Now that I’m well into my 30s, #priorities look a little different! Two things I’ve finally had enough of are mediocre underwear and mediocre bedsheets. I spend so much of my life in these things, and figured why not spend more money and effort to upgrade the mundane versions into awesome ones that’ll bring me joy?
I shared on Instagram a while back that I was on a mission to overhaul my undies drawer, and asked for your favorite brands and styles (non-thong, since my butt doesn’t have the tolerance for those anymore!). Out of nearly a thousand recommendations, I rounded up the top most recommended ones and wanted to share my thoughts after trying each one out!
1. Chantelle Soft Stretch Seamless Briefs
One size
Bottom line: Going to start with the best. These were my personal favorites of the bunch and worth the extra $. Barely-there feel with reinforced waistband and leg holes that actually stay put. Good deal during NSale with discounts on 1 pair, or when you add 3 pairs to cart (best value).
These have a super lightweight seamless feel, and truly no visible panty lines for me. The reinforcement strips of fabric along the waistband and legs (see photo below) are key for keeping those areas flat against my skin, compared to laser cut which sometimes rolls or flips. I have both the high waist (hits at my belly button) and the hipster cut; while both are great, I think the hipster is most universally flattering. Note these are “one size fits most” and most of the negative reviews are due to these fitting smaller than the reviewer expected.
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2. Aerie Real Me Boy Briefs
Sizes XXS – XXL
Bottom line: light, hip-hugging boy briefs with a ton of stretch
These were a top reader favorite, and are comfy for all day wear without wedgies for me. The fabric is super stretchy and very lightweight, almost reminiscent of nylon stockings. These arrive looking tiny but easily stretch to hug your figure and curves. XS in these fit me well, and they also offer XXS! These were not the winners for my body because the waist rolls down a bit on my post-baby belly, but I did like them and worth a try if you like boy briefs.
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3. Soma Vanishing Edge
Sizes S – XXL (Bikini cut starts in xs)
Bottom line: unique silicone strips to keep undies in place, but most sizing only starts in sz S, no XS. Don’t overlook the Enbliss collection!
From all your messages, this brand and style has quite the fan following! Their Vanishing Edge design has a band of thinner silicone strips along the leg opening, which I know many of you love. For me, it felt a little unusual in the beginning but soon you forget about them being there. What’s nice about SOMA is they do offer tons of cuts including high leg, retro briefs, hipsters (my personal pick) but I wish they offered more sizes bc S will not fit someone XXS/XS.
I also tried a pair from their lesser known Enbliss collection which was actually my favorite Soma style! They don’t have the silicone strips and the material is soo buttery smooth and comfy against the skin. The edges on this one are also reinforced and lie flat, and the fabric is thicker and slinkier against the skin than Chantelle. They’d be a serious contender for my favorite if they made more sizes!
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4. Everlane The Invisible High-Rise Hipster
Sizes XXS – XL
3 for $36
Bottom line: slim fitting, petite friendly mid-high rise with modest coverage. Not always seamless under clothing, but love the light “hold” from the compression.
A retro cut brief with a little compression in the fabric. XXS fits me perfectly without loosening up or rolling throughout the day. The cut has modest leg holes and the rise hits ~ 2″ below my belly button (not as high as Chantelle or Soma’s high rises). These also feature a reinforced flat waistband (none around the leg holes, though) and cotton lined crotch, and the fabric is a little firmer feeling than other brands reviewed here.
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5. NEIWAI Barely – Zero Mid Waist Brief
Code Jean for 15% off
One size
$15/pair, 2 pairs for $12 or 3 pairs for $10.66
Bottom line: Medium weight, mid-high rise laser cut option. “One size” fits XS-S best.
I previously shared a detailed review of NEIWAI’s Barely-Zero collection, and have a few of these to match my beloved bras. Their “mid rise” hits similar to Everlane’s “high rise.” These are intended to be one size fits all, but it seems the ideal fit is on someone XS – S (based on my friends’ input and customer reviews). These come in low or mid rise, and are perfectly fine and very comfy. I prefer the Chantelle though for the reinforced edges over these laser cut edges!
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6. Target Auden Laser Cut Hipster
Sizes XS – XL
5 for $20
Bottom line: Great budget friendly, lower rise option.
These are another major reader favorite and a great value for the price, however note they run a little big. The fabric is smooth and slinky (which feels great) but may ride down if you can’t get a small enough size. Style is a laser cut edge without reinforcement strips – similar to Neiwai except a little thinner and bigger.
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Let me know if I covered your go-to undies or if you have a personal favorite from the list above!
