Let’s be honest. Most of us have a "top drawer" situation that is, frankly, a bit of a disaster. You probably have those three pairs of "period undies" that have seen better days, a stray thong you bought for a wedding in 2019, and a handful of daily drivers that are losing their elasticity. It’s chaotic. But choosing between different styles of womens underwear isn't just about what looks cute on a mannequin or what’s on sale at the department store. It's actually about geometry, fabric science, and, occasionally, preventing a very literal pain in the butt.
Underwear is the foundation of every outfit. If the foundation is wonky, the whole building—or in this case, your silhouette—feels off. You've likely felt that specific brand of irritation when a seam digs into your hip or a leg hole is just a fraction too tight. It ruins your day. It’s distracting.
The Classic Brief and Why It Won’t Die
The brief is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the underwear world. Some people call them "granny panties," but that’s a bit of an unfair stereotype. Modern briefs have come a long way from the saggy cotton versions of the 90s. They offer full coverage, which basically means they cover everything from your belly button (if they’re high-rise) to the bottom of your seat.
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Why do people love them? Stability.
When you’re wearing a high-waisted brief, nothing moves. According to fit experts at brands like ThirdLove, the high-waisted brief has seen a massive resurgence because it mirrors the current trend of high-rise denim. It creates a smooth line. No muffin top. Just a consistent, held-in feeling that works under sundresses or loungewear. If you're dealing with postpartum recovery or just want to feel "tucked in" during your cycle, this is the go-to.
Thongs: The Love-Hate Relationship
Then we have the thong. It’s the ultimate solution to the dreaded Visible Panty Line (VPL). But let’s clear something up: not all thongs are created equal. You have the G-string, which is basically three pieces of string and a prayer. Then you have the traditional thong, which has a bit more fabric in the front and a wider waistband.
Medical professionals, including many gynecologists, often suggest being careful with thong frequency. Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a well-known OB-GYN and author, has noted in various health forums that tight-fitting thongs made of non-breathable synthetic materials can sometimes facilitate the movement of bacteria. It’s not a "never wear them" situation, but rather a "choose your fabrics wisely" situation. If you’re going to wear a thong, cotton is your best friend.
What’s the Deal with Bikinis and Hi-Legs?
Bikinis are the middle child. They sit lower on the hip than a brief but offer more coverage than a thong. They’re the "standard" underwear. Usually, they have a lower rise—about three or four inches below the navel—and a high-cut leg.
Wait, what’s a hi-leg?
People often confuse the two. A hi-leg is actually a specific cut where the leg openings are carved out much higher toward the waist. This is a total game-changer for people with wider thighs or those who want their legs to look longer. It stops the fabric from digging into the "crease" of your leg, which can be a major source of chafing for many women. It's a vintage look, very 80s aerobics, but it's incredibly practical for mobility.
Boy Shorts vs. Hipsters
You’d think boy shorts would be the most comfortable because they look like mini-shorts. Sometimes they are. Sometimes they aren't.
Boy shorts are modeled after men’s boxer briefs. They have a rectangular shape and go straight down the leg. Here’s the catch: if you have a very curvy lower body, boy shorts have a tendency to "roll up." It's annoying. You're walking down the street and suddenly the hem of your underwear is migrating north.
If you like that lower-on-the-hip feel but hate the rolling, try a hipster. Hipsters are a hybrid. They sit on the hips like boy shorts but have a more traditional leg opening. They provide a lot of side-hip coverage, which is great if you’re wearing low-rise jeans or if you just prefer a sporty feel.
Fabric Matters More Than Style
Honestly, you could pick the perfect style, but if the fabric is wrong, you’re going to be miserable.
- Cotton: The gold standard. It breathes. It absorbs moisture.
- Silk: Feels luxurious, but it’s high maintenance and doesn't breathe as well as you’d think.
- Modal/Bamboo: These are the new favorites. They are incredibly soft—kinda like a second skin—and they’re actually more absorbent than cotton.
- Seamless/Microfiber: These are usually nylon or spandex blends. They are essential for leggings or tight dresses because they don't have finished edges to create lines. Just keep in mind they aren't the best for long-term "down there" health if you're prone to irritation.
The Invisible Problem of Sizing
Most women are wearing the wrong size. We do it with bras, and we definitely do it with different styles of womens underwear. If your underwear is leaving red marks on your skin, it's too small. If the fabric is bunching up under your pants, it's too big.
Sizing isn't universal. A medium in a seamless hanky-panky is not the same as a medium in a Hanes cotton brief. You’ve got to check the size charts. Measure your hips at the widest point—not your waist. That’s the measurement that actually determines how the fabric will stretch over your body.
Practical Steps for a Better Top Drawer
Don't just go out and buy a 10-pack of the same thing. Your body needs different things on different days.
- Audit the Graveyard: Go through your drawer. If the elastic is crunchy or there are holes, toss them. Life is too short for bad underwear.
- The Rule of Three: Try to have at least three distinct styles. You need briefs for comfort and sleep, thongs or seamless for specific outfits, and bikinis or hipsters for daily wear.
- Prioritize the Gusset: Always look for a 100% cotton gusset (that's the little patch in the crotch). Even if the rest of the underwear is fancy lace or polyester, that specific part needs to be cotton for your health.
- Wash with Care: If you bought expensive lace or modal pairs, stop throwing them in the heavy-duty wash cycle with your jeans. Use a mesh bag. It prevents the straps from getting snagged and the lace from shredding.
At the end of the day, no one else is seeing this stuff most of the time. It's entirely for you. If you feel pinched, poked, or prodded, the style isn't working, no matter how "correct" it is for your outfit. Trust your gut—and your hips. Invest in a few high-quality pieces rather than a mountain of cheap ones that lose their shape after three washes. Your skin will thank you.