No twisted knickers: how to buy women’s underwear that’s comfortable and durable | Lingerie
TThere was a time in my life (about a decade) when I had the perfect pair of underwear. Luckily they were a style that was repeated over and over again by a major brand so over time they became the only underwear I bought and eventually they were the only underwear I owned apart from the odd pair , which I bought here and there for a specific outfit.
I loved this underwear because it was extremely light and breathable. They were made from a soft nylon microfiber that was durable but also a bit see-through. They had a slight boy’s leg trimmed with very thin lace, so they were both athletic and pretty. They had moderate coverage across the back and were tailored so well that they left no visible panty lines.
I collected them mostly in black but added some lighter colors over time. A few years ago – to my dismay – the style and material was changed slightly. The lightweight mesh has been replaced with a denser, silkier polyester, and the cut has been altered so that the elastic lace digs into my skin at the edge.
Since then I’ve been looking for the new perfect couple. This week I asked some experts for help.
The look: sleek and simple
No matter how comfortable it may look, prettier underwear made of lace or other delicate, structured fabrics does not stand up to everyday wear, as the material can get caught and cannot withstand the friction when worn on zippers or waistbands.
Rebecca Van Amber, a textile scientist at RMIT University, says you should consider the thickness of the yarn, its gauge and how tightly it was knit. “This can be difficult for many consumers to assess, but generally smoother, thicker fabrics are more durable.”
The fabric: stretchy, natural blends
The material your underwear is made of is very important. Josie Aynsley, Bonds chief designer, says it will affect things like the comfort, stretch and shape retention of the underwear.
She suggests looking for blends with a majority of natural or cellulosic fibers, such as cotton, hemp, bamboo, modal, or lyocell. These materials are soft, breathable and absorbent, making them ideal for garments that are worn under clothing and on the skin.
Boody’s design team says underwear made from 100% natural fibers can lose shape too quickly, so these fibers need to be mixed with a small amount of synthetic to prevent sagging. “By blending…you get a fabric that offers both comfort and durability.”
When choosing a fiber to improve durability, spandex is the best option. It allows for four-way stretch, making it perfect for garments that are worn close to the body. Van Amber says that a little elastane “helps fit, especially during movement” and also aids in recovery, meaning the garment returns to the same size and shape after wear.
The fit: depends on the outfit
The choice between underwear with more coverage (full, high-waisted, or boy-shorts) or less coverage (g-string, bikini, or Brazilian) is a personal one and will likely vary from day to day.
Boody’s team says full briefs flatter under dresses and skirts, but “if you’re wearing tailored pants, a G-string or Brazilian cut would suit better.”
If having no visible panty lines is your priority, “avoid underwear with elastics or embellishments around the edges and try higher-waisted or thong styles,” Van Amber recommends. Instead, she suggests “seamless underwear that fits properly and isn’t too tight.”
At the gym: shorts or G-strings
When choosing underwear for the gym, Aynsley says, “For me, a good workout underwear would be a lightweight microfiber fabric.” But that’s personal: “Some women prefer natural fibers to work out as they can be more breathable due to the cotton fiber and open weave.”
Van Amber says body type and activity make a big difference when it comes to training underwear. She says “something like a pair of shorts that prevent chafing” might be the first preference for many women. Bike shorts and boxer shorts have both become increasingly available in recent years.
“Others may prefer to train in a thong that isn’t visible under yoga pants,” says Van Amber. The team at Boody’s acknowledges that “g-strings are often the most popular style of underwear in the gym,” but suggest anything that fits snugly and wicks moisture should be comfortable under gym clothes.
period underwear
Almost every woman has underwear that she prefers to wear when she gets her period. It’s usually a style that combines comfort with security against leakage (mine are a pair of full briefs made from soft black cotton).
In recent years, many brands have expanded the concept of period underwear by creating briefs that can be worn in place of sanitary items.
When working on the Bonds collection, Aynsley used five layers of fabric, “with the layers closest to your body being fast absorbing and the outer layers helping to prevent leakage”.
Because the underwear can be washed and reused over and over again, it is often touted as a sustainable alternative to tampons and other single-use hygiene products.
A product test conducted by Choice in 2021 found that while some testers didn’t enjoy the sensation of wearing an extra thick gusset, the most common brands of period underwear worked well for most people.