Women’s underwear styles range from thongs to boyshorts, each offering different coverage for different outfits and comfort needs.
Underwear Styles for Women aren’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s the point. The style you reach for changes based on what you’re wearing and what you want to feel. A thong hides panty lines under leggings; a boyshort gives full coverage under shorts. Fit depends on your waist and hip measurements, and here’s the catch—sizing systems vary wildly by brand.
The Main Underwear Styles and What Each Is For
Each style solves a specific problem. Coverage level, fabric, and cut decide where it works best.
- Thong — the least coverage of any style, with a narrow strip at the back. Good Housekeeping notes this design helps prevent visible panty lines under fitted clothes.
- G-string — even less fabric than a thong, essentially a string at the back. Best for zero-line needs under sheer or tight fabrics.
- Bikini — sits on the hips with moderate back coverage. A mid-ground option for daily wear.
- Brief — full coverage at the back, sitting at or near the natural waist. Prioritizes comfort and support over line-hiding.
- Boyshort — full coverage with longer leg panels, similar to shorts. Works under wide-leg pants and shorts without riding up.
- Hipster — sits lower on the hips than a brief, with fuller back coverage than a bikini.
- High-waist brief — waistband rises above the navel, offering tummy coverage and a retro silhouette.
A shapewear or “control” style adds firm compression for smoothing under dresses.
How to Find the Correct Size
Measuring your waist and hips is the reliable first step for any brand.
- Waist — wrap the tape around your natural waist, just above the belly button.
- Hips — wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and rear.
- Compare both numbers to the chart — if they fall in different sizes, choose the larger one for comfort.
| Brand | Size System | Example Range |
|---|---|---|
| la Vie en Rose | XS–XXL | XS = 26–27 in waist / 35–36 in hip; XXL = 37–39 in waist / 47–49 in hip |
| SKIMS | XXS–4X | XXS = US 00; M = US 8–10; 4X = US 26–28 |
| Nike | Numeric waist/hip | Waist 21–23 in up to 38.5–42.5 in; hip 30.5–32.5 in up to 47.5–50.5 in |
| MUJI | XS–XL | XS = 20–21 in waist; XL = 26–27 in waist |
| ExOfficio | XS–3XL | XS waist = 24–25 in; 3XL waist = 41.5–43.5 in |
| Cotton On Body | 3XS–5XL | XS = 67 cm waist / 93 cm seat; 5XL = 117 cm waist / 143 cm seat |
Why Sizes Vary Between Brands
There’s no universal standard for underwear sizing, and the charts above prove it. Some charts use waist and hip in inches; others use centimeters; some include seat or bust measurements for fuller coverage styles.
Treat the size label as a starting point, not a promise.
FAQs
What style of underwear is best for avoiding panty lines?
A thong or G-string is the go-to for eliminating visible panty lines under fitted pants, skirts, or dresses. The narrow back design means there’s no seam to show through fabric. For fuller coverage without lines, look for seamless or laser-cut styles that lie flat against the skin.
Should I size up or down if I’m between sizes?
What’s the difference between a thong and a G-string?
References & Sources
- Good Housekeeping. “Types of Underwear for Women” Explains coverage levels and panty-line prevention by style.