13 Best Cotton Underwear for Women, Tested & Endorsed by Us

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

• Pros: Affordable; high-waist
• Cons: Leg elastic sometimes dig into skin; a bit “granny”; thick band

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

• Pros: Stylish; seamless; smoothing
• Cons: Expensive; hand-wash only

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)

• Pros: Breathable; full coverage along the stomach; stays in place
• Cons: Should be hand-washed

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

• Pros: Comfortable; no panty lines; affordable
• Cons: Sizing runs small

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

• Pros: Affordable; snug; low-cut
• Cons: No stomach compression

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

• Pros: Seamless; stay put; lie flat
• Cons: Elastic sometimes sticks uncomfortably to the skin

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

• Pros: Lightweight; breathable; soft elastic
• Cons: Could be stretchier

“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

• Pros: Full-coverage; thick, double-layered waistband provides support
• Cons: Leg elastic is a little scratchy

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

• Pros: Comfortable; cheeky; extremely soft
• Cons: Panty line shows; require readjustment during the day

“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

• Pros: Completely organic cotton; sheer; breathable
• Cons: Not seamless; quite low-cut

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

• Pros: Substantial; compressive; full-coverage
• Cons: Not at all seamless