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

Key points

• The most common types of underwear include classic briefs, hipsters, thongs and seamless briefs. They differ in their cut, such as the leg opening or rise.

• Which type of briefs suits you depends on the look you want, your personal comfort and the outfit. The right fit should feel comfortable without digging in or slipping.

• Materials such as cotton, Modal or TENCEL™ can offer breathable properties and a comfortable feel, depending on how they are made.

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

Whether for an active everyday routine, under fitted clothing or as a comfortable style for relaxing at home: Different types of underwear have different characteristics and specific benefits. The cut, rise and material all play an important role. Here is an overview of the most common types of underwear and their characteristics:

Briefs: The classic everyday style

Classic briefs are one of the most familiar types of underwear. Their characteristic cut covers the buttocks, while a higher leg opening can create the appearance of longer legs. Common variations include high-waist briefs, low-waist briefs and regular or mid-cut styles. There are also variations such as Brazilian briefs, which offer less coverage at the back.

The classic mid-cut brief is particularly versatile and easy to combine with different outfits. It follows the natural line of the hips and can provide a comfortable feel thanks to its elastic materials.

Hipsters: More coverage, plenty of comfort

Hipsters could be described as the fuller-coverage version of briefs. The main difference lies in the cut: while briefs have narrower sides, hipsters feature a wider side panel and sit lower on the leg, providing more coverage.

There are also different styles within the hipster category. The regular cut sits around the middle of the waist and can be combined with a variety of outfits. The low cut sits lower on the hips and is particularly suitable for wearing under low-waist trousers. If you prefer a higher rise, a modern high-waist hipster may be a suitable option.

Thongs: When the silhouette matters

Thongs can be a suitable option when you want as little as possible to show under a fitted dress or skinny jeans. Their narrow back, usually consisting of a slim band or a thong triangle, leaves much of the buttocks uncovered and can therefore create a less visible look underneath close-fitting clothing.

Thongs are available in many different styles, from sporty designs to eye-catching versions with French lace and other decorative details. For a comfortable feel, you can look for soft materials such as Modal or cotton.

Seamless briefs: Less visible lines under your outfit

Seamless briefs are not sewn together from several individual pieces but are made as a single piece using modern knitting technology. This creates fewer pronounced seams, making seamless briefs a suitable option under fitted outfits, lightweight summer dresses or sportswear.

The smooth, stretchy surface can sit comfortably against the body and provide freedom of movement. Materials such as Modal or TENCEL™ can also contribute to a comfortable feel.

What materials are briefs made from?

The material has a significant influence on how underwear feels when worn. When choosing underwear, it can therefore be worth looking for selected materials with breathable and moisture-absorbing properties. Briefs are often made from one or more of the following fibres:

Cotton is a classic among underwear materials. Depending on how it is made, it can be breathable and soft and is suitable for regular washing. Cotton briefs, such as those made with Swiss Cotton®, can therefore be suitable for everyday wear. When choosing a style, you should also consider the fibre composition and care instructions.

Modal is a cellulose fibre that can feel soft and smooth against the skin. Depending on how it is made, it can absorb moisture and dry relatively quickly. Modal briefs can therefore be suitable for sports activities, warmer days or anyone who prefers a lightweight feel.

TENCEL™ (Lyocell) is a fibre made from wood pulp. Briefs made from this material can feel comfortable thanks to their smooth surface and moisture-absorbing properties. Depending on how they are made, they can also be a suitable option for warmer days.

Lace and satin are an integral part of the world of lingerie. They give briefs a feminine and elegant character. While lace is often used as a decorative element, silk and satin provide a subtle sheen and a delicate appearance. For everyday wear, styles combining different materials can be a good option, with comfortable materials used in areas that sit close to the body.

Finding the right size: What you should know

Well-fitting underwear should neither dig in uncomfortably nor slip. To find the right fit, it is best to use your hip measurement: Measure around the widest part of your buttocks and compare it with the size chart provided by the respective manufacturer. If you are between sizes, consider choosing the larger size if you prefer a slightly looser fit.

The cut also plays a role when choosing a size. Classic briefs and hipsters generally have a different fit from seamless briefs, which can adapt more closely to the shape of the body thanks to their stretchy construction.

Caring for your briefs: How to keep them looking their best for longer

To help briefs retain their shape and material properties for as long as possible, they should be cared for and washed according to the instructions. The care label provides all the important information. Briefs made from 100% cotton can often be washed at 60°C and tumble dried, provided this is permitted by the care label.

For more delicate materials such as TENCEL™ and styles with lace or satin, choose a gentle cycle at up to 40°C, provided this corresponds to the care instructions. A laundry bag can provide additional protection against friction for delicate fibres and decorative details. Whether a tumble dryer is suitable also depends on the care label.

By the way: In many cases, you can skip fabric softener when washing quality underwear. Depending on the material, it can affect the properties of the fibres. A mild detergent suitable for the respective material is a good option for washing your briefs.

Conclusion: An underwear style for every preference

Whether classic regular-cut briefs, elegant high-waist hipsters, sleek thongs or seamless briefs: Each type of underwear has its own characteristics. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences, how the underwear feels to you and the outfit you are wearing.

Once you understand which types of underwear suit your silhouette and personal sense of comfort, you can make more targeted choices when shopping. This makes it easier to find styles that suit your individual preferences and personal style.

At CALIDA, you’ll find carefully made briefs in materials such as cotton, Modal and TENCEL™ – available in different shapes, cuts and designs to suit different preferences and occasions.