When we think about women’s underwear, the image that comes to mind is probably one of those sexy advertisements portrayed in magazines or in high-street shop windows with beautiful and sculpture-like models. However, it can also mean that pair of comfortable cotton bras that feel just right under our work clothes or that high-waisted panty that lifts the butt without clinging too tight. Women’s underwear come in a plethora of shapes, colours and fabrics, from the basic to the elaborate.
While most women’s underwear are designed with support or visibility in mind, there are other functions too – from keeping the intimate area clean to protecting against yeast infections and even managing hot flashes. And it is for these reasons that underwear comes in a variety of fabrics and styles, from everyday cotton to more high-tech moisture-wicking period underwear designed for women on their periods or suffering from bladder issues.
For a high level of comfort, some women prefer undergarments that have no seams in the crotch area. These underwear are known as panties, and they can be made of cotton or from stretchy synthetic fabrics that are typically more see-through. They also allow the skin to breathe, which reduces chafing and irritation, says Montinique Dever, founder of Riot Swim and mother of two young girls.
Another option are control briefs, which offer firmer support to the tummy and boost buttocks without compressing them too much. These underwear are often made from stretchy material like spandex and may be more form-fitting in the waist or have a front panel to flatten tummy bulges. women’s bamboo underwear