On what basis do you select your panties? You might buy panties based on the amount of lace they have, their patterns, or their colors. But when you pay no attention to the style or type of panty you’re buying, your comfort will suffer.
All panties are created with different purposes in mind. Each type is made to go underneath certain styles of pants, dresses, or shorts. However, you don’t have to wear every style of panty for their exact intended purpose. All that matters is what’s most comfortable to you!
1. Briefs
What’s the first image that comes to your mind when you think of briefs? Probably your grandpa’s tighty-whities. But women’s briefs (thankfully) look nothing like that.
Briefs are the most comfortable panty option, especially if you like full cheek coverage. They typically come in low-rise and high-rise styles, making them perfect to wear under your favorite pair of jeans regardless of cut or style. When looking for panty briefs, make sure to find a pair that won’t bunch or ride up.
2. Boyshorts
Like briefs, boyshorts provide total cheek coverage. They extend slightly down the thigh, just like men’s briefs—that’s why they’re called “boy” shorts.
You’ll find that boyshorts are typically made from fabrics designed for all-day comfort, such as microfiber, cotton, and nylon. Not only can you wear boyshorts under sweatpants or jeans, but you can also wear them underneath skirts and dresses—that way, you won’t have to worry about accidentally flashing someone!
3. Hipster
Hipster panties don’t have anything to do with hipster culture. They’re called “hipsters” because they sit below your waist, right on your hips. With hipsters, you don’t have to worry about your underwear sticking out of the top of your pants when you bend down. They’re low-cut enough to stay discreet.
That said, you can wear hipsters with just about any type of pants, dress, or skirt. Make sure you stock up on this versatile panty!
4. High-Cut/French-Cut
You might think high-cut panties look like “granny panties,” but hear me out! Their high-cut leg holes reach the top of your thigh, allowing for extra comfort. High-cut panties also sit securely above your hips, which actually provides some moderate tummy control.
Pair your high-cut panties with high-rise jeans or shorts. High-cut underwear isn’t compatible with low-rise pants because they fall above the hips, but they make up for that with their ability to elegantly shape your waist.
5. Seamless
Seamless panties aren’t necessarily a specific type of panty, but it’s a quality you should look out for. You’ll notice that seamless panties come in all sorts of shapes and styles including boyshorts, briefs, hipsters (and pretty much every panty type on this list).
When you wear regular underwear, do you notice panty lines that show through your pants or leggings? Seamless panties completely eliminate panty lines, as they’re made with no stitching whatsoever. You can wear seamless panties under virtually anything—they’ll make you look and feel as if you’re wearing nothing at all!
6. Thong
Thongs get rid of panty lines by providing very little cheek coverage. I guess you can say that their cheekiness makes them the most notoriously sexy underwear.
You don’t have to wear thongs just because of their sexiness factor—they also come in handy when you want to wear tights, leggings, pencil skirts, or tight dresses. Visible panty lines can ruin any of those outfits, so wearing a thong can help you look your best.
7. Bikini
Think of bikini panties like a cross between a thong and brief underwear. While they’re not as dramatic as thongs, they still have an air of sensuality thanks to their low-rise look and slight cheekiness.
Bikini panties are casual enough for everyday wear. You can pair them with just about any type of pants or dress, but you might want to choose a seamless pair if you’re worried about panty lines.
8. G-String
G-strings have a thong-like shape in back, which leave your cheeks fully exposed. They offer even less coverage than thongs, as the straps around your hips are mere strings. You can find g-strings in more dainty fabrics like satin or lace.
You’ll want to wear g-strings with any piece of tight clothing. While they’ll leave you with no panty lines, they’re not the most comfortable type of panty to wear 24/7.
9. Control Briefs
If you’re self-conscious about your stomach, slap on some control panties for that extra boost in self-esteem. You can find some control panties that land just above your belly button, while others rise to the top of your abdomen.
Either way, these panties are designed to give you a slim and smooth appearance. They’ll make you feel carefree in any bodycon dress, pencil skirt, or leggings.
10. Brazilian Briefs
Brazilian briefs are a thong and bikini hybrid. They have high-cut leg holes and leave your cheeks partially exposed. If you’re not ready to transition from a bikini to a thong, Brazilian briefs can make you more comfortable with having less coverage.
You can wear Brazilian briefs with jeans, shorts, or skirts. Just keep in mind that there’s a chance that they might ride up.
Don’t Get Your Panties in a Bunch
You don’t have to feel completely lost the next time you shop in Victoria’s Secret. If you’re not sure what type of panty you feel most comfortable with, I recommend trying multiple types. Wear a different style each day to get an idea of what you like best.
Now that you know the differences between each type of panty, take a look at our essential guide to shorts for women.
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