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The 27 Best (and Sexiest) Underwear Styles For Every Occasion

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Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Every situation calls for a different pair of underwear. You'd never wear your workday thong on weekend errands, or your gym hipsters to the office. And while we honestly believe granny panties are sexy, that iconic scene in Bridget Jones' Diary is all too relatable. But after a year stuck in the house dressing up in oversized sweaters and hoodies, it's time to hit the refresh button on your top drawer. We're sure some pairs have overstayed their welcome and you need to get rid of styles you haven't reached for in years. From anti-VPL thongs to leakproof underthings that will save you the embarrassment, these are the absolute best underwear for every need.

Best For Heavy Flow

Thinx French Cut

French Cut

Thinx has every style of panty you can think of to match your flow—yes, that flow.

Best Breathable Underwear

Fruit of the Loom Beyondsoft Panties

Beyondsoft Panties

Your golden treasure deserves to breathe outside of beauty sleep hours. Fruit of the Loom made it easy for you with these super soft panties that make you feel like you've gone incognito. 

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Best for Lounging

Boody Boyleg Brief

Boyleg Brief
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You'll never want to take these briefs off—though you should—thanks to its comfortable, plush bamboo viscose fabric with the right amount of stretch you hug your body.

Best For Menopause

Knix Leakproof High Rise

Leakproof High Rise
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Live a worry- and leak-free life in your Knix panties. This version was designed specifically for those who don't allow experiencing incontinence to slow them down.

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Best Cheeky

ThirdLove Lace Back Cheeky

Lace Back Cheeky
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ThirdLove is known more for their great bras, but do not skip their underwear selection. Their top-rated cheeky fits like a dream.

Best Inclusive

Love, Vera Nude Floral Lace & Mesh Thong Dark Cocoa Curvy

Nude Floral Lace & Mesh Thong Dark Cocoa Curvy
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Lova, Vera understands that nude isn't always one-color-fits-all. Best known for their inclusive range of lingerie and undergarments, Love, Vera has panties to match deep complexions who are often left out of the nude conversation.

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Savage X Mesh Crotchless High Leg Bikini

Mesh Crotchless High Leg Bikini
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Savage X offers just about every pair of underwear for every occasion but here's one that does all the talking so you don't have to.

Best for Deep Complexions

Nubian Skin Plumetis High-Waist Brief

Plumetis High-Waist Brief
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As the name suggests, Nubian Skin caters to the deeper tones on the complexion spectrum by providing seamless underwear for those barely-there dress moments.

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Best for the 70s Obsessed

& Other Stories Gathered Mini Briefs

Gathered Mini Briefs
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Little House on the Prairies—but make it undergarments.

H&M 4-pack Mesh Thong Briefs

4-pack Mesh Thong Briefs
Now 23% Off
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H&M's pack deals are is the best bang for your buck.

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Best of Basic

Everlane The Bikini

The Bikini
Now 25% Off
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If you're searching for a no-frills undergarment, look to Everlane. Their lightweight line has you (and your booty) covered. 

Best Seamless Underwear

Commando Stretch Thong

Stretch Thong
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This underwear is used by legit fashion stylists for photo shoots and red carpets, so you know it's going to be good. It's the next best thing to going Commando, hence the brand's name. Seriously, you might have a midday anxiety attack, because these trick you into thinking you forgot to wear underwear to work. 

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Best Organic Cotton

Skin Organic Pima Cotton Bikini

Organic Pima Cotton Bikini
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For the most breathable, sustainable option, always reach for 100% cotton, and no one does it better than Skin. Their super soft offerings feel barely there. 

Best Everyday Thong

Hanky Panky Signature Lace Low Rise Thong

Signature Lace Low Rise Thong

I know more than a few editors who refuse to wear anything other than Hanky Panky's lace thong. It's the ultimate go-to underwear that doesn't ride up or cinch your waist. 

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Best G-String

Skims Naked String Thong

Naked String Thong
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G-strings are known for being unbearable, but I love Kim Kardashian's Skims thongs. They are the ultimate antidote to VPL. The straps stay put, and they don't dig in to your waist. 

Best Mesh Thong

Cosabella Soire Sheer G-String

Soire Sheer G-String
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This is your secret weapon: it's sexy, comfortable and breathable enough to last all day—and night. 

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Best Lightweight Bikini

On Gossamer Mesh Bikini

Mesh Bikini
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The mesh fabric is so breezy, you feel like you're wearing nothing. 

Best Shaping Thong

Yummie Seamlessly Shaped Ultralight Thong

Seamlessly Shaped Ultralight Thong
Now 50% Off
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If you want a shaper that still feels like actual underwear, try Yummie's popular thongs. 

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Best Shaping Underwear

Spanx High Power Shaper Underwear

High Power Shaper Underwear
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Spanx' ultra-high shaper is great for slinky cami dresses. 

Best Boxer Briefs for Women

Richer Poorer Femme Boxer

Femme Boxer
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For fuller coverage, opt for a boxer made for women. 

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