A Visual Guide To Women's Underwear - Styles, Types, And How To Choose The Right Fit (2024)

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For guys, buying underwear is simple. There are only a few type of men’s underwear: boxers, briefs, boxer briefs, and sometimes a thong. It’s not so simple for the ladies. There are so many different types of panties to choose from, that buying women’s underwear can be a complicated shopping experience.

From panties that are purposely made to go into your butt-crack, like the G-String and Thong, to loose and comfortable Granny Panties and Bloomers, here’s a visual guide to women’s underwear.

G-String Panties

The(Amazon link) G-String ($3+) is one of the most popular types of underwear for women. It is a panty front with a half- to one-inch strip of fabric at the back that sits between the buttocks… on purpose. G-Strings are great for making panty lines disappear.

Despite the lack of fabric, some(Amazon link) luxury G-String panties can cost up to $110 each!?

Thong Underwear

Similar to the G-String, the Thong also intentionally made to sit in between the butt cheeks. But instead of a thin string around the waist, the Thong has a thicker piece of fabric giving it a more secure fit.

When shopping for(Amazon link) Thong underwear ($9+), keep in mind that sandals are also commonly called thongs. This has the potential to create embarrassing situations. “Thong is also another name for flip flops,” Reddit user The_Sentinel_45 commented. “I found this out, as a teenager shopping with my mom. Super fun time.”

Tanga Panties

Tanga is Spanish for thong, but(Amazon link) Tanga panties ($8+) are slightly different than Thong underwear. Tanga panties have a more fabric than a regular Thong around the butt.

Cheeky Panties

The cut of(Amazon link) Cheeky panties ($8+) is flirty and playful, but still offers moderate coverage. They have a narrower fabric across your bum than a typical Bikini cut, but significantly more coverage than a Thong. This makes them ideal for women who want some cheekiness in their swimwear or panties, without compromising on modesty.

But wearer beware, Cheeky panties might not stay where they are supposed to. According to Reddit user ExistentialKazoo, “Every Cheeky pair I’ve ever tried was secretly a Thong.”

Bikini Underwear

Bikinis ($9+) are a type of(Amazon link) underwear and(Amazon link) swimsuit that is similar to a Boybrief panty, but with less coverage. The waistband sits three inches below the waist and has high-cut leg holes. They also come in(Amazon link) string Bikini form, in which the leg holes are constructed with a thin string of fabric, similar to a G-String.

Hipster Panties

A favorite among women who hate wedgies,(Amazon link) Hipster panties ($12+) are a blend of Bikini and Boyshorts, which leaves most of the skin exposed below the navel. This style is popular among women because it provides good coverage without being too revealing, and it looks flattering on many figures.

Boybrief Panties

What are Boybriefs?(Amazon link) Boybriefs ($12+) are a specific type of women’s panties that are cut to go down the hip and resemble shorts or men’s boxer brief underwear. With a similar cut to Hipsters, but less boxy, Boybrief underwear are a very popular alternative to standard panties because they are comfortable and also prevent wedgies.

Boyshort Panties

Some women prefer(Amazon link) Boy Shorts ($6+) as a style of women’s underwear because they cover more of the hips and butt compared to other styles. Rectangular in shape, Boy Shorts are made like tight shorts, extending past the crotch and butt to cut off along the upper thigh.

High-Waisted Panties

High-Waisted panties ($10+) are great for tummy support and help create a flattering silhouette on days when you feel bloated or when you’re on your periods. They are also great for postpartum use, as the high waistband provides decent compression and makes you feel firmer in the belly area.

Boxer Briefs For Women

After years of wearing their boyfriend’s and husband’s boxer briefs, companies like Hanes started making(Amazon link) Boxer Briefs for women ($12+). It was a smart move that took way too long.

Tap Pants

Tap Pants (~$25) are a type of lingerie for women. They are often considered to be more comfortable than traditional women’s underwear. Similar to French knickers in appearance, Tap Pants are a type of shorts, in that they cover the pelvic area and the upper part of the upper legs.

Granny Panties

Many people consider loose brief panties to be old-fashioned, and they are usually worn by women who are older, thus the nickname “Granny Panties“. A cross between High-Waisted and Boy Shorts, the waistband for(Amazon link) Granny Panties ($6+) sits very high on the waist, and the leg holes are small so that the underwear covers as much area between waist and thigh as possible.

Who Named The Different Types Of Women’s Underwear?

Are the names of panties weird? “Who got to invent the names of women’s underwear?,” Reddit user WordPain wondered. “When can we have a do-over?” They are right. Some of the names, like Tap Pants and Cheeky are a little weird.

Have Your Panties Preferences Changed Over Time?

Reddit user Jaksmack made a keen observation. This women’s underwear guide tracks their “progression from dating to married for 20+ years“. Do you agree? Did you wear G-String underwear when you were younger, but only wear High-Waisted underwear now?