A good pair of underwear is the foundation for almost every outfit. It’s also one of the most personal garments.
Intimates brands are shaking up this historically bland category with modern sizing, new fabrics and a genuine commitment to comfort. From thongs to control briefs, here’s what you need in your drawer.
Crotchless panties
Crotchless panties are a great way to spice things up in the bedroom. They’re sexy, stylish and surprisingly comfortable. And with so many different styles to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect pair for you.
Ouvert knickers have a reputation for leaving nothing to the imagination, and that’s exactly the point! Whether you’re single and ready for a steamy tease or in a long-term relationship, ouvert panties are sure to turn up the heat.
A sexy lace bodystocking with a racer back and a completely crotchless design, this piece is the perfect addition to your lingerie collection. The sheer floral lace highlights your intimate areas, while the high waist flatters your pins. The lace is soft and stretchy, so it’s comfortable against your skin. And the sexy strapping to the hips is perfect for erotic harness-style play.
High-cut / French-cut panties
Essentially a hybrid of a bikini and a thong, Brazilian briefs have high-cut leg holes that leave your cheeks partially exposed. They’re a sexy alternative to hipster panties and are ideal for wearing with tights, pencil skirts or bodycon dresses, where visible panty lines can ruin your look.
If you want moderate tummy control, try women’s control briefs that land just above your natural waistline and shape your curves. They’re also a great choice under high-waisted pants or skirts.
Thongs are the most notorious panty style for eliminating visible panty lines, but they’re also a comfortable and convenient option to wear with jeans, shorts or form-fitting dresses. They’re usually made from plant-based fabrics that feel soft and smooth against the skin and can wick moisture away from sweaty areas.
If you’re an athlete, consider wearing activewear panties to prevent sweat from soaking your underwear. These panties are often made from breathable, plant-based fabrics like cotton and modal, which can also help keep your underwear fresher for longer.
Control briefs
The ultimate in shapewear, control briefs combine soft fabrics integrated with innovative control technology. They focus on the tummy area, sitting best under structured outfits such as trousers or dresses.
They can be found in varying levels of firmness to suit your everyday needs and body shape. Light control briefs create slimming lines around your waist and are comfortable enough to wear all day. Firm control briefs sculpt your waistline with extra tummy flattening and shaping, but not so much that they’re uncomfortable.
They can be worn with everything from skinny jeans to flowy feminine dresses and skirts. They are also ideal under tight pants and bodycon styles. Self-professed “granny panty stan” and intersectional hiking club founder Evelynn Escobar-Thomas says she buys them by the dozen because they’re her favorite women’s underwear for everyday wear.
Period panties
Period underwear is a sustainable and reusable alternative to disposable menstrual products. The best pair look and feel like regular underwear, with an added layer to prevent blood leaking through. They’re designed to be washed and reworn all-cycle long.
Most brands offer a variety of sizes, from G-strings and boylegs to waist-high briefs. Some, like Dear Kate and THINX, even have gender-neutral options for teens and tweens.
Most period underwear are rated for heavy flow and can absorb up to 8-12 tsp of menstrual blood (or three to four tampons worth). However, only you know how your menstrual cycle works, so be sure to choose a pair that fits your needs. You may need to use them in conjunction with tampons or pads on heavier days or overnight, especially if you have a particularly heavy flow. They also work well as backups if you’re prone to bleeding on your knickers, for example when exercising or sleeping.women’s bamboo underwear