Buying underwear is perhaps the most personal shopping experience of them all, especially when it comes to the comfy, practical pairs you're going to be wearing day in and day out. (I love you, lacey lingerie, but not all the time.) That's probably why finding pairs that click with your body—the kinds that feel weightless when you put them on and stay that way throughout the day, no matter what your schedule is—can be so difficult.
Simply put, there are far too many fabrics, cuts, brands, and more to wade through in order to find your just-right pairs—and no time to waste. That's why I'm here to play assistant. I, as a fashion editor who has tried on and tested out more pairs of underwear than I'd like to admit, compiled a list of all the absolute MVPs of the panty department, from the best simple G-string to the best cotton brief. I even included the pairs with the most hype in fashion (shout-out to Miu Miu). So go ahead and find your perfect underwear sans the hassle below.
Thongs
Best Thong:
Available in O/S and plus-size (fits 14 to 26).
My mom and I agree that this thong is the best one on the market for every day. It's comfortable, fits well, looks elevated, and comes in dozens of colors. I can't say enough good things about it.
Comfiest Thong:
Available in sizes XXS to 5X.
When it comes to comfy thongs, the ones included in Skims' Fits Everybody line are unbeatable.
Best Simple G-String Thong:
Available in O/S.
When an outfit comes along that calls for no-frills underwear, you can't go wrong with this G-string.
Best Low-Rise Thong:
Available in O/S.
With low-rise jeans and trousers coming back, you're going to need some low-rise underwear to wear with them.
Best Shaping Thong:
Available in sizes XS to XL.
This high-rise shaping thong from Cosabella is proof that lingerie doesn't have to be skimpy to be sexy.
Best Sheer Thong:
Available in O/S.
I always keep a pack of these on hand for when I need a thong that's practically invisible.
Best Period Thong:
Available in sizes XS to XL.
According to one Nordstrom reviewer, these have completely replaced tampons for her.
Best High-Rise Thong:
Available in sizes XS to 3X.
As surprising as it sounds, there aren't that many thongs on the market that give you the support of a high-rise brief in the front and the no-lines look in the back. One brand that does make a panty that checks off both boxes is Parade, and it does it right.
Bikini
Best String Bikini:
Available in sizes S to L.
This easy bikini-style underwear has over 800 reviews on Amazon, one of which claims that they are "some of the best underwear [they've] ever owned."
Best Logo Bikini:
Available in sizes XS to XL.
There's a reason these are always sold out. Not only are they eternally cool, but they're also so soft and comfy to wear to bed.
Best Budget Bikini:
Available in sizes XS to XL.
It doesn't get much better than a classic pair of cotton underwear that won't cost you an arm and a leg. Bonus: If you buy five pairs, you can get a deal.
Prettiest Pointelle Bikini:
Available in sizes 0 to 12.
If you're in the market for pretty, dainty panties, I can't recommend a pair more than these from 100% GOTS Certified organic cotton underwear from Cou Cou Intimates.
Best Seamless Bikini:
Available in sizes S to XXL.
Hate seams? You'll love these. They're designed to stay put throughout the day, so you won't have to worry about them rolling up.
Briefs
Most Durable Brief:
Available in sizes XS to 5X.
The best thing about these high-cut briefs is how you can wash and bleach them time and time again and they'll never lose their shape. I prefer to wear them at home since they do cause underwear lines, but if you're wearing baggy jeans or trousers, it's no big deal.
Best Sheer Brief:
Available in sizes S to XL.
These high-cut briefs are practically invisible. According to one Nordstrom reviewer, you can even wear them with leggings—no thong necessary.
Softest Brief:
Available in sizes XS to XL.
These are made using an ultra-smooth microfiber material that keeps you cool, comfortable, and free of underwear lines.
Most Hyped Brief:
Spending $400+ on Gucci underwear might not be the most practical of purchases, but if you let the waistband show above your pants, you'll get paid back in compliments.
Best Cotton Brief:
Available in sizes XS to 3X.
For breathable, flattering undies that are still sexy (the cheeky cut in the back are to blame), Parade's vintage-inspired briefs will always come through.
Best High-Cut Brief:
Available in sizes S to 5X.
Wearing a white dress sometime soon? Avoid any show-through with these smooth, high-rise briefs.
Hipsters
Sexiest Hipster:
Available in sizes S to L.
No, you're not going to wear these every day. But when you do want some lingerie to spice things up, this hipster-style pair will do the trick. Plus, for lace lingerie, Hanky Panky's styles are surprisingly durable.
Best Seamless Hipster:
Available in sizes XS to XL.
Designed to go unseen and unfelt in every way (they're low-rise, seamless, and buttery soft), these Commando panties are a dream if you're wearing anything remotely sheer.
Best Cotton Hipster:
Available in sizes S to L.
If you don't know about Only Hearts, an affordable lingerie brand based in NYC, then you're missing out. For real—its pieces look and feel so much more expensive than they are.
Best Workout Hipster:
Available in XS to XL.
Finding underwear for the gym is tricky. Obviously, you don't want intense lines when you're wearing leggings, but you also don't want to wear a tiny, uncomfortable thong. That's where these New Balance hipsters come in.
Best Satin Hipster:
Available in sizes XS to L.
Something about satin lingerie feels so luxurious, and few brands make lingerie as luxurious as Fleur Du Mal.
Boyshort
Softest Boyshort:
Available in sizes XS to 3X.
Every time that I'm not wearing something tight or sheer, I wear these. The fabric is unmatched.
Trendiest Boyshort:
Available in sizes 1 to 4.
Ever since Miu Miu debuted these satin panties on the runway last February, the fashion world has been smitten.
Best Lace Boyshort:
Available in O/S.
Tiny, no-coverage lingerie is fun and all, but sometimes you want sexy undergarments that aren't quite so minimal in size. For those occasions, these slightly cheeky boyshorts from Hanky Panky are perfect.
Best Full-Coverage Boyshort:
Available in sizes XS to L.
I wore a lace, sheer dress to fashion week one season and bought these to wear with. They were just what I needed and made wearing see-through clothes feel surprisingly comfortable.
Best No-Show Boyshort:
Available in sizes S to 2X.
I own these in every color that Tommy John offers. They're my favorite underwear to wear to bed, period.
This post was previously published and has since been updated.
