Here's our guide to the best cotton underwear, including pairs we've tested for comfort. Our favorite briefs come from Tommy John, Knix, and Hanes.
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The best cotton underwear is a tried-and-true undergarment staple that you definitely should have a pair of in your dresser — and if you don't, you've come to the right place. After all, one of the most common pieces of advice on maintaining vaginal hygiene is to wear cotton underwear.
"Artificial fabrics — or wearing daily pantiliners — block the vagina, which for some people causes increased discharge and sometimes a stronger odor," Dr. Kate White, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University and author of "Your Sexual Health," previously told Business Insider.
If you've ever known the discomfort Dr. White is describing, it's in your best interest to invest in pairs that at least have a 100% cotton gusset lining. Below is our curated guide to the best underwear for women, made from the softest and healthiest underwear material: cotton.
Best overall: Hanes Ultimate Breathable Hi-Cut Underwear
Our top pick for the best cotton underwear are naturally made entirely from cotton. These full coverage undies fit securely and smoothly around the hips, without material cutting into the skin or bunching awkwardly. They're preshrunk with Hanes' Cool Comfort fabric that's both soft and moisture wicking.
Best value: Old Navy High-Waisted Logo Graphic Classic Bikini Underwear
This bikini underwear will quickly become an everyday favorite with the cotton material that fits smoothly and has elastic banding around the waist and legs for more security. Old Navy's low prices and 'round-the-clock sales makes this our favorite affordable pair.
Best Amazon: Wirarpa Cotton High Waisted Briefs
Various body types (from straight size to plus-size) can finally stop searching around for underwear on Amazon, because I found the best pack thanks to TikTok. This top-rated multipack includes four pairs of full brief cotton briefs. They have an extra thick stretchy waistband, and the cotton fabric is breathable and comfortable. With over 60K+ five-star reviews, we also recommend these as the best plus size underwear.
Best briefs: La Coochie High Rise Brief
Briefs are all over this list, but the very best cotton briefs are from another Tik Tok suggestion, La Coochie. Designing their intimates with sustainable resources is a core part of the brand's mission. These subtly sexy cotton underwear feature mesh paneling and a lace trim for a romantic version of the granny panty. They differ from other options on the list with their thick elastic-free band. It's slightly smaller so it stays put on the hips without rolling down.
Best no-show: Hanro Seamless Cotton High Cut Briefs
Panty lines can ruin a sleek night-out look, so it's essential to have some no-show underwear at hand. Many seamless undies are made from nylon for a luxe invisible look, but Hanro proves that you can have that same smoothing effect with a breathable fabric. Made from lustrous cotton, these are the best no-show cotton underwear for the neutral shade variety (to fit different styles) and the seamless commando look under even a tight bodycon dress.
Most soft: Knix Full Coverage Cotton Modal Super Leakproof Bikini
Knix expands its usual stretchy, nylon underwear category with these cotton underwear that have intense softness from the added butter-like modal. I love these period underwear that have various layers of cotton, modal, and waterproof material for comfort and an easier wash. Even when I'm not on my period, I'll throw on these full-coverage cotton underwear on hot days when I'm sweaty everywhere.
Most breathable: Tommy John Cool Cotton Brief
Cotton is a special textile that can be stretched, starched, and manipulated in hundreds of ways to create different textures — keep in mind that denim is technically cotton. That's why underwear with Prima cotton, like these cool cotton briefs from Tommy John, is our favorite cotton underwear for the breathability that this material offers. After putting them on, you'll quickly notice the soft material that keeps you cool while feeling luxurious against the skin with the higher-quality cotton.
Read more in our full Tommy John review.
Best organic: Quince Organic Cotton Bikini
Quince has been well-tested and reviewed by our team, so their underwear an easy addition to our guide to the best cotton underwear. Each pair is made from Organic Context Standard-certified cotton in a Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production factory in Sri Lanka.
"I recommend Quince's underwear to anyone who shares my concern over the overwhelming amount of women's underwear that are treated with pesticides and harsh chemical dyes. I wear this soft, stretchy bikini with more peace of mind knowing it's made with organic cotton, and the low-rise waistband is perfect for wearing beneath low-rise jeans." — Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor
Read more in our full Quince review.
Best luxury: Wolford Cotton Contour Seamless Hipster Briefs
From the brand known for their chic patterned tights and hosiery comes these splurge-worthy hipster briefs that'll make you feel like one of Truman Capote's Swans. Designed to hip your hips with a seamless look, these briefs contour to your body for the perfect base for your outfit for the day. These briefs offer full coverage in the back with a low-rise fit in the front with extra stretch around the waistband and leg openings for more flexibility.
Best plus size: Universal Standard UltimateS Full Coverage High Rise Brief
Plus-size and fat bodies will appreciate these full coverage briefs from one of our favorite plus size clothing brands, Universal Standard. These are designed specifically to fit round stomachs, bottoms, and body rolls without fabric bunching. Keep in mind that Universal Standard has their own size guide system that differs from commonly used sizing.
Best high-waisted: Oddobody Organic Cotton High Waisted Brief
High-waisted panties don't have to bunch around your bottom as traditional granny panties do, and Oddobody is re-inventing the underwear classic with these near-weightless cotton underwear. They are the best high-waisted cotton underwear for the cut and comfort of Pima cotton. When you put these on, they fit high up on the hip and the center band dips below the belly button.
Best thong: Auden Cotton Stretch Comfort Thong
You'll believe in the comfort of thongs when you try a pair of this cotton stretch underwear from the Target brand, Auden. A blend of cotton and Spandex creates a flexible fit to stretch across different-sized stomachs, bottoms, and hips. This will quickly become your favorite cotton thong to wear with outfits that require seamless minimal coverage, or whenever you want to feel comfortable and sexy at the same time.
Best bikini: Wacoal Understated Cotton Blend Bikini
If you want full rear coverage that can still hide under low-rise jeans, you need this cotton-blend bikini from Wacoal. Designed with premium Supima cotton material and a cotton lining, you can feel secure about the health of your privates with this soft, breathable fabric blend.
Best boyshort: Hanky Panky Supima Cotton Boyshort
Hanky Panky took everything we loved about their iconic stretchy thong to make a boyshort cut for the person who likes full coverage with sexy details. This top-rated pair is our favorite cotton boyshort for its delicate design and ultra-stretch fabric. These rest at the lower hip, with soft lace outlining the waist and legs for a feminine touch.
Best hipster: Calvin Klein Modern Logo Hipster
Calvin Klein makes some of my favorite cotton underwear, like these hipsters with a logo that adds an extra "It Girl" factor. I love wearing this pair (also available in plus-sizes) for a classic genderless look. These hipsters sit on the lower hip without rolling down or bunching. The plus size option is offered in a different cut to accommodate larger stomachs, but still falls on the low waist for that hip-hugging feel.
Best patterned: Duluth Trading Co. Women's Free Range Organic Cotton Briefs
Underwear doesn't have to be boring, and these cotton briefs from Duluth Trading Co. showcase a colorful array of fun themes. Our favorite patterned cotton underwear are lauded by reviewers from Reddit and TikTok, who claim the brand makes long-lasting pairs that work great for different body types. These briefs are also available in plus sizes 1X-3X.
Best stylish: SKIMS Cotton Jersey Cheeky Tanga
While there are endless stylish choices regularly debuting on the SKIMS site, these cotton jersey tanga briefs maintain the top spot for their durable and breathable cotton material. You'll feel like a supermodel with the cheeky bum moment and high-leg cut.
Read about another of our favorite pieces from the brand in our full SKIMS bodysuit review.
Best cheeky: Aerie Superchill No Show Cotton Cheeky Underwear
Once these cheeky undies become part of your everyday outfit, they'll quickly become your favorite cotton underwear for a seamless look that won't get stuck in body crevices. The design still offers ample coverage for the perfect midway option between a thong and bikini. You can save up to 50% when you order these figure-flattering Aerie undies in a bundle.
Best French cut: Jockey Elance French Cut
High-waisted: check. High-leg cut: check. Cute colors: check. Soft materials: check. Jockey Elance checks all the boxes for the best French cut undie with these bottoms made with uber-soft modal cotton and stretchy Spandex. The underwear is designed to fit that French cut look without constricting your legs or waste — no panty marks or redness here.
Best adaptable: Liberare The Cheeky Tanga
Liberare's underwear innovations prove that the best adaptable underwear can be both sexy and functional. The Velcro side-opening on these panties make donning and doffing easier for those who get dressed solo or with assistance. The cotton-lined cheeky briefs are made with a flexible material to accommodate different abilities and body types.
