10 Types of Women’s Underwear: Briefs, Hipsters, Thongs & More

Women’s underwear comes in many cuts, rises, fabrics and coverage levels. The best type depends on the outfit, activity, preferred fit and amount of coverage you want rather than one style being universally better than another.

This guide explains 10 common underwear and panty types for women, how their shapes differ, and what to check before choosing a pair.

10 Common Types of Women’s Underwear

1. Classic Briefs

Briefs usually provide fuller coverage through the front and back, with a waistband that sits around the natural waist or slightly below it depending on the design. They are a straightforward everyday option when you prefer more coverage than bikini or thong styles.

Check the exact rise, leg opening and fabric because “brief” sizing and coverage can vary by brand. Browse the ComfyBliss panties collection to compare current cuts and materials.

2. Hipster Panties

Hipsters sit lower on the waist than many traditional briefs and typically have a wider side section. They can work well with mid-rise or lower-rise clothing when you want moderate back coverage without a high waistband.

Compare current hipster panties by fabric, rise and coverage.

3. Thongs and G-Strings

Thongs use a narrow back panel to reduce the amount of fabric at the rear, while G-strings generally use an even narrower back construction. Both are commonly chosen under fitted clothing when minimizing visible underwear lines is a priority.

Comfort depends on size, seams, fabric and personal preference. A thong should not need to be excessively tight to stay in place. Browse thongs and G-strings.

4. Boyshorts

Boyshorts extend farther across the hips and upper thighs than many bikini or brief styles. They usually provide fuller back coverage and can be useful for lounging, sleeping or wearing under clothing when you prefer a short-like silhouette.

Leg length and rise vary, so check the individual product measurements and photos. See the boyshorts collection.

5. Seamless or Low-Visibility Panties

Seamless and laser-cut underwear is designed to reduce bulky edges and visible seams under fitted clothing. Some styles are bonded rather than traditionally stitched around the leg openings.

“Seamless” does not guarantee that every line will disappear under every fabric. Fit, garment colour, underwear colour and the outer clothing material all affect visibility.

6. High-Waisted Panties

High-waisted panties rise higher on the torso than bikini, hipster or many standard briefs. They provide more midsection coverage and are available in both soft everyday fabrics and firmer constructions.

A high rise does not automatically mean the garment is shapewear or provides compression. Check the product description if shaping support is important to you. Browse high-waist panties.

7. Period Underwear

Period-specific underwear is designed for use during menstruation, but the construction and intended protection level vary considerably between products. Some designs use absorbent or protective layers, while others are intended mainly as additional coverage alongside the wearer’s usual period-care routine.

Do not assume every product is leak-proof or suitable for a particular flow level. Check the individual product description, fabric, care instructions and stated protection guidance before relying on it.

Compare current period panties and review the listed product details before choosing.

8. Bikini Panties

Bikini panties generally sit below the natural waist and have higher-cut leg openings than many classic briefs. They usually offer more rear coverage than thongs while using less fabric through the sides and waist than fuller briefs.

This balanced shape makes bikini underwear a common everyday choice. Compare current bikini panties.

9. Maternity Underwear

Maternity underwear is specifically designed around pregnancy-related changes in fit. Depending on the product, it may sit below the bump, extend over it or use additional stretch through the waistband and front panel.

A standard high-waisted panty is not automatically maternity underwear. If you need a maternity-specific fit, look for a product that clearly states that intended use and provides relevant sizing information.

10. Lace Panties

Lace describes the material or decorative construction rather than one specific underwear cut. Lace panties can be briefs, hipsters, thongs, bikinis or high-waisted styles.

Check whether the lace is lined, where seams sit, how much stretch the garment has and what the care label recommends. If you prefer softer or smoother fabric against the skin, compare lace placement with cotton-rich or other fabric options before buying.

How to Choose the Right Underwear Type

Start With Coverage

Decide whether you prefer fuller back and side coverage, moderate coverage or a minimal cut. Briefs and boyshorts generally offer more coverage, while bikini and hipster styles sit in the middle and thongs use the least rear fabric.

Match the Rise to Your Clothing

High-waisted underwear may work well with high-rise trousers and skirts, while hipsters and bikinis can sit more naturally under lower waistlines. The goal is not a strict fashion rule; it is simply to choose a waistband position that works with your clothing and feels comfortable.

Check Fabric and Construction

Cotton, cotton blends, nylon, elastane, lace, mesh and other materials can all behave differently. Read the actual fibre composition rather than assuming one fabric is always best. Also check seams, lining, stretch and care instructions. For warm-weather fabric and fit considerations, see our guide to breathable summer underwear.

Use Current Measurements

Underwear that is too tight can dig in or roll, while a loose fit may shift during wear. Compare your current measurements with the store’s size chart instead of relying only on the size label of an older garment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of underwear for women?

Common types include briefs, hipsters, thongs and G-strings, boyshorts, seamless panties, high-waisted panties, period underwear, bikini panties, maternity underwear and lace styles. Brands may use slightly different names for similar cuts.

What is the difference between briefs and bikini panties?

Briefs usually offer more coverage and often sit higher on the waist. Bikini panties typically have a lower rise and higher-cut leg openings, although exact proportions vary by product.

What underwear is best under fitted clothing?

Seamless, laser-cut or thong styles can reduce visible lines, but results depend on the fit, colour and fabric of both the underwear and outer garment.

Are high-waisted panties the same as shapewear?

No. High-waisted describes the rise. Shapewear is designed with a different construction and level of compression. Check the individual product specifications rather than assuming a high rise provides shaping.

How do I choose underwear for everyday wear?

Choose a size that fits correctly, a coverage level you prefer, a fabric suitable for your routine, and a waistband and leg opening that remain comfortable during normal movement. Care requirements can also matter if you plan to wear the style frequently.

Final Takeaway

There is no single underwear type every woman must own. The useful approach is to understand how briefs, hipsters, thongs, boyshorts, bikini, high-waisted and other styles differ, then choose the cuts that suit your clothing, fit preferences and daily routine.

Browse the ComfyBliss panties collection and compare each product’s fabric, rise, coverage and sizing information before ordering.