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The Best Cotton Underwear For Women

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the best cotton underwear for women
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I’ve wasted a lot of money in the endless search for the best cotton underwear for women. Before the internet, you really only had two options: You could grab a multi-pack off the shelf and try to determine the size and fit from the picture, or you could head to a lingerie store where you'd spend $15 on one pair that may or may not hold up in the wash. But these days, the best cotton undies come backed by near-perfect ratings on Amazon, with reviewers weighing in on fit, design, durability, and comfort levels.

Since you're here, I'm guessing you already know about the countless benefits of cotton underwear (including its benefits for vaginal health). What you may not know is how to sort through all the options to find a new go-to pair for you.

What To Look For When Shopping For Cotton Underwear

When shopping for the best cotton panties, keep in mind that 100% cotton may not be ideal. Yeah, they'll be breathable and skin-friendly, but they may also bunch up, not move well with you, and lose their shape. For that reason, consider options with at least 5% elastic — maybe more in the waistband, so the underwear won’t roll down. That said, if you're keen on finding super soft, breathable underwear made with 100% cotton, look for options that come pre-shrunk to prevent shape issues.

After that, it's all about design preference and high ratings, so check out these well-loved options for all different styles and budgets.

Shop The Best Cotton Underwear For Women

In a hurry? Here are the top picks for the best cotton underwear.

  1. The Overall Best Cotton Underwear: Amazon Essentials Cotton Stretch Bikini
  2. A 6-Pack Of Wicking Cotton Underwear: Fruit Of The Loom Fit For Me Underwear
  3. A 5-Pack Of Cotton Bikini Underwear With Lace: GNEPH Lace Cotton Panties
  4. A 5-Pack Of High-Waisted Cotton Underwear: Opiboo Soft Cotton Underwear
  5. An Iconic Pair Of Cotton Underwear: Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Panty
  6. A 5-Pack Of 100% Cotton Underwear With High-Cut Sides: Hanes Ultimate Comfort Cotton Hi-Cut Panties
  7. A 6-Pack Of Basic Cotton Thong Underwear: Amazon Essentials Cotton Stretch Thong Underwear
  8. A 4-Pack Of Seamless Cotton Underwear: Wealurre Seamless Cotton Underwear
  9. A 5-Pack Of Lacy Cotton Thong Underwear: Iris & Lilly Cotton Lace Thong
  10. A 6-Pack Of Cotton Boyshorts: Hanes Sporty Boyshort Panty
  11. A Pair Of Cotton Period Underwear: Thinx Organic Cotton Bikini Period Underwear

1

The Overall Best Cotton Underwear: Amazon Essentials Cotton Stretch Bikini

User rating: 4.6 stars, 108,000+ reviews

Material: 95% cotton, 5% elastane

Why they’re great: With well over 71,000 reviews on Amazon, these Amazon Essentials cotton bikinis have gotten a lot of positive attention from reviewers on the site, as well as from one of Bustle’s commerce editors, who reports that these bikinis are her favorite for everyday wear. “I’ve had these for years and they’re just super soft, comfortable, and fuss-free — and inexpensive, too,” she raves. It’s hard to go wrong with six pairs for around $15, and this underwear is truly made for comfort with its 95% cotton fabric, tag-free design, and extra stretch for a secure but flexible fit. Reviewers also report that they're easy to care for and skin-friendly.

A helpful review: "! I don't know why it is so hard to find cute, cotton underwear [...] but for some reason, it is. Of course, that is, until now! These look cute on, feel comfortable and don't ride up into places they shouldn't be. And you just can't beat that Amazon price!

  • Available colors: Assorted colors, assorted prints, all black, all white
  • Available sizes: X-Small to 3X-Large

2

A Fan-Favorite Set Of Cotton Underwear With Wicking Mesh: Fruit Of The Loom Fit For Me Underwear

User rating: 4.5 stars, 42,000+ reviews

Material: 91% cotton, 6% polyester, 3% spandex

Why they’re great: These low-rise briefs from Fruit Of The Loom are totally lined with 100% cotton for ultimately breathability, while the majority of each pair is made from a cotton, polyester, and spandex mesh that keeps things airy while also wicking away moisture and stretching to move with you — without bunching, chafing, or binding. Throw in a tag-free and machine-washable design, and it’s easy to see why more than 40,000 Amazon reviewers have given them an overall rating of 4.6 stars. The assortment of six pairs of underwear comes with a variety of solids, prints, or colors (and you don’t get to choose which ones), and is also available in a high cut style or made from other materials.

A helpful review: "For now on these are the ONLY panties I will buy! You feel like you are wearing nothing! There is no binding or irritation anywhere.”

  • Available colors: Assorted colors
  • Available sizes: 9 to 13

3

A 5-Pack Of Cotton Bikini Underwear With Lace: GNEPH Lace Cotton Panties

User rating: 4.5 stars, 4,000+ reveiws

Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex

Why they’re great: Usually, your go-to lounging panties wouldn't be your first choice when style is a priority, and vice versa — but these GNEPH hipster bikini panties check both boxes simultaneously. Yes, they're made from 95% soft cotton, but they also come in an assortment of pretty colors, with an actually-soft lace waistband that won’t roll down. You won’t want to miss out on this perfect combination of cute and comfy.

A helpful review: "Cotton without a binding waistband and pretty. I spent way too long looking for underwear that I liked. These are perfect.”

  • Available colors: Assorted colors, all black
  • Available sizes: Small to XX-Large

4

A 5-Pack Of High-Waisted Cotton Underwear: Opiboo Soft Cotton Underwear

User rating: 4.4 stars, 10,000+ reviews

Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex

Why they’re great: When you're dealing with cotton, more coverage usually means more body-hugging comfort, which is definitely the case with these Opiboo boyshorts. Except for the 5% spandex (which keeps them stretchy and shapely), these are all cotton. The extra wide waistband and lace-trimmed leg holes ensure they stay in place without rolling down or riding up while you go about your day. They also don't shrink or fall apart in the wash, which is a definite plus.

A helpful review: "These panties are awesome. Very comfortable. They don’t roll down, don’t ride up, don’t get in your crack, legs don’t cut into you. They stay right where they are supposed to without any pinching anywhere.”

  • Available colors: Assorted colors and styles
  • Available sizes: Small to 4X-Large

5

An Iconic Pair Of Cotton Underwear: Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Panty

User rating: 4.7 stars, 4,000+ reviews

Material: 53% cotton, 35% modal, 12% elastane

Why they’re great: If you're searching for quality, durability, and an iconic logo, look no further than Calvin Klein's modern panty. These are made using 53% cotton, 35% modal, and 12% elastic, but reviewers rave that the fabric is "soft yet breathable" and "feels like you're wearing nothing." People love the thick branded waistband because it helps the underwear stay in place and it "makes you feel just like those Instagram models with their Calvins." Pair all that with the dozens of color options, and you've got all the makings of a new favorite clothing staple.

However, the one downside to these Calvins, is that some reviewers with bigger butts have noted that these underwear have a tendency to settle into a wedgie because of their half-cheek design.

A helpful review: "This is the most comfortable underwear I think I have ever owned. The cotton is so soft, the band is so smooth. [...] I'm glad to report it fits perfectly. I will definitely be ordering several more pairs ASAP.”

  • Available colors: Assorted colors and prints
  • Available sizes: X-Small to 3X

6

A 5-Pack Of 100% Cotton Underwear: Hanes Ultimate Comfort Cotton Hi-Cut Panties

  • Also available on Hanes, $16

User rating: 4.4 stars, 4,000+ reviews

Material: 100% cotton

Why they’re great: If you love the feel of 100% cotton underwear, you'd be hard pressed to find a comfier pair than these high-cut ones from Hanes. They're made with premium pre-shrunk cotton that can handle plenty of wash cycles and they come without other irritating details like tags or pinching waistbands. Reviewers love that this is a basic pair of panties that actually fits true to size.

A helpful review: "I have looked everywhere for cotton underwear that cover my rear and don’t give you wedgies or show panty lines. Finally found them. These are perfect and still look good too.”

  • Available colors: All white, assorted colors and prints
  • Available sizes: 5 to 10

7

A 4-Pack Of Seamless Cotton Underwear: Wealurre Seamless Cotton Underwear

User rating: 4.4 stars, 7,000+ reviews

Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex

Why they’re great: When you really want a smooth look, Amazon reviewers report that this seamless cotton underwear from Wealurre gives you “ZERO panty line.” Seamless underwear is so frequently synthetic that it’s a major win to find a breathable cotton version, but these bikini-style panties really are made from 95% cotton, with some spandex for stretch. Multiple reviewers even suggest that they’re so soft and comfortable they almost feel like you aren’t wearing underwear at all.

The underwear comes in a number of different colors, in packs of four or six.

A helpful review: “These are the most comfortable panties I’ve ever worn. [...] These are incredibly soft, you cannot feel the seem, they’re sufficiently stretchy but not too much, and you can’t see them under thin clothing. I wish I found these sooner.”

  • Available colors: Assorted colors and patterns
  • Available sizes: Small to X-Large

8

A 5-Pack Of Lacy Cotton Thongs: Iris & Lilly Cotton Lace Thong

User rating: 4.6 stars, 11,000+ reviews

Material: 95% cotton, 5% elastane

Why they’re great: If you prefer to wear a thong, this five-pack of lace-trimmed cotton thongs is your holy grail. Despite their super pretty lace trim, Amazon reviewers report that the lightweight underwear actually wears super smoothly, so you won’t have any lumps or seams showing through your clothes. And with a mostly-cotton construction with just a touch of spandex, soft and stretchy is the name of the game here, making them a great choice for everyday wear.

A helpful review: “These are the best pairs of underwear that I have purchased from anywhere lately. All of the high quality stores are getting way to cheap with there quality for the price. This fit perfect and so stretchy. I love that they are cotton as well. Will be purchasing more soon.”

  • Available colors: All black, all gray, all pale pink, all white, all black/hot pink
  • Available sizes: X-Small to 3X-Large

9

A 6-Pack Of Cotton Thong Underwear: Amazon Essentials Cotton Stretch Thong Underwear

User rating: 4.5 stars, 1,000+ reviews

Material: 95% Cotton, 5% elastane

Why they’re great: Nothing else will do when you need basic, comfortable, breathable thongs... which is why these stretchy cotton thongs from Amazon Essentials are so awesome. They’re made almost entirely from cotton, with 5% elastane for a little stretch. They’re designed to sit on your hips, just below your belly button, and stay there. While the manufacturer suggests sizing up, multiple Amazon reviewers actually suggest that they run a little big, so you might want to size down instead.

A helpful review: “These are so comfortable! The best-fitting thongs for a plus size woman I have tried. They don't go halfway up your back like other ones I've tried. They are actually wide enough in the front to cover everything you want covered. Soft, comfortable cotton.”

  • Available colors: Assorted colors and patterns, all black, all white
  • Available sizes: 1X Plus to 6X Plus

10

A 6-Pack Of Cotton Boyshorts: Hanes Sporty Boyshort Panty

  • Also available on Hanes, $12

User rating: 4.1 stars, 12,000+ reviews

Material: Most colors are 100% cotton, heathers are 75% cotton and 25% polyester

Why they’re great: For a full-coverage experience that just feels right, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal than this inexpensive six-pack of Hanes boyshorts. They’re made from pre-shrunk 100% cotton, with some colors made from a cotton and polyester blend, so they’re super soft and breathable. A sporty waistband keeps them from riding up or down. And according to lots of Amazon reviewers, they’re so comfortable that they’re great to wear overnight.

A helpful review: “I was looking for a boxer-like underwear. These are exactly what i anticipated. I like that the cotton is soft and stretchy. I got these for under loose-fitting pants and they feel like they will be lineless under a tighter pair of pants as well. Very pleased with my purchase.”

  • Available colors: Assorted colors and patterns (may vary)
  • Available sizes: 5 to 9

11

A Pair Of Cotton Period Underwear: Thinx Modal Cotton Brief

  • Also available on Thinx, $26

User rating: 4.5 stars, 90 reviews

Material: 95% cotton, 5% elastane

Why they’re great: If you menstruate, prepare to be obsessed with these Thinx period panties, which can hold up to 3 regular tampon’s worth of moisture at a time. They’re made from soft modal cotton so they’re super breathable, light, and absorbent. Use them as a backup to a tampon, pad, or menstrual cup on heavy days, or buy multiple pairs to swap out and wear them as your main line of defense. There’s no wrong way to do it.

A helpful review: “I love that these look and feel like regular undies and the cotton is very comfortable. They are useful when I have periods of unexpected leakages and I especially appreciate these when traveling. I used to hesitate to leave the house during such times so these have really liberated me. The fit is true to size.”

  • Available colors: Fir, Canyon, Slate, Black
  • Available sizes: X-Small to 4X

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