Types of Panties Every Woman Should Know About

Underwear is one of the most essential components of a woman’s wardrobe. Beyond being a necessity, the right pair of panties can impact comfort, confidence, and style. With numerous styles available, choosing the right one for different outfits or occasions is vital. 

From everyday essentials like bikini panties to specialized choices like seamless or control panties, each style serves a unique purpose. Whether you’re dressing for a casual day out, a formal event, or a relaxing evening at home, knowing the types of panties available ensures you feel comfortable and look flawless. 

Let’s explore the types of panties every woman should know about and how they cater to various needs, keeping comfort and fashion in mind.

1. Bikini Panties

Best For: Everyday wear

Bikini panties are a versatile and stylish choice, combining comfort with a hint of allure. Sitting just below the natural waistline, they feature a moderate coverage back and high-cut leg openings, making them ideal for everyday wear or pairing with a variety of outfits. Typically made from lightweight and breathable materials like cotton, lace, microfiber, or a blend of nylon and spandex, they offer a snug yet comfortable fit. For added elegance, lace or silk options can elevate your lingerie collection, while cotton varieties are perfect for daily use, providing comfort and breathability. 

Known for their sleek design, bikini panties provide a smooth fit under clothing, ensuring no visible lines while still offering ample support. Bikini panties work seamlessly under various clothing types, including jeans, skirts, dresses, and lightweight pants, as they minimize visible panty lines. Perfect for women who seek both practicality and charm, bikini panties strike the right balance between functionality and femininity.

2. Thongs

Best For: Fitted clothing

Thongs are a sleek and functional type of underwear designed to provide minimal coverage and eliminate visible panty lines, making them a popular choice for modern wardrobes. Typically featuring a narrow strip of fabric at the back and fuller coverage in the front, thongs are crafted to offer both style and practicality. They are made from a variety of materials such as breathable cotton for everyday comfort, luxurious satin and lace for a touch of elegance, and moisture-wicking microfiber for active lifestyles. These versatile undergarments are especially suited for wearing beneath form-fitting clothing like bodycon dresses, leggings, skinny jeans, and tailored skirts, where seamless coverage is a priority.

For women seeking a no-show look, thongs deliver discreetness without compromising on style. Cotton thongs are ideal for sensitive skin and casual wear, while lace or satin options add sophistication for special occasions. Though they may take some getting used to, their lightweight design and practical appeal make them a staple in many lingerie collections. With proper care and the right fit, thongs combine functionality and flair, offering confidence and comfort under any outfit.

3. Boyshorts

Best For: Relaxation and loungewear

Inspired by men’s boxer briefs but tailored for women, boyshorts offer full coverage with a comfortable, sporty look. Boyshorts extend slightly down the thighs, providing a smooth and seamless fit that makes them ideal for various outfits. They are typically crafted from soft and breathable materials like cotton, modal, microfiber, or blends with spandex, ensuring stretch and comfort for all-day wear. Some styles also feature lace or mesh detailing for a feminine and stylish touch.

One of the main advantages of boyshorts is their ability to prevent panty lines, making them perfect for wearing under skirts, dresses, or loose-fitting pants. Their snug fit and extended coverage make them an excellent choice for lounging or as a modest option for sleeping. Boyshorts are also popular for activewear, as they minimize chafing and provide support during physical activities.

Boyshorts come in a range of designs and patterns, ensuring you find a pair that suits your style and needs. Their combination of functionality, comfort, and style makes them a must-have in every wardrobe.

4. Briefs (Full-Coverage)

Best For: Comfort-first days

Briefs, often called "granny panties," provide full coverage for the front and back. They sit at the natural waistline and are ideal for women who prioritize comfort over style. These undergarments provide full coverage of the front, back, and sides, ensuring a secure fit that stays in place throughout the day. Typically made from breathable materials like cotton, microfiber, or modal, briefs are gentle on the skin and ideal for everyday wear. Their high-rise design often extends to the waistline, offering light tummy control and a smooth silhouette under clothing. 

Briefs pair well with various outfit styles, from loose-fitting pants to skirts and dresses, ensuring no lines or bunching; they're also an excellent choice for pairing with high-waisted bottoms. They are particularly favored for their ability to provide reliable support without compromising on comfort, making them a go-to choice for women of all ages. While they’re great for everyday use, Modern designs have made briefs more fashionable, combining comfort with trendy aesthetics.

5. High-Waisted Panties

Best For: Shaping and support

High-waisted panties are making a comeback thanks to their retro charm and practical benefits. High-waisted panties are a classic and comfortable choice of underwear that offers full coverage while accentuating the waist. These panties typically sit above the natural waistline, providing additional support to the tummy and creating a smooth, flattering silhouette. They are often made from soft, stretchy fabrics like cotton, lace, microfiber, or spandex, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit. 

High-waisted panties are perfect for everyday wear, as they offer comfort and a seamless look under clothing. They are especially ideal for pairing with high-waisted jeans, skirts, or dresses, as they prevent visible panty lines and help maintain a streamlined appearance. These panties also provide additional shaping and support for those seeking extra tummy control or a more defined waist.

6. G-Strings

Best For: Maximum discretion under tight clothing

G-strings are the skimpiest of all panty styles. G-strings are a type of minimalistic underwear similar to thongs but with even less coverage. Characterized by a narrow waistband and a very thin strip of fabric at the back, they are designed to provide maximum freedom and minimal visibility under clothing. G-strings are typically made from materials like cotton, lace, silk, or nylon, offering a range of options from comfortable to luxurious.

The key appeal of G-strings lies in their ability to remain virtually invisible under tight clothing, making them an excellent choice for wearing with slim-fitting pants, dresses, formal gowns or tight jumpsuits. Though often seen as a more daring or sensual style, G-strings are also popular for their practicality, especially for those seeking to avoid visible panty lines.

7. Hipsters

Best For: Low-rise pants and skirts

Hipsters are a popular style of women’s underwear known for their comfort and full coverage. They sit comfortably on the hips, providing more coverage around the bottom and sides compared to other types like thongs or bikinis. Typically, hipsters are made from soft materials such as cotton, lace, microfiber, or satin, which allow for breathability and a smooth fit. The waistband of hipsters usually sits just below the belly button, making them ideal for everyday wear. They are perfect for pairing with low-rise jeans or skirts, offering both comfort and a flattering shape. Hipsters come in a variety of styles, from simple, classic designs to more intricate, fashionable options with lace or decorative details. With a snug fit around the hips, they blend comfort with a modern style.

8. Seamless Panties

Best For: Sheer or tight outfits

Seamless panties are crafted to be virtually invisible under clothes. Seamless panties are a popular choice for those seeking both comfort and a smooth, invisible look under clothing. They are made with laser-cut edges or bonded seams to avoid any bumps or lines. Made from soft, stretchy materials like microfiber, nylon, or elastane, these panties have no visible seams or stitching, making them perfect for wearing under tight or thin fabrics like leggings, slinky dresses, and skirts.

The lack of seams means they prevent uncomfortable lines and offer a sleek silhouette, ideal for achieving a flawless look. Seamless panties are often designed to fit snugly against the body, providing a smooth, second-skin feel that is both breathable and lightweight. They come in various styles, including briefs, bikinis, and thongs, offering versatility to suit different preferences.

9. Control Panties

Best For: Special occasions and shaping

Control panties are designed to smooth out and shape the tummy and waist. Often part of shapewear collections, these panties are a go-to option for wearing under evening dresses or professional attire. Made from stretchy, elastic fabrics like spandex, nylon, or a blend of both, these panties feature targeted compression areas that gently shape the waist, hips, and tummy, giving the wearer a streamlined appearance. Available in various styles, including briefs, high-waisted, and thong designs, control panties cater to different needs and preferences, offering varying levels of control. Many control panties also come with extra features like lace trim, moisture-wicking fabric, or even breathable zones for added comfort. Control panties are a practical and confidence-boosting wardrobe staple for those looking to enhance their shape.

10. Maternity Panties

Best For: Pregnancy and postpartum

Maternity panties are specially designed for expectant mothers. These panties are made from soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, spandex, and modal, ensuring comfort throughout the day. What sets maternity panties apart is their stretchy waistband, which accommodates a growing belly without causing pressure or discomfort. 

Many maternity panties feature a high-rise design, offering gentle support to the abdomen and lower back, helping to relieve pressure as the pregnancy progresses. These panties come in various styles, including briefs, bikinis, and boyshorts, allowing pregnant women to choose according to their preferences. Maternity panties are not only practical but also designed with style in mind. Postpartum designs often include high-waisted styles for gentle compression and recovery support.

Why It’s Important to Choose the Right Panty Style

Wearing the right type of panties can impact your comfort, appearance, and even health. Ill-fitting underwear can cause irritation, while the wrong style can ruin the look of an outfit. By understanding the different types available, you can build a versatile collection that suits your lifestyle and wardrobe.

At Savvyy, we prioritize helping women feel confident and comfortable with their intimate wear. Explore a range of panty styles that cater to every occasion and preference. From seamless to bikini and everything in between, Savvyy ensures that you’re covered—literally and figuratively!