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Jun 11, 2023

30 Best Women's Underwear 2023: Comfortable and No

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. For every outfit and occasion. You know the best underwear when you

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

For every outfit and occasion.

You know the best underwear when you pull them on. The fabric is soft to the touch, the waistband doesn't pinch or dig into your hips, and the seams are undetectable under any kind of outfit. But all pairs of underwear aren't created equal. They don't feel the same to everyone—and you can't always test them before you order them. "Underwear is so personal," Marissa Galante Frank, Bloomingdale's fashion director for accessories and beauty, tells BAZAAR.com. "The cut that is comfortable for one person may not be the ideal cut for another individual depending on the body type."

Still, there are a few key details to keep in mind when separating the best underwear from so-so pairs. "Regardless of your personal preference, breathable materials like cotton seem to be universally comfortable in addition to materials with stretch like elastane and nylon," Galante Frank says. Across every cut—from bikinis to briefs to boy shorts—she says comfortable cotton gussets are the most important detail. From there, you can pick out the colors, cuts, and fabrications best suited to you. And if you want a truly invisible feeling? "A thong is always a go-to in a nylon or spandex," Galante Frank recommends.

With those tips in mind, scroll on for underwear that are sure to become your everyday favorites—in some cases, you'll hardly know they're there. Shop the best underwear for women across briefs, thongs, and bikinis, from Parade, Natori, and more, below.

Every top drawer needs a few basic briefs to get through the week, and Natori's are some of the best. Like its best-selling bras, these briefs come in several shades and have a comfort-first fit. Shoppers pick this pair when they want something comfortable above all. As one reviewer puts it, "They're comfortable and fit well. And when you're comfortable, you may feel a little sexy."

Sizes: XS to XXL

Whether or not you already own ThirdLove's best-selling bras, you'll want its lace briefs in your underwear drawer. These all-over lace styles provide full coverage without any pinching or constraining seams. In a pack of five, there are nearly enough pairs for a full week of outfits.

Sizes: XS to 3X

Perfect for wearing under high-rise pants or shorts, these full-coverage briefs come with Galante Frank's stamp of approval. "Hanro uses luxury cotton, offers a range of silhouettes, and their fits are a customer favorite at Bloomingdale's," she tells us. These come in a seamless, soft cotton for all-day wear. Reviewers say Hanro's briefs can run small, so consider ordering a size up. When you find your fit, you'll wear them over and over. "The brief is a great buy. They stand the test of time," one reviewer says. "Would buy again."

Sizes: XS to XL

Baserange uses deadstock fabric to make its fuller-coverage briefs. They have a hint of stretch but won't lose their shape or pill in the wash—so get your usual size.

Sizes: XS to L

Add a jolt of color to your intimates drawer with this set recommended by Galante Frank. The scalloped hems won't create panty lines, and the cloud-soft fabric is sustainably sourced. Win-win.

Sizes: S to L

Nearly one thousand reviewers call this SKIMS style their absolute favorite thong. "This thong is so amazingly comfortable. The material is like not wearing anything at all. I will definitely be ordering more," one reviewer raves. Adds another, "Obsessed with these, I've probably purchased about 15-20 of them already and will continue to do so."

Sizes: XXS to 4X

Bloomingdale's Galante Frank says this Commando set is "the closest to a barely-there feeling" you can find in a thong. "I love the raw-cut edges on Commando's version, because it eliminates any digs, and the lightweight material is super airy and comfortable," she says.

Sizes: XS to XL

Parade's thongs mix peekaboo mesh and pliable stretch for a sexy yet comfortable fit. The yarn is every pair isn't just soft—it's also made with recycled materials. Reviewers overwhelmingly agree: "I love love love! The fabric feels durable and has kept up well with washes. I bought four pairs in the fall and found myself only wanting to wear my Parade underwear."

Sizes: XS to 3XL

This thong is virtually invisible when it goes on: It's free of elastics and seams for a true no-show look under your clothes. If you're between sizes, opt for a size down.

Sizes: XS to 4XL

CUUP's V-shape thongs can be worn high or low on your hips—either way, the modal fabric is breathable and barely detectable under pants, skirts, or dresses. They also win over skeptical reviewers: "Tentatively bought these hoping they'd be comfortable and make me feel confident. They did not disappoint whatsoever. Absolutely comfortable, flattering and worth it."

Sizes: XS to XXXL

Boy short underwear should be your first pick when you want full coverage, fewer (or zero) panty lines, and no riding up throughout the day. It's a cut and style made for maximum comfort—and security when you're wearing them under a dress or skirt. This pair comes recommended by Galante Frank.

Sizes: XS to XL

The best way to describe Tommy John's boy shorts is with the things they don't do: They don't pill after wearing them, and the waistband doesn't pinch or roll during the day. As one shopper recommends, "These were exactly what I wanted in a boy short. Finally one that actually covers your whole butt and isn't riding up anywhere!"

Sizes: XS to XXL

Cosabella's Never Say Never line has the softest lace accents across bralettes, bras, and underwear, including these editor-approved boy shorts. Choose from 18 colors including neutrals and seasonal brights, all with a low rise and moderate coverage. "These are feminine, full coverage boy shorts," one shopper says. "They are soft and stretchy and manage to be extremely comfortable but also sexy. I have since bought four more colors!"

Sizes: S to XL

Parade's boy shorts make our list for their full coverage and flexible waistband. These are also an eco-conscious option, made with an anti-microbial Tencel with temperature regulation for a cool feel. Though some reviewers have requested a little more stretch, this is still a top-rated style. "Beyond comfortable and are my new go-to's. The only thing I regret is not trying this brand sooner!" one reviewer says.

Sizes: XS to 3XL

Negative Underwear's boy short underwear can double as at-home loungewear: Its full coverage and high waistline are made for wearing with just a T-shirt or bralette. Try a size higher than what you usually wear if you prefer a loose fit; otherwise, this pair will hug close to your curves. Reviewers say these are a go-to for wearing under dresses and skirts. "Perfect under dresses and dress pants so there are NO lines," one recommends.

Sizes: XS to XXL

Choose bikini-cut underwear when you're looking for medium coverage and a mid-rise—that is, pairs that go best under jeans and trousers. This pair by Commando includes lace with a hint of stretch to dress up your everyday lingerie. It's also pill resistant and keeps its shape and feel through machine washes.

Sizes: S to L

Bombas bikini underwear are even more comfortable than the brand's fan-favorite socks: They're seamless, tag free, and made with a modal blend for a cloud-soft fit. While the waistband will gently cling to your hips, it won't dig in or roll down. As one satisfied reviewer says, this pack is "everything you would want and nothing you don’t. Incredibly comfortable!"

Sizes: XS to 2X

Andie applied the fit of its best-selling bikinis to its recent underwear expansion. These pairs are just as comfortable and breathable as you'd expect. "Super soft cotton with just the right amount of stretch. They stay in place and never ride up or give me wedgies," one shopper says.

Sizes: XS to XXXL

Behold, the most luxurious pair in our bikini lineup. This pair includes a contrasting crepe-and-silk charmeuse panel for a fit that's as pretty as it is body contouring.

Sizes: XXS to XL

These bikini briefs are sexy yet practical—a winning combination for everyday underwear. Summersalt's bikini underwear have a semi-sheer, lightweight knit and an elastic waistband that moves with you throughout the day. "If you hate wearing underwear, you'll probably love these," one reviewer says. "They are so soft and light that it feels like you're wearing nothing. So happy I bought multiple pairs!"

Sizes: XS to 2X

Halie LeSavage is the fashion commerce editor at Harper's BAZAAR. Her style reporting covers everything from reviewing the best designer products to profiling emerging brands and designers. Previously, she was the founding retail writer at Morning Brew and a fashion associate at Glamour.

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