Underwear is the first protective layer of material for women's skin. They can be comfortable, invasive or sometimes a bit too constricting. When it comes to choosing the right panty, there are many key factors to take into consideration.
From bikinis to briefs, there are numerous styles that offer the ultimate covering we need for our daily activities. Everyone has a personal preference when it comes to undergarments, so Shop TODAY reached out to experts to dive into the world of undies and the things to keep in mind when refreshing our intimates drawer.
What is the best material for underwear?
According to underwear expert Caralyn Mirand Koch, undergarments are a very personal, preference-based decision. "What works best for me and leaves me feeling wedgie-free may be different than what feels good to you," says Koch.
Preferably, though, cotton is the best material for its breathability factor. She also recommends lightweight fabrics that don't leave a panty line. "The gusset area should always be cotton for maximum breathability!"
How often should we buy new underwear?
Your purchase patterns depend on how often you're wearing and washing your panties. Ideally, it's good to change them out every year, according to Nikki Chu, underwear expert and founder of Nudies Essentials. One research study suggested that changing your underwear frequently is ideal in preventing genital and urinary infections, though some doctors have debated this notion. To start, though, Chu suggests that changing your underwear every six to nine months may be a good move.
"After 100 systematic hot washes, the fibers in the underwear still harbor bacteria," she adds.
Best underwear for women, according to editors
The soft and lightweight feel of this modal underwear is a great combination for humid days. According to Aerie reviewers, this style is incredibly comfortable and doesn’t fall apart after a few washes. It comes in different colors and is a great everyday option for ultimate function. It’s also a favorite of associate editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson’s. “Every time I need to replace my underwear, I just end up rebuying these because they never disappoint.”
Commerce writer Danielle Murphy says she purchased "literally 10 of these" during Aerie's Black Friday sale. "I love them. I prefer coverage when it comes to underwear but loathe panty lines, and these check the boxes. They feel incredibly comfortable and are so smooth that they look invisible, even while wearing leggings or tight denim."
"I own these seamless underwear in a few colors and I’m always sad on days they’re all in the laundry, because they’re just that comfortable," says senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. "They really achieve that 'invisible' look underneath clothing, and there’s no pinching or pulling around the waistband."
This cheeky brief is designed to prevent digging. Customers love this brief because of how soft and lightweight it is. Also, it has great coverage with a barely-there feel that won’t slip or show the seams. One customer called it “cloud underwear” for how comfortable it is.
“I think they are the thinnest material-wise, so it’s comfy for sleep too,” says Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach.
“I love them because they really feel like you are wearing nothing. They are comfortable and don’t show through pants!” adds commerce associate producer Alexa Arent.
Editorial assistant Annie Shigo is a fan of these underwear for their cooling capabilities. The fabric is infused with natural minerals to help balance body temperature before you even get hot.
With a glowing near-perfect five-star average rating, this underwear is the perfect choice to feel feminine and comfortable every day. The panty is made from a biodegradable Tencel micro modal material and is super breathable.
“The design with the lace trim is smart because it prevents any obvious VPL (visible panty line!) from showing through my tighter pants and dresses. These give my go-to thongs a run for their money in terms of versatility and are great for days I want a little more coverage, without being baggy or looking like granny panties,” shares production associate Audrey Ekman.
More underwear for women
These seamless undies are a great option when you want to stay comfortable throughout the day. The design is made from recycled nylon and features a seamless knit for a smooth fit underneath your clothes. They offer full coverage and a soft-feel touch when you wear them.
This high-waisted underwear is supportive enough without showing off through clothes. The brief design hugs all your curves and promotes comfort without painful elastics. "These are perfect to wear with leggings or high-waisted jeans. I love the high waist because it feels more secure and slimming," said one buyer.
This underwear feels like a second skin due to cloud-soft fabric and smooth edges. This brief has a sleek design perfect for those days you need to cover everything. Aside from its softness, this panty will cover all your edges without feeling naked.
“I’ve been gaining weight due to perimenopause and these panties are so stretchy in a very good way,” shared one customer.
This style is seamless and won't create any extra marks when wearing your pants. "That silicone band on the edge allows the underwear to stay flat on the body," says Koch.
You can dance, jump and run, and you can trust this underwear will stay in place thanks to the stay-put silicone. It comes with a breathable 100% cotton gusset lining to retain moisture.
While you'll feel slightly snug in this high-waisted style, it may be one of the most comfortable underwear you'll wear. The design stays put and doesn't slide down while sitting or moving. It features a luxurious construction and a high-cut silhouette that will enhance your curves.
"The comfort is amazing in these high waist modal undies. They sit right at my natural waist preventing from making any unsightly bulges or lines," said one reviewer.
With extra coverage and a breathable material, this brief is a must-have in your drawer. This innovative underwear is engineered to last thanks to its 360-degree adaptable stretch and moisture-wicking properties. It's a panty that will keep you dry and comfortable even during heavy period days.
For a sculpting feeling, this brief from Spanx will shape and compress your curves while giving you added support. You get a full booty coverage with the lightweight sensation cotton underwear provides. This panty is breathable and features Lycra FitSense for a fitted, hugging look.
How we chose
We selected these products based on insights from interviews with experts and recommendations from Shop TODAY editors. Other underwear options are sourced through verified shopper reviews and brand reputation.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on the best products for eye cream. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Caralyn Mirand Koch is an undergarment expert with the goal to help her clients find the proper bra and underwear fit. She also runs the Properly Fitting Bra Club on social media.
- Nikki Chu is the founder of Nudies Essentials, an underwear brand focused on women who are always on the go and offering multiuse underwear.
