Underwear might be the first thing we put on, but it’s usually the last thing we think about. That is, until the waistband rolls, a wedgie strikes, or something starts mysteriously bunching — then it’s all we can think about. After years of trial and error, we’ve come to realize that the right pair of underwear can change your whole day — whether you’re heading into a big meeting, lounging on the couch, hitting the gym, or slipping into something slinky for a night out. If you don’t have the right foundation, clothing-wise, nothing else feels quite right.
We’ve tried a lot of “intimates” over the years — different fabrics, rises, silhouettes, and vibes. Some are comfy-cute, others look cute but feel horrendous, and a few are so fantastic, they’ve become our everyday staples. Whether you’re on a mission to entirely overhaul your top drawer, add some organic cotton options to your roster, or just find the holy grail of no-show underwear, we’ve got your bottoms covered.
Below, shop our team’s absolute favorite base layers — thongs that somehow don’t feel like thongs, boxers that breathe, briefs that hold their shape all day, and silky numbers that provide plenty of coverage. Each pick here has earned its place in our hall of fame, not just for how it looks, but for how it feels. Because the best underwear isn’t about impressing anyone else: It’s about making you feel like the best version of yourself.
The Best Underwear, Boxers, and Briefs
Parade Mesh High-Rise Boyshort
Parade
“When it comes to underwear, I’m eternally trying to walk the line between looks and performance, and these nail that blend pretty effortlessly. They’re made of Parade’s beloved ‘silky mesh’ fabric, so they’re thin and lightweight with no bunching, and they only show a teeny bit of VPL in thin pants. They’re also full-coverage, with no wedgie potential. And in case you can’t tell from the photo, they’re uhhhh…see-through, so maybe don’t wear them to a convent or anything.” – Molly Simms, editorial director
Hanky Panky 5-Pack Original Rise Thongs
Nordstrom
“I find the higher rise on Hanky Panky’s original thong to be super-flattering and it provides just the right amount of coverage, while the signature stretch lace makes it feel like you’re barely wearing anything — there’s no discomfort as with most thongs. It’s no surprise this style is a perpetual bestseller.” – Alaina Mancini, managing editor
Calvin Klein Modern Air 3-Pack Boxer Brief
Calvin Klein
“I’ve been wearing CK boxers for as long as I can remember. I love this iteration’s fabric, because it’s lightweight, breathable, and comfortable where it matters most.” – Sam Vastis, account manager
La Coochie High-Rise Thong
La Coochie
“I’m on a journey to eventually ensure all of my underwear is made from organic cotton, which is part of the reason I stumbled upon La Coochie. Despite the playful name, these panties mean business: They’re made from super-soft organic cotton, have a sewn-in gusset that doesn’t get bunchy, and the waistband is wide enough that it actually stays put. Personally, I love the high-rise thong because it doesn’t cause any visible panty lines, but the briefs and boxers are incredibly comfortable, too.” – Katie Pittman, commerce editor
Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Brief
Mack Weldon
Looking for new boxers to buy your partner? Mack Weldon is our CEO John Molner’s go-to for everyday comfort. These 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Briefs are soft, breathable, and made to hold their shape all day — the kind of underwear-drawer upgrade anyone will thank you for.
Pact Lace Waist Thong 3-Pack
Pact
“Looking for an option that balances comfort and style? I love this pack of organic cotton thongs that are accented with gorgeous yet subtle lace.” – Diana Valenzuela, assistant editor
Caterpillar (CAT) Comfort Core Boxer Brief 4-Pack
Amazon
“These are the most comfortable and non-restricting boxer briefs I’ve tried. They have a ‘fine mesh texture’ that looks lightweight without being see-through. They’re also very stretchy and flexible — I highly recommend purchasing multiple pairs.” – Destin Walton, senior manager, accounts
Victoria’s Secret No-Show Thong Panty
Victoria’s Secret
“These are my everyday go-to undies: They’re extremely comfortable, they’re invisible under just about anything, and they’re always discounted — as I’m writing this, you can get five pairs for $30. They offer pretty good coverage for a thong, and they come in many shades of nude, bright colors, lacy variations, and even a cotton version, so you can find exactly the color and style you like.” – Ciara Hopkinson, senior associate
Lululelmon UnderEase Mid-Rise Bikini 3-Pack
Lululelmon
“They’re breathable and quick-drying, so they go from the gym to the office — plus they’re super-soft. I have a drawer full of underwear, and I always reach for them first, which is the highest compliment I can give.” – Leslie Picard, chief revenue officer
Gap Breathe Bikinis 3-Pack
Gap
“The softest, most comfy undies. My preference is function over fashion all day, but these have a classic cuteness that means I can have both.” – Steph Beran Sanders, integrated marketing manager
Buttercup Bloomers
Buttercup
“If you absolutely cannot stand the sensation of underwear riding up — very much get it — then I’d highly recommend these boyshort-style bloomers from Buttercup. They’re cute, stylish, perfect for lounging, and incredibly breathable.” – Diana Valenzuela, assistant editor
32 Degrees Men’s Cool Active Boxer Brief
32 Degrees
“I wear them every day! I have very few other types or brands of boxers anymore, because these ones are so comfortable, for both work and play. Extremely comfortable on the golf course, too.” – Brett Martin, director of business operations
Skims Cotton Jersey Full Brief
Skims
“If you need or prefer 100 percent cotton undies, you’ll know nice, form-fitting ones are hard to find. I was shocked to discover Skims makes a basic full cotton brief. (I didn’t expect Kim Kardashian’s underwear line to have anything basic or practical.) It’s become the only underwear I own. They’re high waisted enough that they doesn’t easily roll over. They’re so soft, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. While I was pregnant, I stocked up — no maternity underwear beat these comfort levels. They also come in a thong, boy short, lace trim, and other options. Thanks, Kim!” – Maggie Parker, deputy editor
