Nine women's underwear styles explained, from thong and bikini to boyshort and high-rise, with what to wear each under and which is most comfortable.
Updated Oct 10, 2026 · By Jenisha Jonchhe
The right underwear makes the outfit on top look better and feel better. There's no single best style, because the right pair depends on what you're wearing and how much coverage you want. Here are nine common cuts, what each is good for, and the catch to know.
One rule for all of them: pick the right size. Underwear that's too tight leaves lines and can cause chafing and irritation. If you get recurring rashes or infections, check with a doctor.
A thong has a thin strip of fabric at the back and a small triangle at the front. People tend to love them or refuse them. Their big plus is that they leave no panty lines, which makes them useful under fitted pants and clingy dresses.
If you wear one, choose cotton or a cotton-lined pair. It's more comfortable and breathes better.
Cheeky cuts cover less at the back than a standard bikini but more than a thong. The back is cut high on the cheek, so it's playful, and still gives support. A wider band around the hip helps avoid lines.
It's a good everyday pick if you like a fitted feel and don't want a thong.
The bikini is probably the most popular cut. Like a bikini bottom, it sits low on the hips, with high-cut leg openings. It covers more than a thong and doesn't ride up. It works under jeans, skirts and shorts, and for lounging at home.
If you can't decide what to buy, start here.
Hipsters sit on the hips, a little lower than your natural waist, with wider sides and more coverage than a bikini. They're comfortable and stay put, and the wider leg openings help airflow. They work well under loose clothes and low-rise pants.
Mid-rise briefs sit at or just below the belly button. They cover more than a hipster and less than a high-rise, and they fit comfortably under most jeans, trousers and dresses. For a lot of people this is the best everyday shape.
High-rise briefs cover the belly and sit above the navel. You may hear them called "granny panties," but they're practical: they tuck under high-waisted jeans without lines and don't dig in at the stomach. They also add a little gentle support.
They're a good pick if you hate the feel of a waistband cutting in.
A boyshort covers the hips and top of the thigh, like a short boxer brief. It's the best option for stopping thigh chafing under dresses and skirts. Plenty of people wear them as sleepwear or loungewear with a cami.
They can show lines under very tight pants, so skip them with leggings.
Seamless underwear is laser-cut or knit in one piece, with no stitched edges. It disappears under tight clothing. Most are soft and stretchy. Look for a cotton gusset, since some seamless fabrics are fully synthetic and hold heat.
They're a good base layer, particularly for fitted dresses and leggings.
This is shapewear: padded or foam-lined to add volume and lift at the back. Some have removable inserts. Padding is optional, and it's most useful for outfits where you want more curve.
Get the size right. If it's too tight it will roll or pinch, and this isn't something to wear for long stretches.
Seamless underwear swaps stitched elastic edges for laser-cut or bonded ones, so the edge lies flat against your skin and doesn't show through a fitted dress. A thong is the most invisible under bodycon and satin, while a seamless brief or hipster works under most knits and midis.
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