Have you ever stared into your underwear drawer overflowing with...well, mysteries?
We all know the struggle of rummaging through a sea of lace and cotton, wondering, "What on earth is this even called?" Believe it or not, there's a whole world out there beyond just "briefs" and "thongs." Did you know there are dozens (seriously, DOZENS!) of different styles, each with its own name and purpose?
This complete guide to women's underwear is about to be your BFF. We'll unveil the secrets of every panty style, from the barely-there G-string to the comfy-cozy boybrief. Get ready to ditch the underwear confusion and finally understand what goes where – because every woman deserves to feel confident and comfortable in what she wears, from the inside out!
1. Bikini
Think of it like your new best friend for showing off some curves. Made from all sorts of materials, like cotton for breathability or lace for a little something extra, they keep things cool and breezy. Bikinis are perfect under those form-fitting clothes that hug you in all the right places, like bodycon dresses or high-waisted pants.
Description | Occasion |
Moderate coverage, perfect for showing off curves. Made from various materials like cotton or lace. | Everyday wear under form-fitting clothes like bodycon dresses or high-waisted pants. |
2. Thong
Now, if you want something similar but prefer to avoid panty lines, the thong is your gal. It's basically a bikini with a back strap for that extra bit of security. They come in breathable fabrics like cotton or blends, making them ideal for those leggings you love or that bodycon dress you've been eyeing.
Description | Occasion |
Like a bikini with a back strap for no panty lines. Breathable fabrics like cotton or blends. | Ideal for leggings, bodycon dresses, or any outfit where you want to avoid panty lines. |
3. Brief
Need a panty that prioritizes comfort above all else? Then the brief is your match made in heaven. Offering full coverage from your waist down to your thighs, they're made from comfy materials like cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics. Briefs are your go-to for everyday wear, loose-fitting clothes, or even just lounging around in your PJs.
Description | Occasion |
Full coverage from waist to thighs. Comfy materials like cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics. | Everyday wear, loose-fitting clothes, or lounging. |
4. Hipster
Feeling like a happy medium between a brief and a bikini? Sitting low on your hips and offering moderate coverage is a versatile choice for everyday wear. Sitting low on your hips and offering moderate coverage is a versatile choice for everyday wear. Whether you're rocking a dress, a skirt, or your favorite jeans, the hipster has you covered (literally!)
Description | Occasion |
Happy medium between a brief and bikini. Sits low on hips with moderate coverage. | Versatile for everyday wear - dresses, skirts, or jeans. |
5. Boybrief or Boy Short
Boybriefs are like briefs' cooler cousin. They offer the same full coverage but with a looser leg opening, kind of like boyshorts. Made from breathable fabrics, they're comfy and supportive during any activity, making them ideal for shorts, skirts, or loose-fitting pants.
Description | Occasion |
Full coverage with a loose leg opening, similar to boyshorts. Breathable fabrics for comfort and support. | Active wear, shorts, skirts, or loose-fitting pants. |
6. Cheeky
Feeling a little cheeky? (Literally!) Then the cheeky panty is your new secret weapon. It's a low-rise panty with a cheeky cut at the back for a more revealing look. Made from soft fabrics like lace, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and a touch of sexiness. They work best with low-rise jeans or shorts.
Description | Occasion |
Low-rise panty with a cheeky cut at the back for a revealing look. Soft fabrics like lace. | Low-rise jeans or shorts. |
7. High Waist
Want something that smooths you out under a dress? The high-waist panty is your secret weapon. This style has a waistband that sits above your navel, offering full torso coverage and a smoothing effect. Made from shaping fabrics like spandex blends, it's ideal for creating a sleek silhouette under dresses or form-fitting clothing.
Description | Occasion |
Smooths you out under clothing. High waistband for full torso coverage. Shaping fabrics like spandex blends. | Dresses or form-fitting clothing for a sleek silhouette. |
8. French Cut
Ever heard of French cut panties? They feature a straight-across leg opening that sits high on the leg for moderate coverage. Made from breathable fabrics like cotton, they're comfy and work well under dresses or skirts with higher hemlines.
Description | Occasion |
Straight-across leg opening that sits high on the leg for moderate coverage. Breathable fabrics like cotton. | Dresses or skirts with higher hemlines. |
9. Seamless
Let's talk about invisibility! Seamless panties are made from a single piece of fabric, creating a smooth, invisible feel under clothing. They come in various styles, from briefs to bikinis, and are perfect for form-fitting clothes like leggings or bodycon dresses.
Description | Occasion |
Invisible feel under clothing. Made from a single piece of fabric in various styles. | Form-fitting clothes like leggings or bodycon dresses. |
10. Tangas
Feeling like something a little more daring? Tangas are like thongs but with a wider back strap for more coverage. Made from breathable materials, they're ideal for a comfortable yet sexy silhouette and work well under tight clothing or dresses.
Description | Occasion |
Like a thong with a wider back strap for coverage. Breathable materials for comfort. | Tight clothing or dresses for a comfortable yet sexy look. |
11. G-string
Now, if you're looking for the most minimal coverage possible, the G-string is for you. Think of it as a barely-there panty with a T-shaped back strap. Made from delicate fabrics like lace or mesh, they're ideal for special occasions or under very revealing clothing.
Description | Occasion |
Minimal coverage with a T-shaped back strap. Delicate fabrics like lace or mesh. | Special occasions or very revealing clothing. |
12. Control Top
Need a little extra help shaping your curves? Look no further than control top panties. These feature a built-in shaping panel at the waist and abdomen to smooth and define your figure. Made from shaping fabrics, they work well under form-fitting clothing for a slimming effect.
Description | Occasion |
Shapes curves with a built-in shaping panel at the waist and abdomen. Shaping fabrics for a slimming effect. | Form-fitting clothing for a smoother look. |
13. Disposable Panty
Let's talk about convenience! Disposable panties are designed for single use, making them ideal for travel, postpartum care, or light incontinence. Made from breathable and non-irritating materials, they offer a hygienic and comfortable option.
Description | Occasion |
Convenient, single-use panty for travel, postpartum care, or light incontinence. Breathable and non-irritating materials. | Travel, postpartum care, or light incontinence. |
14. Postpartum
Finally, if you've just given birth, postpartum panties are your friend. This high-waisted style provides gentle compression and full coverage for comfort and support after childbirth. Made from soft, breathable fabrics, they help with healing and offer a smooth silhouette under clothing.
Description | Occasion |
High-waisted style with gentle compression and full coverage. Soft, breathable fabrics for comfort and support after childbirth. | Postpartum recovery for comfort and a smooth silhouette. |
Conclusion
No matter your style or needs, there's a perfect pair of underwear out there for you! With so many options to choose from, you can find something that feels comfortable, confident, and flattering. This guide is just a starting point – explore different cuts, fabrics, and colors to discover what works best for you.
Ready to find your perfect fit? We at Wacoal offer a wide range of underwear styles designed for comfort, support, and style. Click here to browse our collection and discover your new favorite pair of underwear!