The Comprehensive Guide to Women's Underwear: 10 Essential Styles and What You Need to Know

（Tianhong Textile Bamboo Viscose Underwear）

As fashion trends and personal preferences evolve, the world of women’s underwear has become wonderfully diverse. Today, underwear is more than just a daily essential—it’s a key part of expressing your personality and boosting your confidence. With modern women’s growing demands for comfort, functionality, and style, the market now offers an impressive range of options.

Each type of underwear comes with its own unique features and benefits, tailored to different occasions and personal preferences. Whether you’re after ultimate comfort or a chic look, understanding the various underwear styles can help you make better choices. In this guide, we’ll dive into several popular types of women’s underwear, highlighting their design elements and the best occasions for each. This way, you’ll be able to find the perfect style that suits you best.

Different Types of Women’s Underwear

Brief

(Tianhong Textile Bamboo Viscose Women’s Brief Underwear)

 

Styling Tips | Versatile; Pair well with a range of low-rise to high-rise pants  

Coverage | Moderate coverage 

Body Types | Flattering for all body shapes and butt shape

Briefs are a timeless favorite for a reason. They offer full coverage of both the front and back, wrapping you in comfort while enhancing your natural curves. With their ability to cover your hips, buttocks, and even the lower stomach, Briefs help create a smooth silhouette.

Available in various rises—low, mid, and high—Briefs are perfect for any type of pants you choose. Whether you’re rocking high-waisted trousers or low-rise jeans, the waistband stays put and discreet. Ideal for daily wear, from work to relaxation to workouts, Briefs provide unbeatable comfort and coverage.

Bikini

（Tianhong Textile Bamboo Viscose Women’s Bikini High Cut Underwear）

 

Styling Tips | Versatile; Pair well with all kinds of skirts and pants

Coverage | Moderate coverage

Body Types | Pear-shaped, hourglass, rectangle figures; Square,A-shaped butt shape

Similar to bikini swimsuits, Bikini underwear usually sits below the waist with higher leg openings.  While it offers less coverage than briefs, it still provides enough to feel confident and secure.

The bikini strikes a perfect balance between style and comfort, making it a go-to choice for many. It complements a variety of outfits, ensuring seamless beauty wherever your day takes you.

Boyshorts

(Tianhong Textile Bamboo Viscose Women’s Boyshorts Underwear)

Styling Tips | Skirts, shorts, or any outfit where you want extra coverage; Also ideal for lounging at home    

Coverage | Full coverage  

Body Types | Pear-shaped, inverted triangle figures; V-shaped, square, and A-shaped buttocks

As the name suggests, boyshorts are designed similarly to men's boxers, offering many of the same benefits. Their rectangular shape offers complete coverage of both the front and back, with leg openings that sit above the thigh and just below the groin. This design not only helps prevent chafing when wearing denim shorts but also adds an extra layer of protection with skirts.

With their full coverage and cozy fit, boyshorts are ideal for avoiding chafing, ensuring extra security with more revealing outfits, and staying comfortable during relaxing days at home or while you sleep.

Hipster

(Tianhong Textile Women’s Low Waist Hipster Brief)

 

Styling Tips | Versatile; especially good with low-rise jeans and trousers 

Coverage | Moderate coverage

Body Types | Suited for all body types; Particularly V-shaped and reversed heart-shaped buttocks

Hipsters offer a stylish middle ground between boyshorts and bikinis. They provide a bit less coverage than boyshorts but covers the legs more than bikinis. As the name implies, hipsters sit low on the hips, just below the natural waistline, with low-rise leg openings. The back and sides are fully covered, enhancing a slim silhouette.

Hipsters are stylish and versatile, making it ideal for low-rise pants and jeans, reducing the risk of visible panty lines while accentuating your figure. They are suitable for various body types, particularly V-shaped body and reversed heart-shaped buttocks.

Thongs

（Tianghong Textile Women’s Thong Underwear）

 

Styling Tips | Best for tight dresses, skirts, tights and leggings, and any outfit where a seamless look is desired   

Coverage | Minimal coverage 

Body Types | Pear-shaped, hourglass figures; O-shaped, A-shaped,heart-shaped buttocks

Thongs are all about that invisible, seamless look. They feature a thin waistband, a triangular front panel, and a narrow strip of fabric at the back.

With almost no coverage for the buttocks and hips, This design ensures that you won't have visible panty lines (VPL) under tight clothing, making them ideal for form-fitting dresses, bodycon skirts, and leggings. While they showcase your curves beautifully, keep in mind they might feel a bit "wedged" at times, especially in the private area.

 

G-String

Styling Tips | Tight dresses, form-fitting skirts, leggings

Coverage | Almost none

Body Types | Pear-shaped, hourglass figures;O-shaped, A-shaped,heart-shaped buttocks

The G-string is similar to a thong with even slimmer straps and minimal fabric at the back, providing almost no coverage. Its design is perfect for eliminating panty lines under tight clothing, giving you a barely-there feel while still offering some coverage. If you’re aiming for a sensual look and want to keep panty lines out of sight, the G-string is your go-to choice.

Tanga

Styling Tips | Tight dresses, form-fitting skirts, tights, and leggings  

Coverage | Moderate coverage

Tangas are a fantastic middle ground between thongs and bikinis. They offer more coverage at the back than a thong but are slightly narrower than a bikini, with wider sides. If you’re looking to avoid visible panty lines while getting a bit more coverage than a thong, the Tanga is an excellent choice.

High-Cut / French-Cut

（Tianhong Textile Bamboo Viscose Women's High Cut Bikini Brief）

 

Styling Tips | Low-rise pants and skirts

Coverage | Moderate coverage

High-Cut or French-Cut underwear has a waistline and height similar to classic briefs but with higher leg openings. This design accentuates the thigh line, giving the illusion of longer legs while maintaining comfort. They strike a perfect balance between bikinis and briefs, offering the comfort of full coverage for your lower abdomen, buttocks, and hips.

High Rise Brief

(Tianhong Textile High Waist High Rise Women Period Underwear)

 

Styling Tips | High-waisted pants/skirts, leggings, joggers

Coverage | Full coverage

Body Types | Apple-shaped figures and square buttocks; Not for inverted heart-shaped or round buttocks

High Rise Briefs feature a waistband that sits higher than traditional briefs, often reaching up to or above the navel. This design offers extra coverage for your abdominal area, making them perfect for those who prefer a snug, full-coverage fit. The high waist adds comfort and helps shape the waistline, but women with inverted heart-shaped or round buttocks might find them too constricting or accentuating.

Seamless or No-Show Panties

（Tianhong Textile Bamboo Viscose Women’s Seamless Underwear）

 

Styling Tips | Tight clothing or thin fabrics 

Features | Minimal seams, smooth and invisible

Seamless panties are designed with smooth edges and minimal seams, usually featuring a flat seam construction. This design helps avoid bunching, shifting, or visible panty lines, ensuring that the underwear remains invisible under clothing.

Available in various styles, including low-rise and mid-rise bikinis, seamless panties offer the comfort and discreetness you need for a flawless look without compromising your comfort.

Factors to Consider

Choosing the right underwear is essential not only for completing your outfit but also for ensuring your comfort throughout the day. With so many styles, fabrics, and fits available, here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Comfort

Comfort should always come first when picking out underwear. You want it to feel like a second skin, not something you’re constantly adjusting. Look for soft, breathable materials like cotton or bamboo fabric, and make sure the underwear has good elasticity to fit comfortably without being too tight or too loose. Seamless or flat-seam designs can also help avoid discomfort from visible lines, especially under tighter clothing.

Lifestyle and Occasions

Underwear isn’t just about comfort; it also plays a role in how your outfit looks and performs for different activities. Here’s how to choose the right underwear for various situations and needs:

Everyday Wear: For your daily routine, focus on comfort and support. Classic styles like bikinis, high-rise briefs, or boyshorts offer practicality and comfort. Go for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo to keep you comfortable all day long.

Active Lifestyle and Exercise: When you’re working out, opt for underwear made from high-elasticity, moisture-wicking materials that offer excellent support and breathability. Sports underwear designed to manage sweat and provide extra comfort is perfect for your active moments.

Pairing with Thin or Form-Fitting Clothes: When you’re rocking tight dresses, leggings, or thin fabrics, go for seamless underwear or thongs to ensure a smooth silhouette and avoid visible panty lines, keeping your outfit looking flawless.

Special Occasions: For romantic dates, consider silk or lace thongs to add a touch of sensuality and romance, while still preventing any visible lines. If you’re heading to a formal event or dinner, shapewear can enhance your figure and provide an elegant look. For daily wear, comfort should always be your top priority.

Menstrual Period: Period panties are designed with absorbent layers and leak-proof barriers to keep you dry and comfortable. They help prevent leaks and provide peace of mind during your period, so you can go about your day with confidence.

Maternity and Postpartum: During pregnancy and the postpartum, comfort and support are crucial. High-waisted and stretchy underwear can grow with your belly and offer gentle compression after delivery to help your body adjust. Maternity underwear is made from soft, breathable fabrics for all-day comfort, while postpartum options may provide extra support to help new mothers feel their best as they navigate their changing bodies.

Fabric

The fabric of your underwear plays a crucial role in its comfort, support, breathability, and durability. Ideal underwear fabrics should be comfortable, soft, skin-friendly, breathable, moisture-wicking, and durable. Here’s a look at some common fabrics to help find the best option for you:

Cotton

Cotton is a top choice for underwear thanks to its natural softness, breathability, and overall comfort. It’s durable and feels great against the skin. However, cotton doesn’t excel at wicking away moisture, which can be a downside for sports or intense activities. To improve elasticity and support, cotton is often blended with spandex or other synthetic fibers, helping your underwear stay in shape.

Bamboo

 

Bamboo fabric is gaining popularity among underwear brands for its eco-friendly nature and exceptional softness. It’s cooler, softer and 4.5 times more breathable than cotton with excellent moisture-wicking performance, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear where comfort is essential.

Modal

Modal is crafted from wood pulp and is celebrated for its remarkable softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking performance. Often blended with spandex, modal offers great elasticity and support, ensuring a comfortable and snug fit.

Body Types and Buttocks Shapes

Understanding your body type is key to finding underwear that fits well and feels comfortable. Different body shapes have unique characteristics, and choosing the right underwear can enhance both comfort and fit.

Pear-Shaped: If you have a pear-shaped body, with fuller hips and thighs and a narrower waist, boyshorts are a fantastic choice. They offer great coverage and support for your hips and buttocks. Bikinis are another excellent option as they accentuate your slim waist while providing comfortable coverage.

Apple-Shaped or Round: For those with an apple-shaped or round body, where the waist and abdomen are more prominent and less defined, high-rise briefs are ideal. They provide additional abdominal coverage and support, helping to smooth out your silhouette and offer better waist compression.

Hourglass: If you have an hourglass figure, with balanced proportions and a bust and hips that are nearly equal in size, you have the flexibility to wear a variety of underwear styles. Most designs will fit well, so you can choose based on your personal comfort and preference.

Rectangle-Shaped: For women with a rectangle-shaped body, where the width from shoulders to hips is consistent with less defined waist curves, opt for underwear that helps create a more pronounced waistline. Low-rise or high-rise briefs can add shape and definition to your waist, enhancing your natural curves.

Inverted Triangle-Shaped: If you have an inverted triangle body shape with broader shoulders ,narrower hips, and a straighter waist, boyshorts are a great choice for you. They offer full coverage that wraps around your hips and buttocks, helping to create a more balanced and harmonious look. This style enhances your lower body lines, making your overall silhouette appear more proportionate and smooth.

Understanding Your Buttocks Shape

Just like your overall body type, the shape of your buttocks plays a big role in both comfort and appearance. Choosing the right underwear for your buttock shape can make a huge difference. It helps prevent visible panty lines, improves body proportions, and shapes and supports your buttocks for a flattering look. This, in turn, boosts your confidence and ensures you feel great in your outfit.

Square Buttocks: Bikinis, briefs, or boyshorts are ideal for providing good coverage and making your buttocks look more natural.

A-Shaped: Bikinis, thongs, or low-rise briefs can highlight the contours of your buttocks, enhancing your overall proportions.

V-Shaped: High-rise briefs or boyshorts offer excellent support and shaping, smoothing the abdominal area while accentuating the curves of your buttocks for a balanced silhouette.

Round: Thongs, bikinis, or boyshorts are perfect for showcasing the curves of your buttocks while offering great comfort.

Inverted Heart-Shaped: Low-rise briefs or boy shorts help balance the lines of your buttocks and improve your overall body proportions.

Conclusion

With a clear understanding of different underwear styles and key factors to consider, you can confidently choose the right fit for you. When selecting underwear, think about not only the style and fabric but also your body shape, the purpose, and your comfort needs. Experimenting with various styles will help you find the perfect underwear that meets your personal preferences.

At Tianhong, we specialize in providing professional OEM and ODM services for underwear brand owners, catering to a wide range of market demands and trends. For personalized underwear customization solutions, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]!