We Tested More Than 40 Pairs of Women’s Underwear to Find the 10 Most Comfortable
Bikini, brief, or thong—we have a style for your preferences.
Tested by Aidan CollinsProduct Testing Intern
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Although not seen by most, underwear plays a critical role in all-day comfort. The perfect pair isn't visible under your clothing, doesn't create uncomfortable wedgies, lasts more than a few cycles through the wash, and, let's be honest, looks cute. To find the best underwear for women, we analyzed more than 40 styles, including thongs, bikinis, and boy shorts.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Natori Bliss Girl Brief
- Best value: Maidenform Seamless High Leg Bikini Panties
- Best bikini: Victoria’s Secret Stretch Cotton Bikini Panty
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we regularly test intimate apparel of all kinds, from bras to underwear. Our team of textiles experts evaluates each style for properties like washability and stretch recovery, and we share samples with consumer testers who provide us with real-user feedback on overall fit, comfort, and appearance. We combined our testing data with recommendations from GH staffers when selecting the best underwear for women, and the Natori Bliss Girl Brief was the top favorite for its barely-there comfort.
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✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: An elevated version of the basic brief, this style from Natori features delicate lace trim and a lower waistline for feminine flair.
✔️ LAB RESULTS: When we evaluated stretch recovery in our Textiles Lab tests, the underwear returned to its original shape without sagging, but when we evaluated washability, we noted heavy linting after laundering. The brand recommends handwashing and line-drying the underwear to keep it in peak shape.
✔️ TESTER FEEDBACK: Consumer testers gave this pair perfect scores for comfort, highlighting the "buttery soft" and lightweight feel of the material, with one tester saying that she "honestly forgot that they were even there" when wearing them. While testers thought that the lace would feel uncomfortable or dig in, they were pleasantly surprised by the smooth and stretchy feel.
Testers also loved the fit, sharing that the underwear stayed in place all day long without bunching or restricting movement, even during workout classes. The briefs also earned high ratings for looking great under clothes, and testers said the underwear offered the "perfect amount of coverage."
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Colors | 55 options |
| Materials | Pima cotton and Lycra with nylon and elastane lace and cotton gusset |
| Care | Hand wash |
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: This underwear from Maidenform is priced at under $10 a piece, and despite the low price, the underwear earned top marks in our evaluations, outperforming pairs from popular brands that cost double.
✔️ LAB RESULTS: These bikini underwear earned perfect scores for stretch recovery in our Textiles Lab.
✔️ TESTER FEEDBACK: The underwear received high ratings for its attractive design and comfortable feel. Testers loved the cut, describing it as "flattering" and sharing that they felt confident wearing the high-leg style. They also enjoyed the high waistline and appreciated the slightly compressive feel of the underwear, comparing it to a subtler and comfier version of shapewear.
Testers said the smooth and stretchy material made this pair comfortable enough to wear while working out, at the office, and to bed. The underwear isn't seamless, though, so testers noted that they had to be mindful of what pants they wore to avoid unwanted panty lines.
RELATED: The Best Shapewear
| Sizes | S–2XL |
| Colors | 5 options, some low stock |
| Materials | Nylon and spandex blend |
| Care | Machine wash |
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: A mainstay in the bra and underwear industry, Victoria's Secret's cotton panty is as classic as the brand itself.
✔️ LAB RESULTS: Underwear from Victoria's Secret has earned top scores in our stretch recovery tests and has proven to hold up well over time. This panty is a favorite of several GH Lab analysts as well, and it comes in a variety of designs, like the featured smooth cotton, pointelle with lace inserts, and pairs with strappy details.
✔️ TESTER FEEDBACK: Our testers described the cotton blend material as "breathable" and "comfortable." One GH staffer solely bought bikini underwear from Victoria's Secret for years, impressed by the soft fabric and abundance of different colors and patterns—especially seasonal styles around the holidays.
| Sizes | XS—XXL |
| Colors | 45 options |
| Materials | Cotton, modal, and elastane blend with cotton gusset |
| Care | Machine wash |
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: This thong from Tommy John with a barely-there feel is a great pair to sport at the gym. Made of a mesh material, the underwear is super breathable and light as a feather.
✔️ LAB RESULTS: When we washed the underwear in the Textiles Lab, there was no noticeable shrinkage or major wear, but we did note a few loose threads around the seams.
✔️ TESTER FEEDBACK: Consumer testers loved wearing the underwear to work out in and said the minimalist design was completely hidden under their leggings or yoga pants. They reported that the underwear dried almost immediately after getting wet or sweaty.
Testers also appreciated that the underwear stayed in place when they were active and felt comfortable while they were relaxing. Our testers who laundered their underwear reported no issues with washing and said the underwear looked as good as new after several cycles.
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Colors | 11 options |
| Material | Polyamide and elastic blend |
| Care | Machine wash cold |
���️ WHAT TO KNOW: When you're wearing a bodycon dress or a fitted skirt, a pair of seamless underwear like this one from Bombas is the secret to avoiding pesky panty lines.
✔️ LAB RESULTS: The underwear received high scores for maintaining its shape and looking great during our stretch recovery and washability tests. Our pros love that there's a cotton and elastane gusset inside for a more comfortable, breathable feel.
✔️ TESTER FEEDBACK: This underwear is made of a stretchy nylon and elastane blend that testers said feels smoother and lighter than other pairs they've tried. Our testers also appreciated that the inside of the leg openings and waistband are lined with textured velvet for a gripping effect designed to keep the underwear in place without rolling.
Some testers noted that while the legs and waistband didn't roll or pinch, the underwear rode up in the back, leading to wedgies, but other testers said the underwear stayed put under their clothes. The fuller coverage hipster cut still looks invisible under clothes, though, according to our testers.
| Sizes | XS–2X |
| Colors | 6 options |
| Materials | Nylon and elastane blend with cotton and elastane blend gusset |
| Care | Machine wash cold |
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: Knix's leakproof underwear is made of a silky smooth nylon and Lycra material that testers said feels just like a pair of regular underwear but can absorb up to three tampons' worth of fluids during your period.
If you have a heavier or lighter flow or prefer underwear with more or less coverage, Knix carries tons of different styles made of the same comfy, easy-care materials.
✔️ LAB RESULTS: When we tested absorbency in the Textiles Lab by pouring viscous liquid on the gusset from different angles, we were impressed by how much this pair was able to soak up despite it being one of the thinner styles. We also love that, unlike most styles of period underwear we've tested, these are machine washable for easy cleaning.
✔️ TESTER FEEDBACK: Our testers appreciated the lack of bulk, with one sharing, "It was the most comfortable and most discreet period underwear I've tried." Most testers gave the underwear high scores for fit and comfort, but some said the waistband of the underwear felt loose and shifted down throughout the day, requiring regular readjustments.
RELATED: The Best Period Underwear
| Sizes | XS–XXXXL |
| Colors | 8 options |
| Materials | Nylon and Lycra blend with cotton, spandex, and carbon lining |
| Care | Machine wash cold |
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: While thongs have gotten a bad rap for being uncomfortable, this one from trendy intimates brand Skims is seriously soft, stretchy, and lightweight for a next-to-nothing feel that GH experts and testers love.
It comes in an inclusive range of seven "nude" shades, plus additional neutral and limited edition colors, making it easier to find a pair that matches your skin tone for a camouflaged look under your clothing.
✔️ LAB RESULTS: While we haven't evaluated washability in the Textiles Lab, GH experts and testers who have washed their pairs at home reported they come out of the wash looking "like new" with no snags or shrinkage.
✔️ TESTER FEEDBACK: One tester said, "This is the first thong where I even forget I am wearing it." The underwear is cut to sit on the hip without digging in, and testers said it stays in place throughout the day without falling down. Some testers noted the seams were noticeable under tight pants or dresses, but most rated the underwear highly for looking great under clothes.
RELATED: Skims Bras Review
| Sizes | XXS–4X |
| Colors | 10 options |
| Materials | Polyamide and elastane blend with cotton gusset |
| Care | Machine wash cold |
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: If you're looking for something a little more feminine and flirty but don't want to sacrifice comfort, Hanky Panky has you covered. The brand's lace underwear is a favorite of GH analysts and testers who love the delicate look and soft feel.
✔️ LAB RESULTS: The underwear performed well in Textiles Lab stretch recovery tests, returning to its initial shape after being stretched, but we did note considerable wrinkling in our washability evaluations. When our testers laundered the underwear at home, they said it held up well and looked great.
✔️ TESTER FEEDBACK: In our evaluations, we've found that lace underwear can sometimes be scratchy and stiff, but that's not the case with this pair. The underwear received perfect scores for comfort, with multiple testers emphasizing that this lacy style is more comfortable than any other thongs they have worn.
Testers were a bit skeptical of the one-size-fits-all sizing, but our testers of various sizes were impressed by how well it hugged their curves without feeling saggy or restrictive.
| Sizes | One size (fits 4–14) |
| Colors | 50+ options |
| Materials | Nylon with cotton gusset |
| Care | Hand wash |
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: While most thongs sit lower on the hips for minimal coverage, this one from Evelyn & Bobbie is designed with a high waistline for a more substantial look and feel. The underwear sits comfortably on the hips without rolling or riding up.
Note that if you wear a pair of lower-rise pants, the waistband may peek out. This style is available in just two sizes—one meant to fit 0–14 and another for 16–24—and our size small and medium testers who tried the 0–14 size were impressed by how well it conformed to their shape.
✔️ LAB RESULTS: During our washability tests, this pair of thong underwear looked great after being laundered and didn't show any major changes in appearance. It performed well in our stretch recovery evaluations, but didn't ace the test and expanded slightly.
✔️ TESTER FEEDBACK: Testers loved the high rise of the thong and appreciated the wider cut of the cotton-lined gusset, sharing that they felt supported and secure while wearing this pair. When our testers were asked to rate the appearance of the underwear, they gave it perfect scores and said it looked seamless under clothing.
| Sizes | Fits 0–14 and 16–24 |
| Colors | 5 options |
| Materials | Polyamide and elastane blend with cotton gusset |
| Care | Machine wash gentle |
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: Woxers are boxer-brief-style underwear that are designed to fit a woman's body better than boxer briefs made exclusively for men. The medium-rise underwear has a more streamlined fit with no fly opening and a secure waistband that, according to testers, doesn't pinch, dig in, or roll down.
✔️ LAB RESULTS: When we washed this pair in the Lab, there were no major changes in appearance or shrinkage, and testers agreed that the underwear held up well and felt just as soft and smooth after laundering.
✔️ TESTER FEEDBACK: Testers said the underwear stretched nicely over their curves and stayed in place all day long, but they did find the leg openings to feel a bit snug. The boxers are made of an ultra-thin and lightweight material that impressed GH analysts and testers who shared sentiments like, "The fabric was breathable and just the right thickness," and, "It barely feels like I'm wearing underwear."
| Sizes | XS–4XL |
| Colors | 48 options |
| Materials | Modal and spandex blend |
| Care | Machine wash cold |
How we test underwear for women
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is comprised of fiber scientists and apparel experts who test all types of intimates, such as bras, socks, and shapewear. We recently conducted an extensive underwear test, including over 90 pairs of men's, women's, and gender-neutral underwear, gathering thousands of data points for review. Here's how we evaluate underwear to find the best of the best:
✔️ Stretch recovery: Underwear should stretch to conform to your body for the perfect fit, but it's important that it maintains its shape after the elastic has been stretched. We evaluate stretch recovery by marking a section on the underwear, stretching it out and clamping it into place for two hours. We then release the clamps, wait a minute, and measure the markings to determine how well the underwear was able to return to its initial shape. After one hour, we remeasure and then score the results.
✔️ Washability: We repeatedly wash each pair of underwear according to its care instructions and analyze the underwear for signs of wear, changes in appearance, and shrinkage.
✔️ Wear tests: Most importantly, we share underwear with consumer testers with a variety of body types who are able to try the pairs out for themselves and provide us with feedback. Testers share their thoughts on everything from fit to comfort to appearance under clothing to the ease of putting the underwear on and taking them off. We also allow our testers the opportunity to share notes about their experiences laundering the underwear and expand upon what they specifically like and dislike about each pair.
What to look for when shopping for the best underwear for women
✔️ Style: There are a variety of different types of underwear for women. Here are the most common options:
- Brief: A basic style that gives you good coverage in both the front and the back. There are variations within this style, like a brief with a high-rise waist or high-cut leg openings.
- Thong: With the least amount of coverage, a thong has just a thin strip of fabric in the back to prevent panty lines from showing through clothes.
- Bikini: It looks similar to a brief, but there's less coverage. It usually has a lower rise and higher leg openings.
- Hipster: Like the bikini, this low-rise style sits on the hips. Designed with wider panels of fabric, it provides more coverage around the hips.
- Boy shorts: This one offers the most coverage and looks like a cross between underwear and shorts.
- Cheeky: It has more back coverage than a thong, but less than a bikini.
- French cut: This high-waisted style is designed to elongate the legs with a higher cut on the hips.
✔️ Material: Comfort is key when it comes to material. These are some of the most common fabrics:
- Cotton: Soft, breathable, and absorbent, cotton is a great option for those with sensitive skin. While most underwear today is made with synthetic materials, you might find that they have cotton gussets for comfort.
- Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic fiber that's durable and stretchy. It has a silkier feel and is often used for seamless styles.
- Modal: A regenerated fiber made from chemically processed plant matter, modal is buttery soft and super lightweight.
- Spandex, elastane, and Lycra: These are what give your underwear its stretching and conforming abilities. These fibers are typically blended with other fiber types like nylon or modal for a stretchy yet comfortable feel.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab associate director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She's been at Good Housekeeping since 2018, overseeing in-Lab and consumer tests for a variety of apparel items, such as bralettes, leggings, and underwear. Seymour oversaw our most recent round of underwear testing in the Textiles Lab, working with intern Aidan Collins to evaluate more than 90 pairs for stretch recovery, washability, fit, and more.
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst and has covered intimate apparel of all kinds, including bras for small and large busts, push-up bras, and lingerie. She used her relative expertise when selecting the best underwear for women and referenced data from our underwear test.
Aidan Collins was a product testing intern in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab in 2023. He has a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University and is currently working towards a master of engineering. He led testing for underwear, bras and shapewear while at GH.
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