12 Types of Underwear for Women: Find Your Perfect Fit in 2025

The wrong types of women's underwear can affect your whole day with discomfort from bunched-up briefs or annoying visible panty lines.

Selecting the perfect underwear goes beyond style. The right fit should match your body and comfort level. Each style from briefs and hipsters to bikinis and thongs serves a specific purpose in your wardrobe.

Your outfit's success depends on your underwear choice. Understanding your body type becomes significant when making confident choices. This detailed guide will help you explore 12 different types of women's underwear to find your perfect fit in 2025.

Classic Briefs: The Everyday Essential

Classic briefs are the life-blood of women's underwear. They give reliable coverage and support that you need every day. These timeless undergarments rest above the hips and provide full coverage across the bottom.

Classic Brief Features and Design

The higher waistband of classic briefs sits just below the belly button. Its design prevents rolling or bunching as you go about your day. You'll find the defined elastic waistband gives a secure fit that stays comfortable during daily activities. The briefs also give complete rear coverage that creates a smooth silhouette under clothes.

Who Should Choose Classic Briefs

Classic briefs are perfect if you want reliable support without giving up comfort. They work great for active lifestyles because they stay put no matter how much you move. Women who like fuller coverage or feel uncomfortable in minimal-coverage styles will love classic briefs.

Best Classic Brief Materials

The material choice substantially affects how classic briefs perform. Here are the top fabric options:

·        Cotton: Gives superior breathability and natural moisture-wicking properties - perfect for everyday wear

·        Modal: Has silk-like softness with cotton-level breathability that works great for sensitive skin

·        Bamboo: Brings natural moisture-wicking abilities while staying biodegradable

Styling Tips for Classic Briefs

Defined seams around the waist and legs might show through stretchy or tight-fitting clothes. Seamless versions work better under form-fitting outfits. These briefs pair well with loose-fitting bottoms for everyday wear, giving you both comfort and discretion.

Thongs: The No-Show Solution

Thongs have come a long way from being just a solution for visible panty lines. These minimal-coverage undergarments are now a versatile option that combines practicality and style for many occasions.

Different Types of Thongs

The world of thongs includes several distinct styles that serve unique purposes:

·        Classic thongs: Feature wider bands and cotton material for everyday comfort

·        T-back thongs: Create a T-shape design with moderate coverage

·        G-string: Offer minimal coverage with string sides

·        V-string: Like G-strings but form a V-shape

·        Tanga thongs: Provide extra coverage with a wider back strip

·        Cheeky thongs: Balance between coverage and reveal

When to Wear Thongs

Thongs work best under form-fitting clothes and eliminate visible panty lines effectively. You should pick moisture-wicking cotton or modal thongs for gym sessions. Lace thongs are great for special occasions, but their delicate texture might irritate sensitive skin at first. You should avoid wearing thongs during long periods in wet conditions or while sick.

Thong Comfort and Fit Guide

The perfect thong fit starts with picking the right size—which usually matches your regular underwear size. Here's what makes a thong comfortable:

The waistband needs to sit snugly without digging into your skin. A good-fitting thong feels secure but you barely notice it throughout the day. Breathable materials like cotton or modal are your best bet for comfort. Seamless styles work great under tight-fitting clothes.

New to thongs? Start with cotton ones and wear them for short periods until you adjust. A well-fitting thong shouldn't move around or cause discomfort during your daily activities. Note that switching between different underwear styles helps maintain good intimate health.

Boyshorts: Comfort Meets Style

Boyshorts bring a feminine touch to the classic men's boxer brief design (though not as comfy as women's boxer briefs). They deliver full-coverage comfort without compromising style. These women's underwear styles blend athletic function with fashion-forward design.

Boyshort Design Elements

The extended side panels combine with a mid-rise front and high-rise back to create a secure fit that won't budge. A well-designed waistband stays put without slipping or bunching as you move through your day. Premium materials like TENCEL™ Modal with Spandex give these styles amazing flexibility and breathability.

Best Occasions for Boyshorts

Boyshorts shine in many situations as everyday wear. The extended wings and subtle elastic leg openings make them perfect under skirts and dresses. Athletes and gym-goers love them because they stay in place and minimise visible lines under tight workout clothes.

Choosing the Right Boyshort Length

Your body type and needs determine the ideal boyshort length. Traditional styles cover your entire buttocks with a 1-inch inseam. You might prefer cheeky boyshorts with their shorter cut that keeps the signature style.

To find your best fit, these materials stand out:

·        Cotton: Natural breathability and moisture control

·        Modal: Silk-like softness with flexibility

·        Sustainable fabrics: Sourced from renewable bamboo forests

Boyshorts work well for every body type, with sizes from S to 3XL. Your perfect pair depends on your shape and how you plan to use them - whether lounging at home or hitting the gym.

High-Waisted Briefs: Retro Revival

High-waisted briefs have made a comeback in modern wardrobes. They combine vintage elegance with today's comfort standards. These sophisticated undergarments rest at or above the belly button and strike a perfect balance between style and support.

High-Waisted Brief Benefits

High-waisted briefs excel at providing superior support and coverage. The higher waistband gently wraps around your waist to create a secure fit that stays put without rolling down. These briefs smooth out the midsection instead of cutting across it, which works especially well under fitted dresses and skirts. The design helps control the tummy area while keeping you comfortable all day. This makes them perfect for post-pregnancy recovery or anyone who needs extra support.

Styling High-Waisted Underwear

High-waisted briefs are incredibly versatile. They blend naturally with high-waisted jeans and trousers, so you won't worry about visible waistbands. These briefs provide elegant coverage that works well with sheer or see-through outfits. While designed for everyday use, they're equally suitable for special occasions when made from luxurious materials like lace or silk.

Best High-Waisted Materials

Material choice substantially affects how comfortable and functional high-waisted briefs are:

·        Cotton: Offers superior breathability and absorption, ideal for daily wear

·        Microfiber: Provides exceptional softness and quick-drying properties

·        Silk: Delivers luxurious comfort with natural temperature regulation capabilities

Modern fabric technologies have enhanced these vintage-inspired briefs. The materials now include stretch properties that ensure flexibility without losing support. Modern seamless edges and lightweight fabrics create an invisible profile under clothing. This combination preserves the classic silhouette that makes these briefs timeless.

Hipsters: Modern Comfort Choice

Hipster underwear brings together modern design and practical comfort. Women love these versatile undergarments because they offer balanced coverage and sit perfectly on the hips. They're a fresh take on traditional styles.

Hipster Style Features

We designed hipster underwear as a hybrid between bikinis and boyshorts. The style gives you moderate coverage with a low-rise waistband that sits comfortably on your hips. Your natural hip shape gets a flattering fit from the distinct cut of the leg openings, and you won't have to sacrifice comfort. These women's underwear styles come in four variations:

·        Classic hipsters: You get low-rise medium coverage across the hip area

·        French-cut hipsters: The front leg openings have a high cut

·        Control hipsters: The thicker fabric smooths your figure

·        Full-coverage hipsters: The waistband reaches your navel for complete coverage

Body Types for Hipsters

Without doubt, hipster underwear works well for many body shapes. Women with round body types look great in high-waist hipster styles that cover the stomach and waist area fully. This prevents muffin tops. A-type or pear-shaped figures do better with hipsters that have larger leg holes. This helps avoid thigh marks. Heart-shaped curves look amazing in seamless hipsters that create a smooth silhouette.

Hipster Fit Guide

Your perfect hipster fit depends on more than just your body type. You should measure your waist and hips at their fullest points to find your ideal size. A good waistband sits securely without digging into your skin or causing discomfort.

These material options work great:

·        Cotton hipsters give you breathability for daily wear

·        Modal blends feel silky soft

·        Green fabrics suit eco-conscious choices

The elastic waistband and leg openings should spread pressure evenly between fabric and skin. Active people should pick moisture-wicking materials that keep their shape all day.

Brazilian Cut: Cheeky Coverage

Brazilian cut underwear traces its roots to Rio's vibrant beach culture and has become a go-to choice for women who want both coverage and style. This unique underwear style blends comfort with a flattering shape that makes it a versatile addition to any collection.

Brazilian Cut Characteristics

Brazilian briefs stand out from other styles with their distinctive design. The front offers full coverage while the back shows more skin, with fabric that covers about half of the buttocks. The design features a low-rise waist and high-cut legs, with 8cm side panels that sit on the hips. A signature V-shaped design boosts your natural curves without sacrificing comfort.

When to Choose Brazilian Style

Brazilian underwear shines in many situations and works great with different outfits. These briefs are perfect under tight clothes since they minimize visible panty lines. The style looks amazing on pear shapes and petite figures. On the coverage scale, the cheeky factor rates 3 out of 5.

Finding Your Perfect Brazilian Fit

The best materials to think about for maximum comfort include:

·        Tencel micromodal (87%) with elastane (13%) that feels incredibly soft

·        Cotton-blend gussets that let your skin breathe

·        Soft-light microfiber for a smooth feel

Your perfect Brazilian fit should feel secure without leaving marks on your skin. You'll find these briefs in various rises from low to mid-rise options. You can pick between all-lace styles or ones that combine lace with microfiber based on your priorities. Finding your ideal fit comes down to picking a size that matches your usual underwear measurements and ensures the waistband rests comfortably on your hips.

Period Underwear: Innovation for Comfort

Period underwear is a breakthrough in women's intimate wear that combines smart technology with comfort. This new type of women's underwear uses multiple layers of special fabric to protect you during menstruation.

How Period Underwear Works

The design uses several layers of microfiber polyester that trap menstrual flow. A moisture barrier keeps you dry, and another layer stops leaks. Most brands now use odor-control treatments to keep you fresh while wearing them. These undergarments can hold one to two tampons' worth of flow, which makes them great for different flow levels.

Types of Period Protection

You'll find period underwear with different absorbency levels to match your needs:

·        Light absorbency for spotting or backup protection

·        Medium coverage for regular flow days

·        Heavy protection for overnight use or intense flow

·        Super absorbency for maximum security

You can wear these undergarments alone or with other menstrual products for extra protection. Most women need five to seven pairs to get through their cycle comfortably.

Caring for Period Underwear

Good care will make your period underwear last two to five years. Here's what you should do:

·        Wash on gentle cycle in cold water

·        Avoid fabric softeners and bleach

·        Skip the dryer and air-dry completely

·        Rinse right after use until water runs clear

Sustainability Impact

The average person who menstruates uses up to 15,000 pads or tampons in their lifetime. Switching to period underwear will reduce waste by a lot and save you money over time. These green women's underwear styles give you both environmental and financial benefits, which explains why more conscious consumers choose them.

Seamless Underwear: Invisible Solution

Modern seamless technology has changed women's underwear manufacturing with innovative circular knitting machines that create garments without side seams. This breakthrough saves up to 40% in production costs and delivers better comfort.

Seamless Technology Explained

Italian manufacturers lead the production of advanced circular knitting machines that create complete garments through preprogrammed computer commands. The streamlined process skips traditional cutting and sewing steps to produce finished products without side seams. These machines combine different textures and compression levels to create endless possibilities for colored patterns and detailing.

Best Outfits for Seamless Underwear

Seamless women's underwear looks great under form-fitting clothing because it eliminates visible panty lines and creates a smooth silhouette. These undergarments pair perfectly with:

·        Tight-fitting dresses and skirts

·        Athletic wear and yoga pants

·        Form-fitting trousers

·        Bodycon outfits

Your body moves freely without seams, which prevents chafing from traditional elastic bands and tags. The knitted-in shaping removes bulky elastics and enhances overall comfort.

Top Seamless Brands

Leading manufacturers have created specialised collections that focus on comfort and invisibility. These brands use high-quality materials like microfiber and modal to ensure breathability and moisture-wicking properties. New fibers and knitting adaptations continue to evolve and offer innovative solutions for different body types.

Seamless underwear's popularity comes from its versatility and comfort features. These garments adjust to your body shape and work well for various sizes. The industry's biggest problem remains helping consumers understand the many benefits of seamless garments.

Control Briefs: Shapewear Evolution

Control briefs have shaped women's underwear styles from ancient corsets to today's innovative designs. These undergarments provide different levels of support without sacrificing comfort. Modern fabric technology and design advances have transformed how these garments work.

Control Level Options

Women's control underwear comes in various compression levels that match specific needs. The options include:

·        Light control for subtle smoothing

·        Medium control for everyday wear

·        Firm control for special occasions

·        Extra firm control for maximum shaping

Occasion-Specific Shapewear

Control briefs work well in many situations, from daily activities to special events. Light control options create a smooth foundation under business attire, especially with fitted trousers and skirts. Firm control styles provide extra support under formal wear at special occasions. These styles target specific body areas like the tummy, waist, and thighs.

Comfort vs Control Balance

The best control underwear for women combines support and comfort perfectly. Modern shapewear uses stretchy, breathable fabrics that move with your body while keeping their shape. The right size makes a vital difference - control briefs should fit snugly but never restrict movement or breathing.

Modern control briefs now include innovative features like:

·        Seamless edges for invisible wear

·        Breathable panels for all-day comfort

·        Flexible materials that adapt to movement

These undergarments blend various comfort elements with their control functions. They sculpt curves gently while allowing free movement. Modern control briefs provide support without the restrictions found in older shapewear designs.

G-String: Ultimate Minimal Coverage

G-strings stand out as the most minimal design among women's underwear types. They feature a distinctive T-shape back that makes them different from traditional styles. The design includes a small triangular front panel that connects to thin elastic straps or strings around the hips.

G-String vs Thong Differences

We noticed that G-strings and thongs differ in their construction and coverage level. The back portion creates a T-shape design, while thongs show a V or Y-shaped silhouette. G-strings use less fabric than thongs and have just a thin string running between the buttocks instead of the wider strip you'll find in traditional thong designs.

When to Wear G-Strings

G-strings work great under form-fitting outfits where getting rid of visible panty lines is a vital part of the look. These underwear styles are perfect with:

·        Body-con dresses and tight skirts

·        Form-fitting evening wear

·        High-waisted pants

·        Special occasion outfits

All the same, you should skip wearing G-strings during workouts, long periods in wet conditions, or while sleeping. You might want to save these minimal coverage styles for times when you need complete invisibility under clothing.

G-String Comfort Tips

Getting the perfect G-string fit means paying attention to several important factors. The waistband should sit securely without creating pressure points or digging into your skin. We picked natural fabrics like cotton for daily wear because they let your skin breathe and lower the risk of irritation.

The best comfort comes from picking a size that matches your regular underwear measurements. Your elastic straps should spread pressure evenly and stay comfortable throughout the day. You'll end up more comfortable if you're new to G-strings by starting with cotton styles and wearing them for short periods to get used to the minimal coverage.

Smart Underwear: 2025 Tech Integration

Smart technology has revolutionised intimate apparel by adding health monitoring features to women's underwear. The smart underwear market value stands at $0.64 billion in 2023 and experts predict it will grow to $1.03 billion by 2029.

Health Monitoring Features

Smart underwear comes with biometric sensors that keep track of vital health metrics daily. These women's underwear styles monitor:

·        Heart rate and ECG patterns

·        Sleep quality and patterns

·        Stress levels

·        Body temperature

·        Activity levels

·        Stationary time tracking

The collected data syncs with smartphone apps and helps you learn about your health patterns. Unlike traditional wearables, these undergarments maintain constant skin contact, which makes them perfect for continuous monitoring.

Smart Fabric Innovations

Advanced e-textile technology combines smoothly with smart underwear through conductive materials that adapt to environmental changes. The fabrics come with temperature-regulating properties that keep you comfortable throughout the day. These different types of underwear for women use textile-based biosensors that maximise stretchability, breathability, and biocompatibility.

Future of Smart Underwear

Much like current smart home systems, future versions will connect with your surroundings. Manufacturers imagine these features before 2025:

·        Your thermostat will adjust based on body temperature

·        Music will play when you feel stressed

·        You'll get reminders to stay hydrated

The Asia-Pacific region shows great potential for market growth due to aging populations and rising health awareness. These best underwear options work great if you have ongoing health monitoring needs. AI and smart fabrics might soon allow these garments to adjust their fit automatically based on your movement and posture.

Sustainable Underwear: Eco-Conscious Choice

Eco-conscious fashion has revolutionised women's underwear styles. Mindful consumers now prioritize sustainable options more than ever before. The numbers tell a shocking story - traditional underwear manufacturing sent 235 million pieces to landfills in 2019 alone.

Sustainable Materials Guide

Natural fabrics are the foundations of eco-friendly women's underwear. These materials offer both comfort and sustainability:

·        Organic Cotton: GOTS certification gives assurance of fair wages and pesticide-free farming

·        TENCEL™: FSC-certified wood pulp creates silk-like comfort

·        Hemp: The production needs nowhere near as much water as traditional cotton

·        Bamboo: Natural growth requires no pesticides or artificial irrigation

Environmental Impact

Sustainable women's underwear reduces harm to nature through smart production methods. These eco-friendly alternatives save water and use energy-efficient practices. Synthetic fabrics pose the biggest problem at the end of their life cycle. They release microplastics with each wash, adding to fashion's waste crisis.

Top Sustainable Brands

Several manufacturers have built strong eco-credentials over the years. These brands excel at combining ethical production with sustainable materials:

At Flissie we combine sustainable bamboo fabrics, closed loop manufacturing to recycle excess gas and water, and use plant-based packaging to make the most comfortable women's boxer briefs. WUKA delivers quality period underwear through ethical supply chains. Rapanui takes a different approach - they produce items only after purchase to eliminate excess inventory. KENT has become a game-changer with their 100% compostable underwear that breaks down in just three months.

Care Instructions

The right care methods will help your sustainable underwear last longer and protect the environment. Here's what you need to know:

·        Cold water washes with biodegradable detergents work best

·        Skip the fabric softeners and bleach

·        Let items air-dry to save energy

·        Use washing bags to catch microfibers

Good care means these garments can last two to five years. Simple washing habits and proper maintenance will help you get the most from your eco-friendly intimates while protecting the planet.

 

Conclusion

You need to think about your unique needs, body type, and lifestyle priorities when picking the perfect underwear. Modern underwear goes beyond simple options and comes with specialised features. These range from period protection to smart health monitoring.

Comfort should be your top priority as you choose from 12 different styles. Classic briefs work great for everyday use. Thongs and G-strings are perfect under form-fitting outfits. The market now offers eco-friendly options made from organic cotton, TENCEL™, and bamboo fabrics that feel great and look stylish.

Smart underwear technology shows us what a world of intimate apparel might look like. Built-in health monitoring and adaptive features are becoming more available. The perfect underwear choice depends on finding the right mix of coverage, comfort, and functionality that works for you.

Knowledge of these different styles enables you to create a versatile collection. Your underwear can work for different occasions and keep you comfortable all day. Quality pieces that match your body's shape, outfit needs, and personal priorities make all the difference.

 

FAQs

Q1. What are the most comfortable types of underwear for women? The most comfortable underwear options for women include Flissie boxer briefs, seamless styles, boyshorts, briefs, and hipsters made from soft, breathable materials like cotton, modal, and bamboo. These provide a good balance of coverage and comfort for everyday wear.

Q2. How many pairs of underwear should a woman own? On average, it's recommended to have 20-25 pairs of underwear. This amount ensures you won't run out between laundry cycles and allows for variety based on different outfits and activities.

Q3. What underwear style is best for eliminating visible panty lines? Thongs and seamless underwear are the best options for eliminating visible panty lines under tight-fitting clothes. G-strings offer the most minimal coverage for completely smooth lines under body-con dresses or skirts.

Q4. Are period underwear effective replacements for traditional menstrual products? Period underwear can be effective replacements or backups for traditional menstrual products. They come in various absorbency levels, holding between one to two tampons' worth of flow, and can be worn alone or with other products for extra protection.

Q5. What are the benefits of sustainable underwear options? Sustainable underwear options, made from materials like organic cotton or TENCEL, reduce environmental impact through eco-friendly production methods. They often offer comparable comfort to traditional underwear while minimizing water usage, avoiding pesticides, and reducing textile waste in landfills.