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When you think of cotton underwear, do you instantly think of granny panties? You’re not the only one!
Sure, lots of brands make those high rise cotton briefs that your mom or grandma wore when you were young, but there are plenty of cute (and comfortable) cotton options out there for women of all ages and styles.
From bikinis to thongs to sporty hipster briefs, cotton underwear comes in all shapes and sizes. Ready to find some stylish pairs that you’ll actually want to wear? Here is our guide to the best cotton underwear for women.
Why Choose Cotton?
Soft silk, pretty lace, smooth and seamless microfiber …
Women’s undies come in all sorts of fabrics, many of which feel super soft and luxe against the skin. But there’s a reason why cotton still reigns supreme for so many women:
It’s breathable.
“When it comes to underwear, cotton is the champion of all fabrics,” The founder of Essie Button, Essie herself shared.
Open your lingerie drawer and pull out your most expensive and sexiest lace or silk undies. Chances are they have a cotton gusset in the lining. The reason it’s there is to keep you ventilated down there!
Cotton is an excellent fabric choice, especially for items that you wear close to sensitive skin. And there’s no doubt about it – cotton undies are comfy. So if you’re in the market for new thongs, boyshorts, or bikinis, here are some excellent (and affordable) options, no matter what fit you prefer.
Related: How To Style Mom Jeans [Baby Not Required]
Best Cotton Bikini Underwear
Bikini underwear comes in a variety of different fits. From low rise to seamless to no show, bikini briefs can be found in almost every woman’s lingerie drawer. Bikinis typically sit just below the hips, making them a comfortable option to wear beneath any outfit.
Calvin Klein Cotton Bikini
Calvin Klein makes a lot of great products, but their underwear remains one of our all-time favorites.
The Calvin Klein Cotton Bikini offers a timeless style in a classic bikini fit with a signature logo waistband. This three-pack set is comfortable, breathable, basic and versatile. If you’re a true CK fan, you’ll want to own this panty in every single color!
SKIMS Cotton String Bikini
You don’t have to have the body of Kim Kardashian to wear or enjoy the Cotton String Bikini from her underwear brand SKIMS. This bikini features a string silhouette and a no-cut design in ultra-comfy cotton fabric. The skimpy string sides make it perfect for wearing beneath any of your favorite jeans or casual bottoms.
Even if you’re not a Kim K fan, there’s one thing about SKIMS that you have to give her credit for: it’s a size-inclusive brand with regular and plus sizes ranging from XXS all the way up to 5X.
Free People Heritage Heart Bikini
A colorful all-over heart print adds playful style to this cute and comfy Heritage Heart Bikini. This bikini panty features a low rise, high cut legs and moderate coverage, making it a great day-to-day option in 100% cotton.
Need a cute around-the-house look? Pair these panties with a solid bralette or a cropped tank for a fun, carefree look.
Commando Cotton Bikini
In cotton with spandex, the Commando Cotton Bikini offers moderate coverage in a seamless silhouette so you won’t have to worry about those visible panty lines. This panty features a mid-rise fit and doesn’t include the typical elastic binding that shows through tight clothes.
Raw edging at the waist and legs adds a chic, modern touch to this timeless design.
Calvin Klein Logo Cotton String Bikini
We said it before, and we’ll say it again – we love Calvin Klein underwear. And for that reason, Mr. Klein gets two of the top spots on this list.
The Calvin Klein Logo Cotton String Bikini is made for the woman who likes coverage in the rear but not necessarily on the legs or hips. This little bikini bottom is detailed with string straps on each hip, soft picot trim, and a small Calvin logo at the waistband that adds a touch of signature style.
Best Cotton Thong Underwear
Can’t stand the look of visible panty lines? Get rid of the dreaded VPL with cotton thongs or G-strings that fit like a second skin. And don’t worry about wedgies – the styles we’ve chosen here are designed so you won’t feel like someone just pulled your undies up in the back of your pants.
Auden Cotton Thong
In soft cotton with a bit of spandex for stretch, the Auden Cotton Thong features a low rise, a comfortable fit, and a slim back thong to prevent against VPLs. It’s lightweight, breathable and perfect for wearing beneath everything from jeans to a skin-tight dress.
Can’t imagine tossing a pair of underwear onto the conveyor belt in the Target checkout line? The next time you place an online order for light bulbs or towels or Swiffer refills, just add a pair of these to your cart (and no one else will know).
DKNY Classic Cotton Thong
Though it’s blended with 37% nylon, the DKNY Classic Cotton Thong is a must-have if you love seamless underwear with an invisible look and fit. This thong panty is ultra-lightweight and features a low rise with a small DKNY logo at the hip.
You can wear this thong beneath virtually anything, and it won’t look like you’re wearing anything at all.
Best Cotton Boy Shorts
Boy shorts aren’t just for tomboys. When it’s important to eliminate that VPL, many women find them to be a much more comfortable alternative to the thong. And, when paired with the right bra, a boy short can look just as sexy or flirty as a skimpy lace G-string or a high cut bikini.
Femme Boxer
Made from super-soft cotton with modal, the Femme Boxer reminds of us a classic Fruit of the Loom boxer for men.
This boyshort offers moderate coverage and is detailed with faux snaps on the front that add a unique touch. Can’t stand bunching or chafing when you’re running or working out? These are a great option when you’re in an active mood.
Related: 13 Ways To Stop Chafing [ And How To Treat Raw Skin]
Hanky Panky Organic Cotton Boyshort With Lace
Proving that cotton undies can still be pretty, the Hanky Panky Organic Cotton Boyshort With Lace is one you’ll want to wear every single day. The boyshort fit makes it one of the most comfortable underwear options out there, and the lace trim adds a perfectly feminine touch.
Designed to sit low on the leg, this short offers full rear coverage and a mid-rise, creating a perfect fit.
Best Hipster Panties
If the bikini is too skimpy for your liking and the boy short offers more coverage than you prefer, you’ll probably love a hipster brief. Not only are they ultra-comfortable, but they’re also super flattering on all body types.
Everlane High-Rise Hipster
With a high waist, the Everlane High-Rise Hipster offers the perfect blend of comfort and coverage. This panty is ultra-soft in Supima cotton, and the high rise makes them simply ideal for wearing beneath high waist jeans.
Thirdlove Pima Cotton Hipster
In case you don’t already know, Pima cotton is one of the softest types of cotton that exists. And that’s what makes the Thirdlove Pima Cotton Hipster such a great choice.
This panty offers a classic hipster fit with a low rise and moderate coverage. It’s a basic option, but it comes in a variety of colors and a range of sizes to fit women from XS to 3X.
Best Full-Coverage Underwear
Need a little extra coverage? Looking for a pair of undies to smooth out lumps or conceal your tummy? You don’t need to cut off your circulation with Spanx or shapewear. Sometimes a high waist cotton panty is all you need!
Knickey High Rise Brief
French-cut legs make the Knickey High Rise Brief perfect for the woman who wants some extra coverage up top but not necessarily around the legs. Available in a slew of neutral hues and on-trend colors, these briefs are made from certified organic cotton.
Why does that matter? Because organic cotton isn’t treated with chlorine, formaldehyde, bleach or any other harsh chemicals. And you don’t have to be eco-friendly or environmentally conscious to know that those things are best kept far away from your nether regions.
Thinx Period Proof Cotton Briefs
The Thinx Period Proof Cotton Briefs offer more than just comfort and coverage. These cotton briefs are designed with four-layer technology to absorb odors and replace the need for feminine products on light days. And on your heaviest days of the month, they provide some extra backup.
The outer shell and inner lining are made from organic cotton, but it’s the polyurethane layer in the center that does most of the work.
Vanity Fair Tailored Cotton Brief
Full coverage. A high waistband for a slimming effect. Lightweight. Breathable. Made from 100% cotton. These are just some of the reasons why the Vanity Fair Tailored Cotton Brief is one of the best underwear options on this list.
This design comes in all the expected neutral hues, and it’s available in sizes that range from S to 2XL to fit a wide variety of women.
What is the Best Cotton Underwear for Women?
Lace underwear is sexy. Silk undies feel super luxurious against the skin. Nylon and microfiber panties make it easy to slide into your tightest, stretchiest pants.
But if it’s total comfort you’re going for, it’s time to try out a cotton pair of underwear.
Ro Sanchez, Intimacy Coach and certified Master Sexpert, shared her tricks for buying the best cotton underwear, “Opt for 95% cotton as these lend to keep their shape and tend to be more easy on the skin.”
And if you don’t know what style of underwear you like or want to try out a new style, BootyBag is an excellent option. You can try out a new style of cotton underwear every month until you know exactly what you like. Unlike other monthly subscriptions, you know what is coming, so if you need to skip, it is super easy to do so. But based on the reviews, once you start BootyBag, you won’t want to shop anywhere else!
The undergarments you wear beneath your clothes can change the entire look of an outfit and change your whole demeanor. So when it comes time to buy yourself new undies, just remember this:
The best underwear for women is whatever makes you feel good and feel confident. And if it’s granny panties you prefer, then so be it. After all, you’re the only one who needs to know.
You may also be interested in The 10 Best Period Panties [For All Levels Of Flow]
The 14 Best Cotton Undies for Women:
- Calvin Klein Cotton Bikini
- SKIMS Cotton String Bikini
- Free People Heritage Heart Bikini
- Commando Cotton Bikini
- Calvin Klein Logo Cotton String Bikini
- Auden Cotton Thong
- DKNY Classic Cotton Thong
- Femme Boxer
- Hanky Panky Organic Cotton Boyshort With Lace
- Everlane High-Rise Hipster
- Thirdlove Pima Cotton Hipster
- Knickey High Rise Brief
- Thinx Period Proof Cotton Briefs
- Vanity Fair Tailored Cotton Brief
Jessica Heston
view postJessica Heston
After 15 years in the fashion industry, this Philadelphia native ditched her corporate career to focus on writing full time. Jessica is a TV junkie, whiskey lover and true crime addict. She finds inspiration from Broadway musicals, Hitchcock films and The Beatles. She is happily married without children, which she credits as the reason for her professional success, youthful attitude and solid eight hours of sleep every night.
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