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Oct 19, 2024

13 Best Cotton Underwear for Women, Tested by ‘Glamour’ Editors 2024 | Glamour

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. While lacy lingerie will always have its place in my top drawer, nothing beats the

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

While lacy lingerie will always have its place in my top drawer, nothing beats the best cotton underwear for women. Forget nylon, lace, and mesh—this natural fiber is soft and moisture-wicking (a must for those of us who finish a workout or, hell, a short walk dripping in sweat everywhere). As a professional shopper, I know the specific pain of hunting for panties that hold up, stay seamless under clothes, and don’t dig into your skin. It’s my pleasure to present the best cotton women’s underwear, according to Glamour editors (myself included). Thongs, briefs, bikinis, boyshorts; we’ve tried them all. These are the ones most worth their wear.

Jump to the full list.

Is cotton underwear best for women?What’s the difference between synthetic and cotton?Do they have to be 100% cotton?Is it okay to wear 95% cotton underwear?Meet our experts

Amazon

These basic undies are lightweight, tag-free, and less than $3 a piece. “I wouldn’t call these completely wedgie-proof. Does such a thing truly exist? But they come close,” says Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz. “I recommend sizing up, though. While I’m usually a true small or size 4, the band, which sits right at the bikini line, digs a bit in a small,” she says. “They’re also a proper bikini, meaning the elastic—which lies flat—sits right at the hip bone but low at the tummy. So if you prefer more of a hipster (like I do), you might want to check out my favorite Gap or Aerie options (later in this list). Bonus: These come in cute prints—I’m partial to the stripes and stars.” She adds, “The fabric is soft, and after multiple washes, they haven’t stretched.”

Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex | Sizes: XXS–6X | Colors: 25+ options (depending on size of pack) | Care instructions: Machine-wash

Aerie

These seamless underwear from Aerie are designed to look and feel like a second layer of skin, with raw-cut edges that disappear beneath your tightest leggings. They’re supersoft and don’t cling onto your body whatsoever. “These leave no visible panty lines underneath my clothes, and I usually wear them with more formfitting things like leggings or body-con dresses,” says Glamour contributor Mia Nunez. Worth noting is that (as is the case with many seamless undies) there’s no elastic in each pair. That’s how they stay so smooth and practically invisible, but they’re not the best choice under looser clothes like dresses and baggy sweats, as they lack grip to stay on your hips.

Material: 87% cotton, 13% elastane | Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: 7 options | Care instructions: Hand-wash; always air-dry

Amazon

I own a pack of these Hanes, and they’re the undies I reach for when I’m in need of full coverage. They’re not the cutest underwear I own, but when I’m feeling particularly bleh, they’re high-waist, soft, and just what I want on my body. Schwartz as well as Glamour senior editor Jessica Radloff own them too. “My skin is really sensitive, and these cotton briefs are not just super comfortable, but they also don’t irritate my skin the way other materials often do,” says Radloff. Schwartz notes that the band is quite thick, though, so if you prefer a pair that you can forget you’re wearing, this might not be the set for you. On the plus side, “they don’t shift around as much as my beloved Gap undies while I sleep, and because of the high band, I do feel like I’m wearing tummy-control underwear,” she says.

Material: 100% organic cotton | Sizes: 6–10 | Colors: 6 options | Care instructions: Machine wash

Amazon

I love these because they’re so comfortable, lightweight, and pretty. I own a lot of big, balloon-y cotton panties that I wear to bed and on days that I feel bloated, but these are sexy, with flirty lace trim and a high-cut leg that keeps the hems from digging into my skin. They lie totally flat and seamless under my tight leggings, are airy and breathable, smooth across my stomach area, and hit right below my belly button. Their pima cotton is silky soft and cooling too. My only complaints? They’re quite expensive, and I’ve noticed that after maybe 15 washes in the machine, they’ve started to sag a little. You’re supposed to hand-wash them, but I can’t be bothered.

Material: 94% pima cotton, 6% Lycra spandex | Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: 40+ options | Care instructions: Hand-wash, line dry

ThirdLove

This organic cotton underwear is a standout, with reviewers raving about its extreme softness and breathability, and praising that it’s not too constricting. The eco-friendly fabric is a big plus, and wearers appreciate the high-quality feel and its full-coverage fit that offers light tummy compression. “You forget you’re wearing these, which is a total plus—there’s no slippage up or around areas that you don’t want fabric—but if you, like me, ignore care instructions and toss them in the wash anyway, you won’t get as much longevity out of them,” says Schwartz. The briefs include a a 100% cotton gusset (the piece of extra fabric sewn into the crotch that helps with moisture-wicking and odor).

Material: 93% organic cotton, 7% spandex | Sizes: XS–3X | Colors: 4 options | Care instructions: Hand-wash in cold water, lay flat to dry (or use lingerie bag during machine wash)

Amazon

These fuss-free, comfortable thongs have an extremely stretchy elastic band that easily adjusts without rolling down and high-cut leg openings that don’t dig into your skin or ride up in the back. The cotton material wicks away sweat and moisture, and Glamour contributor Maria Navarro says they hold up throughout the day—whether you’re working out, going to work, or out for the night. They also withstand washes without losing their shape. You can snag a six-pack for under $20. They’re not totally seamless, though, so depending on how tight your clothing is, that’s something to keep in mind.

Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex | Sizes: S–XXL | Colors: 2 options for packs (different colors within) | Care instructions: Machine-wash cold, tumble-dry low

Amazon

Sometimes I need a low-rise undie that won't peek out of my mid-rise jeans, and these Calvin Klein high-cut undies are great because their thick waistband keeps them from slipping down. That’s not the case with more-seamless underwear, which I find usually slide while I’m walking. I also like that the brand makes coordinating bras and bralettes in different styles. I’ve worn the same pairs for over two years now, and they’re still quite snug and don’t slip down (and are even softer, which is nice). I like that the band is pretty thin, though I wouldn’t choose these to wear under anything sheer and light, because the logo will show through. They also don’t offer any sort of tummy control because of their cut. The underwear can be bought solo or in packs of all different colors, though I most often restock on the classic black/grey/white trio.

Material: 90% cotton, 10% spandex | Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: 34 options (in packs of 3) | Care instructions: Machine wash

Gap

Gap’s seamless 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 feel like second skin, thanks to the barely there elastic and touch of spandex, which also help them lie flat instead of digging into my tummy or legs,” says Schwartz. “Plus, they wash exceptionally well. I’ve had some pairs for years, and they still look fresh after countless laundry sessions. They’re not, however, the most sweat-wicking, and while I do wear them to the gym, their bonafides are not in that department. Pro tip: Wait until they go on sale, which they do, often.”

Material: 92% organic cotton, 8% spandex | Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: 4 options | Care instructions: Machine-wash

Amazon

Proof

I own three pairs of Proof's period underwear and appreciate how I can choose between styles depending on what point of my cycle I’m in. The leg openings of the mid-rise Proof bikini undies don’t cut into my thighs, which is unfortunately how it goes with other period panties I have. These are also quite breathable, with a moisture-wicking liner. They are fairly seamless under my clothes (which surprised me initially), and they never, ever leak. Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro was particularly impressed with the undies’ reliability. “This bikini is a lifesaver,” she says. “It’s comfortable and breathable, and the leak-proof feature really works—great for heavy days.” Not a bikini person? Period offers brief, hipster, and even thong styles too.

Material: 100% cotton body lining; 75% nylon and 25% spandex outer body | Size range: S–XL (in options for light absorbency, moderate absorbency, and heavy absorbency) | Colors: 2 options | Care instructions: Hand-wash, line-dry

Amazon

“I’ve worn this underwear pretty much exclusively for the last two years, which may not sound like a big deal, but in those two years, I’ve been pregnant and had my daughter, so my shape has changed a lot,” says fashion writer and Glamour contributor Anna Vognsen. Each breathable pair has a wide, thick waistband that’s double-layered to provide extra compression, which can feel helpful after the bodily changes of pregnancy and childbirth. “They’re just high-rise enough to provide all-day support, but they don’t come up over my waistband or dig in,” says Vognsen. “I never notice them while I’m wearing them, but I do notice that on the days I don’t, other underwear just doesn’t feel as comfortable or as supportive.” You can pick up the full-coverage panties in plus sizes up to 5X.

Material: 95% combed cotton, 5% spandex | Sizes: XS–5X | Colors: 9 options (in packs of 5) | Care instructions: Machine-wash cold

Skims

The cut of tanga underwear falls somewhere between briefs and thongs, with a cheeky high-leg cut but more coverage along the back. “It’s been four months since buying these Skims tangas, and they’re some of my comfiest underwear,” says Glamour contributor Katie Leirey. They’re made of a thick, high-quality cotton that withstands weeks of washing—and softens with time. Most brands don’t carry a tanga cut, which Leirey chose (it’s more popular in the UK). “The cheekiness is the perfect amount,” she says. “I don’t feel like I have a wedgie constantly coming on, but there is still enough fabric to feel that token confidence a good pair of underwear will give you. My only issue with the underwear is that I find it hard to wear them with dresses, as they tend to stretch out a bit as the day goes on and I’m constantly having to readjust.”

Material: 90% cotton, 10% elastane | Sizes: XXS–4X | Colors: 8 options | Care instructions: Machine-wash cold, tumble-dry low

Amazon

J.Crew

Urban Outfitters

“Unlike most underwear I’ve owned, which tends to wear out after just a few uses, my Oddobody pairs have stood the test of time, becoming softer with each wash,” Glamour senior fashion editor Tschesmeni Leonard says. Her favorite is the brand’s string bikini, which has a minimalistic design and cheeky, low-rise cut. “It felt daring to wear at first, but it has an early ’00s nostalgia vibe that feels playful and chic to me,” she says. “The panties are incredibly comfortable, and their elastic is flexible and allows for easy movement. I do wish they were more seamless, though.” You can wear them quite low, or pull up the straps for a higher-rise look, and the completely cotton material is a plus for anyone with sensitive skin.

Material: 100% organic cotton | Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: 3 options | Care instructions: Machine-wash

Amazon

Nordstrom

TomboyX

At some point in my 30s, I started wearing shorts under all of my dresses and skirts. They help with thigh chafing and make me feel more covered in case my skirt blows up. TomboyX makes boyshorts for all different body types. Its boxer briefs are decidedly not sexy—but they are super functional and structured. I’m never stuck on the wedgie train, they’re very comfy, and their waistband and paneling are high and thick enough to keep my stomach from moving around. The range goes from super small to 6X—the most plus-size range I’ve ever seen for underwear.

Material: 95% organic cotton, 5% spandex | Sizes: 3XS–6X | Colors: 13 options | Care instructions: Machine-wash cold, tumble-dry low

“Cotton underwear helps to keep moisture away from the body and eliminates targeted heat,” Monica Grover, MD, ob-gyn and chief medical officer at medi-spa 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–and consider cotton underwear especially for workouts when other fabrics will keep you wetter and may lead to irritation or infection, says Beri Ridgeway, MD, an ob-gyn and cofounder of Ina, a brand of intimate skin care products.

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.

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 recommends that women with vulvodynia (persistent irritation of the vulva) wear 100% cotton underwear to help relieve symptoms.

You can shop for blends, but the minimum of cotton should be at least 90% for breathability and comfort, says Dr. Grover. (All of the undies in this story are.)