Exploring Different Underwear Styles: Find Your Perfect Fit
Finding the right underwear can be life-changing -- we're not joking! But between bikinis, briefs, thongs, boy shorts, and more, the choices can be overwhelming. For your convenience, we've created a comprehensive style guide. So continue reading for a breakdown of various styles and how to choose the best underwear options for you.
Why it's important to choose the right underwear style
Knowing the numerous styles of underwear isn't just about being up to speed with undergarments vocabulary. Different types vary in terms of how comfortable and supportive they are and whether they show visible lines underneath clothing.
Understanding these nuances can help you figure out what kind to buy. After trying some out and considering your needs, you can confidently purchase underwear that suits your unique preferences, lifestyle, and body type.
Overview of popular underwear styles for women
- Bikinis
- Briefs
- Thongs
- Boyshorts
- Boxers
- High-waist underwear
Keep scrolling for a detailed overview of each of these different underwear styles.
Bikini cut
If you’re looking for a style that offers a comfortable fit with moderate coverage, then bikini cut is for you. The bikini cut is a classic women's underwear style. Sharing a name with two-piece swimwear, the silhouette is similar to traditional bathing suit bottoms.
Sometimes called cheeky underwear, the cut is typically a lower rise — like a hipster underwear but with a little less coverage. It can have a string waist or more fabric on the sides. Bikini underwear tends to be comfortable and versatile enough to wear with a variety of outfits.
Briefs
Briefs are similar to bikinis in that they have a traditional silhouette and back coverage. But brief-style panties usually have more support on the waistband and often feature a higher rise. Also, the brief almost always has wider side bands rather than strings.
Explore the line of effortlessly comfortable bikinis and briefs from Negative Underwear.
Thongs
Thong underwear has a triangular panel that offers coverage in the front and a thinner fabric strip down the back that connects to the waistband to form a T shape. Read our blog, Thongs vs. G-strings, to learn the difference between the two styles.
The main signifier is that there's little to no coverage in the back, which helps eliminate lines underneath tighter clothing or thin fabrics. This type of underwear is also good for those who want to showcase their natural curves.
There are a couple main categories of thongs: tanga and G-string.
- Tanga. Tangas fall somewhere in between a brief and a thong in that they offer more coverage in front and on the sides.
- G-string. G-strings, on the other hand, are characterized by their thinner, string-like straps and back strips.
Someone chooses a tanga over a g-string for its slightly more coverage on the hips and back, offering a balance between comfort and minimalism while still providing a low-rise fit. On the other hand, a g-string offers ultra-minimalist design and virtually invisible lines, making it the ideal choice for wearing under tight or clingy clothing without visible panty lines.
Check out our intimately considered selection of women's thongs.
Boy shorts
The boy short is a women's underwear style with extra coverage over the hips and backside than bikinis or briefs. While the silhouette is slightly more boxy than others and may or may not square off at the legs, it doesn't typically offer any leg coverage.
This full-coverage option is ideal for those who don't like the feeling of underwear straps. And although there's more fabric, laser-cut options made of lightweight materials can do a good job of minimizing panty lines. Women’s boy shorts can also be a good choice to wear underneath dresses and skirts.
Boxers
Women's boxers can have a snugger fit, similar to men's boxer briefs. Beyond full coverage in the front and back, they can partially cover the upper thighs and may offer high-waisted tummy support.
Boxer-style underwear can be worn over other panties (like a thong) or on its own. The extra coverage makes it an excellent choice to wear under dresses and skirts. Boxers also make comfy sleepwear bottoms or warm-weather loungewear.
Take a peek at the minimalist boyshorts and boxers from Negative Underwear.
High-waist underwear
Then you've got high-rise underwear, which can come in the form of briefs, thongs, boy shorts, or boxers. Like pants and jeans, many people prefer a higher rise that sits at the natural waistline. This underwear style can offer a mild shapewear effect without the constricting feeling.
Just the thing for everyday wear, Negative Underwear's high-waist underwear collection is highly functional, luxurious but not overly complicated, and incredibly comfortable.
Specialty underwear styles for specific outfits
Besides the most popular cuts, you can get specialty underwear styles for specific outfits or occasions.
Seamless panties, laser-cut hipster underwear, and other no-show designs can be great to wear under certain fabrics. Long underwear can help keep you warm on the coldest days. And, of course, there's lingerie.
How to choose the right style for you
Negative Underwear has styles for everyone to fit every body. No matter what type (or types!) you choose, you can count on our thoughtfully designed women's underwear to be exceptionally comfortable — possibly more comfortable than being naked.