Choosing the Right Fashion Ladies Underwear

The invention of the spinning jenny and cotton gin in the second half of the 18th century led to cotton fabrics becoming readily available. The advent of factory production and new materials made it possible to mass-produce undergarments, making them available for women to purchase. The invention of nylon and spandex meant that bras, panties, and other lingerie could be designed with more support and a smoother feel. Designers began designing a wide range of styles, from silky satins and crepe de chine French knickers with lace trim to wash and wear basic panty briefs. The teddy an all-in-one body garment shown further up in combinations, was also a fashion ladies undergarment that became hugely popular alongside separate camisoles and the revival of luxury lace-embellished French knickers.

Choosing the right underwear for you depends on what you wear under it. For everyday basics, choose a pair of seamless underwear like this set from Bombas. The stretchy nylon and modal fabric blend is super lightweight, soft, and won’t show through even the thinnest of clothes. It earned top marks in our evaluations and is a great choice for pairing with tight dresses and skirts.

If you want something a little more substantial than a thong, try this bestselling thong from Hanky Panky. The barely there look and sleek stretchy material won’t leave panty lines under your clothing, and it was a favorite among testers for its comfort and adherence to the skin. It’s perfect for wearing under high-waisted workout gear and for pairing with short skirts and tighter dresses.

This sleek thong from Evelyn & Bobbie features a high waistline for more coverage and a better fit that testers appreciated. Its cotton-lined gusset provides a softer and more substantial feel than many thongs, which tend to have narrower cuts at the waist. The wide leg openings are also a plus when you’re wearing leggings and yoga pants.

These cheeky bikini panties from Natori are made of a breathable and soft material that won’t dig into your thighs and is super comfortable to sleep in. Plus, the extra lace detailing adds an alluring touch to your outfit.

While you may be tempted to wear a bodycon dress and fitted skirt with this set of seamless bottoms from Bombas, it’s just as good under your daywear. The seam-free design is lightweight and breathable, and the modal and nylon blend is buttery soft with a smooth and sleek finish. Plus, the flat seams prevent panty lines and won’t dig into your thighs.

During the 2022 test cycle, we had one tester describe these pants as “like going commando!” It’s true that they’re slim-fitting and have a little more of a compression feel than our other picks, but they were a favorite for their flattering fit and smooth texture. The pants are also super breathable, which means they’ll keep you cool and comfortable on hot days and while exercising.