Different Types Of Underwear For Women

Sep 23, 2025

Explore every panty style—from briefs to thongs. This guide helps you discover the best underwear for a perfect fit and style.

Different Types Of Underwear For Women

Different Types of Underwear for Women: The Ultimate Comfort & Style Guide

Wondering how to feel comfortable all day, confidently style everything you wear, and build a wardrobe that's truly comfortable? The answer starts with your underwear. Lingerie has evolved beyond basic briefs or simple bikini briefs. Today, there are styles to suit every body type, preference, and occasion. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about the different types of lingerie, how to choose the best fabrics, how to match underwear styles to your outfit and body type, and how to truly feel comfortable from dawn to midnight.

Table of Contents

1. Factors to Consider When Choosing Underwear

2. 8 Essential Types of Women's Underwear

3. How to Determine Your Body Type

4. How to Find Your Perfect Size & Fit

Why Understanding Different Types of Underwear for Women Matters

When it comes to style, comfort, and body confidence, different types of lingerie can make or break your day. The right bra style can change the way your clothes fit, the way you move, and even the way you feel about yourself. Many women underestimate the importance of choosing lingerie; it's more than just picking a pretty print or color. It requires choosing the right fit, coverage, and functionality based on your unique body shape, style, and lifestyle.

According to a 2022 survey by the Underfashion Club, over 74% of women say that uncomfortable bras negatively impact their mood or daily activities. Meanwhile, new lingerie styles like seamless bras and high-leg silhouettes are not only changing the fashion landscape but also supporting women's health and self-esteem.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Underwear

Choosing the right types of underwear isn’t just about style—it’s about comfort, health, and how your underwear will perform throughout the day. With so many women’s underwear styles available, from seamless underwear to lace panties and everything in between, making the right decision comes down to understanding several key factors. Below, you’ll find expert considerations every shopper—whether online or in-store—should keep top of mind.

Comfort Above All

The best underwear for women should feel like a second skin. Comfort is impacted by the following:

Seams and Tags: Opt for seamless underwear or options with flat, minimal seams to avoid irritation.

Waistband Types: Consider soft, wide waistbands for gentle support or lower, minimal designs for invisible comfort beneath low-rise outfits.

Cotton Gusset: Look for a cotton gusset in all panty types. This is important for breathability and maintaining intimate health, especially for sensitive skin.

How to Determine Your Body Type

Everyone's body is unique, and understanding your shape is key to finding the right underwear. Different types of underwear are designed to flatter different body proportions and hip shapes. At S-SHAPER, you can find underwear that's right for your body type, whether you're looking for a lifted, flattering, or simply more comfortable fit. Understanding your body shape can help you choose underwear that supports, accentuates, and fits perfectly.

Why Body Type Matters for Underwear

Comfort Fit: Certain styles prevent ride-up or rolling.

Smooth Silhouette: The right cut reduces muffin top, bunching, or awkward lines.

Confidence: Accentuating curves or balancing proportions can make you feel your absolute best.

Main Female Body Types

Body types are generally categorized into five main categories. Here's a quick guide to help you identify yours. All you need is a mirror, a tape measure, and a few minutes to measure yourself.

Body Shape	Best Panty Styles	Why?
Pear	High-waist, full coverage briefs	Balances hips, creates smooth lines
Apple	Soft, seamless, mid-rise options	No digging, offers tummy comfort
Hourglass	Anything! Especially cheeky	Highlights curves, fits waist/hips
Rectangle	Boyshorts, hipsters, tangas	Creates definition and comfort
Inverted	Bikini, high-cut, mid-rise	Accentuates hips, adds curve

3. Material Matters

The material of your underwear determines how it feels, lasts, and treats your skin.

Cotton and organic cotton: They're highly breathable, easy to clean, and hypoallergenic. Organic cotton underwear, especially those certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), also minimizes exposure to toxic residues and respects environmental values.

Modal and bamboo: They're ultra-soft, cool, and moisture-wicking—ideal for sensitive skin or hot weather.

Lace and silk: They're light and delicate, perfect for special occasions, but may require more care.

Nylon, spandex, and polyester: They're stretchy and durable, making them ideal for seamless bras, activewear, or shapewear.

For sensitive skin or everyday wear, many experts recommend sticking with natural fabrics, at least for the crotch area (the crotch gusset).

4. Style and Occasion Compatibility

Choosing the right women’s underwear style for your wardrobe and plans is just as important as picking the right fit and material.

Thong underwear, G-strings, and T-strings: Best for eliminating panty lines in leggings or body-hugging dresses.

Boyshorts and hipster underwear: Great for lounging, sleeping, or pairing with skirts for extra coverage.

Brief underwear and high-waisted styles: Excellent for workdays, high-rise jeans, or when you want a super-smooth silhouette.

Seamless underwear: Your go-to for a VPL-free (Visible Panty Line) look, especially with light or thin fabrics.

Cheeky underwear and tangas: Fun, flirty, and perfect for when you want a little less coverage but aren’t ready for a thong.

5. Activity Level

Will you be active, lounging, working, or dressing up for a special night?

For sports and fitness: Look for moisture-wicking, stretchy, and tag-free panty types—especially seamless or boyshorts for movement with no ride-up.

For long days: Opt for breathability and a comfort fit (think organic cotton underwear or modal).

6. Addressing Special Needs

Consider whether you need bras for:

Post-breast surgery or postpartum support.

Menstrual bras (period bras now come in absorbent styles!)

Pregnancy or sensitive skin solutions.

Quick-Reference Table: Picking Underwear by Main Factors3. Material Matters

Factor	Why It Matters	Best Styles/Materials	When to Prioritize
Comfort	Prevents chafing/irritation	Seamless, organic cotton	All day, activewear
Size & Fit	No ride-up/rolling, perfect hug	All types with size guidance	At all times
Occasion Compatibility	Flawless look, no VPL	Thongs, seamless underwear	Formal, body-hugging wear
Material	Breathability, durability	Cotton, modal, bamboo, lace	Daily, sensitive skin
Special Support	Healing, health, and convenience	Maternity, post-surgery, period	As needed

8 Essential Types of Women's Underwear

Today's underwear drawer is a world of choice, innovation, and self-expression. Exploring the primary panty types helps you create a collection with options for every mood, outfit, and body shape. Each style serves a purpose—some offer full coverage and support, while others disappear for that seamless look.

Here’s an expert breakdown of the essential types of underwear for women, including highlights, best uses, coverage level, and compatibility with various butt shapes.

Comparison Table: Essential Women's Underwear Styles

Underwear Style	Best For	Coverage	Ideal Butt Shape	Panty Line (VPL)	Standout Feature
Briefs	Daily wear, high-waist bottoms	Full	Square, Inverted, Heart	Low	Comfort fit
Hipsters	Low-rise pants, lounging	Medium-Full	Inverted	Low	Hip-hugging style
Bikini	Versatile, any outfit	Medium	Square, Heart	Medium	Flattering cut
High-Cut/High-Leg	Elongating legs, retro looks	Medium-Full	Square, Inverted, Heart	Medium	High arch on leg
Thongs	Tight clothes, VPL-free outfits	Minimal	Round, Heart	None	No panty lines
Boyshorts	Loungewear, cozy looks	Full	Inverted	Low	Extended coverage
Seamless/No-Show	Form-fitting/white clothing	Varies (usually min–med)	All shapes	Minimal/None	Discreet, no seams
G-Strings/T-Strings	Ultra-tight outfits, minimal VPL	Minimal	Round, Heart	None	Minimalist design

1. Brief Underwear

Briefs are a favorite for their classic, comfort-first design. Offering full coverage, brief underwear provides peace of mind，ideal for workdays, high-waisted pants, and when you want a smooth, supported silhouette. They usually feature a higher rise that sits near or over the navel and a wider side and back panel for more coverage.

Best For: High-waisted pants, skirts, everyday comfort

Butt Shape Match: Square (H-shaped), Inverted (V-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)

Coverage: Full coverage on hips and rear

Standout: No ride-up, classic comfort fit

2. Hipster Underwear

Hipster underwear sits lower on the hips with a wide side panel, often halfway between briefs and bikini cuts in coverage. They’re ideal for low-rise jeans and pants. Their modern cut and snug fit mean you’ll get comfort without extra bulk at the waist.

Best For: Low-rise bottoms, lounging, everyday wear

Butt Shape Match: Inverted (V-shaped)

Coverage: Medium to full

Style Note: Look for seamless or soft waistband options for a VPL-free finish

3. Bikini Underwear

Bikini underwear is a universal favorite, sitting just below the waist with higher cut legs and moderate back coverage. It’s the most adaptable style among panty types—chic enough for special occasions, yet comfortable enough for all-day wear.

Best For: Jeans, dresses, skirts, both high- and low-rise garments

Butt Shape Match: Square (H-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)

Coverage: Medium

Fact: Became mainstream in the 1940s and continues to be the best-seller in many countries.

4. High-Cut / High-Leg Underwear

High-cut (a.k.a. high-leg) underwear features a leg opening comfortably above the hip bone, instantly elongating the appearance of your legs and flatteringly sitting across your natural waist. A favorite for vintage lovers and anyone seeking a leggy, streamlined silhouette.

Best For: Creating longer leg lines, pairing with high-cut bottoms

Butt Shape Match: Square, Inverted, Heart

Coverage: Medium to full (higher on the thighs)

Pro Tip: Great for smoothing under tailored pants or high-cut swimsuits

5. Thong Underwear

For those aiming for zero panty lines, thong underwear is the go-to. Featuring minimal rear coverage and a sleek waistband, thongs are virtually invisible beneath leggings, fitted skirts, or bodycon dresses.

Best For: Body-hugging outfits, yoga pants, preventing VPL

Butt Shape Match: Round (O-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)

Coverage: Minimal (just enough for front support, a single strip at back)

Extra Insight: Known as “butt floss” in popular culture, but far more comfortable with modern designs and soft fabrics

6. Boyshorts

Boyshorts borrow from classic men’s boxer shorts, offering maximum coverage and a sporty, laid-back vibe. They’re perfect for lounging, sleeping, or wearing under skirts (especially if you want more security).

Best For: Lounging, sleeping, coverage under skirts/dresses

Butt Shape Match: Inverted (V-shaped)

Coverage: Full

Case Study: Erin, a new mom, found boyshorts ideal postpartum for both coverage and comfort, switching to cheeky underwear as she regained confidence and wanted a flirtier style.

7. Seamless / No-Show Underwear

Seamless underwear is manufactured with laser-cut or heat-bonded edges instead of visible stitching, making them practically invisible under tight, thin, or light-colored outfits. Their flexible fabric and barely-there feel make them a staple for modern wardrobes.

Best For: Leggings, white pants, bodycon dresses—anytime VPL is a concern

Butt Shape Match: All shapes

Coverage: Usually medium–minimal

Fact: Seamless underwear options include thongs, bikinis, briefs, and even shaping shorts

Pro Tip: Look for moisture-wicking, antimicrobial fabrics if you’re wearing them during workouts

8. G-String / T-String Underwear

G-strings (and even more minimalist T-strings) are ultimate in invisible coverage，just a string with a triangle panel at the front. If you want no panty line, especially with ultra-slim fit or thin fabrics, these are your best bet.

Best For: Form-fitting eveningwear, ultra-tight bottoms, nights out

Butt Shape Match: Round (O-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)

Coverage: Truly minimal (“butt floss” effect)

History: G-strings gained fashion prominence in the late 1960s, first for dancers, then as a staple VPL-free panty for daring dressers

How to Find Your Perfect Size & Fit

No matter how stylish or soft your underwear is, if it doesn’t fit right, you simply won’t reach your comfort or confidence goals. A perfectly fitting pair of underwear for women is essential for everyday health, freedom of movement, and ensuring you really make the most of each panty style’s benefits.

1. How to Measure Yourself for Underwear

Getting accurate measurements is the first—and most important—step. You’ll need a soft tape measure, a full-length mirror, and ideally, minimal clothing.

Key Measurement Points:

Waist: Measure around your natural waist, which is the narrowest part of your torso (above your belly button and below your ribcage).

Hip: Measure the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, usually about 7–9 inches below your waist.

Pro Tip: Always keep the tape horizontally level and snug, but not tight. Take a few deep breaths and relax your body to avoid "sucking in."

Example Measurement Table

Measurement Area	How To Measure	Typical Range (inches)
Waist	Narrowest part of your torso	26–36
Hip	Fullest part of hips/butt	34–46

2. Decoding Size Charts

Every underwear brand varies—what’s a Medium in one brand could be a Large in another. Always:

Check the brand’s official size chart.

Compare your measurements to theirs, focusing more on hip size than waist for the right panty fit (since the waistband is designed to stretch).

If you’re between sizes, consider sizing up for a comfort fit，especially with minimal-coverage underwear styles like thongs or G-strings.

Sample Sizing Table:

US Size	Waist (inches)	Hip (inches)	Common Labels
XS	24–26	32–34	0–2
S	26–28	34–36	4–6
M	28–30	36–38	8–10
L	30–32	38–41	12–14
XL	32–35	41–44	16–18

3. Signs You’re Wearing the Wrong Size

If you experience any of the following, it’s time for an underwear drawer refresh:

Red marks or deep grooves on your skin after removing underwear.

Panties moving around or twisting throughout the day.

Underwear riding up, rolling down, or sagging.

Frequent wedgies or bunching (often solved by choosing the correct cut and size for your butt shape).

Excess fabric or a tight, pinching waistband.

Fit Troubleshooting Table

Symptom	Common Cause	Quick Fix
Rolling Waistband	Waist too tight or high	Try mid-rise or larger size
Wedgies	Too small/low-coverage style	Size up or try fuller coverage style
Sagging/Bunching	Too large or stretchy fabric	Downsize or try a snugger style
Red Marks/Chafing	Too tight/rough seams	Up one size or switch to seamless