By Andrea Navarro and Brigitt Earley
A no-show thong or sexy lingerie will always have a spot in your top drawer, but for everyday wear, nothing beats a reliable pair of the best cotton underwear for women. The natural fiber is known for being soft and breathable, and when you consider everything that’s happening down there (especially during workouts or on a hot day), you really want a second-skin pair that'll hold up. Body Stocking Lingerie
“Cotton underwear helps to keep moisture away from the body and eliminates targeted heat,” says Monica Grover, MD, ob-gyn and chief medical officer at Vspot. 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,” Dr. Grover says, “which helps to alleviate any irritation—and doesn't trap moisture, 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. “There's significant wetness that occurs with urinary leakage or a heavy-duty workout,” says Beri Ridgeway, MD, ob-gyn and cofounder of Ina. “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.”
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, the most comfortable women's underwear may not rank high on your list of exciting things to buy, but sometimes the best—and arguably most important—pieces in your wardrobe are the ones you don’t see 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 delivers. It includes six low-waist pairs with medium coverage and 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 our tester.
For a no-frills, classic option, check out these soft cotton undies from Subset (formerly known as Knickey). Our 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 or feel 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 our tester.
Save when you shop for the best cotton underwear with these Nordstrom promo codes.
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.”
Save when you shop for the best cotton underwear with these Nordstrom promo codes.
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 mid-rise 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 our 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 our tester. “They are so simple and so comfortable—you just can't beat it.”
Save when you shop for the best cotton underwear with these Nordstrom promo codes.
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, 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.”
Save when you shop for the best cotton underwear with these Gap promo codes.
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 our tester. “I stocked up on these postpartum, because I didn't care if I ruined them, but haven't looked back. I love them!”
Save when you shop for the best cotton underwear with these Amazon promo codes.
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 our tester. “And I love that the brand makes coordinating bras in all different styles.”
Save when you shop for the best cotton underwear with these Amazon promo codes.
It doesn't get cuter than Stripe & Stare's lace-trimmed underwear. “I love all the prints and embroideries they do, but it’s the soft (and sustainably sourced) micro modal that genuinely keeps me coming back for more,” says Talia Abbas, 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.”
Save when you shop for the best cotton underwear with these Shopbop promo codes.
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 our tester. You'll appreciate the fact that these come in a large range of colors and prints too.
“I wear these Fruit of the Loom high-cuts anytime I'm working out, or having a casual day,” says 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.”
Save when you shop the best cotton underwear for women with these Walmart promo codes.
“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 Talley Sue Hohlfeld, copy chief. “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.”
Save when you shop for the best cotton underwear with these Amazon promo codes.
“I got my first pair of these back in 2020, when we were all stuck at home, and I needed some new loungewear,” says 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.”
If softness is your top priority, you'll love these lightweight hipster briefs. Organic cotton tends to be gentler than regular cotton, making it a great option for people with sensitive-skin concerns. “ThirdLove is my go-to for all undergarments,” says our tester. “You can't beat the comfort, the fit is pristine, and you can always find a good matching set.”
When you find a pair of underwear that you love, there's nothing better than being able to buy a variety pack. “I wear these all the time because my job is outdoors and I need as many breathable undies on deck as possible,” says our tester Alexandra Simmons. “I don't like briefs, so I love that these are a little cheeky but they're not uncomfortable like a thong.” These have a cotton liner so you don't have to worry about moisture being trapped, and they're also tag-free.
Save when you shop for the best cotton underwear with these Amazon promo codes.
“This is TMI, but I truly hate wearing underwear, so I make it my mission to find pairs that feel like nothing,” says our tester Mia Nunez. These boy shorts from Aerie are seamless and designed to look and feel like a second layer of skin. They're buttery soft and don't cling onto your body whatsoever. “These are practically invisible underneath my clothes, and I usually wear them with more formfitting things like leggings or body-con dresses,” she says.
“This might sound controversial, but I actually prefer to wear thongs on most days,” says Navarro. “And, as a Skims loyalist, you bet that I have a ton of the brand's cheek-baring styles.” This cotton thong is dipped in the front so you can pull up the sides as high as you'd like. There's a teeny elastic waistband, but it doesn't dig into your skin to make any areas bulge. The dipped front silhouette is one of Skims best-selling styles, because it can really accentuate your waist underneath clothing.
“If you had asked me a few years ago to tell you what my favorite thongs are, I would've laughed in your face—you could not have paid me to wear one,” says our tester Maria Navarro, who clearly had a change of heart thanks to this variety pack from Hanes. “I got these on Amazon because I was tired of visible panty lines underneath leggings, and now I regret not giving thongs another shot earlier,” she adds. These fuss-free thongs are extremely stretchy and don't dig into your skin or ride up your back to the point of discomfort.
Save when you shop for the best cotton underwear with these Amazon promo codes.
Our next tester is also a reformed thong hater. “I'm shocked that I've found G-strings that don't make me regret wearing them,” says our tester Lucia Amaya. “I was on the full-coverage granny-panties train for most of my life, and I had no shame in that, but panty lines do get old after a while. When even seamless briefs and boy shorts weren't cutting it, I sucked it up and bought this cheap pack of cotton underwear from Amazon and they're so comfortable and breathable.” Our tester also notes that these fit true to size and she doesn't feel like she's wearing much at all.
Sexy Chemise Save when you shop for the best cotton underwear with these Amazon promo codes.