New Year, New Undies! It’s Time to Revamp Your Underwear Drawer

bras and underwear

Graphic by Giovanna Pineda/KCM

Make 2023 the year you finally throw out that bra.

As we enter a new year, let’s reflect on things we should leave behind in 2022 — but forget about bad habits, we need to talk about something more sinister: old underwear. We’re all guilty of keeping items in our delicates roster longer than we should, but isn’t it time you let go of stretched-out bras that have overstayed their welcome and questionable panties with random holes? Consider the calendar replacement a perfect time to finally clear out your collection in favor of items you actually want to wear.

Whether you’re someone who buys their underthings based on comfort and practicality or you want to wear something that makes you feel sexy, there are brands that can ensure the former, the latter, and both. From sustainable brands creating earth-friendly cotton undies to sexy negligees available in inclusive sizing, add a few long-lasting pieces to your top drawer without having to spend hundreds.

Gift yourself some new top-drawer essentials to give yourself a fresh start — after all, they’re something you wear almost every day, so you might as well love them.

Subset High-Rise Brief Underwear

Subset

These aren’t your granny’s panties. Made with a soft organic cotton, these high-rise briefs keep you covered without bunching or scrunching in all the wrong places. This style is available in 15 different hues, varying from neutral to neon, and if you prefer less coverage, you can go for any of Subset’s other styles.

$20 at Subset

Cuup The Scoop Bra

CUUP

If you want something that feels like a second skin, microfiber is a great material for both bras and underwear. This one by Cuup disappears under clothing, thanks to its snug fit and barely-there fabric, and it starts at size 30A and goes up to size 44H.

$75 at Cuup

Thirdlove The Cotton Undie Bikini Kit

Thirdlove

Stock up your underwear drawer in one fell swoop with this all-cotton set from Thirdlove. It comes with six different pairs of underwear, each of which you can pick a color or pattern for. If a bikini cut isn’t your favorite, they also offer kits in a seamless high-leg cut, thongs, no-show bikinis, mid-rise cotton briefs, hipsters, and other high-rise options. In other words, you’re covered both literally and figuratively.

$70 at Thirdlove

Pepper All You Classic Bra

Pepper

For those with smaller cup sizes, you’re probably no stranger to the annoyance of gaping cups or bands that dig into your skin. Pepper specializes in creating bras for smaller chest sizes (30AA-40B), making sure there are no awkward bulges or wires that poke or prod. They also look nice — no training bras here.

$55 at Pepper

Soma Stay-Put Wireless Strapless Bra

Soma

A strapless bra that actually stays up? It’s a modern miracle. This one from Soma does come with straps if you want to use them to convert the piece into a regular bra, but the band has strips of latex that keep it from sliding down while you wear it. It’s also wireless, so you won’t be getting jabbed while wearing it. There are two shades available in sizes 32A to 42DD.

$44 at Soma

Spanx Suit Your Fancy Strapless Cupped Mid-Thigh Bodysuit

Spanx

Your underwear drawer isn’t complete without at least one piece of shapewear — and not because you need to be squeezing your body into anything skintight, but because sometimes you just want to not have bra and panty lines under an outfit. This one by Spanx has a built-in bra, and it can be converted into a strapless body suit. The shorts come down to mid-thigh, saving you from any uncomfortable chafing. The body suit construction keeps you feeling supported all night long without feeling like you’re in a sausage casing. It comes in both black and beige in sizes XS to XL.

$148 at Spanx

Knix Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra

Knix

When you’re on the elliptical, the last thing you want is to feel like you’re going to give yourself a black eye because your bra isn’t supportive enough. This zip-front sports bra has adjustable straps that cross in the back for extra support, while a classic hook and eye closure allows you to adjust the band to keep everything strapped in and locked down.

$89 at Knix

lululemon Like a Cloud Longline Bra

Lululemon

For low-impact workouts like yoga or pilates, a less-supportive bra can be all you need. This one from lululemon keeps the girls in place without feeling restrictive, and the back’s criss-cross detailing is a fun, unexpected detail. It’s perfect for the gym or lazier days, and with nine colors to choose from, you may have to stock up. It comes in sizes 2 to 14 for B and C cups, and it’s also available in D and DD cups.

$68 at lululemon

Speax by Thinx French Cut Underwear

Thinx

You’ve probably heard of period underwear before (which have built-in liners to absorb blood), so consider these their cousin. If you experience light bladder leaks or wear a liner for extra protection, these have one built in so you can avoid having to use a disposable one each day. They look and feel like regular underwear, but the added protection in the gusset area protects you from any leakage. You can order them in sizes XS to 5XL and in 10 different colors — and that’s just for this French cut style.

$39 at Thinx

Parade Silky Mesh Cheeky Underwear

Parade

If you want something sexy and comfortable, look no further than Parade. They offer single bra and underwear choices, or you can opt for a matching set, like this mesh one. They’re made of stretchy, breathable material, and it’s slightly sheer, adding a little something special to the ensemble. You can pick from just about any cut and color imaginable (including g-strings and zebra print), and they offer sizes XS to 3XL.

$16 at Parade

Lively The Unlined Lace Bra

Lively

We’re all familiar with the feeling of ripping off a bra the second we walk in the door — even before we take our shirts off. But nothing comes off faster than a lace bra. Traditionally, they sort of serve no purpose (besides being pretty) and it feels like there’s a lot more than lace lining your torso. Enter, Lively’s unlined lace bra. It’s shockingly soft and supportive, providing that sexy feeling without the physical discomfort. We don’t know how it does this, but big breasted people need to know: This bra will hold you up.

$45 at lively