11 Types of Underwear Styles For Women
Key Takeaways
- There are 11 main types of underwear for women, and they differ mostly in how much they cover and where they sit on your waist.
- Your butt shape can guide your pick: round and heart shapes suit minimal styles, while square and inverted shapes suit briefs, mid-rise, and high-leg cuts.
- Wear seamless or minimal styles under fitted outfits, and match your underwear's rise to your pants' rise for everything else.
- Organic cotton is the best everyday fabric, nylon holds up to workouts, and lace dresses things up without digging.
- If you're not sure where to start, the Fit Quiz helps you narrow down your options.
The main types of underwear for women are the thong, bikini, cheeky, hipster, brief, mid-rise, boyshort, lace, seamless, T-string, and high-leg. Each one suits different outfits, coverage needs, and body shapes.
Not to be dramatic, but your underwear is one of the most important pieces in your wardrobe. It's the foundation of every outfit, and the right pair boosts your comfort and your confidence. One style rarely fits every occasion, though.
Below, you'll learn the different styles of women's underwear and when to wear each one. You'll also see which butt shapes and fabrics suit each style.
What Are the Different Types of Underwear for Women?
There are 11 different types of underwear for women: thong, bikini, cheeky, hipster, brief, mid-rise, boyshort, lace, seamless and shapewear, T-string, and high-leg. They differ mostly in how much of your hips and butt they cover and where they sit on your waist.
Whether you love a thong's freedom or a high brief's full coverage, use this chart to compare the kinds of women's underwear side by side.
| Style | Coverage | Rise | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thong | Minimal: none on the butt, little on the hips | Thin waistband | Tight dresses and fitted pants |
| Bikini | Medium, with plenty on the backside | Low on the hip | Jeans, skirts, and dresses |
| Cheeky | More than a thong, less than a bikini | Varies by style | Everyday wear with a playful look |
| Hipster | More leg coverage than a bikini | A few inches below your natural waist | Low-rise bottoms |
| Brief | Full: hips, butt, and lower stomach | High | High-waisted bottoms |
| Mid-rise | More than a hipster, less than a high brief | Barely grazes your navel | Mid-rise pants and skirts |
| Boyshort | Full | Varies by style | Loungewear and flash-prone outfits |
| Lace | Depends on the cut: bikini, cheeky, or thong | Depends on the cut | Date nights and special occasions |
| Seamless and shapewear | Varies, up to full-coverage shorts | Up to high-waisted | Barely-there looks |
| T-string | Minimal, less than a regular thong | String instead of a waistband | Form-fitting evening wear |
| High-leg | Classic bikini coverage in back | Higher on the hip bones than a bikini | High-slit dresses and a longer leg line |
What Is Thong Underwear?
Thong underwear is a minimal style with zero coverage on your butt and little coverage on your hips, so it gives you a VPL-free look. If you don't want your underwear to show, you probably already reach for one.
Best For Underneath Tight Dresses and Fitted Pants
Ideal butt shapes: Round (O-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)
A typical thong has three parts: a thin waistband, a triangular front panel, and a back strip that rests between your cheeks. There are different types of thongs, too.
Here's how the two most common variations compare to a traditional thong:
- Tangas give you more coverage. They have triangular cuts of fabric in both the front and the back.
- G-strings give you less coverage. They're usually made with thinner strips of fabric.
The thong you choose comes down to your preferences for fit and style.
What Is Bikini Underwear?
Bikini underwear is a medium-coverage style with a lower rise on the hip, a higher cut on the leg, and plenty of backside coverage. Picture your favorite bikini swimsuit, and you've got the shape.
Best For Jeans, Skirts, and Dresses
Ideal butt shapes: Square (H-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)
Bikinis came about in the 1960s, and they're still one of the most popular types of panties. You'll love them for their all-day comfort and (usually) seamless look under most clothes. They pair well with nearly every outfit.
What Is Cheeky Underwear?
Cheeky underwear gives you more coverage than a thong but less than a bikini, revealing a little more of your…cheeks. Most cheekies have a bit of extra fabric at the sides.
Best For Whenever You're Feeling Cheeky
Ideal butt shapes: Square (H-shaped)
The back can range from almost full coverage to almost thong-style, though most land somewhere in between. You may also see similar cuts sold as Brazilian underwear.
To hide panty lines, pick a seamless cheeky. It's more flirty and playful than a bikini, but it's still a great everyday option.
What Is Hipster Underwear?
Hipster underwear sits a few inches below your natural waistline and covers more of your leg line than a bikini. It falls halfway between a boyshort and a bikini.
Best For Low-Rise Bottoms
Ideal butt shapes: Inverted (V-shaped)
If you're weighing hipster vs. bikini underwear, look at the leg: a hipster covers more of it, while a bikini cuts higher. Hipsters are known for enhancing your natural curves, and many women find them very comfortable.
If you love low-rise pants and jeans, hipsters are pretty perfect. They lower the risk of accidentally showing your underwear.
What Is Brief Underwear?
Brief underwear is a full-coverage style that covers your hips, butt, and even your lower stomach. It's the most secure, high-coverage option in this guide.
Best For High-Waisted Bottoms
Ideal butt shapes: Square (H-shaped), Inverted (V-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)
Briefs are designed with slimming lines, so they're great when you want a little added support. They also add a comfortable barrier between you and your high-waisted pants.
Sure, some people call this style "granny panties." But we've been seeing (and making) this high-coverage cut in tons of modern colors and fabrics.
What Is Mid-Rise Underwear?
Mid-rise underwear barely grazes your navel, giving you more coverage than a hipster but less than a high brief. It's a comfortable, mid-coverage fit designed for daily wear.
Best For Mid-Rise Pants and Skirts
Ideal butt shapes: Square (H-shaped), Inverted (V-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)
You'll find mid-rise coverage in several styles, so you can get that in-between fit in the cut you like best. It works especially well under mid-rise pants.
What Are Boyshorts?
Boyshorts are full-coverage underwear designed with men's boxer shorts in mind, hence the name. They sit between a base layer and loungewear, so they work just as well under clothes as on their own.
Best For Loungewear and Flash-Prone Outfits
Ideal butt shapes: Inverted (V-shaped)
Like boxers, boyshorts give you an ultra-comfortable fit and extra coverage. They also do a great job of eliminating panty lines, so you get a clean look no matter what you're wearing.
Perfect for a night in, or as an insurance policy on a breezy day, the boyshort has you covered. Literally.
What Is Lace Underwear Best For?
Lace underwear is best for date nights and special occasions, though the right lace can take you from day to night. A lace bra and panty set can create a coordinated look, while individual lace pieces offer plenty of versatility. Its intricate design hugs your body with a delicate, peek-a-boo look.
Best For Date Nights and Special Occasions
Ideal butt shapes: Square (H-shaped), Inverted (V-shaped), Heart (A-shaped), Round (O-shaped)
Thirdlove's All Day Lace collection pairs that special-occasion look with everyday comfort. Here's what sets it apart:
- It's made with recycled lace. The soft All Day lace is one taste of luxury that's good for the planet.
- The edges lie flat. Delicate scalloped edges sit on your skin without digging and look seam-free under fitted clothes.
- The gusset is 100% cotton. You get soft, breathable cotton lining where you need it most.
- You can pick your cut. Choose bikini, cheeky, or thong styles in many lush colors.
What Is Seamless Underwear and Shapewear?
Seamless underwear and shapewear are styles made to disappear under your clothes, with shapewear adding sculpting and smoothing. They're your secret support for outfits that need a little extra help.
Best For Barely-There Looks
Ideal butt shapes: Square (H-shaped), Inverted (V-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)
Shapewear has come a long way. It still sculpts and smooths under your outfit, but it's no longer constricting or uncomfortable.
Two Thirdlove styles show how comfortable seamless support can be:
- Smooth Anti-Chafe Shorts use soft organic cotton. These high-waisted boyshorts suit sensitive skin, keep you cool, and have flat seams that disappear under fitted clothes.
- The TempSync Brief uses nylon/spandex fabric. It gives you a clean, lightweight, seamless fit in sizes XS to 3X.
What Is a T-String?
A T-string is a minimal thong with a triangular front piece and a string instead of a regular waistband, forming a "T" at the back. It's made for moments when even a regular thong feels like too much coverage.
Best For Form-Fitting Evening Wear
Ideal butt shapes: Round (O-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)
Similar to a G-string, the T-string's design keeps it practically invisible under even the most fitted garments. It's also a smart pick for ultra-slim-fit bottoms.
Thirdlove's 24/7® Classic T-String thong pairs this daring design with comfort.
What Is High-Leg Underwear?
High-leg underwear is a bikini style with a dramatically high cut that sits higher on your hip bones and lengthens your leg line. It takes inspiration from iconic '80s and '90s swimwear silhouettes.
Best For Lengthening Your Leg Line
Ideal butt shapes: Square (H-shaped), Inverted (V-shaped), Heart (A-shaped)
In back, this retro-modern style keeps the practical coverage of a classic bikini. It pairs perfectly with a high-slit dress to highlight your natural curves.
The higher cut is also a great choice if traditional leg openings feel too constraining. Try the Organic Cloud Cotton High-Leg Bikini for this look.
Which Underwear Style Fits Your Butt Shape?
Round and heart shapes suit minimal styles like thongs and T-strings, while square and inverted shapes suit coverage styles like briefs, mid-rise, and high-leg. Every style above lists its ideal butt shapes.
Find your shape below, then check the styles that match it:
- Square (H-shaped) means straight hips with little curve. Try bikini, cheeky, brief, mid-rise, lace, seamless, or high-leg styles.
- Inverted (V-shaped) means hips narrower than your waist and a flatter bottom. Try hipster, brief, mid-rise, boyshort, lace, seamless, or high-leg styles.
- Heart (A-shaped) means fuller lower hips. Try thong, bikini, brief, mid-rise, lace, seamless, T-string, or high-leg styles.
- Round (O-shaped) means a fuller, rounded bottom. Try thong, lace, or T-string styles.
Lace suits all four shapes, so it's an easy pick if you're not sure where you fall.
Which Underwear Style Should You Wear With Each Outfit?
Wear minimal or seamless styles under fitted outfits, and match your underwear's rise to your pants' rise for everything else. Seamless thongs, cheekies, or high-rise boyshorts tend to disappear under tight fashions.
Depending on the fabric, flat-lying lace is also an option. Use this table as your quick guide:
| Outfit | Best Styles | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight dresses and fitted pants | Seamless thong, seamless cheeky, high-rise boyshort | Minimal back coverage or seamless edges help avoid visible panty lines |
| Form-fitting evening wear | T-string | A string waistband makes it practically invisible |
| Low-rise pants and jeans | Hipster | It sits below your natural waist, so it's less likely to peek out |
| Mid-rise pants and skirts | Mid-rise | It barely grazes your navel, matching the rise of your bottoms |
| High-waisted pants | Brief | Full coverage adds support and a comfortable barrier |
| Everyday jeans, skirts, and dresses | Bikini | Medium coverage and a usually seamless look pair with nearly everything |
| High-slit dresses | High-leg | The high cut elongates your leg line |
| Date nights | Lace | Flat scalloped edges look seam-free under fitted clothes |
| Lounging and breezy days | Boyshort | Full coverage works under clothes or on its own |
| Outfits that need smoothing | Seamless underwear and shapewear | It sculpts and smooths without constricting |
What Is the Best Underwear Fabric for Everyday Wear?
Organic cotton is the best underwear fabric for everyday wear, while nylon and lace suit more specific needs. Pick based on your activity level, your skin, and the occasion.
Here's what each fabric brings to your drawer:
- Organic cotton underwear keeps you cool. The light, breathable fabric is best for sensitive skin, hot days, and moderate activity.
- Nylon holds up to workouts. It's durable and keeps its shape during intense exercise, which makes it a popular pick for active days.
- Lace dresses things up without digging. Thirdlove's recycled All Day Lace has flat scalloped edges and a 100% cotton gusset.
For a little extra support, sculpting shapewear will be your secret weapon.
How Do You Find Your Perfect Underwear?
You find your perfect underwear by matching the style to your outfit, the fabric to your day, and the cut to your shape. With so many types of underwear for women designed for style and comfort, it all comes down to your needs.
Not sure where to start? Take the Fit Quiz to narrow down your options, or chat with a fit stylist about styles and sizing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular type of underwear for women?
Bikinis, hipsters, and briefs are typically the most popular styles. Thirdlove's underwear guide notes they're known for high-to-moderate back coverage, a wedgie-free fit, and a smooth look under clothes. If you're building your drawer from scratch, start with one of these three.
What's the difference between a thong and a cheeky?
A thong gives you zero butt coverage, while a cheeky gives you a little more. A thong's back strip rests between your cheeks, and a cheeky adds extra fabric at the sides but still covers less than a bikini. Pick a thong if avoiding VPL is your top priority, or a cheeky if you want a bit more coverage.
Are thongs comfortable enough to wear every day?
Yes, thongs can be comfortable enough for every day when the size and fabric are right. Thirdlove's thong guide recommends picking your correct size and choosing cotton if you have sensitive skin. Look for bands that sit flat without digging in.
How often should you replace your underwear?
Replace your underwear at least once a year, and twice if you can, according to Thirdlove's underwear care guide. Hang drying your pairs helps the elastic last longer between replacements.
Which types of underwear for women give you more coverage and comfort as your body changes?
Full- and mid-coverage cuts like briefs, mid-rise styles, and boyshorts are your best bets. Briefs and boyshorts give you full coverage, while mid-rise styles offer an in-between fit that barely grazes your navel. Choose breathable cotton for soft, everyday comfort.
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