The Best Cotton Underwear for Women, From Boy Shorts to Bikinis

At a great price and available in bright colors like tango orange and fun prints like floral garden party, the Hanes Original Hipster is a tried and true, everyday cotton panty pick. Hipster style with full back coverage, they have a classic fit with a wide waistband with Hanes branding. And they don’t shrink after washing. Hanes has been making underwear for a long time and they’re hard to beat when looking for a basic, budget minded option. Shopping tip: You can also count on Hanes for the best no-show socks for women, sports bras, and the best pajamas for men.

If you want a true no-show option to wear under tight clothes like leggings, opt for a thong—and the Everlane Cotton Thong may just be the perfect one. Made from a double layer of Supima cotton with flat seams and a smooth waistband, they’re super comfortable and smooth. As with all thongs, they provide minimal bum coverage. But unlike many other thongs, these don’t pinch. They run large, so you may want to consider sizing down.

The Skims Cotton Rib Boxer is just like your boyfriend’s, but better. They have a soft, wide elastic waistband and are made with a no-cut design (meaning, no seams to irritate) with top stitching. The fabric is a soft, breathable, stretch cotton. These are great to wear under short dresses and skirts—or while lounging around the house.

One of the best things about Thirdlove briefs is the absence of any bulky, binding elastic—and the incredibly soft cotton from which they’re made. These offer full coverage with a high rise: A perfect everyday panty option that doesn’t roll. The organic cotton also means they’re great for anybody with skin issues. Good to know: Thirdlove also made our list of the best pajamas for women.

Another classic, the Calvin Klein Modern cotton bikini has a super-soft (doesn’t dig in) logo waistband, a high leg, and just the right amount of coverage in the back. Made from a supple cotton, these will likely become one of your favorites. Bikini cut with full back coverage, low waist, high leg. We especially love the red carpet and acid orange colors. According to reviewers, they run small, so consider sizing up. Shopping tip: Calvin Klein also topped our list for the best underwear for men.

Buy these Hanes Ultimate panties by the six pack; the price is great and the panties are pretty damn good too. Made from a moisture-wicking cotton, they’re preshrunk and keep their shape after washing. They feature a full-coverage fit with leg bands to prevent them riding up. If you’re in need of simple, basic underwear, you can’t go wrong with Hanes.

The Knickey high-rise brief has an ultra-high rise without giving off the air of granny panties (not that granny panties are a bad thing, necessarily). They have minimal leg elastics and a waistband that doesn’t dig in. These particular Knickeys are the ones that inspired a cult following—and it’s easy to see why: They’re comfortable, flattering, and keep their shape after multiple washings.

The Skims Cotton Logo Hipster is a low-rise hipster with a flattering waistline in the front and full coverage in the back. There’s a Skims logo on the soft waistband. These are for people who like casual underwear but don’t want something super boring that stays put (doesn’t roll down) and is always comfortable. These run small, so consider ordering a size up.

If you have sensitive skin, these cotton hipster panties from ThirdLove are for you. They’re made from a breathable, light organic cotton blend with a 100% cotton gusset, and without any bulky elastic. Featuring a mid-rise with moderate coverage, these are great for everyday wear. Shopping tip: ThirdLove also made our list for the best yoga pants for women.

The Gap Stretch Cotton Hipster has a boy-cut leg, sits at your hip, and offers full coverage. They’re an excellent basic, everyday, style choice. Made from a stretchy cotton blend, these feel like a second skin. The soft elastic at legs and waist doesn’t dig in but gives just a bit of structure. These are definitely not your average hipster; they’re a couple steps up from that.

The Cheeky Tanga from Skims hits just below your natural waist with minimal side coverage for a flattering fit. For such a high leg cut, they stay in place exceptionally well. Plus, they’re breathable and comfortable, making you feel as if you have nothing on; all while also being pretty darn cute.

With raw-cut edges (no elastic, trim, or tape) this cotton bikini from Commando is completely immune to panty lines, even when you’re wearing thin yoga pants. The four-way stretch lays flat and is pill-resistant, keeping these looking new wash after wash.

The geometric stretch lace on the legs and waistband of these panties is what sets them apart from all the others on this list. That, and the expansive color selection. One of Natori’s catch phrases is “where life meets art,” and as far as panties go, these are probably pretty close to art. They’re pretty, seamless, offer no panty lines, and are super soft. What more could you ask for?

With a three-layer gusset, Thinx for All Super Absorbency Brief panties hold up to five regular tampons’ worth or 2.5 regular pads’ worth and feature a comfy, full-coverage silhouette with a mid-rise cut. As many reviewers say, these panties are life-changing. Not only do they control odors while preventing leaks but, you’ll also save money on pads and tampons. Thinx are washable and reusable.

Read the full review: Thinx Period Underwear Review : Testing Out the Thinx Cotton Bikini >>

For more period underwear check: Best Period Underwear for Every Kind of Cycle >>

These are a full-cut boy short with a 100% cotton jersey gusset. They’re great for sleeping, as well as for under dresses and skirts. We also love these for just lounging around the house. Though the coverage and fit are generally excellent some of those with more “ample” behinds may find that these are not totally wedgie-proof.