The Best Cotton Underwear for Women, According to Editors Who’ve Tried Everything
If you ask me (or honestly, just about any woman I know), cotton underwear is the tried-and-true hero of everyday intimates. It’s breathable, often softens up with every wash, and keeps things comfortable all day long—what more could you want?
Best Cotton Underwear for Women- Chic Details: Baserange Heart Bra and Heart Bell Pants, $128
- The Vanishing Edge: Soma Cotton Blend Bikini Panty with Lace, $18
- The Perfect Cotton Thong: Oddobody T-String Thong, $26
- Second-Skin Comfort: Intimissimi Seamless Cotton Brazilian Briefs, $15
- The Vibrant Pointelle Style: Cou Cou Intimates The Thong, $26
- The Classic Boxer: Gooseberry Intimates The Homme Boxer, $60
- The Supportive Brief: Spanx Supima Cotton Hi-Leg Brief, $28
- The Everyday Style: Skims Lightweight Cotton Thong, $12
- The Must-Have Multipack: Natori Bliss Bare Cotton Thong 3-Pack, $54
- Animal-Print Trim: Hanky Panky Supima Cotton Printed Boyshort, $15
Of course, not every pair is created equal. With so many brands promising support where you need it, a silhouette that won’t lose shape, and elastic that holds up—where do you even begin to find the real standouts? And who says comfort can’t be a little sexy, too? Then there are the finer details that matter just as much—the fabric blend, the gusset’s width and length, the rise, and more.
The truth is, a lot goes into making really good cotton underwear. After years of swapping out styles and putting countless pairs to the test, I’ve finally landed on a handful of favorites from brands that get every detail right. If your drawer is still home to those faded, fraying pairs, consider this your official nudge to upgrade.
Scroll on to discover editor-favorite labels offering cotton underwear that’s breathable, comfortable, and chic.
OddobodyOddobody’s mission is rooted in health—creating 100 percent organic cotton underwear crafted “for the ways of the body.” Founders Shira Wheeler and Abigail Gerow explain that they started the brand to prove that “underwear can be functional, healthful, and sexy.” It’s been a favorite of mine for a while—my go-to is the String Bikini—and I can confidently say they hold up beautifully. No fraying, no stretched-out fabric, just comfortable, durable intimates that feel good and look good.
Designed by women for women, Soma offers flattering silhouettes in a palette of chic colors. My top pick? The Bikini Panty with Lace. If you’re looking for a style that completely disappears under clothes, this is the one to add to your drawer. The fit is spot-on—no digging, just comfort—and I was delighted to find that it’s available in a soft cotton blend. For that virtually weightless feel, this label is a must-try.
When I slip into Intimissimi underwear, I barely notice it’s there. That’s the goal, right? Underwear that feels so comfortable, you don’t give it a second thought. A favorite for luxe loungewear and intimates, the label’s cotton styles are the ones I keep coming back to. You really can’t go wrong with any of them, but if you’re new to the brand and not sure where to start, I’d recommend the Seamless Cotton Brazilian Briefs. They really do feel like a second skin.
I figured my style-savvy colleagues might have some hidden gems up their sleeves—and they certainly delivered. Our senior fashion commerce editor, Dale Arden Chong, introduced me to the brand’s Heart Bell Pants—and honestly, how charming are they? These aren’t your average cotton undies—they’ve got personality. If you’re looking for a little boost of joy, treat yourself to one of these cheeky, ultra-comfy styles.
Highly recommended by both me and Chong, Cou Cou Intimates offers the dreamiest selection of organic cotton essentials you’ll never want to take off. I recently spotlighted the brand in my pointelle top roundup, and its chic underwear collection in the same cozy knit is just as irresistible.
For pieces you’ll want to live in at home all weekend, check out Gooseberry Intimates’ Les Girls collection. The chic, high-waisted styles are crafted from thick 100 percent cotton and fit like a dream. Pair them with a coordinating top for a set that works as both loungewear and your favorite underwear.
We’ve all heard of the iconic label Spanx—but did you know its revolutionary smoothing styles are available in cotton, too? For those seeking a pop of color, the Supima Cotton Thong 3-Packs come in a range of trendy combinations, so you have something fun to wear every day of the week.
If you’ve been hearing all the buzz about Skims, you’re not alone—our editors consistently rave about its ultra-flattering, body-skimming pieces. As a fan of the brand myself, I can say its cotton jersey underwear is worth every penny. Whether you’re into high-rise, thong, brief, or tanga, there’s a cut for every preference.
I first discovered Natori shopping for new underwear at Nordstrom, and the brand has been a mainstay in my top drawer ever since. I started with its thoughtfully designed bras and quickly discovered that its cotton briefs and thongs deliver the same lightweight comfort and flawless fit.
When it comes to stylish underwear that actually lasts, Hanky Panky is a brand I trust. Most lace-trimmed pairs lose their shape after a few washes, but these stay looking new and keep their fit...even after countless spins through the laundry.
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