Types of Women’s Underwear, Explained

There are dozens of styles of women’s underwear. So how do you know what the differences are and how do you know which ones to try? When it comes to women’s panties, we’ve narrowed them down to seven main styles.

The 7 Main Types of Women’s Underwear, Explained

BOY SHORTS

These might be the most playful cut. These briefs offer full coverage and a shorts-like cut for comfortable, everyday wear. Choose from many fabrics, feels, and colors.

BRIEFS

Whether you’re looking for high-waisted sculpting briefs to wear under slimming evening wear, an everyday cotton brief in every color, or pretty knit lace briefs, browse for your favorites briefs-style undies. SKIMS briefs offer full coverage in a wide range of styles and fabrics.

THONGS

With minimal coverage in the back, the traditional thong cut is a popular choice to avoid panty lines. Browse SKIMS thong styles, from sculpting thongs that reach mid-waist to thongs in finer fabrics like ultra-fine mesh, stretch lace, or a simple cotton rib.

BIKINIS

Bikini underwear features a high cut on the hip and, in the case of string bikinis, has a sexy string connecting front to back. Available in several types of fabrics and a range of colors, bikinis are a classic style.

HIPSTERS

With a straight-across-the-waist profile, the hipster panty hugs the hips and looks good doing it. The hipster is a comfortable, versatile style with a higher cut on the leg than the typical boy short.

TANGAS

The Tanga style is like a cheeky cross between a brief and a thong. The back of a tanga offers moderate coverage compared to the minimal-coverage thong or the full-coverage brief. While the front of a tanga style can vary, SKIMS tanga underwear range from mid-rise to high-waisted. Check out our SKIMS cheeky tanga in cotton jersey or corded lace.

BOXERS

Who says men should be the only ones to wear boxers? Try our comfy mid-thigh boxers for a weekend-ready, sporty look. Available in close-fitting or loose, and in soft cotton or knit lace. Consider these the girlfriend boxer shorts.

Specialty Women’s Underwear

In addition to these 7 styles of underwear, there are other specialty features available in the SKIMS’ underwear collection.

Shapewear Underwear

Get shaping support in an underwear style with different levels of compression. Styles range from a waist-height rise to resting higher at the ribs. 

Maternity Underwear

A maternity brief should have a stretchy waistband that can reach above your baby bump. Feel supported (but not tight) with a comfortable non-compressive core for your growing tummy.

Cheeky Underwear

Our popular medium coverage underwear styles peek a bit of cheek—shop our cheeky bikinis, briefs, and hipsters.

High-Waisted Underwear

Sometimes, comfort sits at the waist. And so do these high-waisted briefs and boy shorts. Perfect for when you’re looking for full coverage; available in a variety of colors and softer-than-butter fabrics.

Adaptive panties

These adaptive briefs attach on the sides using hooks and closures so that they’re more accessible for anyone who finds traditional underwear difficult to put on or take off.

Find Matching Bra & Panty Sets

Get a top to bottom look, or just stock up on the same preferred color across your whole underwear drawer. When you’re looking for a bra and matching underwear set, we’ve got you covered—in options from comfy cotton to soft smoothing seamless styles.

Create your own Bundle

Mix & match any 3 panties at special bundle pricing

Visit the Panty Shop and create your own set of SKIMS underwear.

How do I find underwear with a smooth silhouette under form-fitting clothing?

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice a smooth look, no matter what you’re wearing. Generally speaking, thongs are a good solution when you want to avoid pantylines. If you’re looking for shapewear that supports you without showing the world, try our shapewear thongs or our sleek bodysuits, especially those that reach to mid-thigh.

Or try our second-skin Naked Collection—this comfortable collection seamlessly forms to your body and underwear come in hipster, thong, boy short, and bikini silhouettes.

How do I prevent underwear from riding up?

If this keeps happening to you, you may have the wrong size. Try going up a size so your underwear (or tank or whatever it is) stays in place better. Check our underwear sizing guide to find your SKIMS size.

Another option is to try a style that stays put, like a hipster or boy short. With a little more coverage around the back, you’ll probably feel more comfortable throughout the day.