The Very Best Women’s Underwear

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Sizes:XXS–XXL|Cut:Hipster with low-cut leg |Fabric composition:92% organic cotton, 8% spandex |Price:$

I don’t think there’s anyone else at the Strategist who’s tried on more briefs, bikinis, hipsters, and thongs than me. After all that trying on, I can say confidently that you can’t go wrong with any of the ones sold at the Gap. There’s been a lot written about them on the Strategist over the years: our contributorNicolaia Ripsused to yank her “threadbare Gap underwear” up around her hips, imitating old photos of her mom posing in aswimsuit, while former deals writerLeah Muncydoesn’t believe a betterthongthan Gap’s exists. Most of the offerings are under $15 and often marked down to less than $10.

It’s the Organic Stretch Cotton Hipster that’s mynewrecommendation for the best underwear (a title that formerly belonged to Jockey’s Elance String Bikini). The difference between Jockey’s Elance String Bikini and Gap’s Organic Stretch Cotton Hipster comes down to panty lines. The hipster hardly shows any, unlike the bikini. I don’t get a wedgie in this hipster, either; it stays in place. It wins for breathability, stretchability, and comfortability. Made from a 92 percent cotton and 8 percent spandex (that’s used at the waistband and along the leg openings), it’s not like the other Gap-branded hipsters (theSecondSkinline) that are a nylon-elastane blend. It’s become the underwear I reach for most. Not uncomfortable like some thongs can be or unflattering the way tighty-whities are, they have just the right amount of coverage (and also come inbikiniform). They’re available in a size range of XXS to XXL and, for $10.50 full price, are an excellent value.

Sizes:4–7 (equivalent to 0–14)|Cut:Bikini, designed to be sit low-rise, mid-rise, or high-rise |Fabric composition:100% combed, ring-spun cotton |Price:$

Jockey’s Elance String Bikini used to be our best underwear pick overall, and while the Gap hipster now holds that spot, the Elance is still an excellent cotton bikini. The fit and coverage are easily adjustable, thanks to the strings you can pull up on the sides, and it stays in place. (Jockey offers sizes 4 to 7, which are the equivalent of 0 to 14.) It’s made from a comfortable cotton, plus the tag is on the outside of the bikini instead of the inside, so nothing’s rubbing against your butt. For the price, it’s hard to do much better. I’m usually wary about buying super-cheap packs of underwear, but this is a great deal for what you’re getting — especially for 100 percent cotton.

You don’t have to just take my word for it —Cup of Jo’s Joanna Goddard read about the string-bikini inLaurel Pantin’sEarl Earl, and it’s been her everyday underwear since. Nowadays, Goddard counts the underwear assomething she can’t live without. It’s also been a favorite of Strategist readers over the years. Just note: If you’re someone who doesn’t want to show any panty lines, this isn’t the underwear for you. The cotton that covers the elastic around the legs is a bit thick, so a line will show if you’re wearing tighter pants.

Sizes:XS–XXL |Cut:Brief, sits below hips |Fabric composition:94% pima cotton, 6% lycra (with lace: 84% nylon, 16% elastane and gusset: 100 percent cotton) |Price:$$

Natori’s Bliss Briefs are anall-time Strategist-reader best sellerand theunderwear that the woman who wrote the book on underwearwears. Cora Harrington, the formerLingerie Addictand the author ofIn Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie, told me, “If something is comfortable enough for me to wear every day, then it’s probably comfortable enough for everyone.My body simply can’t tolerate anything less.” All the high praise made me want to try the Bliss Briefs myself — and in the past few months that I’ve owned them, I’ve worn mine at least once a week. The briefs don’t cling and are reasonably seamless, even with the trimming. Because of the Pima cotton in the briefs’ blend (which also includes Lycra, nylon, and elastane), they’re justsosoft. They let you get some air downstairs, too. They’re an easy, everyday brief that every underwear drawer needs. Dolley Frearson, creative director ofHigh Fashion Home, even promises that “they will eventually replace almost all of your underwear.” At $20, they’re not exactly cheap, but they’re almost always half-off at aNordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Sizes:2-24|Cut:Briefs in a high rise |Fabric composition:50% modal, 45% cotton and 5% elastane (gusset: 100% cotton) |Price:$

Catbird’s chief creative officerLeigh Plessnerlearned about Marks & Spencer’s underwear from either “Sassyor an English novel or an interview with Kate Moss,” and stopped by the store for the first time on a high-school-theater-program trip to London. Years later, her preference for “rather expansive” underpants led her there again. “My underwear drawer is like Gatsby’s pile of shirts,” she says, “but almost entirely made up of one style from Marks & Spencer: the Cotton-Modal Full Briefs.” They hit right at her belly button, exactly where she likes her underwear to be. The little bit of stretch in them — “controversial, I know, as some are adamant that only full cotton will do” — helps keep them sag-free. Sold at five for $22, these are a better deal than Natori’s one for $20.

Sizes:2XS–4XL|Cut:Brief, French leg, high-rise|Fabric composition:95% organic cotton and 5% spandex (the elastic at the waist is 91% nylon and 9% elastane, and at the legs, 86% nylon and 14% elastane)|Price:$$

The company formerly known as Knickey is now Subset. New name aside, the brand’s undies are as they always were — at least, according to our senior writerDominique Pariso, who’s been buying the High-Rise Briefs for around five years. Pariso affectionately calls them “wedgie-proof granny panties.”After trying a pair myself, I can say that while it sits high on the waist, it’s cut to show a little bit of hip and hug the butt. (You can also choose alowormidrise in lieu of high.) So you get most of the coverage associated with a granny panty, both in the front and back, without the feeling of being in a granny panty — it’s a granny panty that’s nottoogranny. (You can read my full reviewhere.)

LikeHike ClerbfounderEvelynn Escobar-Thomasmentioned, it doesn’t cause much by way of VPL. For comparison, It’s more VPL-resistant than Gap’s Organic Stretch Cotton Hipster (which I remain loyal to) but less than Commando’s Butter Bikini (which is about as invisible as it gets, thanks to its modal and elastane-blend fabric).At $20 for one pair, a Subset High-Rise Brief might not be the cheapest, but the quality is there. Pariso’s oldest pair onlyjustripped last year, which she believes is “a testament to how well-made the garments are.” Pariso usually restocks once a year onBlack Friday, but you can also stock up any other day with either the three-for-$55 or six-for-$100 deal. The brief is also offered in one of the largest size ranges on this list, XXS to 4XL.

Sizes:XXS–XXL|Cut:Hipster, cheekier cut, high-rise|Fabric composition:92% Supima cotton, 8% elastane|Price:$

Everlanemakes minimalist underwear that, at first glance, could bemistaken for Hanesand are almost “aggressively plain,” says former Strategist writer Lori Keong. But that’s a big part of the appeal, especially if you’re in search of a high-waisted hipster that “makes your butt look like it’s starring in its own ’90s Calvin Klein commercial,” Keong explains. This pair rises to your navel without feeling confining or bunching up around your hips during the day, she says. They pass the very important VPL test, too. Lisa Buhler, founder ofLisa Says Gah, also vouches for Everlane, comparing its look to Hanro but at a fraction of the cost. Plus, Everlane offers a “buy more, save more” promo of three for $36.

Sizes:XS–XXL (equivalent to 0–18)|Cut:Thong, mid-rise |Fabric composition:75% polyamide, 25% elastane |Price:$$

The words “comfortable thong” have long been an oxymoron in my mind — but for the sake of making this guide, I’m trying as many as I can get mybuttinto. So far, Tommy John’s are the only ones that don’t dig in. (Just make sure to cut off the branded tag in the back, because it rubbed against my behind annoyingly.)

I first heard about these thongs from former Strategist editorMaxine Builder, who credits the material — “the lightest, softest mesh you’ve ever touched” — for making the thong “no show whatsoever.” To get the right fit, Builder suggests checking thismore thorough size guiderather than the one on the product page. The Tommy John thong comes in sizes XS to XXL (the equivalent of 0 to 18), unlike the sizing atHanky Panky, our one-time best thong. While Hanky Panky’s thongs were recommended byLove and Other Rugs’s Lily Sullivan, investorBarbara Corcoran, andRicher Poorer’s Iva Pawling, they’re one size fits all (and only really recommended for sizes 4 through 14). The price of a single Hanky Panky thong and the Tommy John Air Thong is comparable — $24 for the former, and $22 for the latter — but you can get three of Tommy John’s for $42 (which works out to $14 a pair) or five for $65 (which works out to $13 a pair) — making them one of the better “buy more” discounts here.

Sizes:XXS–XXL|Cut:Brief-style boyshort, low-rise|Fabric composition:95% cotton, 5% elastane|Price:$

Technically a cross between aboy shortand a brief, Aerie’s Boybriefs offer fuller coverage without any of the awkwardness that can happen when the entirety of your butt is not contained. (I haven’t experienced a wedgie in any of the Boybriefs I’ve tried!)This version of the Boybriefs — inAerie’s Superchill line, described as its “comfiest undies” — is made of 95 percent cotton and 5 percent elastane. It’s a wonderfully smooth blend, and the elastic at the waistband, which doesn’t roll down, is also covered in it. It’s a slightly thicker material, but less so than anything branded Jockey Elance. That said, it’s not necessarily the underwear for anyone who’s trying to reduce VPL, but it usually doesn’t show when wearingjeans, for example. And at about $9 each, you can easily buy multiples (though you can get an even better deal when Aerie is running a bundle promotion like “six for $30” or “buy four, get four free”).Just as often as Aerie Boybriefs sell out, new versions are restocked. BeyondSuperchill, another popular style I’ve heard recommended isSmoothez(a blend of nylon and elastane that’s especially stretchy).If you needed any more convincing: Several former and current Strategist staffers have worn some form of Aerie underwear for years, including our writerBrenley Goertzenand senior editorJen Trolio. Trolio appreciates that the underwear doesn’t have any obvious branding. “I’m extremely averse to logos on my underwear,” she says.

Sizes:XXS–XXL |Cut:Brief cut cheekier, mid-rise |Fabric composition:Cotton (pointelle)|Price:$$$

I like to think of knickers as better-looking briefs, often with details like ruffled edges and lace trimmings. Intimates line Cou Cou makes a knicker inspired by Frenchlingerie— it’s sewn from bespoke pointelle, edged with a little lace, and topped with a ribboned bow. The pair is frillier than a standard brief. They’re great if you want something that looks knickerlike but without too much bulk. Since these are slightly fancier, they’re like a pick-me-up when I want an underthing that’s not as unassuming. (Note that you can see their outline when wearing closer-fitting clothes.) These are reminiscent of traditional briefs, but they sit right at the hipbone and they don’t have as cheeky of a cut in the back. The cotton is breathable, especially thanks to the eyelets in the pointelle fabric. You can get them in athongtoo, or atanga(which is closer to a G-string).

This Belongs Tois another notable knickers-maker — though it is much more of a splurge. Former senior editorChelsea Pengowns a knicker from the brand emblazoned withchile peppersand another embroidered with the words “ain’t my first rodeo.” Peng thinks of them as her “sporting underwear” to show off under something sheer. (Since This Belongs To is a British brand, the sizes can be confusing, so double-check the sizing chart.)

Sizes:XS–XXL |Cut:Brief with French-cut leg, mid-rise |Fabric composition:94% Pima cotton, 6% Lycra (gusset: 100% cotton)|Price:$$$

Recently, a few Strategist staffers — myself, senior writerLiza Corsillo, and writerTembe Denton-Hurst— went on a hunt for “cotton underwearthat looks good (sexy even), feels good without causing wedgies or rolling down, and doesn’t ruin an outfit with unsightly VPL.” Corsillo’s winner was Natori’s Bliss French Cut Brief (sister to the Natori’s Bliss Briefs mentioned above). She preferred the style over other Organic Basics and Mate the Label pairs she tried. In fact, the first time she tried it on, Corsillo messaged our group chat about how great the fabric felt. A blend of 94 percent Pima cotton and 6 percent Lycra (with a 100 percent cotton gusset), it’s “soft in a way where I started to think,Is this too good to be true?” she says.The underwear delivered on everything she was looking for, “a high-cut brief with good coverage that also doesn’t look like a pair of granny panties.” It’s a little cheeky in the back, with front-leg openings cut at just the right angle. And the combination of lace trim and seams helps the brief “lie flatter, which reduces any panty lines,” Corsillo adds. I’m currently trying a pair for myself, and I’ll report my findings in the next update.

Sizes:XS–XL |Cut:Bikini, French cut with a high-rise |Fabric composition:Cotton (percentage not listed) |Price: $

For decades,Baywatchnostalgia from her formative years has led novelistMolly Prentisson a quest for underwear with the same “vulgarVshape of those exaggerated high-cut suits.” Online window shopping has only led to disappointment — theMishasfrom Arq have “substantial seams” that interfere with the look she’s going for, andhigh-risesfrom Pansy aren’t high enough for her taste. But a “midnight off-market marketplace deep dive” led her toElsy Marie on Etsy. Prentiss says that she “hit theintimatesjackpot” with this high-cut pair, which have a triangle shape well-suited “when slung above a curvy pair of hips,” are made from sustainably sourced cotton, and cost less than $15. She adds, “It was just the jolie laide my private parts needed, and I’ve ordered multiple times since. The rest of my underwear have begun to depress me in comparison.”

Sizes:5–7 (equivalent to S–L) withplus sizes8–11 (equivalent to XL–4XL) sold separately |Cut:Brief, French cut with a high-rise |Fabric composition:100% cotton |Price: $

Denton-Hurst’snew favorite all-cotton underwearis Jockey’s Elance French Cut — which are sold in multipacks, making them especially affordable. (“While I’m not wholly opposed to spending $20 on a single pair, I was raised on five pairs of underwear for $25, which, even adjusting for inflation, shouldn’t be much more than $10 a pop,” according to Denton-Hurst.)They have less of a high-cut than Elsy Marie’s, but “they’re high in the way I like, extremely comfy — so much so I wanted to sleep in them — and the high leg feels a little chicer than my almost sporty-feeling Hanes,” Denton-Hurst adds. And while the cotton is on the thicker side, it’s not as thick as Arq underwear she’s also tried (which she likens in feeling to a “swim diaper”). “I often forgot that I was wearing them. And when I wasn’t wearing them, I missed having them on,” she says. Keep in mind that she doesn’t love the tag at the hip, but at least it doesn’t brush against your skin. There’s also theElance Brief, which former senior editorMargaret Rhodescalled “the least risqué panties you’ll ever own” — if you want a similar fit without the French cut.

Sizes:S–L|Cut:Brazilian cut in a mid-rise |Fabric composition:Cotton, elastane |Price:$

It’s been a slow conversion for Strategist updates coordinatorNajwa Jamalfrom “nylon-ridden Victoria’s Secret” to Italian intimates line Intimissimi’s “Ultralight Cotton” (a blend of 87 percent cotton and 13 percent elastane). It’s “very light indeed,” with some verging-on-sheer flesh-toned colors available. Jamal says none of the Ultralight Cotton styles “leave anything hanging or oddly uncovered,” but for the least amount of VPL, she wears the Ultralight Cotton Brazilian daily. (If not the Brazilian, then a G-string orthongstyle.) It’s like a thong with more coverage. It has flat seams to be especially unseen. There’s often a “buy three, get one free” or “buy five, get three free” rule in effect on Intimissimi’s underwear — or you can stock up during the occasional sale, as she does.

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