"It’s finally time to talk about it: women’s underwear. Finding quality pairs of underwear that you don’t just feel meh about (at an affordable price) feels like finding a needle in a haystack. When it’s something you wear every day for most of the day, you’ll want it to check all the important boxes: comfortable, breathable, and, ideally, cute enough that they give you an added boost of confidence.
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The answer to where to buy women’s underwear used to be so obvious, you didn’t need to ask; Victoria’s Secret’s five-for-$25 deal kept our underwear drawers stocked for a solid decade. But now, the answer isn’t quite as clear, and it’s made me wonder if everyone knows something I don’t. To eliminate the confusion once and for all, we polled our editors, dug deep on the internet, and found the best women’s underwear available in 2024, period.
Best Bikini Underwear
Bikini underwear have a mid-rise waistband that fit around the hips and moderate back coverage that leaves a cheeky (but not too cheeky) look. Bikinis are known for wearing comfortably under virtually any outfit, so having a few in your underwear drawer is key.
If you want a pair of bikini underwear that leaves no visible lines, Aerie’s No Show Cheeky Underwear are your girl. Made of soft-to-the-touch nylon, these panties have a raw cut and no seams, so they’re ideal to wear under jeans and leggings.
Looking for cotton bikinis? Calvin Klein is (always) the answer. Made from an ultra-comfortable cotton blend, Calvins hold up for what feels like forever, and are iconic for a reason.
If you’re looking for comfort at an affordable price, Jockey is your answer. These seam-free bikinis are made from a nylon blend with a soft, jersey waistband for a pair of bikinis that feel like you have nothing on.
Another line-free option, Soma’s Vanishing Edge collection promises “no ride, no roll, and no show.” Their microfiber lace bikini is one of their top sellers for their smoothing quality that’s totally invisible under clothes. They’re also silky and moisture-wicking, making them a solid option for hot summer days.
Best Thong Underwear
If you want minimal coverage and a true no-show look, thongs are your answer. A classic thong has a thicker band ideal for everyday wear, while a T-back has a thinner back that makes a T-shape from behind, and exposes a bit more of your butt. A G-string has the thinnest back, which is—obviously—the width of a string.
When our team was polled for their favorite underwear, Hanky Panky came up again and again. Their High-Rise thong is a #1 best seller for its unparalleled quality, look, and comfort. Unlike traditional lace underwear, Hanky Panky’s are stretchy and soft, and currently hold the title of “World’s Most Comfortable Thong.”
Aerie has a reputation for comfortable and affordable underwear, which is why their name comes up so frequently amongst our editors. This ribbed tong is made from a lightweight, breathable material, and won’t slip or slide all day, even if you’re exercising.
If you want a seamless fit of underwear but prefer a cotton material, Aerie’s No-Show Cotton Thongs are for you. They’re stretchy, seamless, and are a scientific feat in the world of thongs.
Skims Fits Everybody material has gained a cult following for its soft, buttery material that stays in place all day, but feels like you’re going commando. Their Fits Everybody thong feels and wears like a second skin, making it the perfect choice for everyday underwear.
Best Brief Underwear
Brief underwear are a full-coverage option, with a high-rise waistband, full front and rear coverage, and low-cut sides. Hipsters also fall under the “brief” umbrella but have a mid-rise waistband rather than a high one.
If you’re looking for a brief that doesn’t veer into the granny-panty category, Aerie’s Lace Briefs are for you. Their 95 percent cotton material makes them breathable, while the lace detailing will give you a boost of confidence every time you put them on.
If you’re searching for a pair of briefs that won’t give you an underwear line, Skims’s Cheeky Briefs are your best bet. Made out of their signature, stretchy material, they give you ample coverage, but with no obvious signs of them underneath clothes.
Natori’s Bliss Briefs won’t ride up or bunch, and their stretch makes them ideal for everyday wear. Their price tag is slightly higher, but their durability makes them worth every cent.
Tommy John’s Second Skin Briefs earn their name with a thin, breathable material that’s a luxe experience every time you put them on. They’ll never ride up, bunch, or move under your clothes, making them so comfortable, you’ll forget you have them on.
These high-cut briefs are made to be completely transparent underneath your clothing. They’re made of a nylon and spandex blend, so you already know their stretch factor is serious business. These briefs offer full-coverage wear at a high-comfort level.
Best Boy Shorts
Boy shorts are modeled off of men’s boxer shorts with a mid-rise waist and full-coverage hips that typically end at the upper thigh. They have the most material and are an ideal choice for lounging or extra coverage underneath dresses and skirts.
Parade took the internet by storm with their affordable prices and inclusive sizing, but their quality actually delivers, too. With mesh side panels and cool-to-the-touch fabric, their boy shorts are ideal for lounging in style.
Hanes is a constant in the underwear world for a reason, and their affordable boy shorts are an internet favorite. Their thicker band and mid-rise waist gives a boxer-short feel, which is ideal for sleep, lounging, and extra coverage underneath dresses.
If you’re looking for a true boxer short in a women’s fit, Woxer’s got your back. They’re made from a stretchy material that’s soft to the touch, and their fit is comfortable and completely wedgie-free.