Choosing the right underwear can make all the difference.
Like brushing your teeth or taking a shower, putting on underwear is probably one of those everyday habits you don’t put much thought into (unless you plan on getting lucky later).
But for women, what kind of briefs you’re wearing daily really does matter, especially since choosing the right underwear can have an impact on vaginal health. For instance, did you know that sometimes it’s really better to go commando?
But with all the different options out there — ranging from thongs to satin panties — it can be difficult to know which is the right pair for you. So we turned to our resident women’s health expert, Rebecca Brightman, MD, who offered some tips and insights for the next time you go underwear shopping.
Which underwear fabric is best?
Whether you’re going for briefs or thongs, Dr. Brightman recommends choosing natural materials over synthetic ones because they’re more breathable, especially during the summertime. So instead of nylon or spandex, she advises opting for a cotton material.
“People do a fair amount of sweating during the summer, and if your underwear doesn’t let you breathe, that can lead to chafing and irritation,” Dr. Brightman tells Katie Couric Media.
But if cotton isn’t your thing, then Dr. Brightman also recommends other types of natural underwear, like ones made with silk, hemp, or linen. Regardless of which you choose, these more organic options tend to be naturally anti-microbial, which means they can kill microorganisms or stop their growth. That’s key in preventing yeast infections, that notoriously uncomfortable condition characterized by burning, itching, redness, and a white discharge from the vagina and vulva.
Consider changing your underwear multiple times a day
Changing your underwear once a day is kind of a no-brainer, though a 2019 survey did find that 45 percent of Americans wear the same pair of underwear for two days in a row.
But Dr. Brightman says it might not be a bad idea to change your underwear more often than daily, especially if you’ve gotten particularly sweaty after a workout or have been having a lot of vaginal discharge.
Even if you can’t get around to putting on a fresh pair of panties, Dr. Brightman recommends avoiding the regular use of pantyliners since most of them trap moisture and can lead to irritation.
Don’t be afraid of going commando
Though there’s a lot of debate about going panty-free at night, Dr. Brightman recommends it. “I’d avoid wearing underwear when you sleep, so the body can breathe,” she tells us.
This move is especially helpful for those prone to yeast infections because it keeps moisture from building up, thus creating a bacteria-friendly environment.
But if you’re not exactly comfortable going to bed sans underwear, Dr. Brightman says wearing boxers or a loose-fitting nightgown are some handy alternatives.
Are thongs bad for your vagina?
Thongs have long been anecdotally associated with a host of health issues, including yeast infections, vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections. But scientifically, that isn’t the case: Studies have concluded these conditions had more to do with hygiene and sexual activity and less to do with your undergarment of choice.
As with certain fabrics like synthetics, thongs can exacerbate existing conditions or lead to further irritations, and that’s certainly true for women who prefer to keep their nether regions bare.
“It depends on a woman’s anatomy — every body is different,” Dr. Brightman tells us. “But a lot of times, especially with women who have removed their pubic hair, there really isn’t a buffer between the skin and underwear, so those women may be more likely to get chafed and irritated.”
What’s the safest way to wash underwear?
All undergarments should be handled with special care — and that isn’t just because they tend to be more delicate than the rest of your wardrobe. For instance, if someone has skin sensitivities, Dr. Brightman suggests washing underwear with a fragrance- and dye-free detergent and avoiding dryer sheets, which tend to contain added fragrances.
Dr. Brightman also recommends washing underwear separately, preferably in warm or hot water to kill any bacteria. But she doesn’t necessarily believe the supposed rule that you have to replace underwear every year.
“If underwear is clean and fits, keep it,” she says. “I don’t think there is a single rule of thumb. If someone wears underwear with a cotton crotch and has a tendency to get irritated, then making sure the underwear is in good shape is a must!”
The Best Underwear Made From Natural Materials
Subset Organic Cotton Mid-Rise Retro Brief
Subset
For those of us who crave sustainable underwear options, look no further than these flattering Subset undies. Subset is all about sustainability, boasting that “organic cotton’s growth, harvest, and manufacturing processes are safe for farm and factory workers and are kind on Earth’s water and land.” All pairs are made of certified organic cotton with an inclusive size range from XXS to 3X. Plus, the slightly cheeky cut is sexy while still providing a touch of coverage.
La Coochie High Rise Boxer
La Coochie
Life hack: Instead of layering anti-chafing shorts over your underwear, opt for underwear that can serve double duty. This pair from La Coochie is made to keep your thighs from chafing under dresses or skirts, and because it’s constructed from breathable, organic cotton, you won’t be left with swamp bum, even on the hottest of days. Every style has longer, sewn-in gussets, so you’ll never struggle with bunchy fabric or annoying seams in the crotch area ever again.
Thirdlove Classic Cotton Cloud Hipster 3 Pack
Thirdlove
You can’t go wrong with a classic fit like a hipster, which provides full coverage in the front and back without feeling dowdy. These ones are made from an organic cotton blend and have elastic at the waist and leg to ensure a snug, but not tight, fit.
Natori Bliss Cotton French Cut Brief 3-Pack
For a higher cut on the legs, consider the Natori Bliss Cotton French Cut briefs. These are made of pima cotton and feature “an easy custom fit” for all-day comfort. There’s lace trim around the legs and waist, but it’s made from extremely stretchy material so it won’t awkwardly bunch or pinch you while walking.
Organic Basics Core High-Leg Briefs
Organic Basics
Afraid you’ll miss the barely there feel of synthetic underwear? According to reviewers, these have a similar fit and feel while being made from organic cotton. This pair in particular is extremely lightweight and thin (in a good way), helping you stay cool and dry all day long.
Soma Vanishing Edge Cotton Blend Underwear
Soma
A little lace never hurts if it’s around the waistband and not around your legs, which can be irritating. This pair of cotton undies is nearly invisible under clothing, making it perfect for wearing under dresses and skirts, and reviewers say they stay in place all day.
Parade Vintage High Rise Brief
Parade
Here at Katie Couric Media, we love Parade (Katie loves their comfy bras!), so of course, we have to recommend their high-rise brief. The cut is sexy without being skimpy and uncomfortable, sizes range from 3X to XS, and the cotton blend fabric is soft and breathable. One reviewer gushes, “before owning these I had never tried high-rise undies before, and I have to say that I’m hooked now. The fabric is super soft, it doesn’t dig into your skin, and the high rise gives a little bit of extra coverage and comfort.”
Pact Boy Short 6-Pack
Pact
If you’re sick of buying single pairs of underwear, try buying in bulk if you know what you like. These cotton boy shorts are made of breezy organic cotton and come in a variety of cute patterns. If you’re annoyed with cuts that sag during the day, reviewers say that this pick stays put: “The cut is perfect. The fit is cute and comfortable. The material is soft and buttery. These are a definite go-to for long-lasting wear.”
Uwila Warrior Soft Silk Underwear
Uwila Warrior
If you’re nervous about ditching your quick-drying synthetic undies (especially when it’s still very much summer), look no further than Uwila Warrior’s Soft Silk Briefs. They’re sexy, have a pretty and comfortable lace trim, and cover way more than the typical skimpy silk designs — not to mention they come in tons of colors and sizes from XS to 3X. Looking for a sleep set? Snag a matching cami while you’re at it.
KENT Organic Cotton Thong
KENT
When your style of choice is a thong, we recommend getting a pair of KENT’s soft, organic cotton version. All of KENT’s undies are designed to be entirely compostable once they’ve reached the end of their lives, and they’re all made with responsibly harvested pima cotton. Go with one of the packs to try KENT’s other styles, too.