5 Types Of Underwear You Should Own — And Where To Buy Them

 

There's no denying that underwear is an essential part of our daily lives — and more specifically, our wardrobes. While we don't often think about the ones we'll throw on first thing in the morning or when we step out of the shower, having a wide array of options is important. Every outfit calls for a different type of underwear style, from cheeky options that won't show lines under a bodycon dress to comfortable styles that you'll be glad to lounge around in on a day off. This season, we're making it our mission to only own and invest in quality and purposeful wardrobe essentials, and that goes straight down to our undergarments, too.

To help determine the best and most practical options out there, we shopped and broke down five

essential types of underwear that are worth adding to your closet.

Best Bikini Underwear

This pair of underwear is modeled after, naturally, bikini bottoms. The waistband sits on the lower side and has very high-cut leg holes. The front and back of the string bikini look like triangles.

When to wear them: This classic bikini bottom will be one you always reach for. It comes in four other shades, so you can get them all. Because they provide little coverage, they are less visible underneath clothes and thus can be worn under most anything.

 

Best Thong Underwear

This is the style most often sought when needing an undergarment for formfitting clothing, like tight skirts or dresses, because it provides no coverage on the butt cheeks — and thus, no annoying panty lines.

When to wear them: Thong underwear styles are great to wear under anything that you don't want visible panty lines for, like when you're rocking a body-con dress or tight pants. This particular style is hailed by reviewers for its breathable fit, which doesn't ride up when you wear it.

 

Best Brief Underwear

Commonly identified by the colloquial term "granny panties," this undergarment provides full coverage and a high waistband. Sure, it's not always the most attractive style of underwear, but it's certainly the most comfortable.

When to wear them: Great for high-waisted pants or just when you want to rock something comfy. These cotton brief from Hanes are made from an eco-friendly Tencel material that's both comfy and sustainable. With a wide array of color options, you can stock up on the bottom in multiple shades so that your underwear drawer is well-stocked.

 

Best Boy Shorts

Modeled after men's briefs, boy shorts take on a more rectangular shape than most panties. While similar to the hipster, the key difference is that they have a lower-cut leg. In fact, some styles' legs extend a short way down the thigh.

When to wear them: When fitted properly and made from the right fabric, boy shorts can actually serve the same function as a thong in being worn under formfitting clothes without visible panty lines. Longer cotton boy shorts, however, can even be worn as loungewear or pajamas. This particular style from ThirdLove is a completely seamless pair that is all about comfort. With zero stitches and a lightweight fabric, it's a bottom you'll never regret wearing.

 

Best Hipster Underwear

If you like low-rise jeans, then get excited — we found the perfect type of underwear for you. This style, also called hip huggers, got its name because the waistband sits on the hips, below the waist. They also feature more low-cut leg holes.

When to wear them: These still provide full coverage but are perfect for low-rise jeans, pants, or any style where you're planning to show a little more skin on the hips and waist. These hipster panties from Bombas offer the perfect mix of comfort and style. The low-rise silhouette hits at all the right places, while the style's elastic waistband ensures a comfortable fit that you can easily adjust as needed.