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By Andrea Navarro and Brigitt Earley
While no-show thongs and sexy lingerie will always have a spot in our top drawer, nothing beats finding the best cotton underwear for women for everyday wear. The natural fiber is known for being soft and breathable, and when you consider everything that’s happening down there (especially during sweaty workouts or on a hot day), you really want a reliable pair that'll hold up.
“There's significant wetness that occurs with urinary leakage or a heavy-duty workout,” Beri Ridgeway, MD, ob-gyn and cofounder of Ina, tells Glamour. “In these cases, the fabric can retain too much moisture and remain wet against the delicate vulvar skin. For some, this can cause discomfort, irritation, and may put one at risk for infection, so I recommend a moisture-wicking material, like cotton.”
“Cotton underwear helps to keep moisture away from the body and eliminates targeted heat,” Monica Grover, MD, ob-gyn and chief medical officer at Vspot, tells Glamour. That's a good thing, she says, since “overheating or moisture can disturb women's pH and resistance to antibacterial treatment options.” Unlike synthetic materials, which have a tendency to trap heat, “cotton is naturally hypoallergenic,” says Dr. Grover, “which helps to alleviate any irritation—allowing for your vulva and vagina to breathe.” Does that mean you should toss out all of your synthetic undies? Not exactly. But you might want to be more intentional about when you wear them.
Really, though, the biggest difference between cotton and synthetic materials is how they're produced. “Natural fabrics, such as cotton, are made of animal- or plant-based fibers, while synthetics are man-made and produced entirely from chemicals to create fabrics like polyester, rayon, acrylic, and many others,” says Dr. Grover. Unsurprisingly, our skin reacts differently to these types of materials, so it's worth paying attention to the fabrics that feel good on your body and skin—and the ones that don't.
Pretty much, but there are certain people who benefit from wearing cotton underwear more than others. “For a person who has never had vulvar concerns, irritation, or infections, I recommend they wear what makes them happy,” says Dr. Ridgeway. “But for those with irritation, itching, discomfort, or a history of infections, I recommend cotton, because the vulvar skin is delicate and vulnerable to irritants and allergens.” Dr. Grover also notes the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women with vulvodynia (persistent irritation of the vulva) wear 100% cotton underwear to help relieve symptoms.
Sure, finding comfortable women's underwear may not rank high on your list of exciting things to do, but sometimes the best—and arguably most important—pieces in your wardrobe are the ones you don’t think about throughout the day. Luckily, the internet is filled with wonderful things, including highly enthusiastic customer reviews, to help discerning shoppers uncover the best underwear for women across different brands, budgets (hi, cheap lingerie), and styles.
From the best seamless underwear to the best period underwear (sorry, no sexy crotchless panties in this roundup), below are the top-rated pairs worth adding to cart. We know, because we've tested them!
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
If your undies drawer is due for a serious update, Amazon's women's underwear section is where it's at. The retailer has basically everything you could ever want, but this best-selling set really delivers. It includes six low-waist pairs with medium coverage without itchy tags. (Bless up, Amazon Essentials.) “I love that a single purchase stocks my drawer for an entire week, but even better, you kind of forget you're wearing underwear at all with these on—they're so comfy,” says one Glamour tester.
For a no-frills, classic option, check out these soft cotton undies from Subset (formerly known as Knickey). One Glamour tester says these plus size-friendly cotton panties are great for buying in bulk (a pack of three costs $48, instead of $20 a pair) and loves the variety to mix and match. There are a ton of different silhouettes—from low-rise thongs to mid-rise bikini styles—to high-rise briefsand come in a range of colors. Our testers appreciates the fact that you can buy these with or without a leg elsastic, too. The brand remains big on sustainability and recycling, and accepts all kinds of underwear, bras, socks, and tights (kids too!) which it uses for new materials like insulation, carpet padding, and furniture batting in exchange for $15 in store credit.
Cotton underwear doesn’t have to look plain. Natori’s French-cut briefs have a pretty lace trim for those who like their staples to have a little something extra. “I love this pair not only because it's so comfortable, but also because it pairs nicely with my favorite everyday bra,” says one Glamour tester.
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We've written about Skims’s intimates a few times now, and that's because they're actually worth the hype. At the top of our list are its stretch-cotton briefs: The design is inspired by men’s boxers (the ribbing and stitching give it that sporty vibe), and the thick elastic band is practically begging to be showed off from under your high-waist jeans. “These give such cool-girl vibes,” says our tester. “I feel like I should be in some sort of photo shoot, but—nope—just lounging at home, living my best life.”
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Thinx's leaf-proof technology is a game changer for those days when you don't know when exactly your period is coming—and on the “last” day (that never ends up being the last). Because these midrise briefs are absorbent, they help eliminate excessive use of tampons or pads when you don't necessarily need them (or think you'll need them). And, of course, they're super comfortable—with no bunching. “These days I spot more than I actually bleed, which makes wearing a tampon really annoying. I much prefer these, and love that they come in multiple styles, including thongs,” says one Glamour tester. “They even have lace options!”
While you may know On Gossamer for its supersoft wireless bralettes, its underwear section is equally noteworthy. Case in point: this lace-trimmed thong that's perfect for everyday wear. If the cute design isn't enough, the soft and stretchy cotton-blend fabric will 100% make you a convert. “I don't like to spend a ton on things like underwear, but I make an exception for this pair,” says one Glamour tester. “They're so simple and so comfortable—you just can't beat it.”
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“I wear these Fruit of the Loom high-cuts anytime I'm working out or having a casual day,” says Glamour senior West Coast editor Jessica Radloff. “They keep me dry from sweat, offer plenty of coverage, and, most important, are super comfortable everywhere but especially along the waistline.”
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“Okay, look, I know I’m basic—I grew up in a small Midwestern town, learned to cook and sew, still go to church every Sunday,” says Glamour copy director Talley Sue Hohlfeld. “These may be the stereotypical things you’d expect of someone who wears granny panties. But I don’t care. I like the waistband at my waist, and when it comes to underwear, I always turn to Hanes. Nothing’s more comfortable under my mom jeans.”
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“I got my first pair of these back in 2020, when we were all stuck at home, and I needed some new loungewear,” says Glamour commerce writer Andrea Navarro. These boxers are made with cotton and spandex so they're super stretchy. Because there's lining on the gusset, you can wear them as regular underwear while you relax at home. “I like that even though there's an elastic band,” she says, “they're not tight or uncomfortable to wear, especially if I'm sitting at my desk all day.”
Gap’s hipsters are basic in a good way. They're made from stretchy cotton, so they move with your body seamlessly—and the elastic trim on the waistband and leg openings adds a bit of structure. “These feels like second skin, thanks to the barely there elastic and touch of spandex, which also help them lie flat instead of totally digging in,” says Brie Schwartz, Glamour director of commerce. “Plus, they wash exceptionally well. I’ve had some pairs for years—should I admit that?—and they still look fresh after countless laundry sessions.”
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These undies are lightweight, tag-free, and less than $3 a piece. “The lightweight jersey truly feels like a second skin under whatever I'm wearing: jeans, leggings…you name it,” says one Glamour tester. “I stocked up on these postpartum, because I didn't care if I ruined them, but haven't looked back. I love them!”
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Calvin Klein's logo undies have been a women's and men's wardrobe staple since the ’80s. This multipack is a classic buy that can survive endless wash cycles. “These are so effortless,” says one Glamour tester. “And I love that the brand makes coordinating bras in all different styles.”
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It doesn't get cuter than Stripe & Stare's lace-trimmed underwear. “I love all the prints and embroideries, but it’s the soft and sustainably sourced micro modal that genuinely keeps me coming back for more,” says Talia Abbas, Vogue senior commerce editor. “The high-quality fabric doesn’t shrink or unravel after a few washes, and the bikini briefs are great for working out too. The fit doesn’t give me a wedgie while running and the material is genuinely breathable.”
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3d Embroidery Lace Fabric Some high-cut undies can reveal a little too much for comfort, but these don't. They have a midrise fit and are made from a cotton-modal blend that's slightly stretcher than some pure cotton styles. “The pair effortlessly stretches over my booty—without digging in,” says one Glamour tester. You'll appreciate the fact that these come in a large range of colors and prints too.