On any given day, likely the very first thing you put on when you get dressed is your underwear. It may be cotton or spandex, high- or low-rise, a thong or boy shorts, whatever the most comfortable underwear is for you. While your personal preferences may be influenced by your body shape, activity level, or simply what you're wearing over, there's a universal truth to acknowledge. Underwear should never be uncomfortable. If it's scratchy, loose, bunchy, or painful, liberate yourself and throw it out this very moment. Trust me, you'll be glad later.
I've collected some ideas for replenishing your panty drawer based on real underwear reviews from friends and colleagues. Below, they're giving intensive breakdowns about their favorite underthings and candidly sharing what they love and what they don't so you can make an informed choice when it's finally time to invest in a new collection of your own.
Many of these choices come in multipacks to make purchasing easier. (Buy in bulk, and you'll be set for at least a year.) But you can also mix and match by picking out a few different cuts and materials to serve different purposes in your wardrobe. With a fitted skirt, you may want barely there–style boy shorts. For white pants, a cotton thong will disappear underneath. Take your pick below, and say goodbye to uncomfortable undies forever.
Love Letter:
"These underwear are everything, and I've tried pretty much every major brand. They are so far superior to every other style I have that it's my goal to slowly replace all my full-coverage underwear with these."
Pros:
- Quality stands up to weekly washings for years
- Generally stays put
- Unlike lots of other underwear, the elastic around the legs and hips doesn't feel like it's gripping you by being slightly tight and cutting into your body. It just blissfully and gracefully lies on top of your body.
- Cut so they land right on the crease of your bum, so the panty line isn't as visible as a bikini style
- Somehow always on sale
Cons:
- None! Besides the fact that they aren't going to win any "cutest underwear" awards.
Love Letter:
"These underwear are the perfect combination of comfortable and stylish. They make me feel confident, and they get bonus points because lately when I open my Instagram app, I see them on celebs like Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner."
Pros:
- The fabric itself is super soft.
- They never ride up.
- Since they're stylish, I'm never embarrassed for them to be seen.
- They have a celebrity stamp of approval.
Cons:
- They can run a bit small, so I'd size up if you're unsure about your sizing.
- If you're wearing something fitted like a pair of leggings, people might be able to see the seams.
Love Letter:
"I haven't bought any other thong than Hanky Panky's Original Rise style in years, apart from the rogue emergency here or there, because why would I need to? It checks off every box. My mom actually used to swear by this exact style growing up, which is how I found the brand initially. We both loved the comfort factor. The fabric is super lightweight, and there are no seams, so your skin's never left with weird indents at the end of the day. By now in my life, I've probably accumulated over 40 pairs, and I wash them and dry them with no problem. (Sorry, I know I shouldn't.)"
Pros:
- The fabric and cut are extremely comfortable.
- The cut is flattering.
- They come in tons of patterns and colors. (I'm more of a neutral personally, but there are bright options, too!)
- They always go on sale at Nordstrom.
- They last forever.
Cons:
- The one-size-fits-all concept has never really sat right with me. Though, there is a plus-size option as well.
- Can sometimes see the lace pattern underneath tight dresses or skirts
Love Letter:
"On a whim, I tried this underwear when I was pregnant with my first child and never looked back since they can be worn regardless of pregnancy status. Each pair is incredibly comfortable to the point that it feels like I am wearing nothing at all. They are also incredibly budget-friendly, which is a major plus."
Pros:
- Made of organic cotton
- They are super soft, lightweight, and comfortable.
- The price is affordable.
- You can buy them in a convenient pack.
- Extended sizes are available.
- Can be worn during and after pregnancy
Cons:
- They begin to stretch out after some time.
- The brand tag is large, so I felt the need to cut it out.
- They are often sold out in the colorways other than black or white.
- Though these lie really flat, with the medium coverage, you may want to opt for something else when you want to avoid panty lines.
Love Letter:
"A Target trip for me isn't complete without getting a few new pairs of my favorite underwear from Arden. I'm very sensitive to specific fabrications, and many pricier underwear brands have failed me! These may not be the most 'stylish' of the bunch, but they're extremely reliable and beyond comfortable. They feel like I'm wearing nothing, which is what I need."
Pros:
- Affordable—I always like to buy when they're running the four-for-$18 deal.
- 95% cotton and 5% spandex, making them extremely breathable and soft
- The elastic is light and doesn't dig into your skin!
- Variety of print and color options
Cons:
- The seams have unraveled on one of mine, but most of them are still in great shape! I wash them on delicate, and they've been fine after multiple washes.
Love Letter:
"Heavenly doesn't even begin to describe this underwear, and that's not a term I dole out easily. I've tried seemingly every thong under the sun, and this style is simply the best of the best. It's ultra lightweight but still supportive and comfortable thanks to the wider band and modal blend fabric. Eterne is the stylist-founded label behind Hollywood's favorite basics, and the underwear is no exception."
Pros:
- Super-soft fabric that's breathable and lightweight
- Wider band helps them stay in place without bunching up or sliding down
- The raw edge makes them so comfortable you'll forget you even have them on (aka, no digging!).
- Comes in low-rise and high-rise fits
Cons:
- $35 is slightly more than I'd want to spend on underwear, but I promise these are worth it.
Love Letter:
"I want my everyday underwear to be so comfortable I completely forget I'm wearing it. Briefs tend to ride up and bunch for me, so I prefer a thong, and since I discovered this cotton option, it's been my go-to."
Pros:
- Cotton allows for maximum breathability.
- The lace elastic band sits flat on the body.
- A great affordable alternative for the Hanky Panky underwear that I also love
Cons:
- I don't hand-wash my underwear, so eventually the elastic begins to rip.
- The thin cut is comfortable to me, but may not work for everyone.
Shop More Highly Rated Underwear
"I don't think the question is if these are great. I think the question is why haven't you bought these yet? I love mine, gorgeous color, super soft, and they make me smile."
"These thongs are great because they don't show in the leggings. They did run a little small. I wear size 10 aligns and they are a little smaller than other brand large no shows. However I love the waistband. They actually stay up and don't fall down like other brands."
"The only underwear that fit my post baby body right and make me feel sexy. Most underwear the leg holes are too big in the front or the rise hits under my belly, and it is not flattering on me. Or, I'm stuck with full coverage underwear that cover everything and don't do me any favors. These feel great on my belly, provide the coverage I need in the front, but are a little cheeky, showing a little more in the back."
"Super soft and comfortable! Provides enough coverage and looks great as a set. The maroon color is gorgeous, so glad I went with this option."
"I have been an a journey for the perfect thing for idk how long and I've finally found them! Perfect fit with great coverage, don't dig and breathable."
"I don't usually leave reviews unless I am really impressed with something and these are Great! Fit very nice and it's like ur not wearing anything. No panty lines, so if you're thinking about it, don't… Buy them!"
"Fits so good. Feels like you're not even wearing anything. The dipped thong is very flattering and sexy. I have serval pairs in different colors and they're my favorite everyday wear panties."
"These are the most comfortable underwear I have found in decades. Lightweight, cool, stretchy, non-binding. I immediately bought six more. I hope these never get discontinued."
"I finally found exactly what I have been desperately looking for, a superb made product with durable materials, thus a perfect fit. Purchased 6 pairs."
"Bought to wear under silk skirt — success. Silk shows every detail and a thong was not an option during the holidays. Will buy again for everyday and under everything clingy."
"I have Fruit of The Loom underwear from 8 years ago. The elastic is still perfect. I only wear them around the house now because after 8 years they have gotten a few small holes or runs. I'm hoping these new ones will hold up as long!"
"I love this underwear. This is the second time I've bought this brand and I like this style even better. It's very comfortable and there are no lines when I wear it under leggings. They wash well and didn't shrink."
"Hanro ultralights are the only panties I've worn for years. They're 100% cotton, comfortable, and minimally visible. Absolutely love them."
"I do love the concept, they are simple but cute. IMO they run large. My hips measure at 39" roughly, (size 27 ish pant size) I purchased a M, and they fit, but I knew based on the fabric they'd stretch out. I encourage you to size down."
"I purchased Joyspun 6 pack of underwear, bikini style. The material is extremely soft and comfortable. They stay exactly where they should without bunching under clothing or cutting into skin and causing irritation. This pack has diverse but neutral colors. They are true to size."
"I LOVE my VIP Thongs, and love them so much more in bundle form. They are basically invisible under anything and having a few extra in the neutral colors always comes in handy."
"Great boyshort, I'd suggest to size up, I went from Small to Medium and fits just right, it's very comfortable."
"Fits fantastic. Soft and smooth against the skin with no hiking up. Well made and it says, hand wash, but I use the delicate cycle and it dry delicate, they all stay true to it's shape."
"My other Hanro briefs are full cut, so I was concerned how this would fit, but should not have been. They are lovely and still cover all the right places. I don't mind Hanro prices, because their underwear goes through hundreds of washes unchanged (I am happily using the briefs I bought 5 years ago), it is the most comfortable and I feel like a queen wearing it."
"The only panty that I will wear now. Have them in multiple colors. Fit well, very comfortable. The waistband is a little high which may not be for everyone, but they are just right for me."
"I have been wearing Jockey String Bikinis for years. They fit perfectly and are very well made . Love them."
