A Breakdown Of The Benefits Of Every Panty Style
Not all panty styles are created equal. You likely already know this — which is why you have more than one type in your lingerie drawer. There are panties that are better suited to certain body types, occasions, and outfits. For example, the pair you wear when you’re simply lounging around the house on a lazy Sunday, the pair you put on when you’re seeking to make your SO’s jaw drop on date night, and the pair you rock when you’re sweating it out at a spin class.
Indeed, every panty style has different pros and cons. Knowing the benefits of each can help you to make smarter shopping choices, as well as help out to figure out which pair to wear with different ensembles.
Luckily, in this guide, we’ll break down the perks of each panty style.
Bikini
Parfait Panty So Essential Bikini in Surf
Without a doubt, one of the most popular panty styles is the bikini, and with good reason — it’s ultra comfy as well as versatile. The bikini features slender sides, with just the right amount of coverage — not as little as a thong or cheeky cut, yet not as much as a brief or boyshort. In other words, they provide the perfect compromise between these styles. The waistband is usually one to three inches below the navel, so not too low yet not too high, either. True to its name, the string bikini has an even skinnier waistband.
The bikini is a phenomenal everyday style and can work under just about any outfit, with the exception of a skin-tight skirt or bodycon dress (as it may cause a visible panty line). They’re an ideal pick for hitting the gym, as they’re less likely to lead to chafing or other discomforts during your sweat session.
Boyshort
Sandrine Plunge Longline Bra | Sandrine Boyshort in Wild Pink
Equal parts comfy and flirty, this style is often confused with the hipster. However, the boyshort has even lower leg holes, with some hitting a few inches down the thigh (hence the ”short” in the name). Basically, when you want a lot of coverage around your backside and thighs, this style is one of your best bets. They can also double as loungewear during the warmer months. The boyshort can also be a good choice when you’re seeking to avoid a visible panty line under jeans or a looser fitting dress.
Hipster
Parfait Panty So Glam Hipster in Raspberry
As the name suggests, the hipster panty sits low on the hips — typically a couple of inches below the natural waist. This style has wider sides and the leg holes are cut lower. You might think of the hipster as a fusion between the bikini and the boyshort. So, if you like the look of a bikini but want just a tad more coverage, then the hipster could be the perfect solution.
We love to wear these with low-rise jeans because you won’t have to worry about the waistband showing when you sit down. Keep in mind, too, that the amount of coverage on a hipster can vary somewhat, with some styles showing a little more skin than others.
Related: 6 Ways To Avoid Visible Panty Lines
Brief
Charlotte Padded Bra | Charlotte High Waist Brief in Blossom Print
Is comfort your top priority? Then don’t overlook the brief, which offers full coverage and a higher waistband that sits on your natural waist. This may not be the best style for body-hugging clothes or low-rise jeans, but it’s definitely a phenomenal fit for those high-rise pants and skirts. And who says a brief can’t be attractive? In luxe fabrics like lace, this style can be downright sexy — not to mention super flattering.
If you’re looking the right pair to rock under high-waisted denim or trousers, consider a high-waist brief, which extends up to the navel or sometimes even higher. Or, if you find that the bands around the leg holes dig into your thighs or are otherwise uncomfortable, look for high-cut briefs, which are cut higher on the leg.
Thong
Parfait Panty So Glam Thong in Raspberry
Every woman can benefit from having a thong (or three) in her collection. And gone are the days when thongs were synonymous with discomfort, too — in stretchy, seamless fabrics, they can feel like a second skin. Not to mention, since they have the least amount of coverage on your backside, they’re the best choice when you’re sporting a skin-tight bodycon dress or are otherwise concerned about having a VPL.
Similar to the bikini, the thong has a medium rise, typically two to three inches below the waist. The leg holes are cut relatively high, and the sides usually hit right around the hip bone.
Looking for even less coverage around the sides? Then opt for a G-string, which is cut just like a thong in the back, but with super skinny sides and merely a triangle-shaped piece of fabric in the front.
Obviously, every panty style has its own set of advantages. Now that you know the perks of each, picking out which pair you want to wear just got easier. In addition to considering comfort, you’ll also want to consider the level of coverage and type of rise you’ll need for the particular outfit you’re wearing. Fortunately, there’s a panty style for every mood, body type, and occasion.
Related: How To Build A Lingerie Wardrobe You Love
Cora Unlined Longline Bra | Cora Bikini in Pale Blush
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!
