There is no doubt that women’s underwear styles have undergone massive changes throughout the years. There are so many different types, styles, fabrics, and colors that it can be hard to wrap your head around!
So, what really matters when it comes to women’s underwear? We have all the answers you need right here.
Though some women prefer to go commando, there are many more who appreciate the comfort and security of that extra layer. From classic silhouettes like the brief to daring and provocative choices like the thong, we will help you discover the perfect pair.
Let’s take a peek under the hood, so to speak, and get to the bottom of bottoms!
Why Should You Wear Underwear?
There are some very real reasons why you should wear underwear daily. Is it okay to take a break every once in a while and let the little lady breathe? Sure. You might just not want to do it all the time.
Here are some of the reasons why it’s important to invest in some quality undergarments.
- It’s More Hygienic: Assuming that you are investing in quality, breathable fabrics, wearing underwear can help keep you clean and protected from bacteria.
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Less Irritation: Not all outfits are conducive to going commando. Those heavy cotton jeans? Yeah, you’re gonna want that added underwear layer.
- Protection Against Leakage: If you can’t relate, consider yourself lucky! For those of us who have popped out a kid or two or just have pelvic floors that could use a tune-up, this is a real concern!
- A Little Confidence Boost: Though no one else can see it, you just have a little extra swag in your step when you're wearing a cute pair. No one has to know why!
- Prevents Wardrobe Malfunctions: Let’s face it: you don’t want to be panty-less in a flowing midi skirt when a stiff breeze picks up. Enough said.
What Should You Know About Underwear Fabrics?
Okay, let’s talk about underwear material! This is incredibly important, and it’s surprising that people don’t talk about it more.
The material used in your underwear truly does matter. Dare we say, it is well worth it to pay a little extra for quality when it comes to your nether regions.
Here are the underwear materials that are most commonly used, which ones you should steer clear of, and which ones you should choose.
Cotton
Good old-fashioned cotton! Most healthcare providers will recommend that you select a type of fabric that is natural, breathable, and great for your skin.
Cotton certainly fits the bills, but there are some downfalls. Cotton may not be as stretchy as other fabrics, and it also takes longer to dry if you find yourself in a sweaty situation.
Bamboo
Bamboo is another great fabric for underwear because it is also breathable and made of natural fibers. Not to mention, it’s great for the environment and super soft.
Rayon
As an underwear material, rayon is one of the best. In a nutshell, this fabric is created out of wood pulp.
This often comes from eucalyptus trees, but many different trees are used. Semi-synthetic, it is quick-drying, lightweight, and comfortable. You can’t go wrong with rayon!
Silk
Some consider silk the epitome of luxury when it comes to fabrics, which may be true! It’s also a great choice for underwear because it is naturally antimicrobial, lightweight, and moisture-wicking.
The only downfall? Silk comes with a hefty price tag, so you may not be able to splurge as often as you’d like.
Lace
Lace is super sexy and can be comfortable, too, depending on the types of fibers used in the lace. However, it probably shouldn’t be your number one choice, nor should it be worn daily. While it might make you feel sexy, the unique structure of lace can rub you the wrong way (literally) and create friction that may ultimately lead to ingrown hairs and irritation.
What Are Some of the Different Types of Women’s Underwear?
Let’s get right down to it. There is a type of underwear for every occasion, but the kind that you should get is the one that makes you feel comfortable in your skin.
We will break down the choices in this comprehensive list.
Briefs
We will start off this list with the classic: The Brief. This is, by and large, the most common type of women’s underwear. In general, briefs are just a popular choice. When you’re looking at the most typical underwear for kids and even men, briefs reign supreme.
If someone were to ask you to close your eyes and picture a pair of women’s underwear, the brief is what you would probably picture. They can come in high, mid, or low-waist and have varying degrees of bum coverage.
Generally, though, a typical brief tends to have more coverage than other choices on this list.
Bikini
Some people categorize the bikini as a descendant of the brief and will call their underwear “bikini briefs.” For our purposes, we felt like they deserved their own little spotlight. The main difference between briefs and bikinis is in the coverage.
Briefs offer more modest coverage, whereas bikinis usually have a lower rise (showing a bit more tummy) and a higher cut on the leg (showing a bit more thigh). The bikini is also a very popular style for modern women’s underwear.
Thong
Ah, the infamous bad girl of women’s underwear: the thong! Thongs serve a few purposes, but the most obvious one is concealing the fact that you are wearing underwear at all. If you fear visible panty lines, the thong might be a good choice for you.
Thongs are a divisive piece of clothing in the undergarment world. Some swear by them, others believe that they are uncomfortable. The truth is, thongs actually can be comfortable if you get the right fit.
If your thong is giving you a true wedgie, you may need to size up. Ideally, the material will sit just on the cusp of that dreaded wedgie but should stay put on the outskirts, so to speak. There is some evidence that thongs can be less hygienic than other forms of underwear, so it’s not a bad idea to change it up from time to time if you wear thongs daily.
G- String
The G string is the much more scandalous cousin of the thong. Odds are, the G string is not a part of your daily undergarment repertoire.
The goal of a G string is to show as much skin as possible. Unlike the thong, which has about half an inch to an inch of fabric on the rear, the G string has, literally, just a string.
Let’s be honest. These are in no way comfortable. It’s okay, though, because they’re not meant to be. The G string is showy underwear; no one wearing a G string has chosen it for its coziness.
It certainly has its place, but it probably isn’t the type of underwear you want to wear all the time, at the bare minimum for hygienic purposes.
Hipsters
No, no, we’re not talking about the cool kids in all-black outfits and beanies ordering PBRs and insisting they were fans of the band before everyone else. Hipster underwear is a popular choice for many people.
Hipsters sit right at the lower part of the hips. This makes them a great choice for those still rocking their low-rise bootleg jeans from 2008. (We hate to break it to you, but low-rise is coming back in style. Brace yourselves).
Hipsters are comfortable and practical but don’t offer anything in the way of tummy control. If that’s your priority, read on!
High-Waisted Underwear
We wanted to give high-waisted underwear a category all its own since high-waisted clothing has been a major fashion go-to for the past few years. High-waisted underwear can come in several styles, but most frequently, briefs or bikinis.
When investing in high-waisted underwear, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, how much coverage do you actually want?
Some high-waisted underwear has great tummy control but surprisingly little rear coverage. It’s worth it to think about material, too, since there are varying degrees of compression depending on the fabric you choose.
Boyshorts
These are some of the most playful, fun styles of underwear out there. The boyshort tends to include the most coverage in the front and in the rear. If you’ve ever bought a pair of men’s boxer briefs just to see what all the fuss is about, then you understand the boyshort.
It’s not uncommon to find boy shorts with fun patterns, cute bright colors, or words printed on the waistband. Personally, we prefer neutral choices, but you do you, boo!
One key benefit of boy shorts is that they can double as pajama shorts in a pinch. Many people love to wear their boyshorts under a big comfy T or with our butter-soft Classic Tee for the perfect PJ.
Cheeky Styles
The “cheeky” moniker lives up to its name: If you want to flaunt those cute cheeks, this is the style for you! Often, cheeky underwear is similar to hipsters or even boyshorts, but with one distinct difference. They intentionally have very little rear coverage.
This fun and flirty choice is perfect if you’re trying to spice things up but aren’t quite prepared to go the G-string route.
Shapewear
Though it could be an entire article on its own, shapewear is definitely a type of underwear worth mentioning. Some people find that they want themselves to be covered up, sucked in, and compressed so that nothing moves.
We are more of the mindset that comfort is a top priority, but if comfort for you means keeping things under wraps, we get it! Though there are lots of kinds of shapewear out there, the underwear is typically going to offer less coverage than some others, such as corsets, shorts, or tights. Shapewear underwear often has a high waist to keep the tummy and waist cinched.
Period Underwear
This is a very niche category of underwear that has been gaining momentum in the past few years. Period underwear absorbs menstrual blood that your uterus sheds at “that time of the month,” but the benefit is that it’s washable and reusable. You don't have to worry about keeping pads and tampons on hand.
There are a few downfalls, though. If you have a very heavy flow, period underwear might not be enough protection for the entire day. Some people like to use it as a backup form of period protection for a tampon or menstrual cup.
Underwear Hygiene Tips You Should Know
Listen, we’re not saying that you don’t know these things, but we will reiterate, just in case it’s helpful!
- Change underwear daily.
- Avoid fully synthetic material when possible.
- Change up the style (we see you, thong wearers).
- Take a break when you can!
- Wash your underwear with hypoallergenic soap to avoid reactions.
- Replace underwear every year or so. If you still have underwear from your sophomore year in college, it might be time to change that out.
Conclusion
In the world of underwear, there are so many choices in style and fabric. If you want to change it up and try out some new styles or fabrics, check out our super cozy line.
From bamboo to our unique Cloud fabric, you definitely won’t want to go back to your old brand. From briefs to boyshorts, we’ve got you covered!
Sources:
Women's Underwear: The Ultimate Guide To Each Type Of Undergarment | Glam.com
8 Underwear Rules to Live by for a Healthy Vagina | Healthline