The many types of women’s underwear prove that what lies beneath is never just an afterthought. Each cut tells its own story. That’s whether it’s the sculpted elegance of high-waist briefs or the playful edge of a cheeky style.
Far from being one-note, today’s undies offer options that mix practicality with personality, making lingerie styles as expressive as clothing.
Types of Women’s Underwear
Underwear shapes how a woman feels stepping into her day. A seamless pair can vanish under a slip dress, while a lacy thong adds confidence only she knows about. Every drawer holds a collection of possibilities that can improve your mood and movement.
Thongs
A thong is the underwear style defined by minimal back coverage. It is designed to leave no trace under clothing. Loved for its invisible finish, it’s the piece you reach for with slip dresses, tailored skirts, or skinny denim.
Equal parts sleek and sultry, thongs deliver confidence while keeping outfits sleek.
French Cut
French cut underwear is known for its high-leg openings that rise above the hips, instantly elongating the legs. With a nod to 80s glam, French cut underwear combines full front and back coverage with a sculpting silhouette. This style easily creates a flattering shape.
Briefs
Briefs are the classic underwear style known for full coverage across the front and back, sitting comfortably at the waist. Designed for everyday wear, they offer support without sacrificing softness.
Modern versions come in breathable cotton, silky microfibers, and luxe lace, proving briefs can be as stylish as they are practical.
Bikinis
Bikinis are an underwear style defined by their low-rise cut and moderate back coverage. They sit just below the hips. They strike the perfect balance between practicality and allure, offering freedom of movement with a flattering shape.
Available in cotton basics or delicate lace, bikinis are one of the most versatile pieces in a woman’s lingerie wardrobe.
Seamless
Seamless underwear is designed with smooth, stitch-free edges that vanish under clothing. It’s the style that keeps lines invisible under slip dresses, leggings, or satin skirts. Offering both comfort and discretion, these pieces prove that lingerie can be functional and chic.
Boyshort
Boyshorts are underwear styled after men’s boxers, cut with a straight shape that provides full back coverage and a low-rise fit.
Known for comfort and a sporty edge, they’re perfect for lounging or layering under skirts and dresses. Boyshorts mix casual ease with a playful attitude.
G-String
A G-string is the most minimal underwear style, featuring ultra-thin straps at the sides and a narrow string at the back. Designed for maximum invisibility, it vanishes under even the slinkiest fabrics. It’s more daring than a thong.
The G-string is equal parts bold and practical, offering freedom, sensuality, and that barely-there feel.
Hipster
Hipster underwear is known for its low-rise cut that sits on the hips with wider side panels for added coverage. Falling between bikinis and boyshorts, hipsters hug the body without digging in.
They’re a go-to for everyday wear, blending comfort with a sleek silhouette that works under jeans, skirts, and casual basics.
High-Waist Briefs
High-waist briefs are underwear designed with a rise that sits above the navel, offering full front and back coverage. They smooth the waistline while highlighting curves.
Whether crafted in silky satin or modern stretch fabrics, this style is a favorite for both fashion and function.
Control Briefs
Control briefs are underwear designed with built-in shaping panels that smooth and support the waist, hips, and tummy. More structured than standard styles, they create a streamlined silhouette under dresses and fitted clothing.
Today’s control briefs come in sleek fabrics and chic designs. This underwear style proves shapewear can feel just as stylish as it looks.
Brazilian Cut
Brazilian cut underwear is defined by its V-shaped back that offers more coverage than a thong but less than a bikini. Designed to highlight curves, it sits flatteringly on the hips while revealing the lower cheeks.
The Brazilian cut delivers that effortless balance of sex appeal and comfort.
Cheeky
Cheeky panties are a playful cut that reveals part of the buttocks while offering more coverage than a thong. Sitting low on the hips, it frames curves while being both comfortable and sexy. The cheeky style is a go-to when you want something wearable.
