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Woman & Home
Lifestyle
Anna Woodham

The best cotton underwear for women to shop in 2023

three women in some of the best cotton underwear for women

The best cotton underwear for women is a solid lingerie basic to get into your closet stat. Ideal for everyday wear, cotton under is comfortable, breathable and crafted with a great amount of stretch, so it's unrestrictive, making it an excellent choice for all occasions.

When it comes to comfortable panties, nothing beats the best cotton underwear for women. While Bridget Jones high waisted bloomers might spring to mind, cotton underwear in 2023 comes in all shapes and sizes. From thongs to prettied up period pants and everything in between, the best underwear for women certainly puts comfort front and center.

If you’ve ever wondered why cotton is the best fabric to choose for underwear, then Steven Moomjian, head of design at Jockey explains, “The benefit of cotton underwear is that it is a natural fiber that is soft, breathable, and for generations, has been considered easy, clean, and comfortable. Cotton is an American classic”.

Ideal for what to wear in the heat, the best cotton underwear for women is breathable, making it ideal for adding to your spring capsule wardrobe, or for bolstering your best lingerie collection for the months ahead.

15 best cotton underwear for women to shop now, including briefs, thongs, and seamless styles

While cotton is undoubtable some of the best underwear you can buy, thanks to its breathability, it isn't all plain sailing. Cotton underwear needs specific care instructions to avoid shrinkage, so make sure it is washed at lower temperatures and not tumble dried, to increase its lifecycle and durability. Some may find that while not as breathable, synthetic fiber underwear simply lasts longer and is easier to care for, although we think its breathable properties, that will help keep you cool are worth the extra work.

If you’re still undecided, check out our edit of the best cotton underwear for women including briefs, thongs and seamless styles to shop right now.

1. Best cotton briefs

The best cotton underwear in a briefs silhouette is  a great option for everyday. Briefs come in several cuts - hipster, bikini, high waisted or boyfriend, and the style you choose will depend on what you feel most supported in and what will work with your given outfit of the day. A basic cotton panty is ideal under jeans or dresses, and the higher the waist, as with high waisted jeans, the more support your panties will offer across your midriff, delivering a smooth silhouette under outfits, similar to that of the best shapewear - but less constricting. Similarly hipsters, or low cut briefs will tap into the '90s fashion trends for low slung waists, but will not offer any smoothing or supporting properties around midriffs. 


2. Best cotton thongs

Cotton thongs are breathable and gentle on the skin so offer the best level of hygiene and comfort. When paired with microfibers that wick-away fabric, it can also help to take moisture away from the skin and keep you cool. 

For the most cooling effect, look for styles with a 100% cotton gusset. Thongs are great for wearing under close fitting clothing where a panty line would show, particularly if you opt for seam-free style. 


3. Best organic cotton underwear

Focused on sustainability, organic cotton is becoming increasingly popular amongst brands large and small, as we do our best to contribute to a more eco-conscious shopping society. Look to the best sustainable clothing brands and ethical lingerie specialist brands who are leading the way when it comes to innovative design for your smalls.


4. Best cotton seamless underwear

If you opt for seamless underwear, you're not only ensuring your panty lines are well hidden under your clothes, you're also guaranteeing a smoother feel. There to rid your silhouette of bunching, pinching or squeezing that you can get from seamed styles, seamless panties deliver a smoother silhouette that is undetectable under clothing, even figure-hugging ones.


5. Best cotton period underwear

Thanks to its breathability, cotton is by far the best fabric for period underwear. Teamed with clever microfiber tech, for absorbent and wicking properties to keep you cool and dry. While this used to be a relatively niche market, as shoppers look for more sustainable period product, this sector of the underwear market has grown astronomically, with both specialist brands and straight-to-market retailers offering period lingerie. Look for the styles that will support you during your period best and many brands offer different levels of absorbency too.


Is cotton the best underwear for women?

Cotton under is certainly up there as the best for women. As a breathable fabric, cotton encourages a more temperature regulated environment that will reduce the chance of itching and uncomfortableness caused by heat and moisture. While the best cotton underwear for women needs to be cared for in a particular way to ensure its longevity, it's a small price to pay compared to the benefits. 

Synthetic fabrics do not offer the same level of breathability and can make you more hot and sweaty. If you have invested recently, or need to shop for the best pajamas for night sweats, then you'll definitely want to add cotton underwear to your shopping basket too. 

While a higher cotton count is best, particularly a cotton gusset, if there is a low percentage of synthetic fibers mixed in to help with shape and construction, you will still get some of the breathability benefits from cotton. 

Does 100% cotton underwear exist?

Absolutley! 100% cotton underwear does exist and is readily available at all price points. Brands such as Oddobody and Jockey do 100% organic cotton underwear. Oddobody have a mission to reduce the 300 million people around the world who suffer from vaginal infections each year, by encouraging the use of cotton underwear, as many don't realize the need and importance of breathable panties.

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