Not to be dramatic, but your underwear is probably one the most important items in your wardrobe. The foundation of every outfit, the right pair can boost your confidence, and your comfort. But one style doesn’t always fit every occasion. There are several different types of underwear, which we will cover below.
Whether you love the freedom of a thong or the full coverage of a high brief, here’s a breakdown of the seven different women’s underwear styles you need in your top drawer and what outfits they’re best for.
Ideal butt shapes: Round (O-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)
Don’t want your underwear to show? You probably already know you should reach for a thong. With zero coverage on your butt and minimal coverage on your hips, a thong provides a seamless and VPL-free look.
The typical thong consists of three parts: a thin waistband, a triangular piece of cloth in front, and a strip of cloth in the back that rests between the butt cheeks. There are different types of thongs, too, including tangas and G-strings. Tangas offer a bit more coverage than traditional thongs, having triangular cuts of fabric in both front and back. G-strings, on the other hand, offer less coverage and tend to be made with thinner strips of fabric.
The type of thong you opt for will depend on your personal preferences in terms of fit and style.
Ideal butt shapes: Square (H-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)
Bikinis are a popular style of women’s underwear that came about in the 1960s. Like your favorite bikini swimsuit, bikini underwear typically has a lower rise on the hip and a higher cut on the legs, while still offering plenty of coverage on your backside. Women appreciate this style for its overall comfort, medium level of coverage, and (usually) seamless appearance beneath various types of clothing. One of the most popular types of panties, bikinis pair well with nearly every outfit.
Ideal butt shapes: Square (H-shaped)
Cheeky underwear offer more coverage than a thong, but less than a bikini, revealing a little more of your…cheeks. Most styles of cheeky underwear feature a bit of extra fabric at the sides, and the “cheeky” behind could range in design from almost full-coverage to almost thong-style (though it typically falls somewhere between). For the best results hiding panty lines, opt for cheeky underwear designs that are seamless. More flirty and playful than your typical bikini cut, cheekies are still a great everyday option.
Ideal butt shapes: Inverted (V-shaped)
Halfway between a boyshort and a bikini, hipster panties have a bit more coverage on the leg-line than a bikini cut, but still sit a few inches below your natural waistline. Hipster panties are known for their ability to enhance your natural curves and shape, and many women find them very comfortable to wear. If you love wearing low rise pants and jeans, hipsters are pretty perfect, minimizing the risk of accidentally exposing your underwear.
Ideal butt shapes: Square (H-shaped), Inverted (V-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)
Designed for full coverage with slimming lines, briefs are great when you want a little added support or an extra comfortable barrier between you and your high waisted pants. One major benefit of high brief underwear is the attractive silhouette it offers. This women’s underwear style provides ample coverage of your hips, butt, and even your lower stomach, all while complementing your natural shape. Sure, some may refer to this women’s underwear type as “granny panties,” but we’ve been seeing (and making) this high coverage cut in tons of modern colors and fabrics.
Ideal butt shapes: Square (H-shaped), Inverted (V-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)
With more coverage than a hipster, but less than a high brief, mid-rise undies barely graze your navel for a comfortable, mid-coverage fit. This type of women’s underwear can be found in various styles, as well, so you can experience the delight of medium coverage in your favorite styles. Designed for daily wear, this panty style works especially well under mid-rise pants.
Ideal butt shapes: Inverted (V-shaped)
For a full coverage brief that’s between a base layer and loungewear, the boyshort is a versatile piece that can function as well under clothing as it can on its own. This style of underwear was designed with men’s boxer shorts in mind — hence the name — so it’s no surprise they offer many of the same benefits. For example, many women enjoy boyshorts for their ultra-comfortable fit and additional coverage. Additionally, this type of women’s underwear does a great job of eliminating panty lines for a clean, attractive look no matter what you’re wearing. Perfect for a night in, or as an insurance policy on a breezy day, the boyshort has you covered, literally.
Special occasions call for special attention and nothing says sexy like slipping on a pair of exquisite lace lingerie. Intricate design hugs the body in peek-a-boo delicacy, deliciously styled for all daywear.
Made with soft, recycled All Day lace, this is one taste of luxury that’s good for the planet and can take you from day to night with ease.
The delicate scalloped edges sit flat on your skin without digging while providing a seam-free look under fitted clothing.
Lined with a 100% cotton gusset, the All Day Lace collection comes in bikini, cheeky or thong styles. Also available in many lush colors, you would be hard pressed not to find a selection to express your unique style.
For those outfits where you need a little secret support, seamless underwear and shapewear can save the day. The comfort of soft organic cotton meets the seamless shaping power in ThirdLove’s High Waist Short. The high-waisted, cotton boy shorts are perfect for sensitive skin while keeping you cool. Flat seams ensure that it will disappear under fitted clothing leaving a beautiful, streamlined silhouette.
Shapewear has come a long way. While sculpting and smoothing under your outfit, they are no longer constricting or uncomfortable. The nylon/spandex fabric in ThirdLove’s Form Seamless Sculpt Brief gives a clean, lightweight, seamless fit and is available in sizes from XS - 3X.
Step out in style with supportive undergarments designed to keep you looking your best.
With so many types of underwear for women lovingly designed with style and comfort in mind, it all boils down to matching your needs.
Organic cotton is perfect for everyday wear and moderate activity levels. The light, breathable fabric is best for sensitive skin and staying cool on hot days.
Active ladies will benefit from the durability of nylon underwear. Its ability to hold its shape during intense workouts makes them a popular pick.
Fitted clothing requires special underwear. Seamless thongs, cheeky or high-rise boy shorts tend to disappear under tight fashions. Depending on the fabric, flat fitting lace is also an option.
For a little extra support, sculpting or shapewear will be your secret weapon.
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Returns & exchanges free for 60 days for all U.S. orders. Please try on the bra to ensure a good fit, making sure to leave the original tags attached. We only accept underwear in unworn condition, with original tags, in its unopened original polybag. Items marked final sale are not eligible for return or exchange. If something’s not right, we can help. Our Fit Experts are available via live chat, or email to answer any questions you might have.
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