative or luxury pieces, providing stretch and airflow.
- Period Panty Materials: Hybrid fabrics with absorbent, waterproof layers (e.g., Thinx, Knix).
Most Popular Underwear Brands for Women
Here’s a quick overview of editor-recommended underwear brands you need to know, with their standout features:
- Free People: Seamless, boho-luxe classics and lacy styles for everyday and special occasions.
- Dora Larsen: Colorful, sustainable, and embroidered luxury lingerie—standout for fun and responsibly made sets.
- Scarlett Gasque: Vintage Hollywood glamour meets modern comfort, famous for corsets and silk details.
- Fruity Booty: Female-owned, deadstock fabrics, trend-led prints and sustainable values.
- Stripe & Stare: Sustainable, famously soft, and fun, with the added benefit of planting a tree per order.
- Intimissimi: Everyday luxury—a variety of classic, sexy lingerie in wearable colors and luxe trims.
- Love Stories: Fashion-forward bralettes and sets, emphasizing mix-and-match comfort and style.
- Wacoal: Size-inclusive, quality bras, and fuller coverage underwear.
- Pour Moi: Wide cup sizes, vibrant colors, trend-driven vibes alongside their classics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes some women’s underwear better than others?
The best underwear balances fit, fabric quality, comfort, and function. Seamless styles prevent panty lines, whereas cotton provides breathability. Size inclusivity and thoughtful design elevate certain brands and products above others.
How do I know which style is right for me?
Start with your intended use: choose seamless or thong for fitted clothes, briefs for comfort, high-waist for shaping, or period underwear for leak-proof protection. Consider your body shape and fabric sensitivities as well.
Are expensive underwear brands worth it?
High-end brands like Dora Larsen or Scarlett Gasque offer unique materials and craftsmanship. However, comfort-focused, mid-priced brands such as Stripe & Stare, or performance brands like Lululemon, often give just as much value, especially if you care for them well.
What’s the best fabric for sensitive skin?
Cotton and TENCEL™/Modal are the best for sensitive skin due to their natural, hypoallergenic, and breathable properties.
How often should I replace my underwear?
Generally, every 6–12 months or if they lose stretch, become faded, or develop holes. Proper care can extend life, especially for quality pairs.
Which brands are best for sustainability?
Stripe & Stare, Fruity Booty, and Dora Larsen stand out for using eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing processes.
Do I need period underwear?
While not essential for everyone, period underwear like Thinx and Knix is life-changing for people with heavy flows, those wanting to reduce waste, or anyone seeking extra peace of mind during their cycle.
Conclusion: Build Your Dream Underwear Drawer
The perfect underwear collection is diverse—think supportive neutrals for daily wear, seamless thongs and period underwear for functional needs, and bold, luxury pieces for those special moments. Today’s best options provide inclusive sizing, sustainable choices, beautiful designs, and cutting-edge technology, ensuring that every body and every preference is welcomed and celebrated.
References
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/g28626566/breathable-underwear/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/g35565496/best-lingerie-underwear-brands/
- https://www.cosmosourcing.com/blog/best-fabrics-for-underwear-ultimate-guide
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUM25QuQgzI
- https://whatwaist.com/blogs/shapewear-news-1/featured-what-waist-tummy-control-thong-shapewear-underwear
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/shopping/shaper-bras-uae
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
