I prefer the feel of cotton underwear over anything else in my top drawer. Not only is it way softer, but because cotton is more breathable, gynecologists say it’s better for supporting your overall vaginal health.
“Artificial fabrics — or wearing daily pantiliners — block the vagina, which for some people causes increased discharge and sometimes a stronger odor,” Dr. Kate White, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University and author of “Your Sexual Health,” previously told Business Insider.
If you’ve ever known the discomfort Dr. White is describing, then it’s worth investing in pairs that have a 100% cotton gusset lining. Below is our curated guide to the best underwear for women, made from the softest and healthiest underwear material: cotton.
The top 5 pairs of cotton underwear we tested:
Best overall: Hanes Ultimate High-Waisted Panties – See at Amazon
I love the convenience of this Hanes multipack, and their true-to-size fit means I know what I’m getting each time.
Best budget: Wirarpa Cotton Full Coverage Briefs – See at Amazon
The double layer of soft cotton and thick seamless banding on these briefs doesn’t roll down my stomach — even on busy work days.
Best lightweight: Tommy John Cool Cotton Brief – See at Tommy John
The super lightweight and breathable briefs feels silky on the skin, thanks to the extra long cotton fibers.
Softest: Knix Full Coverage Cotton Modal Super Leakproof Bikini – See at Amazon
My favorite part of these leak-proof undies is the multiple cotton layering that makes me feel snug in the stomach and below — without spillage.
Best patterned: Duluth Trading Co. Women’s Free Range Organic Cotton Briefs – See at Duluth Trading Co.
This pair came highly suggested from Reddit, so much so that I quickly purchased a pair of my own. I love the whimsical patterns and that they also come in plus-sizes.
Best Amazon: Wirarpa Cotton High Waisted Briefs
Wirarpa Cotton High Waisted Briefs
These briefs have and extra thick stretch band and the cotton fabric is breathable and comfortable for a full-coverage fit that moves with your body.
Various body types (from straight size to plus-size) can finally stop searching around for underwear on Amazon, because I found the best pack thanks to TikTok. This top-rated multipack includes four pairs of full brief cotton briefs. They have an extra thick stretchy waistband, and the cotton fabric is breathable and comfortable. With over 60K+ five-star reviews, we also recommend these as the best plus-size underwear.
Best briefs: La Coochie High Rise Brief
La Coochie High Rise Brief
The high waist brief can double as pajama bottoms for hot sleepers. It’s made with breathable organic cotton and decorated with OEKO-TEX certified mesh panels.
Briefs are all over this list, but the very best cotton briefs are from another Tik Tok suggestion, La Coochie. Designing their intimates with sustainable resources is a core part of the brand’s mission. These subtly sexy cotton underwear feature mesh paneling and a lace trim for a romantic version of the granny panty. They differ from other options on the list with their thick elastic-free band. It’s slightly smaller so it stays put on the hips without rolling down.
Best French cut: Jockey Elance
Jockey Elance French Cut
These smoothing French cut briefs have high-cut leg openings for a full range of motion and ample coverage in the rear.
High-waisted: check. High-leg cut: check. Cute colors: check. Soft materials: check. Jockey Elance checks all the boxes for the best French cut undie with these bottoms made with uber-soft modal cotton and stretchy Spandex. The underwear is designed to fit that French cut look without constricting your legs or waste — no panty marks or redness here.
Best no-show: Hanro Seamless Cotton High Cut Briefs
Hanro Seamless Cotton High Cut Briefs
These 100% cotton briefs are made with a wrinkle-resistant mercerized cotton. You can wear these no-show undies under leggings in lieu of a thong for a comfortably sleek silhouette.
Panty lines can ruin a sleek night-out look, so it’s essential to have some no-show underwear at hand. Many seamless undies are made from nylon for a luxe invisible look, but Hanro proves that you can have that same smoothing effect with a breathable fabric. Made from lustrous cotton, these are the best no-show cotton underwear for the neutral shade variety (to fit different styles) and the seamless commando look under even a tight bodycon dress.
Find more invisible pairs in our guide to the best no-show underwear.
Best organic: Quince Organic Cotton Bikini
Quince Organic Cotton Bikini
These low-rise bikinis are made with organic cotton, dyed in mills free of hazardous substances. It’s a relatively affordable multipack compared to other brands’ offerings for organic cotton underwear.
Quince has been well-tested and reviewed by our team, so their underwear was an easy addition to our guide to the best cotton underwear. Each pair is made from Organic Context Standard-certified cotton in a Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production factory in Sri Lanka.
“I recommend Quince’s underwear to anyone who shares my concern over the overwhelming amount of women’s underwear that are treated with pesticides and harsh chemical dyes. I wear this soft, stretchy bikini with more peace of mind knowing it’s made with organic cotton, and the low-rise waistband is perfect for wearing beneath low-rise jeans. They run small, so I’d round up if you’re between sizes — especially because they shrink in the wash.” — Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor
Read more in our full Quince review.
Best luxury: Wolford Cotton Contour Seamless Hipster Briefs
Wolford Cotton Contour Seamless Hipster Briefs
Wolford’s premium intimates collection includes these hip-hugging cotton briefs, designed with a seamless waistband and leg openings so you can wear them comfortably beneath leggings and tights.
From the brand known for their chic patterned tights and hosiery comes these splurge-worthy hipster briefs that’ll make you feel like one of Truman Capote’s Swans. Designed to hip your hips with a seamless look, these briefs contour to your body for the perfect base for your outfit for the day. These briefs offer full coverage in the back with a low-rise fit in the front with extra stretch around the waistband and leg openings for more flexibility.
Best high-waisted: Oddobody Organic Cotton High Waisted Brief
Oddobody Organic Cotton High Waisted Brief
These four-way stretch briefs have extra coverage around the hips and tummy. They’re made with a lightweight, finely-woven fabric that’s super breathable. You can save 15% and earn free shipping when you subscribe from Oddobody.
High-waisted panties don’t have to bunch around your bottom as traditional granny panties do, and Oddobody is re-inventing the underwear classic with these near-weightless cotton underwear. They are the best high-waisted cotton underwear for the cut and comfort of Pima cotton. When you put these on, they fit high up on the hip and the center band dips below the belly button.
Best boyshort: Hanky Panky Supima Cotton Boyshort
Hanky Panky Supima Cotton Boyshort
These lace-trimmed mid-rise boyshorts are made from a stretchy cotton-jersey knit. Its low-cut leg openings offer fuller coverage to wear beneath dresses and skirts.
Hanky Panky took everything we loved about their iconic stretchy thong to make a boyshort cut for the person who likes full coverage with sexy details. This top-rated pair is our favorite cotton boyshort for its delicate design and ultra-stretch fabric. These rest at the lower hip, with soft lace outlining the waist and legs for a feminine touch.
Most stylish: SKIMS Cotton Jersey Cheeky Tanga
SKIMS Cotton Jersey Cheeky Tanga
This stretchy pair of cheeky SKIMS briefs are soft and have minimal hip coverage, perfect for wearing with skirts that have high slits.
While there are endless stylish choices regularly debuting on the SKIMS site, these cotton jersey tanga briefs maintain the top spot for their durable and breathable cotton material. You’ll feel like a supermodel with the cheeky bum moment and high-leg cut.
Read about another of our favorite pieces from the brand in our full SKIMS bodysuit review.
Best adaptable: Liberare The Everyday Bikini
Liberare The Everyday Bikini
These briefs are designed with side Velcro strap and finger loops, so they’re a great choice for people with dexterity issues. You can even put them on while seated.
Liberare’s underwear innovations prove that the best adaptable underwear can be both sexy and functional. The Velcro side-opening on these panties make donning and doffing easier for those who get dressed solo or with assistance. The cotton-lined cheeky briefs are made with a flexible material to accommodate different abilities and body types.
Best thong: Auden Cotton Stretch Comfort Thong
Auden Cotton Stretch Comfort Thong
This low-rise thong has a foldover waistband so you can customize it to your look. It’s made with a soft, stretchy jersey fabric and lined with 100% cotton.
You’ll believe in the comfort of thongs when you try a pair of this cotton stretch underwear from the Target brand, Auden. A blend of cotton and Spandex creates a flexible fit to stretch across different-sized stomachs, bottoms, and hips. This will quickly become your favorite cotton thong to wear with outfits that require seamless minimal coverage, or whenever you want to feel comfortable and sexy at the same time.
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