The 6 Best Women’s Underwear of 2023

Jun 08, 2023

A bad pair of underwear can ruin your day. It can pinch, pull, tug, cut, and end up in all the wrong places. Many people have a drawer full of ’em, with dozens of pairs that just don't quite fit. And then there are a few well-loved favorites that rise to the top of the pile every time, rotating from butt to laundry bin and back again. Our goal was to find pairs you’d love so much that you’d dump out your drawer of rejects—so we spent more than 25 hours researching (and countless hours wearing) women's underwear. If you can put on our picks and never have to think about them again, we’ve all won.

After consulting experts in the field and researching hundreds of styles, we narrowed our pool to 27 pairs. Our testing panel ranged from S to XL in size and self-identified as having various body types; the panel consisted of three cisgender and one transgender woman. Each tester wore each pair for at least a full day and rated the underwear in terms of comfort, style, and fit. The panelists squatted, bent over, and reached up high to see whether the undies moved with them or against them, and they checked for panty lines and whale tail. Once we narrowed the options—which range from $3 a pair to about $35—some testers continued to wear them for months to test their durability. Six styles emerged as the best everyday undies: a classic, cheap cotton pair in a multipack, a high-waisted retro-style bikini, a quick-dry, barely there brief, a lacy boyshort, and two thongs (one minimalist and mesh, the other comfy and paper-thin).

This inexpensive, durable brief stays put without cutting into skin, but you might have a visible panty line in tight bottoms.

This basic brief feels like a wonderfully worn-in T-shirt for your butt. The Hanes Ultimate Breathable Cotton Hi-Cut underwear has a defined waist and leg bands, as well as reinforced seams at the hips. So you might expect this pair to pinch in all the wrong places, as did others we tested with similar construction. They don't. All four of our testers (ranging from a size S to XL) said these 100% cotton undies fit well: They hit right at the hips and didn't move, bunch, or slip. Though the fabric wasn't super-soft or silky like that of pricier pairs we tried, it wasn't rough or scratchy, either. The defined edging will show through tight-fitting pants, so when you’re choosing an outfit, be aware of panty lines.

All four testers loved that they could just put on the Hanes Ultimate Breathable Cotton Hi-Cut undies in the morning, wear them all day, and toss them in the laundry at night without giving any of it much thought. If you’re looking for a solid pair of 100% cotton everyday underwear that doesn't roll, bunch, or pinch, this is it. This is one of the most affordable pairs we tested—a pack of six costs about the same or less than a single pair of any of our individually sold picks. Unlike many higher-end pairs that are often available only online, a pack of Hanes in your size can be found at almost any big-box or chain store. Hanes has a good size range—the largest size fits folks with hips from 46 to 47 inches wide—but it's not the best we found (Hanky Panky's Plus boyshorts fit hips up to 58 inches wide). Still, the Hanes pair's breezy cotton body and simple elastic waistband are forgiving, so there's a little give if you’re in between sizes.

The Hanes undies are also fairly effortless to maintain. You don't need to wash them in a lingerie bag with your delicates, and if they get stained, you could relegate them to period or laundry-day underwear without sobbing over the replacement cost. Considering this pair's price, we were pleasantly surprised at the quality. The Hanes underwear has a fully enclosed gusset (crotch), which shows extra workmanship and commitment to durability (even our pricier picks have an open gusset on one end, and it can peel back after wear). These undies are made of preshrunk cotton, so they are more likely to stay true to size after a wash. And our testers reported that the Hanes pants didn't lose their shape throughout the day.

Hanes also makes Ultimate Breathable Cotton underwear in a Brief style (with more rear coverage), a lower-rise Bikini style, and a low-rise Hipster version (with a thicker band at the hips).

Although we think the Hanes undies are great for everyday wear, they do show through stretchier bottoms, such as leggings or silky skirts, due to the raised edging on the reinforced leg bands and waistband. We think they’re best when worn with thicker pants (like jeans) or loose dresses. And while they come in a range of solids, the patterned pairs included in the multipacks can feel a bit unhip. You can't choose which patterns you’ll get, so you may end up with dainty florals or stripes as part of a mixed pack, even if they’re not your style. The multipacks that feature "nude" shades come with light beige pairs only. So if you’re looking for a nude for a darker skin tone, you won't find one in this multipack.

Size range: 5 to 9 (roughly S to 2XL)Fabric: 100% cotton body; 100% cotton gussetColors: The Hanes underwear comes in multipacks of six, with a mix of solids (white, gray, black, pastel pink, light blue, dark blue, beige) and stripes or florals.Care instructions: Machine-wash warm; tumble-dry low.

The Natori Bliss is a sexy yet comfy take on the everyday brief, with a high-cut leg and a high waist. This pair is pricier than the Hanes multipack briefs we tested, but it's also made of high-quality pima cotton, so it's softer.

The Natori Bliss French Cut Brief is made with a lightweight, stretchy pima cotton that feels great on the skin. Thinner and softer than our Hanes pick, this pair has a lace edging made from a nylon/spandex blend that's rougher than the main fabric, but it's not scratchy. While this mostly cotton pair was not as silky as our pick from Tommy John (which is made of nylon), these undies were comfortable to wear all day. Our tester with curvier hips, another with more of a booty, and our trans tester all loved this pair's high-rise waist. However, our straight-hipped tester said this pair gave her "a tiny bit of a wedgie but not too bad," and she wished they hit slightly lower on her belly. The high-cut leg shows a little more skin in the front, but it's a nice balance to the fuller coverage on the rear.

With a high-cut leg and sleek seaming that sits more on the front of the hips than on the side, the Natori Bliss French Cut Brief creates a smoother, more-elongating line at the leg than most standard cotton briefs do, including our Hanes pick. This cut also gives the underwear a retro look, but one that isn't constricting or girdle-like. Our trans tester said the Natori Bliss briefs "combine the best of everyday underwear with really cute styling." Another tester liked that the pair was made from fine pima cotton, so it was wearable and breathable but still felt sleek—and sexier—than our thicker cotton pick from Hanes.

The Natori brief's lace trim at the waist and legs also lies flat against your skin and is sewn to the body fabric with a strong zig-zag stitch. This lace isn't just ornamental—it's stretchy and durable, so it acts as an anchor to keep the underwear in place without bunching, rolling, or digging. Though the briefs are higher-waisted than others we tried, they didn't poke out over a pair of jeans with a 15-inch back rise. They come in a range of solids, including nudes and bright colors. And though they cost $20 a pair, if you buy directly from Natori, you can currently get three pairs for $48—a well-worth-it savings of $12.

The care instructions say these briefs are hand-wash-only—and that is recommended for the best long-term care. However, one tester has been tossing the Natori briefs in their main warm-wash laundry (and in the dryer on medium heat!) for months, and the Natoris have maintained their shape and stretch.

We tested the French Cut brief, but these also come in a Full Brief (with more fabric around the hips) and a Girl Brief (a lower-rise hipster cut). The French Cut brief comes in a smaller size range than most of our other picks (from a size S to XXL, which fits up to 48-inch hips). But the range is on a par with that of our other cotton brief pick, the Hanes Hi-Cut.

For an everyday cotton brief, this pair is on the pricey side, though it's of higher quality and has a more comfortable design than briefs in any multipack we tried. Testers were mixed on the retro-style cut and the lace trim. Two loved the look, and two were less enamored. One said the Natoris were the most comfortable pair of underwear she’d ever worn, yet she also called them "not cute."

Size range: S to XXLFabric: 94% pima cotton, 6% Lycra body; 84% nylon, 16% spandex lace trim; 100% cotton gussetColors: The Natori brief comes in more than a dozen colors, including multiple shades of nude.Care instructions: Hand-wash; line dry.

This pair is an airy, stretchy second skin that stays in place (and dries in a jiffy!). But it's much more sheer than other styles.

Our testers raved about the soft, luxurious, feather-light fabric of the Tommy John Women's Air Brief. This pair is so whisper-thin that it bunches up into a ball that fits in the palm of your hand. Described as "smooth and buttery" by our testers, the main fabric has a lot of stretch and a subtle mesh pattern. The waistband and leg bands are snappier, and they stay in place well and keep their shape after washing. This is a midrise brief with substantial rear coverage and a thicker band at the hip. The Air Brief dries quickly, so if you sweat a bit in this pair, it won't stay damp for very long.

Some of the other nylon underwear we tested had a tendency to slip down, causing a saggy-butt look (either due to the lack of an elastic waistband or because the fabric was too smooth and slick). But the Tommy John Women's Air Brief perfectly balances silk-like luxury and stay-in-place practicality. This pair doesn't tug, bulge, or roll down. And it has a no-visible-panty-line guarantee. (Note, however, that in the right light, the thin fabric could be slightly transparent, so be careful when wearing flowy skirts that might fly up.)

To test the Air Brief underwear's quick-dry capability, we soaked them in water and hung them to dry. They were ready to wear within about four hours. And when damp from sweat, the mostly-nylon Air Mesh fabric didn't feel uncomfortably wet against our tester's skin. For the gusset (crotch), Tommy John says it uses a proprietary Cool Cotton fabric, which has additional moisture-wicking properties over regular cotton. Though we cannot confirm the makeup of the fabric, we did like the way it felt.

The seams on the waistband, legs, and the gusset are bonded, which basically means they’re high-heat glued, so they lie flat. This pair has a fully attached gusset (both ends are attached to the main body of the underwear), which is a sign of care and quality. (The only other pick with a fully attached gusset is the Hanes Ultimate Breathable Cotton underwear.) One tester reported that after she washed the Tommy John briefs weekly for nearly a year, the gusset and seams were still fully intact. "They’re still basically like new," she said.

We tested the Brief, but this underwear also comes in Thong, Cheeky, and Hi-Rise Brief versions. We’ve had a good track record with testing and recommending Tommy John underwear: The Tommy John Air Mesh Boxer Brief (made from the same material as the Women's Air Brief) is a pick in our travel underwear guide, and many testers liked the company's Second Skin Boxer Briefs, in our boxer briefs guide.

The mesh fabric is so light and breathable that it's fairly transparent (so if your skirt flies up, people may be able to see your butt through the underwear). There is also a small side tag on the hips that some wearers may want to snip out, but most of our testers barely noticed it.

Size range: XS to XXLFabric: 77% nylon, 23% spandex body; 100% cotton gussetColors: The Tommy John Air Brief comes in 13 colors, including a range of muted solids and three shades of beige.Care instructions: Machine-wash cold; tumble-dry low.

The Hanky Panky lace short is comfy and stretchy, but it's not buttery-soft. This pricey pair is durable, and it comes in dozens of colors and a wide range of sizes.

The Hanky Panky Signature Lace Boyshort is made of the same stretchy, snappy nylon lace as Hanky Panky's beloved thongs. Though the intricately patterned floral fabric looks like it could be coarse and scratchy, it is surprisingly unobtrusive to wear. There are no side seams to dig into your hips, and the lace edging lies flat and is attached to the body of the underwear with strong interlocking zig-zag stitching. All four testers of varying body shapes and sizes raved about the fit, and this pair easily won over even people who said they didn't like boyshorts in general. This style also comes in Plus, designed to fit folks with up to 58-inch hips (the largest range of all our picks). Sizes 1X through 3X have a slightly thicker, more substantial lace waistband, similar in design to the waistband of the Hanky Panky thongs.

Boyshorts are a love-’em-or-hate-’em style, and they can be an uncomfortable nightmare if they cut in too tight at the thigh. Our entire testing panel was surprised at the Hanky Panky Signature Lace Boyshort's comfort and ease of wear. The medium rise and flexible waistband proved great for our testers who have loose skin around their bellies. The leg holes are cut wide and at an angle, so there is minimal digging. Though these boyshorts provide substantial butt coverage, they don't show panty lines. The Hanky Panky pair also comes in the largest size range of our picks, from XS to 3X (which, per the brand's size guide, will fit folks with hips between 55 and 58 inches). Depending on where you shop, these boyshorts also comes in more than 25 colors (though its core colors, such as light pink, black, white and beige, are widely available). Rather than pieced together with front and back panels attached by side seams (as the majority of our picks are), the Hanky Panky boyshorts have a center seam that runs from belly button to butt crack under the gusset. This lets the undies hug any curves—one tester said, "I can't get over how great these made my butt look." It also allows them to lie flat at the hips because there aren't seams up the sides. The fabric is sheer, with the opaque lace providing some modesty throughout. And the lacy pattern made our testers feel a little sexy, no matter what kind of clothes they were wearing.

Although Hanky Panky recommends hand-washing the underwear, we threw ours in with the regular laundry, and they have held up well after a few months of wear and several washes. We do recommend using a mesh laundry bag in the machine; the lace can snag on rogue zippers and buttons. But skip the dryer—these will last longer if they’re hung to dry. Because they contain spandex, they’ll lose their shape and get static-y if exposed to heat on a regular basis. Another reason to care for these properly: They’re 32 bucks a pop, which is relatively pricey for a pair of skivvies. But the fabulous fit and the quality—sturdy, stretchy fabric and durable construction with strong stitching—make the Hanky Panky boyshorts worth it. The brand often goes on sale at department stores and online outlets like Otrium.

The nylon lace isn't itchy, but it also isn't particularly soft. This is only pick with a tag at the center rear waistband, but the tag itself did not bother any of our testers (and it's fairly easy to snip off with a pair of scissors).

Size range: XS to 3XFabric: 100% nylon body; 90% nylon, 10% spandex trim; 100% Supima cotton gussetColors: The Hanky Pankys come in more than a dozen colors, including evergreen classics: black, light pink, gray, navy, red, white, and beige (called "chai").Care instructions: Hand-wash in cool water and hang to dry (the company promotes this as an environmental effort to lengthen the life of your underwear and conserve resources).

Made with breezy honeycomb mesh and sturdy elastic, this thong lies flat and stays in place. But if you’re used to more coverage, it can feel skimpy in the front.

True to the name, there is almost nothing to the Negative Sieve Thong. This thong features a simple, modern design: Its continuous elastic waistband is attached to two triangles of honeycomb mesh fabric. The Negative thong is meant to lie flat on the skin and not show through in tight bottoms, and it accomplishes that. We found that the low-rise waistband lies flat against your skin without budging. But if you buy a size that's too small, the thin bands at the hips and under the crotch can dig in and feel uncomfortable. The company recommends sizing up, if you’re interested in a looser fit, but it's also not a bad idea to do so if you’re in between sizes or your weight tends to fluctuate. The Negative Sieve Thong comes in sizes XS through XXL (which fits folks with up to 46½-inch hips, or around sizes 16 to 18).

The style worked well for both our straight- and round-hipped testers, but one panelist didn't love the skimpiness of this thong and reported feeling "unsexy" because of the way her skin protruded over the waistband. (Our trans tester did not test any of the thong options.)

If you want a sleek thong that looks and feels like you’ve got nothing on, this is it. One tester raved about how "minimalist and timeless" it is. "If The Row made thongs, it would look and feel like the Negative," she said. At $30, it's a pricey piece, but the simple design and sturdy construction make it truly timeless. The low-rise front is securely stitched to the waistband, and, though light, the materials and construction feel durable. The company recommends washing the thong on a delicate/cold cycle in the machine and drying flat. One editor/tester has worn and washed hers more than five times this way and line-dried it, and it looks as good as the day she got it.

If you need only light support up top, you can pair this thong with our bra pick, the Negative Sieve Non-Wire Bra, to complete the set. Though Negative makes a similar brief, that style divided our testers even more than the thong. One said they loved the fit, while another described the brief as "wedgie city" because it had less rear coverage than other bikinis and briefs we tested, including our Hanes pick.

The rear triangular butt strap has elastic edging on both sides, so this thong is a bit more substantial than the majority of those we tested (the extra fabric didn't bother our testing panel). This makes the Negative more sturdy and unmovable. But if you like a more flexible thong or one with fewer seams, consider the ThirdLove Comfort Stretch Thong. The Negative Sieve is also $30, which can seem like a lot for such a small amount of fabric, but we think it's well made and durable enough to warrant the price.

Size range: XS to XXLFabric: 74% polyamide (nylon), 26% elastane body; 100% cotton gussetColors: The Negative Sieve comes in a range of muted peaches, grays, browns, and blacks.Care instructions: Wash on delicate/cold; dry flat.

This stitch-free style doesn't cut or rub, but the seams don't feel as durable as those on other picks. And the thin material might not provide sturdy support for folks with looser skin.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $16.

The ThirdLove Comfort Stretch Thong is the softest, smoothest, and stretchiest of the seven thongs we tested. "These really stayed in place. I can normally only wear a thong for a few hours before the string up my butt starts driving me nuts, but I was able to keep these on all day without endless shifting or adjusting," one of our testers said. It's a simple, classic design, but the crotch area is relatively narrow in the front and so is the gusset. Therefore, those with wider-set hips or anyone who wants more coverage in those areas might not love it.

The ThirdLove thong is made of a paper-thin nylon/spandex blend that clings almost invisibly to skin, so this form-fitting thong will move with you while staying where it's supposed to. The midrise back reduces your chances of sporting an early-aughts "whale tail" (when your thong creeps over the top of your pants), and the bonded edges lie flat. Though the construction doesn't feel as sturdy as on our stitched picks, our testers haven't noticed any issues with durability in months of wearing and washing. The cost of this thong (currently $16) was in the middle of the pack of prices for thongs we tested—more expensive than the department-store multipacks but less expensive than fancier picks, like the Cosabella Comfie Thong. The ThirdLove's price isn't cheap for a single, everyday pair, but we think the comfort and quality are worth it. And if you want to stock up, you can buy a bundle of five for $45 (or $9 bucks a pair).

One tester with straight hips and the one with a booty particularly loved the simplicity—and the near invisibility under clothing—of the ThirdLove thong. Its thicker hip band lies flat, and one of our testers noted it looked and felt smoother under a tight, jersey-knit pencil skirt than our other thong pick, the Negative Sieve. But the ThirdLove thong wasn't as sturdy around the loose skin under her belly button. Unlike with some underwear we tried, the extra-stretchy fabric of this thong didn't give any sensation of supporting the belly or hips—which some people may miss. This thong comes in sizes XS to 3X and will fit people with hips that measure up to 54½ inches—only Hanky Panky's size range is bigger (3X fits up to 58-inch hips). The ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge Bra is a pick in our bra guide, so you can create a set.

The side seams are glued. The side seams’ only stitching is at the top and bottom of the seams, to tack it in place. So this thong feels flimsier than the Negative thong. As ThirdLove recommends on its site, hand-washing this piece in cool temperatures will elongate its lifespan. However, we haven't noticed any deterioration after machine-washing this thong three times in a regular cold-water load and hanging it to dry.

The narrow crotch area bothered one of our testers. She lamented that she suffered a frontal wedgie while wearing this thong to a yoga class, and she blamed the skimpy gusset and lightweight, seamless material that didn't stay put. The width of the gusset is actually the same as that of the Negative thong (but about half the width of the gussets on Hanky Panky's thongs). That said, this thong is perhaps better suited for daily wear rather than for an exercise class (one of our experts recommends not wearing underwear at all while working out).

Size range: XS to XXXLFabric: 68% nylon, 32% spandex body; 100% cotton gussetColors: The ThirdLove thong comes in a range of saturated colors, including five nudes.Care instructions: Hand-washing is recommended; lay flat to dry.

We’re going to use the word panties only once in this guide, and it's to tell you that we’ll never use it again. If that's not a reason to trust us, here are a few more: I have been a journalist for almost two decades, and I have a deep background in women's service and lifestyle journalism. I interviewed multiple experts to understand the design, fit, and fabric choices of underwear manufacturing, and I spoke with an ob-gyn to understand underwear's relationship with vaginal health.

Our testers had no insight into which experts I interviewed for this guide. So even though I spoke with Romaine Sargent, then VP/GM for Hanes, and Rachel Erickson, director of design and merchandising for Hanes, the testers rated their products independently, and the pick choice was not influenced by the experts.

The world of underwear is vast. Hundreds of retailers sell it. You can buy it in grocery stores, department stores, malls, online direct-to-consumer, lingerie shops, and nearly every big-box store. We would not be shocked if Home Depot came out with its own line of underwear. Which is to say that narrowing down the field is a daunting endeavor. We limited our scope of brands to underwear specialists (rather than general clothing brands), testing longstanding mass-market multipacks, intimate lines, and newer, direct-to-consumer disruptors.

The good news that emerged from all of our research for this guide: After staring at hundreds of images of the lower halves of models, we’re happy to report that many companies are using models in a wider range of sizes, and they seem to be airbrushing models less to allow for a more realistic view of women's bodies. We saw stretch marks, pores, and textured skin in the photos. Many underwear brands are leaning into using less judgmental naming—cinnamon, walnut, almond—to replace skin-tone descriptors.

Our original testing panel consisted of three cis women and one transgender woman, and they ranged in size (S to XL) and self-described body shape (straight hips, wide hips, bigger booty); three of our testers identified themselves as having post-pregnancy tummy pooches, too. Our trans tester did not test thongs. Each tester wore each pair for a minimum of a day, but the favorite pairs quickly moved into daily rotation. And a handful of our testers have been wearing them regularly for at least a few months and up to a year. The testing panel rated the undies according to the following criteria:

Fabric quality: We tested pairs in a variety of fabrics, asking our panel members to consider feel, weight, and texture of the underwear in their rankings. Most mass-manufactured underwear does not have a fully enclosed gusset (where the cotton crotch panel is completely sewn onto the main body of the underwear), but those that do exhibit a mark of care and quality. Nearly every pair we tested, no matter the fabric, had a breathable cotton gusset.

Fit: Since fit is incredibly important, we did not test any one-size-fits-all underwear. We asked our testers to rate the fit on a scale from 1 to 5, factoring in whether or not the undies rode up, rolled down, or otherwise bunched, or if they became uncomfortable during a variety of everyday activities.

Style: Bikini and hipster styles make up the majority of the market, so we focused mostly on those, and we indicated the other cuts (such as cheeky or boyshort) a particular style may come in. We also tested a wide range of thongs, since in terms of comfort and ease, the divide between a thong and a hipster is quite wide.

Cost: For this first round of testing, we sent an anonymous survey to our staff, asking anyone who wore women's underwear how much they were generally willing to pay per pair and what brands and styles they preferred. As a result, we focused on everyday underwear, eliminating anything that's not meant to be worn all day, and we narrowed our price range to $35 or less per pair.

The cost of individual pairs can vary depending on bundle deals ($12 each or three for $30, for example), but the average cost of the underwear we tested was about $14 per pair. Though we tested several inexpensive multipacks, pairs sold individually came out on top according to our criteria for fit, fabric, and style. The exceptions were pairs from Hanes and Fruit of the Loom, which struck the right balance of fit and quality, regardless of the inexpensive price tag.

Color range: Though you may need a pair or two of nude undies to wear beneath light-colored fabrics, we found that most people don't consider this as necessary for underwear as they do for a bra. So we didn't limit our choices to those that came in a wide range of true nudes. The fact is that many companies sell pairs that are bright, bold, and patterned, especially in multipacks. If that's not your style, it's best to aim for a per-piece brand.

Sustainability: While we agree that sustainability is incredibly important—and we looked at sustainability practices of each company—there is no concrete way to know for sure whether a company's claims are accurate. Many companies have no stated sustainability practices. Hanes outlines its sustainability in a dedicated website, Hanes Brands Sustainability, as does Hanky Panky. And Negative includes information on sourcing and manufacturing practices.

As an aside, two of our picks, Natori and ThirdLove, outline their charitable practices on their websites.

Historically, underwear sizing is superbly weird, with no numbering that's parallel to women's other clothing sizes (and no one really knows why). Roughly, an underwear size 4 is XS and a 10 is 2XL. We listed the manufacturer's sizing here, but it's fundamentally imprecise and varies from company to company. The most important thing to do is check the measurement-based sizing guide for each brand before you buy. Our testers found that their sizing jumped a bit among brands. So you should not guess—otherwise, you may end up with ill-fitting underwear that involves discrete or overt wedgie-picking every time you wear it.

Aesthetically, panty lines and cutting/bulging can happen when underwear doesn't lie flat on your skin. And since underwear is touching parts of your body that may experience negative health consequences if they are squeezed, pinched, or scratched for many hours a day, it's especially important to find underwear that fits properly.

"If you wear your [underwear] too tight, it drags bacteria from the back to the front and increases discharge. I see this with thongs all the time. It creates fissuring, cuts, and breakdown in the skin that lets in bacteria," said Maureen Whelihan, MD, FACOG, from Elite GYN Care of The Palm Beaches in Florida. "Reduce your visits to the GYN by choosing the right size underwear and the right style for the moment." Whelihan said that also means it's best not to sleep or to exercise in underwear—especially with tight-fitting yoga pants—because the damp vaginal area needs the opportunity to air out.

We tried to test underwear with a wide range of sizing, and as we expand our testing field in future updates, we’ll keep a close eye on size availability.

There's recommended fabric care, and then there's what most people do. In general, nylons should not be washed in hot water or in a high-heat dryer because that will degrade the fit of the fabric. But underwear is called "intimates" for a reason, and a variety of substances can make it dirty. A hotter wash is better for eliminating bacteria, but it's not great for most fabrics. We washed all of our picks in hot water to see how they fared. However, if your goal is to get the most life out of the underwear you own, it's best to follow the care instructions on the label.

If you want a sporty fabric that's breathable but very basic: Consider Fruit of the Loom's Breathable Micro-Mesh Bikini Underwear (sizes 5 to 9). It also comes in a Brief and a Lo-Rise Brief, and in extended sizing, a Fit for Me brief (sizes 9 to 13). This underwear is made of quick-dry polyester that reminds us of basketball shorts material. All of our testers loved the fit (if not the style) of these undies, since they were very comfortable and stayed in place. But the machine-wash-cold laundering instructions seem restrictive for everyday wear. This underwear is sold in multipacks, including a mix of solids with stripes or florals. And if you include the extended sizing, Fruit of the Loom has the largest size range of any of the underwear we tested. We would have made the briefs a pick, but we found the "Fit for Me" branding of the extended sizing off-putting. Also, we were confused by the color selection in the Body Tone multipack. So overall we’re uncomfortable with the current focus of Fruit of the Loom's branding and marketing.

If you are curious about the Instagram ads: The Re:Play Brief and Re:Play Thong from startup company Parade have a modern look, with a front mesh peek-a-boo panel and smooth, second-skin nylon fabric on the main body. Founded in 2019 and led by 20-something CEO Cami Téllez, Parade paints itself as an underwear disruptor, with pairs starting at $8 in scores of social-media-friendly colors. Sizing ranges from XS to 3X (with a size chart that helpfully includes letter sizing, numeric sizing, and hip measurements). Some of our testers didn't like how high cut the briefs were in the back, rising above some testers’ jeans. We also had some hiccups with the text-message customer service, which seemed fun and convenient in theory but felt slow and disjointed in practice.

If you’re looking for a full-coverage pair that screams Granny—in a good way: Sold individually or bundled as three discounted pairs, Jockey Smooth & Shine Seamfree underwear is made of machine-washable nylon, in sizes 4 to 9. Testers reported liking the stay-put design, comfortable fit, and clean lines. These are a good nylon option, but they’re a little more full-coverage than our pick, the Tommy John Air Brief.

If you want a seamless look: With a size range of 1 (XS) to 6 (XXL), Cuup The Thong and Cuup The Bikini are made from 88% "semi-synthetic" modal and 12% elastane. The gusset is made from "antimicrobial" (their words) bamboo rather than cotton, and we didn't find it to be as moisture-wicking as that of our other picks. But our testers thought the styling on the bikini was cute (it's got a V-shaped waist), and the fit was solid. "They sat seamlessly on my hips and didn't cause any indents in the softer areas around my hips where other undies with tighter elastic bands might have," one tester said. Another said they thought this underwear was "flattering and provided good coverage." We suggest pairing these with the Cuup Scoop Bra, which we recommend in our bra guide.

If you’re looking for gender-nonconforming, next-generation tightie whities: Tomboy X Iconic Briefs are designed to look like traditional boys briefs, with a thick, stay-put logo waistband and a huge variety of color options intended to make a statement. Tomboy X offers a large size range, and these briefs are well constructed of thick, 95% cotton with reinforced seams. Our tester with round hips said she’d wear them occasionally, but they were too thick to be worn under anything she owns besides jeans. The quality is there, so the decision to buy them or not is all about style.

If you’re looking for a lacy edge that doesn't bunch up: Our straight-hipped and booty testers loved the lacy, made-in-Italy Cosabella Comfie Thong, while our tester with hips found that the lace body dug into her. The wide lace band also might show through clingy clothes, though it does stay in place nicely. The main fabric is 85% polyamide and 15% elastane, with a 95% cotton gusset (crotch). Ultimately, the limited size range (SM, ML, L, XL) and higher price tag made it difficult to select this one as an official pick.

If you want a more-polished basic cotton bikini: Three out of four testers loved the Thirdlove Everyday Cotton Bikini, deeming it soft and comfortable. Unfortunately, the tester with round hips had issues with the bikini staying in place, and she reported that it rode up and gave her a wedgie. So ultimately we didn't select this as a pick.

If you’re into a little lace: Our transgender and booty testers flipped for the Soma Embraceable Signature Lace Bikini, calling it "feminine and sexy" and reporting that the lace edging didn't bunch up. Our straight-hip and hippy testers were less enthusiastic, saying that the lace edging was rough and the leg bands cut into their skin. With sizes ranging from XS to XXL, these 95% rayon, 5% spandex undies are low-rise in front with a butt that doesn't ride up. This bikini is a good choice for those who won't be bothered by the texture of the edges.

We were really excited about Kim Kardashian's underwear line, Skims. This underwear comes in a wide range of sizes, styles, and true nudes. At the time we began reporting this guide, Skims items were selling out before our eyes, and stock issues were a real challenge when it came to consistently testing pairs across a range of body types. The few pairs we did manage to buy were solidly constructed and fit well, but we were not able to test them on enough people to recommend them. We’ll add them to the mix for the next round of testing.

Rihanna's Savage x Fenty line has been lauded as the next-gen Victoria's Secret, with ultra-sexy styles at a low price—and in a notable size range. For this guide, we focused on styles that could be worn all day. And while not everything Rihanna offers is skimpy and lacy (there are some "essentials," like cheeky briefs), the online shopping experience isn't as fabulous as the styles and prices are. Savage X follows a subscription model similar to that of Fabletics. So when customers enter the site and during browsing, they are confronted with pop-ups for creating a login and committing to a monthly membership. It's possible to buy things as a "guest," but you won't get the great deals. We’ll consider testing next time around.

There may be pairs on this list that you love and want to defend. And that's fine! Let us know if you think we should reconsider. But we ultimately knocked them out in the first round for any number of reasons, including fabric quality, plaguing stock issues, fit challenges, or obnoxious, unavoidable tags.

Testers didn't like the feel or fit of the Auden Cotton Hipster (currently unavailable) and the Auden Seamless Thong, both from Target's house brand.

Though the Calvin Klein Modern Cotton bikini earned points for being well made, the giant tag sewn into the garment and the in-your-face styling turned off testers.

Commando, beloved by stylists for a zero-pantyline silhouette, is likely great for short-term wear or photo shoots. But the raw edges on the Commando Butter Hipster rolled and slipped, even with minimal movement. Testers also thought the fabric was too thin. "Yes, the thinness is the whole idea. But I just feel like they’re going to fall apart in my hands or rip when I put them on. I don't want to be nervous about the future of my undergarments!" one tester said.

Though the fabric of the Jockey No Panty Line Promise Tactel Thong was similar to that of the TommyJohns ("silky and smooth"), testers reported that the Jockey thong dug into their skin, making this underwear difficult to wear for a full day.

We wanted to test Nubian Skin underwear, a line of intimates with four nude shades designed for women of color. But the UK-based company has a $100 free-shipping minimum, and its complicated return policy seemed a bit out of reach at the time we started testing items for this guide. (However, some styles are now available online at Net-a-Porter.com.) We would like to revisit this line for our next update.

With bra hooks that open and close the seams at the hips, Slick Chicks Adaptive Underwear is intended to be easy to put on or take off from any position—sitting, standing, or lying down. Cara Liebowitz, a disability rights activity and wheelchair user, tested a pair for us, and she found that the clasp dug uncomfortably into her left side, making them impossible to wear all day.

Due to stock issues, our hippy tester was the only person able to try the Gap Breathe Bikini (XS to XXL) and Gap Stretch Cotton Bikini (XS to XL). They both fit well (with very little shifting), are relatively inexpensive, and are usually available online and in-store. To fully make them a pick, we’ll need to do more testing across a wider range of body types. Similarly, due to stock issues, the Uniqlo AIRism Ultra Seamless Hiphugger and the Uniqlo Basic Bikini (no longer available) weren't available in every tester's sizing.

This article was edited by Catherine Kast and Jennifer Hunter.

Maureen Whelihan, MD, FACOG, Elite GYN Care of The Palm Beaches in Florida, phone interview, July 30, 2020

Romaine Sargent, VP/GM, and Rachel Erickson, director design and merchandising, at Hanesbrands Inc., joint phone interview, September 18, 2020

Asia Mone't, fit model specializing in intimate apparel, phone interview, August 26, 2020

Cora Harrington, founder of The Lingerie Addict blog, phone interview, August 24, 2020

Heather Garcia, senior director of merchandising, Bare Necessities, phone interview, August 7, 2020

Annemarie Conte

Deputy Editor

Annemarie Conte is a deputy editor at Wirecutter. She has written and edited for multiple local and national magazines throughout her career. You can follow her on Instagram.

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