The 10 Best Underwear for Women, Tested by a Style Writer

Of all the thongs I’ve tried, this pair from On Gossamer checks most of my boxes. It’s the most durable pair on this list thanks to a high amount of nylon in the fabric. Wash after wash, it feels brand new. And, for a synthetic option, it’s extremely soft and comfortable. Additionally, it comes in many different coverage options (think: brief, bikini, high cut, etc), is super stretchy without slacking on shape and compression, and it has a cotton gusset, which is essential for wicking away moisture.

This underwear has plenty of stretch—it can expand super wide but still snaps back for a snug, comfortable fit, thanks to the spandex in the fabric. It comes in sizes XS to XL, but the extra stretch means it can accommodate a bit beyond that, too.

To make matters even better, it’s buttery soft, so it literally feels like you’re wearing nothing. And, it looks like that, too—I’ve worn this underwear under super tight compression leggings, and you can’t see any seams.

I wear the Heavenly Stretch Thong for everything—from the gym to the office to running errands—because it’s seamless, lightweight, and moisture-wicking. Even when I get sweaty, it stays dry and comfortable, so I never have to worry about dampness or chafing. By the time I leave the gym, it’s usually dry and feels completely weightless. No need to adjust after burpees or squats—it stays put the entire time.

I’d recommend going with your normal size for this panty. I tried a pair in a size down, and found that while it definitely fit, it was a bit tight around the hips. My one con? I wish it came in more color options besides just black and tan.

Read more: Best Moisture-Wicking Underwear

Even though I’m a thong girl through and through, a bikini provides more coverage and comes in handy when you're lounging at home or during certain times of the month. And this one is a favorite of mine. With a touch of lace and tons of fun colors, it’s anything but grandma-y. Plus, it’s so soft and comfy, I actually want to wear it all day. I’ve even slept in it—it’s full coverage but feels buttery smooth and cozy.

This pair is made from Tencel modal, which is twice as soft as cotton. Compared to cotton, it’s smoother, more lightweight, and resistant to shrinking. And get this: It’s also super breathable, which is hard to find in panties that aren’t made from cotton.

It's sometimes hard to find comfortable bikini-style underwear that doesn't dig into the skin or move around because of the amount of fabric on the hips. This brief fits like a dream—it stays in place without riding up and has the perfect mid-rise cut. While I wouldn’t wear it with tight leggings, it’s seamless under jeans with no visible panty lines. Plus, since it doesn’t shift throughout the day, I never have to worry about adjusting it.

The sizing is also super inclusive with this underwear, as it ranges from XS to 4XL, so you can always find the right size. And don’t even get me started on the color range—there are more than 100 colors and patterns to choose from (though you won’t find them all under one Amazon listing).

Cotton underwear is great for wearing all day because it's a naturally breathable material, says gynecologist and Chief Medical Officer of Bonafide Health Dr. Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG. This pair is made from 100% organic Supima cotton, which has longer fibers than regular cotton, making it feel extra soft and smooth against the skin. The fabric also includes a touch of spandex, which adds just the right amount of stretch. That’s why I love to wear it for walks, Pilates, and even high-impact workouts when I want to feel supported, secure, and ready to move.

Plus, the material isn’t too thick. Combined with the smooth lace trim, this underwear is invisible under tight leggings and workout shorts. That’s a big win, since I find it difficult to avoid visible panty lines in styles that aren’t thongs.

And while thong and bikini styles tend to get a lot of love for workouts, the French Cut is one of the most underrated styles, IMO. Its high-leg cut makes it easy to move around in since the fabric doesn’t bunch at the hips or feel restrictive. That makes this pair great for all workouts. Plus, I love that the fit sits above the hips while still offering plenty of coverage.

They’re also great for low-rise or super-short shorts when you need a pair of undies that won’t show while you’re on the move. The delicate lace trim detailing also adds a feminine touch, making them great for wearing outside the gym too.

Of all the moisture-wicking underwear I’ve tried, the Spanx Fit To You Thong checked all my boxes in terms of fit, materials, comfort, and sweat-fighting abilities. The nylon-based fabric is soft, breathable, and keeps me cool. It dries quickly, even after high-intensity workouts. By the time I leave the gym, I never have to worry about sweaty underwear if I’m running errands afterward.

It stays invisible under leggings, which can be hard to find in underwear, even in thongs. This pair has light compression for a smoothing effect, while the mid-rise style sits right at the waist without peeking over. There’s also no elastic band, so I never have to worry about an uncomfortable digging sensation.

The moisture-wicking cotton gusset stays in place during even my most intense workouts, offering full coverage without shifting or bunching up. I was skeptical about the “one size fits all” claim, but the stretch really impressed me—it hugs the body just right and prevents any VPLs (visible panty lines). The “one size plus” option is a great addition, making the fit more inclusive. However, I’ve noticed that many colors sell out quickly in the “one size fits all” option, while the “one size plus” tends to stay in stock longer.

I rarely go for full coverage undies, but I love this boybrief style from Aerie. It’s so comfortable and lightweight that I find myself reaching for it on a weekly basis. Normally, full-coverage styles like briefs and shorts dig in and are just…noticeably there all day, IYKWIM. Not this pair. The low rise on the hips helps with the barely-there feel, as does the thinner, super breathable construction.

I also love that this underwear is made primarily from cotton (with a bit of elastane for stretch), which helps with that softness and breathability. The material truly feels like butter on the skin. It feels less like full coverage underwear and more like a skimpy short, so I often wear it on its own with a t-shirt when I’m lounging at home. But it also works great under looser bottoms like basketball shorts, sweatpants, or baggy jeans. I wouldn’t wear it with leggings or anything form-fitting on the bottom, because it does cause VPL under tighter clothing.

When you’re on your period, you need underwear that keeps you dry and wicks away moisture. The Knix Super Leakproof Bikini does just that, absorbing up to eight teaspoons (!!) of blood, pee, or sweat. So if you bleed through your tampon, you’ve got a backup—without needing a pad.

Unlike other period underwear I've tested (which uses ugly, puffy padding to prevent leaking), Knix’s design is super discreet. That's because it uses a moisture-wicking nylon exterior with a cotton gusset that absorbs liquid. Some period underwear feels bulky and constricting, but this pair is so thin and comfortable, it’s like wearing nothing at all. The bonded edges also help prevent side leaks, making it great for overnight wear when you want extra protection without a tampon.

And while leakproof underwear might not sound glamorous, trust me—this pair is anything but bulky. The built-in moisture-wicking pad is so thin you barely notice it, even under sheer lace pants (I tested it at my birthday party!). Plus, it’s machine washable and seamless enough to wear under leggings. If you have a heavier flow, Knix offers thicker options, but this pair is perfect for light days or when you need extra backup.

Merino wool is one of the best materials to look for in a pair of workout underwear, and Branwyn's Essential Bikini is my favorite merino wool option. It dries out very quickly, even when I’m super sweaty. I love that I don’t have to worry about wearing these straight from the gym to brunch if I’m in a hurry.

Merino wool as a technical fabric is one of the few natural fibers that actually performs well in activewear. It comes from the coat of sheep and other animals, is naturally antimicrobial, and wicks away and absorbs sweat rather than letting it sit on the skin. If you run hot during your workouts, you can trust this pair of undies to dry quickly.

The nearly seamless construction also means no weird pinching or discomfort. The stretch (from the spandex in the fabric) means it moves in every direction without feeling restrictive. In fact, this is the most flexible underwear I’ve tested during my runs. Each piece is dyed in small batches, making every pair unique.

I’ve had a few of Skims’ Fits Everybody Dipped Front Thongs for years—it’s that good, I couldn’t just stop at one. Hands down, it’s the softest pair on this list. The On Gossamer thong is thinner and has more spandex, giving it a more compressive, workout-like feel. But this one is soft and stretchy without that snap, making it feel looser and more buttery. Despite its high polyester content, it has more of a cotton-like texture that’s super comfortable. I wouldn’t wear this underwear with tight leggings as it has a looser fit and it's not seamless, but this is my go-to underwear to wear with trousers, jeans, or sweats.

However, it’s still extremely breathable and quick drying, and kept us feeling cool and fresh during HIIT workouts. Unlike other thongs I own, this one never digs into my skin.

This underwear also has a dipped front, which I prefer while wearing low-cut pants or crop tops. You never have to worry about it sticking up over your pants, as it doesn’t have a super high, thick band.

The “Fits Everybody” line is my favorite that Skims offers, and there are so many different bras and underwear you can shop within this soft, stretchy line. There’s an Adaptive Thong, T-String Thong (another favorite of mine), and my go-to bra, the Fits Everybody Scoop Bralette.

In my opinion, every woman needs a good pair of boyshorts—for sleeping, extra coverage under short dresses, layering under jeans for warmth, or even wearing solo to yoga or Pilates. This pair from lululemon is perfect for all of that. It looks just like a pair of biker shorts (so no one will know it’s underwear!), but it has the breathability and moisture-wicking benefits of a great pair of undies.

This short is made from 91 percent modal (which is softer than cotton) and nine percent elastane for the perfect amount of stretch. It feels buttery soft, but the bit of spandex gives it a subtle snap, making it great for workouts or light compression under a dress. The flat seams stay invisible under clothes and help prevent chafing, while the smooth waistband sits comfortably without digging in or showing through.

This short has a five-inch inseam and a super high rise, making it a versatile fit for all kinds of outfits. In my opinion, it’s the perfect length for layering under clothes. When I wear it solo to a workout class, I wish it didn’t have stitching at the crotch—this makes it look more like underwear than workout shorts. But don’t get it twisted—I still wear it to the gym all the time. Plus, it’s moisture-wicking and quick drying, so I never have to worry about feeling damp down there after a sweaty sesh.