From Boyshorts to Lace—The Best Underwear for Every Body Type and Budget

Finding the best pair of women’s underwear can be a challenge, especially as our bodies change over time. As a former thong-only enthusiast (don’t judge me—I was in my 20s and a product of the 90s!), my underwear preferences have evolved. My biggest struggles have been finding options that don’t ride up, bunch, roll, and break down over time. Even though it’s a known fact that women don’t replace their underwear nearly enough, we still want our purchase to last the test of time.

Let’s face it: every body type has different needs regarding underwear. On most days, underwear is functional. On other days, it has to fit a need. That’s why you’ll find a few utility picks on this round-up too, such as maternity, period underwear, and lace. I’m sharing not only my personal favorites but also insights from reviewers. We’ll explore the best women’s underwear in terms of quality, durability, price points, and special features so you can find the perfect pair to fit your needs. 

Featured image from our interview with Beth Hitchcock.

The Best Underwear for Women

Navigating the world of women’s underwear has undoubtedly evolved. Gone are the days of only a handful of options and styles. The quest for comfort, quality, and style can all be yours. From thongs to briefs and everything in between, finding the best women’s underwear involves understanding individual preferences and needs. Whether it’s for everyday wear, maternity, or specific preferences like lace or period underwear, the journey to finding the perfect fit continues with informed decisions and reviews guiding the way.

Discovering the best women’s underwear means prioritizing comfort and durability, ensuring each purchase meets the highest standards of satisfaction, functionality, and every once-in-a-while style. With that, let’s dive in.

Our Top Picks:

1. Best Overall: Pact Everyday High Cut Brief – $10 at Pact
2. Best Luxury Splurge: Kiki De Montparnasse Beaded Lace Thong – $595 at Saks Fifth Avenue
3. Best Budget: Aerie Superchill No Show Cotton Cheeky Underwear – $8.95 at Aerie
4. Most Comfortable: MeUndies Feel Free Bikini – $20 at MeUndies
5. Best White Underwear: Negative Underwear Whipped French Cut Brief – $45 at Negative Underwear

1. Best Overall: Pact Everyday High Cut Brief

Pact pairs comfort and just enough sexiness to make this brief feel special. The organic cotton material feels luxurious against the skin, and the high-rise waist flatters every body. They feel so much more expensive than they are—I’d recommend buying a pair in every color.

Pros: Comfortable, breathable, and fit true to size, and buttery-soft against the skin.

Cons: The biggest complaint I’ve heard is that these wear out over time and become loose. My pairs, however, have held help for two years. As they’re an inexpensive buy, this feels aligned with their value.

Details:

• Colors: Five color options, including pastel pink and yellow
• Size range: XS (35-36.5-inch hips) to 3XL (55-56.5-inch hips)

2. Best Luxury Splurge: Kiki De Montparnasse Beaded Lace Thong

Kiki De Montparnasse’s beaded lace thong is a luxury splurge with intricate hand beading and a seductive silhouette. If you’re looking for a wow factor for a special occasion, this is your pick.

Pros: Ultra sexy, quality hand beading, and attention to detail. Very luxurious.

Cons: Very delicate, dry-clean only, and high price point.

Details:

• Colors: Black
• Size range: XS (34-36-inch hips) to L (41-43.5-inch hips)

3. Best Budget: Aerie Superchill No Show Cotton Cheeky Underwear

This pair of no-show cheeky underwear from Aerie combines affordability with comfort, making it a favorite for daily wear.

Pros: Highly rated for comfort and soft cotton fabric, flattering on several body types. Sizing options for petite bums.

Cons: The elastic will give over time, and some reviewers complain of loose seams and stitching.

Details:

• Colors: Four color options
• Size range: XXS (32-33-inch hips) to XL (43.5-45.5-inch hips)

4. Most Comfortable: MeUndies Feel Free Bikini

MeUndies’ Feel Free Bikini offers unparalleled comfort with a specially designed waistband that prevents rolling and ensures breathability. The brand—and this pair in particular—has a strong following for a reason.

Pros: The waistband was specially designed not to roll, and they are very breathable. There are also many colors to choose from—take it as a sign to stock up.

Cons: Some people complain of fading.

Details:

• Colors: 48 color options, including a large range of prints and colors
• Size range: XS (35-36-inch hips) to 4XL (52-54-inch hips)

5. Best White Underwear: Negative Underwear Whipped French Cut Brief

Negative Underwear’s French-cut brief combines luxurious comfort with a stylish, flattering cut that enhances any wardrobe. The details make them anything but ordinary. 

Pros: Luxurious, soft, smooth, and stylish with a flattering cut. There’s something about white underwear that can make you look like you just left the hospital—trust me: these are not those. 

Cons: Higher price point.

Details:

• Colors: Nine colors and patterns
• Size range: XS (34.5-36-inch hips) to XXL (45-46.5-inch hips)

6. Best High-Rise Brief: Cuup The Highwaist

This gorgeous, affordable pair features a high-waisted cut that smooths the stomach area, making it both flattering and comfortable.

Pros: High-waisted design provides a flattering silhouette, smoothing the stomach area—quality materials.

Cons: Sizing inconsistencies 

Details:

• Colors: Eight core colors and several seasonal and limited-edition colors.
• Size range: XS (33-35-inch hips) to XXXL (46-49-inch hips)

7. Best Bikini: Third Love Comfort Stretch

Third Love’s bikini is designed with flexibility at the forefront, with a waistband that doesn’t dig into your sides. (I know we’ve all been burned there before.)

Pros: Exceptional comfort, stretch, and flex. With a waistband that doesn’t dig into your sides or roll. 

Cons: Inconsistent sizing or fit issues. Limited colors/patterns.

Details:

• Colors: Taupe
• Size range: XS (35-36-inch hips) to 3X (54.5-56.5-inch hips)

8. Best Hipster: Gap Breathe Hipster

Gap’s hipster offers a soft, no-show style at an affordable price point—perfect for everyday wear.

Pros: No-show style, soft fabric, and affordability.

Cons: May wear out over time.

Details:

• Colors: 11 color options
• Size range: XXS to XXL

9. Best Boyshort: Commando Classic Boyshort

Commando’s Classic Boyshort was a staple in my styling kit. The pair features seamless construction, a forgiving fit that avoids visible panty lines, and good coverage.

Pros: Seamless construction helps avoid visible panty lines and good full coverage. While the price point is higher than other options, my experience is that these retain their value.

Cons: Some reviewers note issues with elastic not holding up well over time.

Details:

• Colors: Four
• Size range: XS/S (34-36-inch hips) to L/XL (42-46-inch hips)

10. Best Thong: Quince Second Skin Thong

Quince’s Second Skin Thong gives an invisible visible panty line with an incredibly soft, barely-there feel.

Pros: Seamless construction helps avoid visible panty lines under clothing. Extremely soft and feels like wearing nothing. 

Cons: A smaller size range than other options.

Details:

• Colors: Five neutral colors
• Size range: XS (35.5-inch hips) to XL (45.5-inch hips)

11. Best Shapewear Underwear: Skims Seamless Sculpt Mid Waist

Skims’ Seamless Sculpt Mid Waist provides comfort while still effectively shaping and supporting your body.

Pros: Shapewear gets a bad wrap for comfort, but this pair delivers. They’re shaping and smoothing, great for wearing under tighter skirts and dresses.

Cons: Shapewear is very body-specific, so you might encounter some challenges in sizing.

Details:

• Colors: Nine in-stock colors, including a range of nudes.
• Size range: XXS (31-34-inch hips) to 4X (55.5-59-inch hips)

12. Best Period: Saalt Heavy Absorbency Brief

These period-friendly briefs provide superior absorbance and odor control—so you don’t have to worry, even on the heaviest flow days. These briefs replace three pads or four regular tampons.

Pros: Absorbance and odor control while still being soft and breathable. Not treated with PFAS.

Cons: These can feel bulky due to their absorbance.

Details:

• Colors: Black
• Size range: XS (30-33-inch hips) to XXL (47-50-inch hips)

13. Best Lace: Kat the Label Marilyn Underwear

Known for its delicate, sexy designs, Kat the Label makes lingerie accessible and easy to wear. The Marilyn underwear is a great introduction to the brand, offering a blend of quality and style with its soft-stretch lace and a stylish, classic feel.

Pros: Relatively affordable given the intricate, quality design.

Cons: They can be delicate, so handle with care.

Details:

• Colors: Black and white
• Size range: XS (34-36-inch hips) to XL (42-46-inch hips) Note: 2X is out of stock.

14. Best No-Show: Neiwai Barely Zero Mid Waist Brief

Sometimes, the best and most on-trend outfits call for no-show, seamless underwear. When you want to ensure your underwear doesn’t detract from the clothes, this is your pair to wear.

Pros: Very breathable and seamless under clothing. Extra stretchy

Cons: Sizing can be inconsistent. One size fits all, which we know doesn’t always.

Details:

• Colors: Six neutral color options.
• Size range: One size (31.5 – 39.5-inch hips)

15. Best Maternity: Storq Recovery Briefs

Maternity has long been overlooked in terms of design. But ever since Storq hit the market with its inclusive, flattering cuts and fun prints and colors, women everywhere are flocking to the brand. These briefs support women through every stage of pregnancy, first through fourth trimester. The soft modal jersey offers unbeatable comfort and a luxurious feel.

Pros: Comfortable and stretchy enough for before and after birth. 

Cons: Bulkier fit. Final sale product.

Details:

• Colors: Seven colors and prints
• Size range: XS (34-inch hips) to 3XL (54-inch hips)