These Are the 10 Best Types of Underwear for Women, In Case You Were Wondering (2024)

When shopping for underwear, you're likely loyal to one specific style such as thongs, bikini, or briefs — but then you're missing out on the many types of underwear for women available today. We understand though, since there are so many options, it can get overwhelming if you're trying to make a change or just need/want a different style. That's where we come in.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab's fiber scientists have already found the best underwear for women, and we also got medical input on finding the best underwear for your health from Dr. Alyssa Dweck, M.D., a gynecologist in New York and author of The Complete A to Z for Your V. When shopping for underwear, first and foremost, it's important that the underwear fits you properly. If a style is too tight, Dr. Dweck warns that there's potential for chafing, rashes and irritation.

First, what is the best material for women's underwear?

Most fibers are blended with spandex in the fabric to give them stretch and offer the best fit. It's also typical for underwear styles to have a cotton gusset – i.e. the layer of fabric on the inside – regardless of the main fabric. Dr. Dweck says this is especially important to avoid yeast and bacteria growth.

• Cotton: It's a natural fiber that's breathable and soft, so it feels great against skin. The downside to cotton is it doesn't dry quickly, so if there's any moisture (e.g. from sweat) the fabric will stay wet.
• Plant-based fabrics: Fibers like rayon and modal are made from plants, though they're chemically processed so they're not technically natural. These fabrics are super soft and drapey, and often have moisture-wicking benefits so they dry faster than cotton.
• Performance fibers: Synthetics like polyester and nylon are common in activewear because they wick moisture and dry quickly. For the same reason, these fibers are ideal for underwear, especially if you're working out. Lace underwear and microfiber styles are also usually made from synthetics. Just remember to remove them after sweating; according to Dr. Dweck, "it's important to remove wet exercise clothes as soon as able to avoid infection and irritation in intimate areas."
• Silk: It's not as common and it's expensive, but silk is a natural fiber, feels luxurious, and has inherent temperature-regulating and moisture-management properties. (We love this fiber for pillowcases!)
• Novelty styles: You can find underwear made of unique materials, like wool, or with added benefits, like extra layers of absorbency for periods or built-in shapewear.

Below, a deep dive explaining types of underwear, and our top picks for each style (but honestly, our best advice is wear whatever makes you feel comfortable!):

Thongs

Giving you the least amount of coverage, a thong has just a strip of fabric in the back to prevent panty lines from showing through clothes. According to Dr. Dweck, they're totally safe as long as they're not too tight. "The right thong with a cotton crotch and non-chafing 'G-string' that fits well is not a problem for those who prefer them," she advises. Wearing a thong helps you avoid visible panty lines, as there are no bumps on the edges and they stay totally hidden. Thongs are a great option for tighter cloths, but they can be uncomfortable if you don't find the material or size for you.

Hipster

This low-rise style sits right on your hips, a bit below your waistline with more coverage around the hips and wider panels of fabric. They're less cheeky than other styles with lower cut leg holes.

Boyshort

A women's take on boxer briefs, boyshorts have a rectangular shape that has the most leg coverage out of all types of underwear. They are perfect when wearing loungewear and loose skirts, as they'll provide the most coverage if you're skirt flies up since it looks like a cross between underwear and shorts.

Briefs

Bikini

These are similar to a brief, but with less coverage with a lower rise and higher leg openings. Low rise and a bit of butt coverage, bikini underwear mirrors the cut of most bikini bottoms. As one of the most popular types of underwear, most people wear these everywhere, including the gym as they won't create "granny panty" lines without riding up like a thong.

High Rise

High rise underwear will keep your whole tummy covered. If you hate the feeling of underwear digging into your belly, high rise panties are a great solution, as most pairs go to your waist.

French Cut

To show off more leg, go with a french-cut (sometimes called high-cut) pair of underwear. They'll have the same waist as a classic brief, but with higher cut leg holes.

Cheeky

Like bikini underwear, cheeky styles show more of your derriere for more back coverage than a thong, but still less than a bikini. Many styles have a wider hip band to prevent panty lines.

Control Top

With the effects of shapewear, underwear with a control top helps smooth you out. They go either to your belly button or above with some even going all the way to your bra.

G-String