The Underwear a Lingerie Editor Buys in Bulk (2024 Expert Picks)

Not all underwear is created equal. The pairs that earn a permanent spot in my drawer share these five critical traits:

1. Fabric That Breathe And Stretches

The gold standard? A blend of 90–95% cotton with 5–10% elastane. Here’s why:

• Cotton wicks moisture (critical for all-day wear) and prevents odor-causing bacteria buildup. Skip 100% cotton—it loses shape fast.
• Elastane (or spandex) ensures the fabric moves with you without sagging. Look for at least 5% for proper recovery.
• Avoid: Polyester-heavy blends (traps heat), lace overlays (itchy over time), and “modal” or “bamboo” marketed as “breathable” (often just rayon, which pills).

Pro tip: If you run hot or sweat easily, seek out cotton with a hint of CoolMax or TENCEL™ (e.g., Knix’s Leakproof Thong). These fibers actively pull moisture away from skin.

2. Seamless Construction (But Not All Seamless Is Equal)

“Seamless” doesn’t automatically mean invisible. The best versions use:

• Ultrasonic bonding (no threads = no irritation). Brands like Skims and Commando excel here.
• Flatlock stitching (lies flat against skin). Check the inner thighs of Hanky Panky’s Signature Lace—the seams are barely detectable.
• Laser-cut edges (prevents rolling). Cosabella’s Never Say Never Brief uses this for a second-skin fit.

Red flags: Visible elastic bands, serged edges (rough stitching), or “seamless” labels on cheap polyester (it’ll pill after two washes).

3. The Right Rise for Your Body

Rise impacts comfort and visibility under clothes. Here’s how to choose:

• Low-rise (3–4”): Best for high-waisted pants (prevents muffin top). Try Aerie’s Real Me Low-Rise Brief.
• Mid-rise (5–6”): Universal fit; sits at the natural waist. Everlane’s The Cotton Stretch Hipster is a cult favorite.
• High-rise (7”+): Smooths the lower belly; ideal for dresses or cropped tops. Parade’s High-Waist Brief stays put without digging.

Fit hack: If your underwear rolls at the waist, go up a size or switch to a higher rise. Rolling = too tight.

4. Waistbands That Stay Put

The #1 cause of underwear frustration? Waistbands that stretch out or dig in. The fix:

• Wide, flat waistbands (1”+) distribute pressure. MeUndies’ Classic Brief uses a 1.5” band that never flips.
• Encased elastic (elastic sandwiched between fabric layers) prevents pinching. Lively’s The No-Wire Bra Brief does this well.
• Silicone grip (on thongs/cheekies) stops riding up. Skims’ Cotton Rib Thong has subtle silicone dots.

Avoid: Thin elastic bands (they’ll dig) or “fold-over” waistbands (they’ll stretch out).

5. Durability That Justifies the Cost

I calculate cost per wear. A $20 pair that lasts 6 months = $0.11/day. A $40 pair that lasts 3 years = $0.04/day. Worth it? Absolutely. Look for:

• Double-stitched seams (check the crotch—single stitching = splits faster).
• Pre-shrunk fabric (read labels; if it says “may shrink,” it will).
• Colorfast dyes (wash with like colors; reds and blacks often bleed).

Longevity test: Stretch the waistband before buying. If it doesn’t snap back instantly, it’ll sag after a few wears.

The 7 Types of Everyday Underwear I Own in Multiples

My drawer is 80% these styles, in black, nude, and white. Here’s why each earns a spot:

1. The Seamless Brief (For When You Want to Forget You’re Wearing Anything)

Why? Zero panty lines, full coverage, and no riding up. Ideal for leggings, skinny jeans, or pencil skirts.

Top pick: Commando Classic Brief ($28)

• Fabric: 92% microfiber nylon, 8% spandex (surprisingly breathable for synthetic).
• Fit: True to size; mid-rise sits just below the belly button.
• Why I buy in bulk: The laser-cut edges never roll, and the fabric doesn’t pill. I own 10 pairs.

Budget alternative: Amazon Essentials Women’s Seamless Brief ($12 for 3). Not as durable but great for travel.

2. The Cotton Thong (For No Visible Panty Lines)

Why? Thongs get a bad rap, but a well-designed one disappears under clothes. Key: cotton gusset + stretchy fabric.

Top pick: Hanky Panky Signature Lace Thong ($24)

• Fabric: 93% nylon, 7% spandex with a cotton panel.
• Fit: Stays put thanks to the stretch lace; no digging at the hips.
• Why I buy in bulk: The lace is surprisingly durable (I’ve had pairs for 5+ years), and the cotton gusset prevents irritation.

Pro tip: If thongs ride up, size up or try a cheeky cut (more coverage in back).

3. The Boyshort (For Smoothing Without Shapewear)

Why? Covers the upper thigh, smooths the lower belly, and prevents chafing. Perfect under dresses or high-slit skirts.

Top pick: Skims Cotton Rib Boyshort ($36)

• Fabric: 95% cotton, 5% elastane (breathable but structured).
• Fit: High-rise with a 3” inseam; no leg elastic = no digging.
• Why I buy in bulk: The ribbed fabric hides lumps, and the cotton stays cool.

Styling hack: Wear under bodycon dresses to avoid static cling.

4. The Period-Proof Brief (For Heavy Days or Backup)

Why? No pads, no leaks, no stress. Modern period underwear is that good.

Top pick: Thinx BTWN High-Waist Brief ($38)

• Fabric: 4-layer protection (moisture-wicking, absorbent, leak-resistant, soft outer layer).
• Fit: High-rise with full coverage; holds up to 8 regular tampons’ worth.
• Why I buy in bulk: I keep 3 pairs on hand for heavy days or as backup with a tampon.

Care note: Rinse in cold water before washing; skip fabric softener (it clogs the absorbent layers).

5. The No-Show Hipster (For Jeans and Trousers)

Why? More coverage than a thong, less bulk than a brief. The sweet spot for daily wear.

Top pick: Everlane The Cotton Stretch Hipster ($18)

• Fabric: 95% cotton, 5% elastane (soft but supportive).
• Fit: Mid-rise with a 5” inseam; lies flat under jeans.
• Why I buy in bulk: The price is right, and the cotton stays fresh all day.

Color tip: Buy “dune” (a warm nude) if you’re between shades—it blends under everything.

6. The Postpartum/High-Waist Brief (For Core Support)

Why? Gentle compression for the lower belly, whether you’re postpartum, bloated, or just want smoothing.

Top pick: Kindred Bravelove High-Waist Brief ($34)

• Fabric: 80% nylon, 20% spandex (firm but not restrictive).
• Fit: 9” rise; wide waistband doesn’t roll.
• Why I buy in bulk: The mesh panels prevent overheating, and the support is just right—not shapewear-level tight.

Size note: If between sizes, size down for more compression.

7. The Sleep/Lounge Short (For Overnight Comfort)

Why? Because sleeping in tight elastic is a recipe for irritation. These feel like nothing.

Top pick: Eberjey Gisele Short ($48)

• Fabric: 95% modal, 5% spandex (buttery soft).
• Fit: Loose leg openings; no waistband digging.
• Why I buy in bulk: I live in these post-shower, during PMS, or on flights.

Care tip: Wash in a mesh bag to preserve the softness.

Underwear Mistakes Even Smart Shoppers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

I’ve seen (and made) every underwear blunder. Here’s how to sidestep the most common pitfalls:

Mistake #1: Buying the Wrong Size “Just in Case”

Underwear should fit now, not your “goal size.” A too-tight band digs; too-loose legs ride up. How to measure:

• Wrap a tape measure around your natural waist (where you’d wear a high-waisted skirt).
• For hips, measure the fullest part (usually 7–9” below your waist).
• Compare to the brand’s size chart—don’t assume you’re the same size across labels.

Example: I’m a size 6 in jeans but a Medium in MeUndies and a Large in Aerie (their runs small).

Mistake #2: Ignoring the Gusset

The gusset (the cotton panel in the crotch) is your first defense against irritation and odor. Problems to avoid:

• No gusset: Synthetic-only thongs breed bacteria. Always opt for a cotton-lined version.
• Too-small gusset: If it doesn’t cover your entire vulva, friction = chafing. Parade’s gussets are generously sized.
• Stitched gusset: Seams here = irritation. Look for seamless or bonded gussets.