The Most Comfortable Underwear for Women

If you've spent any time shopping for intimates and women's underwear recently, you know that there's no shortage of options. From thongs to boyshorts to hipsters, the vast landscape of styles is enough to make your head spin. But what if your main focus is comfort? What type of underwear is most comfortable?

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Well, that's largely dependent on your own personal preferences. While some people swear by minimal thongs (no VPLs!), others vouch they'll never touch one, relying only on more full-coverage options. No matter what style you prefer, experts say there is a clear winner when it comes to fabric.

"Cotton is the best choice for optimal breathability when it comes to underwear," says Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. "Cotton is absorbent, and anything other than cotton will trap heat and moisture." But it's not just about comfort. "Cotton underwear helps prevent yeast infections, too."

While there are some 100 percent cotton options out there, you can cheat the system a little bit. Look for a pair that has a very high percentage of cotton. Or if you prefer a different fabric, such as nylon or microfiber, check the crotch area—called the gusset. At the very least, it should be lined with cotton, says Jaliman. And resist the urge to keep a beloved pair for too long. It's important to replace your undergarments when you feel or see that they are frayed or the elastic has become weak, advises Jaliman, who six to 12 months of wear is a good baseline.

To help guide your search, we did the heavy lifting for you, scouring the internet for the most comfortable underwear for all bodies from top-quality brands like Calvin Klein, ThirdLove, Savage x Fenty, and more.