Understanding Women Fashion: Different Types of Panties in 2025

Navigating through the world of different types of panties can be both exciting and practical. However with that excitement comes an obstacle, how to find the right type of panties or if panties are even comfortable at all? 

Knowing basics such as your fashion priorities, body shape and even desired fitting can help you find the right and most satisfactory option. We believe you can truly benefit from knowing the difference between each variation if your groundwork has been substantially laid.

This article will aim to provide you with guidance and styling tips about women’s undergarments. So read till the end!

Staple Panty Styles You Should Have in Your Wardrobe!

Underwears often take a back seat in women’s wardrobe and as such nobody truly understands why having contrasting types of panties is essential for any wardrobe.

Think of it like this: There are days when you want something relaxing and then there are days when you want to wear something stylish. How can you diversify your undergarments game if you only have a pair or 2 in your drawers?

Currently, there is an endless flock of panties in the market, each considered best for its intended purpose. The market for panties has grown so big that folks at Grand View Research reported it to grow at a shocking (CAGR) of 17.4% till 2030!

• This is why we have accumulated the 11 most Popular underwear styles; 

Boyshorts:

• Boyshorts are appreciated all across the globe because of their versatility, as they offer exceptional pleasantness and a low-rise design that fits snugly on the hips. 

These panties resemble shorts, which makes them a great choice for wearing under dresses and skirts without worrying about accidental flashing. In a nutshell, Boy Shorts are considered Mega supportive and Ample covering.

Briefs:

• The absolute classics of undergarments, briefs naturally sit at the waistline and are characterized by their daily wearing aptness, along with providing modest coverage under almost any outfit.
• Often a go-to choice for those who want a quick underwear solution.
• Briefs are manufactured using a wide variety of materials such as cotton, lace and even microfibers. Having this many construction options proves the traditionality and roundedness of briefs.

Thongs:

• Thongs are more than just another type of panties, as they provide an imminent solution for those who are in constant battle with visible panty lines (VPL). Despite being revealing, many people enjoy things because of their content fullness and use of soft material that confers a gentle feel to the body.

• Why Makes Thongs So Popular?

There are a number of reasons as to why they have become so popular. Thongs feature a narrow strip of fabric at back which leaves buttocks exposed , giving it a rebellious yet modernistic aura. They also come in extremely handy for a flattering outlook.

Cheeky’s Vs Bikinis:

• Being so similar in design, many people often confuse bikinis and Cheeky’s as one kind. 

However despite looking alike both parties have core differences such as bikinis often if not all the time imparts a sweet ratio of comfort and style with a seamless design that goes extremely well for smooth underpants lines whereas Cheeky’s tends to be a bit more “Humble” as they offer a higher coverage but still adds a touch of playfulness.

• Though both types are interchangeable in one aspect and that is the choice of fabric material used; Cotton, Polyester, Nylon, and Spandex with their associated blends.

High-Rise Briefs:

• Are you looking for a panty that provides not only proper coverage but also complements your body? Then buying a pair of high-rise briefs might do you tons of wonders. These undergarments are characterized by their unique design that provides enhanced comfort with support, and are a wonderful option for dresses that cinch your waist.
• Some benefits of wearing High-rise briefs;
• Flattering Silhouette.
• Shapewear Capabilities.
• Versatile wear.
• Potentially butt lifting.

Hipsters:

• This style intends to balance out ease and style while still being a viable option. In Fact many women like them for their flattering fit and complete proportion of coverage that comes along with a snug fitting.
• Typical fabric choice is elastane cotton blends that confer both breathability and a scratchy factor!

Factual Tip:

Hipsters come in many colors and patterns which paves an easy pathway to self expression, and it is due to their versatility that we highly advise them to be a must-have in your wardrobe!

G-strings:

• A flirtatious type of panties that is specifically designed to provide minimum coverage. G-strings come with a thin strap of fabric at the back, which makes them suitable for wearing under tight clothes.

G-strings are meant to be less restrictive when we talk about bodily movement, but many people still shy away from such functionality due to them being minimally covering.

• How Do G-Strings Differ from Thongs?

Only 2 factors distinguish it from being a “thong”.  First is its inherently thin back strip, and the other is a more revealing outlook than thongs.

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Tangas:

• Another woman’s underwear iteration that resembles a thong. Tangas are meant to provide moderate-to-minimal rear exposure but with wider side coverage, making it a perfect option for those who want a slow transition from bikinis to thong-style panties.
• Tangas are further divided into several types based on the desired exposure and waist level.

• Brief Tanga:

  The most common tanga cut covers the hips like a classic brief.

• Scoop Tanga:

  Provides less coverage than brief cut tangas, the fabric band on the hips is narrower, and the Triangle fabric at the back is prominent.

• High-cut Tanga:

  Optimal for those who want higher coverage on hips and thigh region, comes with a smoothing effect.

• Low-rise Tanga:

  These tanga types sit lower on the waist and offer a sleek fit look.

French Cuts:

• Style and restfulness combined in a panty that features a high-cut leg opening with a moderate waistband that sits just below the natural waist.

French cut panties are considered a versatile choice for both daily wear and special events, rightfully so because they provide a streamlined look by shaping your outfit’s silhouette and avoiding VPL.

Control Briefs:

• Also known as “shapewear underwear”, are a type of Compressional panties designed to fulfil just one aim, being bodyshaping. These panties often come with a higher rise that goes up till abdomen to provide extra coverage and support that can help boost your confidence.

Control briefs are available in the market with various materials and types. Making them a perfect option for everyone, no matter if you are dressing up for a special get-together or just want to feel a little bit smooth.

Note: Shapewear underwear like control briefs works by using strategic placement of fabric panels to compress and smooth areas on the body which creates a more sculpted and flattered silhouette.

Want to get an outlook on Classics vs Modern women’s underwear types?

Check Out This Blog: Feel Good From Within: A Guide on Choosing the Types of Female Underwear

Understanding the Fabric Material Behind

Without a doubt, the placement of cuts and fabric panels matters a lot in the final feel of women’s panty styles, but there is one more thing that is perhaps the same, if not more important than structuralization. Opting for the right fabric for your panties can significantly affect your confidence and energy levels, as not all clothing material retains the same properties. 

For instance if you want breathable briefs then going for cotton based is best but if you are someone who lives an active lifestyle then briefs made from Poly-spandex are best for you as they confer not just durability but also allows freedom of movement.

Take a thorough look at the table below to get better insights about the material and its associated properties!

Disclaimer: The above-mentioned details are mostly about fabric, as most, if not all, garments are usually not “Pure” and are made out of various blends that combine good properties from each side without having drawbacks.

 Which Women’s Underwear Styles are Best for You?

There is no “One” definitive answer as finding the best style comes down to several factors such as preference, comfort level and your use case. But we can definitely help you find the best possible match, let’s break it down so it’s easier to understand.

Lifestyle:

• Choosing the right pants depends on the lifestyle you are living or planning to live! For instance if your priority is easygoing then cotton made briefs and hipster are best for you but on other hand Thongs made out of silk and nylon are considered best for special night outs and gym hours.

Clothing Style:

• If you are someone who likes to dress in fitting clothes, than you should go for G-string or other seamless styles to avoid visible panty lines and if it’s the flexibility you are after and often dress in loose clothes, then bikinis, hipsters and briefs are going to be your best friend!

Coverage Levels:

• Choosing a panty becomes only daunting when you are not sure about your own preferences. Depending on the level of exposure you want you can make informed choices , just remember briefs offer maximum coverage while thongs provide minimum.

Support and Body Fitting:

• If your underwear is ill-fitted and supportive, then it can cause a lot of problems such as chafing, rashes and even slip-ups. Consider briefs and high-rises for better support and bikinis for proper fitting.
• For better understanding, tether below to a short tabular guide!

Final Verdict

There are countless kinds of women’s underwear in the market, some are distinguishable based on their cut while others vary because of the material involved. With that being said, each type caters best to specific scenarios and we believe if you understand each type along with their associated pros and cons then you too can make a wonderfully versatile wardrobe. 

So, try out new things, mix styles, and experiment without any fear because your personal experience is all that matters in the end!

Recurrent Questions About Types of Women’s Underwear 

1) Are panties and underwear the same?

To answer this in a  convenient way,All panties are underwears but all underwears are not panties! Underwear is a broader term that encloses every type of undergarments for both genders meanwhile panties specifically refers to lower undergarments of womens such as briefs, thongs and boyshorts.

2) How many sets of panties should you own?

Having a set of at least 11 pairs guarantees an underwear drawer that fits all of your needs.

3) Which panties are more comfortable?

Although leisure is a personal choice, flexible and snug fitting underwear such as briefs, boyshorts and hipsters.