12 Fashion Tips to Help You Choose the Best Underwear for Your Body

Ah, underwear—a topic so essential, yet one we rarely chat about over coffee. But let’s be real for a second: the wrong pair can turn your whole day upside down. Ever try to tackle a big meeting while your waistband’s plotting against you? Yeah, not fun. So, let’s dive into this much-needed guide on how to pick the perfect undies. I promise you’ll thank me later when you’re not doing that awkward public adjustment dance.

Here are my 12 tips for choosing the best underwear, with a side of personal trial and error (mostly error).

1. Know Your Body Shape

Alright, first things first: figure out your shape. No, this isn’t one of those “everyone has a bikini body” moments (though, you do!). This is more like a tactical mission to make peace with your mirror. Are you an hourglass, pear, apple, or a new shape no one’s named yet? Whatever it is, you’ve got to embrace it. I’m somewhere between a pear and a “what-happened-to-my-waistline” shape, so I’ve learned the hard way that certain styles just don't cut it. High-waisted briefs? Yes, please. Thong underwear? I’m already running for the door.

2. Comfort Is Key, People

Listen, looking cute is great, but no one ever thrived in a lace thong on an 8-hour flight. You need breathable fabrics. Cotton is your BFF. It’s the reliable, never-lets-you-down friend of the underwear world.

Think of it as the sweatpants of undies—it’s just always there for you. When it comes to seamless options, I swear by them on days when I’m wearing something tight and want to avoid the dreaded panty lines. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than realizing you’ve got VPL in every wedding photo.

3. The Right Rise Can Change Everything

Remember when low-rise jeans were a thing? Yeah, I’m still recovering from that trauma. Let’s just say low-rise underwear doesn’t do my body any favors. High-rise, on the other hand, is a lifesaver, especially after a generous portion of pizza. But seriously, pay attention to your outfit. Got high-waisted pants? Go with high-waisted undies. It’s not rocket science, but I’ve definitely worn the wrong rise and spent the day yanking my underwear up like a kid playing tug-of-war.

4. Fabric Matters More Than You Think

So, what’s the deal with fabrics? Think about it like this: if you wouldn’t wear polyester socks to run a marathon, why would you wear synthetic underwear all day? Cotton, microfiber, and even some blends are great, but please save the lace for special nights out (or nights in, no judgment). You’re not trying to start a fire down there with all that friction.

5. Seamless Is a Game-Changer

If you haven’t jumped on the seamless underwear bandwagon yet, where have you been? It’s like going commando but better—no visible lines, no awkward seams. Perfect for tight dresses or even leggings. Speaking of which, can we talk about leggings for a second? The wrong pair of underwear can really mess up a perfectly good yoga session.

6. Match Your Underwear to Your Outfit

I’m guilty of not thinking this through sometimes, like wearing boy shorts under skinny jeans and wondering why I feel like I’m walking in a wetsuit. Lesson learned: match your underwear to your outfit. For dresses or anything form-fitting, a thong or seamless is your best bet. If you’re just lounging around in sweats, go crazy—full coverage briefs, boy shorts, whatever you’re feeling.

7. Invest in the Good Stuff

I get it, we’ve all grabbed the 5-for-$20 deal and then wondered why they fell apart after two washes. Quality over quantity is the mantra here. Sure, I still have some bargain pairs for laundry day, but for everyday wear? I’m willing to splurge. A solid pair of black or nude undies is worth the investment.

8. Size Matters (and It’s Time We Accepted That)

Stop buying underwear that’s too small in the hopes it’ll “snatch” you in. It won’t. It’ll just make you miserable. Trust me, I’ve been there, and let’s just say no one wants to see those weird, bulging lines under your leggings. Regularly measure yourself—yep, underwear sizing can change, just like everything else (thank you, pandemic snacks).

9. Try Different Cuts

You never know what you might like until you try it—this goes for underwear too. Maybe you’re a thong lover, or maybe you’ve never given boy shorts a shot. I used to be a briefs-only gal, but after one particularly muggy summer, I tried a few different styles. Now I’ve got an entire drawer dedicated to my experimental phase. It’s a whole thing.

10. High-Waisted for Tummy Control

When I discovered high-waisted underwear that doubles as tummy control, my life changed. Seriously. It’s like someone combined Spanx and comfort. And while I don’t wear these daily (because let's be honest, sometimes I just want to breathe), they’re perfect when I need a little extra support under a bodycon dress or post-holiday meals.

11. Shapewear Can Be a Lifesaver

Speaking of support, shapewear is great when you’re in need of a little magic. Let’s say you’ve got a wedding or fancy dinner, and that dress is tighter than you remembered—shapewear to the rescue. But please, for the love of everything comfy, make sure it’s not so tight that you’re gasping for air by dessert.

12. Occasion Matters, People

Look, there’s a time and place for everything. For an average Tuesday? Give me my cotton granny panties, and I’m set. But for a date night or special event? I’ll reach for the lace (briefs, though—always briefs). It’s all about balance. You don’t need to suffer for fashion unless you really want to.

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, underwear is personal. It’s literally the first thing you put on in the morning, so why not make it a little more enjoyable? With these tips (and some laughs along the way), you’ll be armed and ready to tackle your underwear drawer. No more uncomfortable wedgies or fashion faux pas—just pure, unadulterated comfort. Now go forth and conquer, one well-fitting pair at a time.