The 10 Best Underwear Brands, and Exactly What They're Good For

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters
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Maybe you didn't know about all of the underwear brands that could replace your Fruit of the Loom bikini briefs, and hey, that's OK. But the fact is there are plenty of labels that will help you achieve maximum style and comfort all at once. A lot of them you might be familiar with (Victoria's Secret, Hanky Panky, and the like), but some of these lingerie lines will be brand new to you.

For that reason, we broke down the basics and matched a particular underwear brand to every type of style. You'll also find information about the variety of panties these companies offer so you can decide what will best fit your personal shape and size. Read on for the handy guide, or jump ahead to the taste level that best describes you.

01
If You're Sporty: Jockey

If You're Sporty: Jockey

The brand has a wide range of microfiber and mesh materials for girls on the go, and the fit is seamless. With Jockey’s new, exclusive collection for Urban Outfitters, you can shop the brand in the trendiest colorways, too. If your legs are more toned and you like to keep things in tight, this is the brand for you.

We love the Jockey For Urban Outfitters Y-Front Hipster ($15) in this pale-yellow shade with piping.

Jockey Sporties Mesh Hipster

Jockey Sporties Mesh Hipster

For a sportier look, shop the Jockey Sporties Mesh Hipster ($6, originally $10).

02
If You're Feminine: Hanky Panky

If You're Feminine: Hanky Panky

Almost every pair of Hanky Panky underwear is finished with a delicate strip of lace, from the high-waisted briefs to the unbelievably comfortable thongs. The low-rise, one-size-fits-all option is a favorite of ours, but the brand offers so many colorways and silhouettes that shopping becomes a dream.

Into gingham? This Hanky Panky Printed Original-Rise Lace Thong ($25) has your name written all over it.

Hanky Panky Low-Rise Print Thong

Hanky Panky Low-Rise Print Thong

The classic cut comes in a multitude of prints and patterns, refreshed every season. Shop florals with the Hanky Panky Women's Low-Rise Print Thong ($18, originally $25).

Hanky Panky French Briefs

Hanky Panky French Briefs

The Hanky Panky Women's Mesh French Briefs ($22, originally $32) are a touch more sophisticated.

03
If You're Sophisticated and Classic: Calvin Klein

If You're Sophisticated and Classic: Calvin Klein

Sure, Calvin Klein is well-known for popularizing the iconic logo briefs it seems like the fashion world lives in. But beyond that style are plenty of strappy thongs and nude invisible hipster briefs that you could work under office-wear for a seamless, no-show fit. If you like a panty that hugs and highlights every curve, CK is for you.

Jazz up your classic black underwear with the floral motif on these CK Black Tempt Embroidered Stretch-Tulle and Satin Briefs ($50).

Calvin Klein Invisibles Hipster

Calvin Klein Invisibles Hipster

This CK Invisibles Hipster 3-Pack ($33) will go a long way, easily styled with thinner fabrics and work-wear.

04
If You're a Boho Babe: Free People

If You're a Boho Babe: Free People

Perhaps you didn't know that the ultimate retailer for the free-spirited type offers panties. But it does . . . and they're beautiful. If you're the type of girl who's sensitive to touch and all about shopping for intricate lingerie sets, you'll love the gorgeous details on these well-crafted undies.

We love the romantic little details stitched into the Get Off My Cloud Undie by Intimately at Free People ($32).

Free People Arabella Undie

Free People Arabella Undie

You get florals in two different textures with the Free People Arabella Undie ($20).

05
If You're Romantic: For Love & Lemons

If You're Romantic: For Love & Lemons

For Love & Lemons is the type of brand you shop when you want to make a statement in your lingerie. Whether it's to spend a hot night with your SO or just to lounge around by yourself, you'd wear these to make yourself feel (and look!) really good. If you don’t mind a design that's super strappy or a G-string with embellishments, any of the picks are fair game.

The For Love & Lemons Zodiac Strappy Thong ($108) features tiny little stars in dusty rose.

For Love & Lemons Azalea Panty

For Love & Lemons Azalea Panty

If you love the classic black and pink combination, the For Love & Lemons Azalea Embroidery Panty ($178) is for you.

06
If You're Flirty: Out From Under

If You're Flirty: Out From Under

The Urban Outfitters brand offers a bunch of splashy prints that are bright enough to be swimsuit bottoms. If you're the type of gal to roll up a white tee and lounge around in your underpants, you can make a statement with some of these quirky picks, many of which offer full coverage if you're not crazy about the cheeky look.

Complete an eye-catching set with the Out From Under Veronica High-Waisted Undie ($20).

07
If You're Sultry and Sexy: Victoria's Secret

If You're Sultry and Sexy: Victoria's Secret

Who could ignore a classic like Victoria's Secret? There's really no limit to what you'll find on the cult-favorite retailer site (or in the store). But whether you prefer boyshorts or high-rise cheeky panties with lace panels, there will always be an undeniably sexy element about these designs. Victoria's Secret is a brand for gals who want to flaunt their bums in unexpected styles and bright shades. The Lacie Lace Bikini Panty ($11) is completely sheer and offered in plenty of shades.

Victoria's Secret Dream Angels High-Waist Thong

Victoria's Secret Dream Angels High-Waist Thong

You'll love the deep lavender color of the Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Crochet Lace High-Waist Thong Panty ($28).

Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Cheeky Panty

Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Cheeky Panty

Criss-cross straps are the surprising detail on the Very Sexy Lace Cutout Cheeky Panty ($17).

08
If You're Minimal and Understated: DKNY

If You're Minimal and Understated: DKNY

You'll find that DKNY offers just what you need, whether it be a classic cotton bikini or something with a mesh trim in a neutral colorway. We'd recommend trying one pair on for size, and if you find that DKNY intimates fit you snugly (most people do!), then you should stock up on the basics.

The DKNY Classic Cotton Lace-Trim Bikini ($12) will mesh right in with your underwear drawer.

DKNY Classic Smoothing Brief

DKNY Classic Smoothing Brief

The DKNY Classic Cotton Smoothing Brief ($32) comes in a neutral shade and a structured, high-rise fit.

DKNY Energy Seamless Brief

DKNY Energy Seamless Brief

We love the green-khaki color of this DKNY Energy Seamless Brief ($12).

09
If You're Statement-Making: Cosabella

If You're Statement-Making: Cosabella

If you find that one day you want to wear a classic thong and the next day the brightest pair of lacy-paneled panties you can find, you should shop Cosabella on the regular. The brand has a fabric, cut, and print for every type of girl, allowing women to be most inventive with their lingerie. If you're not someone who's only comfortable in one particular silhouette, get in on some of the trendiest designs on the market.

Swirls, cutouts, and a high waist make up the Cosabella Amelie High-Rise Brief ($55).

Cosabella Italia Hotpants

Cosabella Italia Hotpants

We love the romantic appeal of the navy Cosabella Italia Low-Rise Lace Hotpants ($36).

Cosabella Italia Hotpants

Cosabella Italia Hotpants

Go for dark red and black with the Cosabella Italia Seamless Lace Hotpants ($15, originally $36).

10
If You're Daring and Flashy: Agent Provocateur

If You're Daring and Flashy: Agent Provocateur

We could only describe some of the boldest Agent Provocateur panties as costume-like. While you can get your fill of simple G-strings and thongs from the retailer, you'll rarely come across a style without a cutout, embellishment, or optional suspender to complete the set. It's absolutely safe to say that when you're wearing Agent Provocateur, you're set to put on a show at a moment's notice.

The dazzling paillette sequins on the Agent Provocateur Reno Embellished Silk-Blend Satin and Tulle Briefs ($250) help you get inventive.

Agent Provocateur Kacie Leavers Briefs

Agent Provocateur Kacie Leavers Briefs

The Agent Provocateur Kacie Leavers Briefs ($46, originally $115) come in a flashy orange color.

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