The Best Cotton Underwear for Women, From Lace Thongs to Granny Panties (and Everything In-Between)
If we’re being honest, underwear is something we want to pull on in the morning and forget about...until we’re pulling them off at the end of the day. And while there are some sexy lace and quality synthetic options out there, we’ve long found cotton to be the best when it comes to breathability, comfort and durability—three absolute requirements, in our opinion. So, when we set out to find the best cotton underwear for women, we made sure that each pair checked all of those boxes. Now, let us introduce you to your 16 new top-drawer favorites.
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1. Knickey
Best Variety of Nude Shades
Composition: 95% cotton, 5% elastane
We’re very happy to report that more and more lingerie brands are embracing the fact that “nude” and “beige” are not synonymous with skin tone for most women (thank you, Cuup, Heist and Nubian Skin). That said, most of the aforementioned brands use synthetic fabrics, so finding cotton panties to match darker skin tones is still a bit of a challenge. However, Knickey offers six nude options, in addition to some colorful shades, all made from certified organic cotton that’s both super-soft and ethically made (so you can feel good about feeling this good).
Available in sizes XXS to XXXL
2. Gap Stretch Cotton Bikini
Best Classic Bikini
Composition: 93% cotton, 7% spandex
Multiple women told us that Gap is their go-to for simple cotton undies. The bikini style has almost 500 reviews, 87 percent of which are five stars. Take it from one longtime fan: “I love [this] underwear, they have been my "everyday undies" for years. They don't ride up, they aren't too thin and they're a better quality than similar cotton undies from [other mall brands].”
Available in sizes XS to XXL
3. Victoria’s Secret Stretch Cotton High-Leg Briefs
Best High-Cut Bikini
Composition: 57% cotton, 38% modal, 5% elastane
If you’re looking for something with a higher cut, both in the waist and the legs, this Victoria’ Secret style should do the trick. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, in addition to basic white, black, gray and beige. One woman we spoke to has been buying only this style on repeat for almost 20 years. (These do have the lowest percentage of cotton of any style on this list, but reviewers say the fabric still feels breathable and note that the gusset is entirely made of cotton.)
Available in sizes S to XL
4. Oddobody String Bikini
Best String Bikini
Composition: 100% cotton
All of Oddobody’s undies and tops are made from 100-percent organic, sustainably-grown and ethically-sourced cotton. The two female founders place an emphasis on talking about and demonstrating the realities of women’s bodies, which explains why there are videos of various models sporting each style. Further, you won’t see any photoshopped curves or retouched pubes on this site. As for this popular ‘90s style, fans rave about how the string sides don’t dig in and more than a few deemed them wedgie-proof.
Available in sizes XS to XXL
5. Everlane The HighRise Hipster
Best High-Waisted
Composition: 92% cotton, 8% elastane
Everlane is known for their quality, comfy basics—including undergarments you can trust. For those who want maximum coverage, on both the bum and tummy, this high-rise hipster is incredibly soft and lightweight, meaning it won’t ride up and give you a wedgie, nor will it feel too tight around your midsection. “The high-rise hipster is so soft and fits beautifully—no panty lines,” reads one review from one shopper who purchased a size medium. “They also stop the button and zipper on my high-rise pants from digging into my skin, which is nice.”
Available in sizes XS to XL
6. Gap Stretch Cotton Shorty
Best Boyshort
Composition: 93% cotton, 7% spandex
Another Gap favorite, these boy shorts have a devoted following of women looking for more coverage and zero VPL. While scrolling through the nearly 260 reviews, we saw lots of repeat buyers and women who’ve been faithful to this exact style for years. “These are the style of underwear I've been wearing for about five years now,” says one fan. “They are soft and stretchy and do not ride up. I am very curvy on the bottom half and often have issues with underwear riding up or giving me lines; these do not do that.”
Available in sizes XS to XXL
7. Knickey High-Rise Brief
Best French Cut
Composition: 95% cotton, 5% elastane
FYI, the higher-cut leg on these French panties gives the illusion of miles-long legs. Fans also love the slightly higher waist which gives a subtle smoothing effect at the hips and tummy, and lots of reviews call them “surprisingly sexy.” That said, some mention feeling like the fabric stretched out throughout the day, especially if these were worn to work out or while doing physical labor.
Available in sizes XXS to XL
8. Natori Cotton Girl Briefs
Prettiest Everyday Pair
Composition: 94% cotton, 6% spandex
Prettier than your basic cotton panties, but not quite as attention-grabbing as sheer lingerie, these lace-trimmed briefs are one of the highest rated pairs of underwear at Nordstrom. The label “the Holy Grail of underwear” has even been thrown around in the review section. One reason for all the hype? That lace trim gives these undies a seamless, no-show effect under jeans, pants and dresses (although very tight styles, like yoga pants, may still leave you with VPL). Take it from a newly converted fan, “I bought these on a whim during the anniversary sale. I'm normally loyal to another popular brand but I'm making the switch to these. They are wonderfully soft and extremely comfortable and, most importantly, stay put.”
Available in sizes XS to XXL
9. Thirdlove Everyday Cotton Bikini
Greatest Size Range
Composition: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
It can be a real challenge to find cotton underwear in plus-sizes, but ThirdLove offers every style of underwear in eight sizes, to help you find the best fit without compromising on quality or style preference. (This should come as no surprise from a brand that also offers more than 80 bra sizes.) Some come with a scalloped lace trim while others have a more straightforward elastic band, so be sure to double check the images before you. And trust us when we say you can’t go wrong with this bikini cut.
Available in sizes XS to 3X
10. Hanro Cotton Seamless Hi-Cut Briefs
Most Splurge-Worthy
Composition: 100% cotton
If you’re willing to spend some extra dough to get a truly luxurious, 100-percent cotton panty, Hanro’s got you covered. The brand has a serious cult following and tons of reviewers mention these as their go-to pair for the last five, 10, even 20 years. So, what makes them worth wearing for decades? The super-soft cotton has a barely-there feel anything and the sturdy (but not too tight) elastic makes them immune to wedgies or riding up.
Available in sizes XS to XL
11. Amazon Essentials Cotton Stretch Bikini
Best Bulk Pack
Composition: 95% cotton, 5% elastane
Whether you’re looking to pick up a set of six neutral hues or 10 brightly colored styles, these Amazon undies are definitely the way to go. There are a whopping 34,848 reviews to scroll through (if you’re interested), but most praise the breathability, comfort and ease of the simple bikini cut. And while some reviewers found they didn’t last as long as they’d hoped (avoiding the dryer should help), at just over $2 per pair, we’d say they’re still well worth the buy.
Available in sizes XS to XXL
12. Pact Classic Fit Bikini
Most Eco-Friendly
Composition: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
Pact has very high standards for its eco-friendly manufacturing practices and even has a Fair Trade certification, so you can rest assured the cotton used to make these undies was procured and woven in an ethical and sustainable manner. As one review says, “I have been buying PACT underwear for years because the cotton is organic and the fit is perfect. I bought so many pairs (and they endured so well) that I haven't needed to buy any since April 2017. I just came back to buy some basic black underwear, and I'm very glad to get those.”
Available in sizes XS to XXL
13. Calvin Klein CK One Cotton Bikini Underwear
Best Low Waist
Composition: 95% cotton, 5% elastane
While you’ve likely seen influencers and other famous faces sporting their sets as loungewear, they absolutely work for everyday use, as well. The bikini cut has a fairly low waist, but reviewers love that the elastic band, while substantial, doesn’t dig in or fold over as they go about their day.
Available in sizes XS to XL
14. Thinx Cotton Briefs
Best Period Panties
Composition: 95% cotton, 5% elastane
When period panties (aka, underwear that absorbs your flow negating the need for pads, tampons or a cup) first hit the market in 2015 we couldn’t have been more excited. And they’ve only gotten more sophisticated in the five years since. Thinx’s cotton briefs, for example, help combine all that absorbing power with the breathability of cotton to keep you feeling comfortable and dry, even on heavy days. (Speaking of heavier flow, there is also the Super Cotton Brief which offers the maximum absorbency, approximately four tampons’ worth, for those who want it.) Some reviews suggest these run small, especially if you tend to bloat during your period, so you may want to consider sizing up. And while they’re not exactly a bargain, if you buy a pack of three, five or seven you can save up to 20 percent.
Available in sizes XXS to 3XL
15. Jockey Plus-Size Elance Brief 3 Pack
Highest Rated at Macy’s
Composition: 100% cotton
Jockey may not be the sexiest or trendiest brand out there, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t make great underwear. In fact, while most cotton panties at Macy’s have somewhere around 100 or so reviews, these classic briefs have more than 2,400, most from repeat buyers. In addition to the impressive breathability, soft material and gentle elastic at the waist and legs, folks love the extensive size range, which often goes up to a 5XL.
Available in sizes XL to 5XL
16. Fruit of the Loom Tag-Free Cotton Brief Panties
Highest Rated at Amazon
Composition: 100% cotton
This Fruit of the Loom set is one of the absolute highest rated on Amazon, with more than 19,000 reviews, 87 percent of which are four stars and up. They’re perfect for the gal who’s looking for a no-fuss panty she can pull on and forget about, with no adjusting necessary. “These cotton panties—the same I've been wearing for over 60 years, I swear—are well made and of breathable cotton” says one lifelong fan. “They’re about as unglamorous as it gets, but fit great and make you feel less hot and is less likely to cause urinary tract infections. When ordering, keep in mind that they will shrink a tad (not a lot) when you first launder them.”
Available in sizes S to 3XL
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