The most popular types of panties: Which style suits you best?

Key points

• The most common types of panties include classic briefs, hipsters, thongs and seamless styles. They differ in their cut, leg opening and waist height.

• The right panty style for you depends on your desired look, personal comfort and the outfit you’re wearing. A well‑fitting pair should sit smoothly without digging in or slipping.

• High‑quality materials such as cotton, modal or TENCEL™ offer excellent breathability and a soft feel on the skin — ideal even for sensitive skin.

From hipsters to thongs: An overview of the most popular types of panties

Whether for busy days, under tight clothing or as a cosy feel‑good option at home — different types of panties offer different benefits. Cut, waist height and material are the key factors that define how each style feels and fits. Here’s an overview of the most common panty styles and their characteristics.

Briefs: The everyday classics

Briefs are the most traditional and widely known panty style. Their characteristic cut provides full bottom coverage, while a higher leg opening creates the look of longer legs. Within this category, you’ll find high‑waist briefs, low‑waist briefs and regular or mid‑cut briefs. There are also variations such as Brazilian briefs, which offer slightly less coverage at the back.

The classic mid‑cut brief is especially popular because it suits many body shapes and works with almost any outfit. It defines the hip line without digging in, offering a light, elastic feel — ideal for everyday movement.

Hipsters: More coverage, same comfort

Hipsters can be seen as the fuller‑coverage sister of the brief. The key difference lies in the cut: while briefs have narrower sides, hipsters feature a wider side panel and sit lower on the leg, offering more coverage.

Within the hipster category, you’ll find several variations:

• The regular cut sits mid‑waist and suits almost every body shape.

• The low cut sits lower on the hips, making it ideal under low‑waist trousers.

• The high‑waist hipster offers extra support and a secure feel.

Thongs: When a smooth silhouette matters

Thongs are the go‑to choice when you want absolutely no visible panty lines under a fitted dress or skinny jeans. Their narrow back — often a slim band or a small triangle — leaves the bottom almost uncovered, creating a smooth, invisible silhouette under any outfit.

Thongs can look chic, feminine and elegant, and come in many variations: from sporty designs to delicate styles with French lace or playful details. For the best comfort, soft modal or skin‑friendly cotton are ideal choices.

Seamless briefs: Invisible under every outfit

Seamless panties are not sewn from multiple pieces but knitted in one piece using modern technology. With no seams to show through, they are the perfect choice under tight outfits, lightweight summer dresses or activewear.

The feel is especially comfortable: the smooth, elastic surface fits like a second skin, without rubbing or digging in. Materials such as modal or TENCEL™ provide exceptional comfort — all day long, for every body shape and every occasion.

What materials are high‑quality briefs made from?

The material of your underwear plays a decisive role in how comfortable it feels. Especially if you have sensitive skin, it’s worth choosing natural fibres that allow the skin to breathe and wick moisture away. High‑quality types of panties — particularly briefs — are often made from one or more of the following fibres.

Cotton is the classic among underwear materials. It is breathable, skin‑friendly and durable enough to be washed at up to 60°C. High‑quality cotton, such as Swiss Cotton®, is ideal for everyday wear. Those with sensitive skin often prefer models without elastane or synthetic fibres in the gusset, as they feel gentler and more natural.

Modal is a cellulose fibre known for its exceptionally soft, smooth feel. It is finer than cotton, absorbs moisture well and dries quickly. Briefs made from modal are therefore perfect for workouts, warm days or anyone who finds regular cotton too heavy.

TENCEL™ (Lyocell) is a sustainably produced fibre made from wood pulp. Thanks to its natural thermoregulation and silky‑smooth feel, it is an excellent choice for summer, offering a cooling effect even on hot days.

Lace and satin are essential elements in lingerie design, giving underwear a feminine and elegant character. Lace is often used decoratively, while silk and satin add a soft sheen and a delicate appearance. For everyday comfort, hybrid designs are ideal — with decorative elements on the outside and skin‑friendly natural fibres in the areas that sit close to the body.

Finding the right size: What you should know

A well‑fitting pair of underwear should neither dig in nor slip out of place. To find the right fit, it’s best to use your hip measurement: measure around the widest part of your hips and compare the result with the brand’s size chart. When in doubt, choose one size up to ensure comfort and avoid visible lines.

The cut also plays a role in sizing. Briefs and hipsters generally offer a little less flexibility in fit, while seamless styles provide more freedom of movement thanks to their elastic construction. Understanding these differences helps you choose the most comfortable option among the many types of panties.

Caring for high‑quality briefs: How to keep your underwear looking beautiful for longer

To help high‑quality briefs maintain their shape over time, they need to be washed and cared for correctly. The care label provides all essential information. Pure cotton briefs can usually be washed at 60°C and tumble‑dried without issue.

For more delicate materials such as TENCEL™ or styles with lace or satin, it’s best to choose a gentle cycle at up to 40°C. A laundry bag protects fine fibres and decorative details from friction. These briefs should generally not be tumble‑dried, as heat damages elastic fibres and significantly shortens the lifespan of your underwear.

It’s also worth skipping fabric softener when caring for high‑quality underwear. It often does more harm than good, leaving a film on the fibres that reduces their natural breathability over time. For hygienic cleaning, a mild, skin‑friendly detergent is the best choice — especially for sensitive materials and all types of panties.

Conclusion: A panty style for every need

Whether it’s a classic regular‑cut brief, an elegant high‑waist hipster, a sleek thong or a seamless brief — every style has its purpose and its own strengths. The right choice always depends on your personal needs and the outfit you plan to wear.

Once you understand which style flatters your shape, enhances your silhouette and offers the highest comfort, you’ll be able to make far more conscious decisions when shopping. In the long run, this benefits not only your wallet but also the environment.

At CALIDA, you’ll find carefully crafted briefs made from high‑quality natural fibres such as cotton, modal and TENCEL™. Available in a variety of shapes, cuts and designs, they adapt beautifully to the body and provide all‑day comfort — no matter which types of panties you prefer.