The best underwear for women

Best overall: Evelyn & Bobbie High-Waisted Retro Bikini

After reading our editors' reviews of Evelyn & Bobbie's signature no-show underwear, I was excited to put them to the test. I'm also a sucker for briefs and bikini styles, so the brand's high-waisted retro bikini felt like the perfect place to start. They were noticeably soft to the touch, and the four-way stretch moved easily with my body without digging in. I first wore them under a body-skimming maxi dress and was relieved to see no underwear lines peeking through.

Senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase put it perfectly: "The fabric is extremely breathable, buttery soft, and absolutely invisible. The only bad thing about wearing Evelyn & Bobbie underwear is that every other pair now pales in comparison."

Executive editor Sally Kaplan also swears by Evelyn & Bobbie underwear. "As someone with a very soft belly and hips, I know how hard it is to find good pairs that don't dig anywhere or show lines under thin clothing." She continues, "They stretch all the way over my belly for a nice, full-coverage feeling, and they don't show any bulging whatsoever."

While my own first impression was all pros, I was eager to see how they would hold up in the real world. I wore them to a workout class, where they stayed dry from sweat. Even after a full day of wear, the High-Rise Retro Bikini didn't roll, pinch, or shift, and I loved that they stayed invisible under leggings and jeans. They've quickly become the kind of underwear I forget about (in the best way possible). Since they're super-soft, I was initially worried about washing them, but I was pleasantly surprised to find they stayed in perfect condition — no pilling, stretched seams, or fading, even after multiple washes.

Not only were we impressed by its underwear — Sally found that Evelyn & Bobbie also makes amazing wireless bras for large cups sizes. Learn more in her full Evelyn & Bobbie review.

Best runner-up: Woxer Classic Brief

I'd never heard of Woxer before writing this piece, and I can say my life has really changed for the better since then. The queer-centric brand's Classic Briefs have become my new go-tos, because it truly feels like I'm wearing my favorite hoodie in underwear form.

The modal fabric is incredibly soft and breathable against my ultra-sensitive skin, and there's just enough stretch to move with me whether I'm sitting at my desk, working out, or chasing after my one-year-old twins. What really stood out for me, though, was the waistband. It never once dug in, even after wearing them all day. That detail alone makes them feel so much more comfortable than most briefs I've tried.

After several washes, the softness still holds up, though I make sure to wash them on the delicates cycle since modal is a little less durable than cotton. The wide range of colors and styles is a fun bonus, but for me, it's the all-day comfort that makes them worth the slightly higher price (over $20 for a single pair). For me, these hit the sweet spot of comfort, fit, and quality, and I honestly don't want to wear anything else now.

Best for workouts: Tommy John Air Bikini

"When I'm being tempted to skip the gym, a big factor in my decision is choosing my outfit. This starts with what goes beneath my workout set. Tommy John's Air bikini is my favorite no-show underwear for exercising because it keeps me amazingly well ventilated," writes senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase.

"Sweating in a thong for extended periods is not only uncomfortable, but it poses health risks for those with a sensitive pH balance (including yours truly)," she continues. "I love this pair because it stays put even when I squat, and the mesh fabric feels like next to nothing."

"My hips measure 37 inches so I got a size Small, but next time I'd size up to a Medium," adds Gabrielle. "The stretchy fabric is quick drying and the waistband doesn't roll down at any point in my pilates routine. On the gusset is a layer of cotton, which is a small but important hygienic detail I appreciate during a workout."

See which other pairs we loved in our full Tommy John women's underwear review.

Best budget: Aerie Superchill No Show Cotton Thong

If you're looking for an affordable everyday underwear, Aerie's Superchill No Show Cotton Thong delivers (and the under-$10 price tag makes it easy to stock up without breaking the bank). The cotton blend construction is ultra-light and stretchy, which I loved. When I wore them, it honestly felt like I was wearing nothing at all — no annoying wedgies, no digging waistband — just smooth comfort.

Compared to pricier options, the fabric is thinner and may not last quite as long with frequent washing, but at this price point, the trade-off makes sense. I found the fit true to size, though if you're between sizes, consider going down since the stretch is generous. The no-show design also really works, making these especially great for wearing under leggings or fitted dresses.

TL;DR: Sure, this thong may not be the most luxurious option out there. But if you want something you can buy in multiples and reach for every single day, this is it. And if you prefer a bit more coverage, it also comes in the form of a Superchill Cheeky Cut.

Honorable mention: When we asked her about the best affordable plus-size underwear, Body Neutral content creator Lindsey Baker recommended the Wirarpa Cotton High Waisted Briefs. Available on Amazon, the $20 4-pack features high-waisted briefs with an extra-thick stretch band that prevents them from rolling down, while the cotton fabric is both breathable and comfortable. According to Baker, "[they] give me the best coverage for my apron belly and stay put no matter what activity I'm doing."

Best thong: SKIMS Fits Everybody Thong

This SKIMS thong lives up to its name: It truly does fit everybody, thanks to the inclusive size range. I don't usually wear thongs — I'm firmly in the granny-panty camp — but I was genuinely surprised by how comfortable these were. The brand's signature buttery-soft, ultra-stretchy fabric made all the difference, hugging without squeezing, and I even ended up sizing down.

The built-in cotton gusset lining is another major win, since it offers breathability while preventing the panties from digging in or irritating my skin, which is what typically turns me off to thongs in the first place. It's so lightweight that at one point I forgot I was even wearing underwear — no wedgies, no pinching, no awkward shifting. Suffice to say, I just might be a thong convert… at least if I'm going to be wearing leggings.

Read about another one of our favorite SKIMS styles in our SKIMS bodysuit review.

Best cooling underwear: Tommy John Cool Cotton High Rise Brief

I first fell in love with Tommy John when I tested its cooling pajamas while 30-plus weeks pregnant with twins, so I had high hopes for the brand's cool cotton high-rise brief. Thankfully, it didn't disappoint.

Made with Supima cotton (a premium, U.S.-grown cotton that's softer, stronger, and cooler than the regular stuff), these Cooling Cotton High Briefs are breathable, moisture-wicking, and engineered to fit without rolling down, pinching, or leaving red marks.

The inner liner releases body heat to keep you fresh, while thoughtful details like stretch-and-recovery fabric (which molds to your body but bounces back after wear) and a tagless label make them comfortable for all-day wear.

To truly put them to the test, I wore them on several 90-plus-degree days and even through a workout class — and they held up impressively by staying cool, dry, and perfectly in place without a single adjustment.

Best plus-size underwear: Cacique Cotton Boyshort

I'm usually a briefs-only person, so boyshorts aren't typically my thing. But I was pleasantly surprised by these Cacique Boyshorts, mainly because of the extra-wide waistband. Instead of squeezing or shifting, it stayed flat against my body — it didn't dig in, roll down, or cut awkwardly across my stomach to create a bulge — which instantly made them feel more comfortable than most boyshorts I've worn in the past.

The cotton construction is another win. They stay in place around the thighs and hips without riding up, which is key if you've ever worn boyshorts that bunch up around the crotch. I also love that they're made with 95% cotton and 5% Spandex — the cotton makes them breathable, yet they stretch enough so the fabric moves with you and retains its shape. Plus, they're easy to toss in the wash without worrying about special care.

Additionally, these boyshorts prove that plus-size underwear doesn't have to be boring: they come in timeless neutrals like black and heather gray, as well as or playful patterns like lace, florals, and even a bold animal print.

Honorable Mention: Available in up to 4X, the EBY Sheer Briefs were another one of my favorites. Its seamless construction and airy mesh fabric kept me cool while adding just a hint of sultriness. Best of all, the briefs feature a no-slip grip along the inside that kept them perfectly in place — no bunching, rolling, slipping, or rolling.

Best luxury: Negative Underwear Whipped High Rise Brief

If there's one pair of underwear I'd actually splurge on, it's the Whipped High Rise from Negative Underwear. Per the brand, it's named for the micromodal fabric that's as soft and airy as a whipped-cream cloud.

These underwear are so smooth they reminds me of silk, and the high-waist, full-coverage fit makes them feel secure without sacrificing comfort. What enamored me most were the details: the faux fly grommets and faint vertical stripes give them a modern edge that feels a little sexy without being over the top.

I worried the grommets might be bulky, but they're not — they disappear the second you put them on, leaving a pair that feels lighter than most of the cotton briefs I currently own. After a few washes, I'm relieved to report they've retained their supreme softness, though I've not yet risked putting them in the dryer.

Read more in our full Negative Underwear review.

Best lace: Hanky Panky Daily Lace Girl Brief

Hanky Panky is beloved for their iconic thongs, but it's these stretchy lace briefs that made me a true fan. Made with a blend of nylon and Spandex, the lace is surprisingly flexible and soft — qualities you don't usually find in lace underwear, which to me usually feels scratchy or restrictive. The low-rise cut is charming and cheeky without sacrificing comfort, thanks to the wide elastic waistband and the Supima cotton gusset that keeps things breathable

I've worn the Daily Lace Girl Briefs all summer long and never once felt sweaty or suffocated. I even wore them when I was pregnant with twins, which should tell you everything you need to know about how forgiving and comfortable they are. Even with all that stretch, they almost magically snap right back to their original shape, so they never feel baggy or loose.

Today, I own several pairs that have survived dozens (if not hundreds) of washes. The rare combination of durability, resilience, and style makes them a winner in my book —especially for someone like myself, who's usually wary of uncomfortable lace lingerie.

FAQs on women's underwear

What are the best materials for breathable underwear?

When it comes to breathability, cotton underwear reigns supreme. Unlike synthetic materials like polyester, cotton is naturally soft and absorbent. Most importantly, it lets your skin breathe, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable for hours at a time.

"Artificial fabrics — or wearing daily pantiliners — block the vagina, which for some people causes increased discharge and sometimes a stronger odor," Dr. Kate White, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University and author of "Your Sexual Health," previously told Business Insider.

How often should I replace my underwear?

Most experts recommend replacing your underwear every six to nine months. However, this depends on several factors, including 1) how often you wear and wash them and 2) their construction. For example, everyday cotton briefs may wear out quicker than performance blends designed for workouts. The signs are easy to spot: stretched-out waistbands, thinning fabric, or lingering odors. The best rule of thumb? Do a seasonal drawer check and retire anything that's lost its shape or has too many loose threads hanging.

How do I choose the right underwear size?

Finding the right underwear size comes down to two things: knowing your measurements, and deciding on your fit preferences. Most women's styles are based on hip measurement, so that's the best place to start. Once you know your numbers, check the brand's size chart (sizing can vary more than you'd expect). The right pair should feel secure without being restrictive, with a waistband that lies flat and leg openings that don't gape or pinch.

What styles of underwear are best for different outfits?

For leggings: Wear a thong or no-show bikini that disappears visible panty lines.

For dresses and skirts: We love Evelyn & Bobbie's Slip Short for its full coverage, barely-there feel that also prevents chub rub.

For jeans: Denim can feel abrasive on sensitive areas, so we suggest cotton briefs in order to create a protective layer for your skin. Choose a high-rise pair if your jeans are high-waisted.

For activewear: The moisture-wicking pairs from Tommy John's Air collection are super breathable and comfortable to sweat in.