Girl, it’s time to throw those ill-fitting granny panties away. We get it, they’re super comfortable and they are your go-to style. But there is a whole world of underwear out there for women of all ages and body types that look great and feel even better. If you’ve had your underwear for more than six months, it’s time for a panty haul. Stick with us, we’ll find you the exact right styles.
1. Comfort Above All Else
This may seem like a contradiction after we told you to throw out those granny panties, but there’s a whole world of flattering styles that are just as – or more – comfortable. Do you really like the bunching of the material when you’re pulling on your skinny jeans? No, of course not. So maybe you’re not ready to completely rid your underwear drawer of these fashion wonders, but try a few other styles for those jeans or your fancy dress.
We’re not asking you to wear a thong if you find that incredibly invasive, but you might be surprised at how little you actually notice that thin piece of fabric.
2. Coverage – When You Want It
Whether you like to leave it all to the imagination or you like to show what you’ve been blessed with, women deserve the level of coverage we feel most confident in. Here, we’ve arranged the most popular coverage options from “most modest” to “leave nothing to the imagination”.
- High-cut brief – Women like these because they have full coverage for the back-end, but also a little tummy support and sits right at your belly button. High cut briefs come in a variety of fabrics, but are commonly used as control-top underwear (a.k.a. shapewear). These work great under high-waisted garments but please, for the love of whatever you consider holy, do not wear them under hip-huggers or mid-to-low-rise jeans (Millennials, we’re talking to you, Gen-Z is probably fine because they are wearing their mom-jeans).
- Boyshorts – A full-coverage option for your backside that extends a few inches down the thighs. It’s like a more flattering and form fitting alternative to boxers for women who want to avoid the chaffing between their legs (from experience all we can say is: Ouch!).
- Classic brief – A simple, everyday piece of lingerie that every woman has in her drawer at one time or another. The classic style brief gives you the coverage you want without anything extra. It’s generally a mid-rise cut to sit right above your hips.
- Bikini – Something a little skimpier without sacrificing too much coverage. These low-cut briefs sit right on the hips which is perfect for showing a little midriff. It fits just like a classic bikini bottom (not gonna make a SpongeBob reference, nope, not gonna do it).
- Cheeky – You get the same cut as the bikini but with a little cheeky flair. Great for those shorty-short shorts, a cheeky cut panty is a little higher cut in the back without giving you a wedgie.
- Thong – Anyone ever put on a thong for the first time and suddenly feel like you’ve got a sexy secret? A thong is like a rite of passage from being a girl to becoming a woman. There’s no real reason to wear a thong every day, unless you want to, but it has its benefits when it comes to reducing panty lines on close-fitting clothing.
- G-String – Move over exotic dancers, the G-string isn’t just for strippers anymore. This is your least-coverage option and some women love them for their barely-there feel. Why wear underwear at all in this case, you may ask? Frankly, we have no idea. But it’s something between your sensitive skin and your clothes, so that has to count for something.
3. Take One Step At A Time
Hold on a second, before you x-out of this article. No one wants you to jump right into thongs or straight up to high-cut briefs until you’re ready. Are you nervous about making that transition? We’d be surprised if you weren’t. Maybe jumping too many steps too quickly isn’t the right way to make you feel comfortable in your clothes.
Try the next style down on the list. Or buy one of each to add to your collection and you can mix and match. Try them out when you’re having a super confident day to see how you can boost your spirit even higher.
4. Wearing White
This is a challenge for all women. How do you wear underwear without looking like you’re wearing underwear? Wearing white is one of those annoying fashion trends that just won’t go away. Even the hot goth chicks wear white or those mesh bodysuits on occasion.
We’re going to let you in on a big secret. The key isn’t to wear white underneath – it’s to wear nude colors. No, don’t go nude – unless you’re into that – but find a color that matches your skin tone to create the illusion of nudity.
5. Shapewear
Some of us like to smooth out the appearance of our natural bodies a bit when we’re getting ready for an event where pictures might be taken. We’re body positive here so don’t think we’re saying there is anything wrong with your body. But occasionally smoothing out the curves and accentuating our finer assets gives us a boost of confidence.
6. Fabric Choices Galore
There are no limits when it comes to comfort. Designers are doing amazing things by improving fabric breathability. Even polyester doesn’t chaff anymore with a cotton blend. Now you can get a sleek and sexy feel without compromising comfort.
Nylon and spandex are commonly used in shapewear or underwear because of the flexibility and durability. The combination produces a soft, stretchy undergarment that doesn’t make you sweat or stink. The flexibility of the fabric allows your more dainty drawers, like the ones with a little lace, to sit snugly without cutting off circulation.
7. Seamlessness
Laser cut underwear has changed panty lines forever. You can get any cut or style in a laser cut seamless pattern that sits flush on your skin. Along with your white dress or tight fitting outfit, seamless underwear is a must – yes, even if you choose to wear a thong.
Seamless underwear is also free of that elastic band around the legs and waist which can cause irritation. So you’re saving your skin a seriously stressful situation and hiding those annoying panty lines all at once.
8. The Matching Sets
First of all, it’s rare that the top and the bottom are the same size. If you’re one of the lucky few, well, good for you. For the rest of us that have a little more on the top than the bottom or a little more cushion in the back, buying matching sets can be frustrating.
The question is, do you fit for the top or the bottom? Look, matching sets are awesome. It makes some of us feel empowered and like we’ve got our life together. But unless you can mix and match sizes, they’re not all they are cracked up to be. Take it from someone who’s been there – the low cost matching bra and underwear sold as a fixed set are cute but lower quality.
You’re better off looking for matching pieces you can buy separately. That way you can buy your size and feel confident and put together all in one.
9. Read The Reviews
Buying online can be incredibly convenient, but also deceiving. It’s easy to find a webstore that sells women’s underwear. It’s a little more difficult to find a quality online women’s underwear store.
The best thing you can do when buying underwear online is to read the reviews. Don’t just stick with the 5-star “It’s Great!” comments either. Look for the 3- and 4- star reviews; these ones are generally the most honest and they get down to the nitty gritty. In these comments you’ll find out whether the fabric holds up in the laundry, if the sizing chart is accurate, and if the customer service is up to par when there is an issue.
10. Try On Everything
Most places won’t let you try on underwear in-store anymore for health reasons. But if you do find a boutique that allows you to try before you buy, try on the lingerie with a thin pair of your own underwear underneath.
If you’ve purchased the product online, we recommend using the same technique or sticking a pantyliner on the inside if you haven’t washed the panty yet. Frankly, even if no one else has tried this particular pair on, many people have handled it in its journey to you.
11. Be Adventurous
Look, girl, no one has to ever see these panties except for you (unless you want them too *wink*). Underwear is absolutely a judgment-free zone. If you are more quiet and soft spoken, get the crazy pattern or the bright colors. If you are more outgoing but prever nudes and muted colors, don’t let anyone tell you that it’s not your style. Be adventurous and comfortable in what you are wearing to inspire your own confidence.
Your underwear is for you. Do something for yourself today.
