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The Best High-Waisted Underwear

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Comfort dressing has become a bona fide movement that even extends to what you wear underneath your velour tracksuit. The best high-waisted underwear is comfortable in a way that low-rise styles can never touch, and they come in the same cuts you already know and love.

High-waisted underwear goes beyond comfort, however — this style can also provide a better fit under certain pairs of pants and skirts. If you’re wearing low-rise briefs with high-waisted bottoms, for example, even the most delicate underwear might show its waistband through your clothes. With high-waisted jeans and leggings dominating the landscape (and no sign that's changing any time soon, not that you’d want it to), it makes sense to have underwear that’s built to fit the styles you’re most likely rocking daily.

Fortunately, high-waisted underwear needn’t feel like granny panties (unless that’s what you’re after), and you won’t experience the dreaded VPL when you’re getting dressed every day, either. You can score comfortable cotton briefs with full coverage and a yoga-like waistband (with or without lace trim as you prefer), high-rise thongs that disappear beneath squat-proof leggings, and seamless styles that are completely invisible under clothes — no G-string required. You can even find high-waisted boyshorts these days that both slip under jeans and feel more secure beneath floaty sundresses.

The revolution is here: With these sets of high-waisted underwear in your drawers, you may never go back to your old pairs again.

1. The High-Waisted Cotton Briefs With A *Major* Cult Following

With over 60,000 ratings on Amazon, these cotton briefs have a bigger following than some micro-influencers. It’s hard to say what fans love most about this four-pack: the wide, high waistband reminiscent of yoga pants that covers the belly button or their soft and comfortable full-coverage bottoms that make wedgies a thing of the past. In a combed cotton and spandex blend, they're downy-soft, breathable, and perfectly stretchy. Little details, like the lined crotch stitched down on all four sides, reveal they're incredibly well-made for the price.

A rave review: “These are the best. [...] I love these undies !!!!!! So soft, and no binding or lines. Perfect for everything. I bought 2 packs. Thinking about another 2 to get me through the rest of my life. They are that good!”

Colors: 13 | Sizes: X-Small — 5X-Large

2. A High-Waisted Bikini Panty With Lace Trim

Not your grandma's granny panties: These pretty bikini briefs have a high cut through the legs and a full-coverage back for everyday comfort. Their high waist is built to lay flat with the option of a plain waistband or soft lace trim (featured) that elevates them above utilitarian pairs (hey, you need both) without sacrificing that easy feel. The ultra-smooth microfiber features four-way stretch to move with you, and there's a cotton lining through the crotch for a breathable finish.

A rave review: “I love everything about these panties. They felt wonderful the first time I put them on and continue to do so. I have since purchased more of these in various colors and love them all. The fit and feel is fantastic, so soft against my skin.”

Colors/Styles: 12 | Sizes: Medium — XX-Large; 6 — 9

3. A High-Waisted Thong With The Most Comfortable Fit

Leave it to Savage X Fenty to design underwear that's on-trend and comfortable. This high-waisted thong has an extreme rise and wide waistband for a body-hugging feel that will never dig in or bind; it speaks to the '90s silhouette that's still going strong. Bonded edges on the slick microfiber ensure an invisible fit underneath even the tightest leggings, and a cotton jersey crotch gusset keeps things breathable. In addition to coming in extensive sizes, they are offered in a range of colors, from everyday nudes to electric blue and cotton candy pink.

A rave review: “Sometimes you can have it all. High-waisted undees with no VPL. My new favorite underwear!!”

Colors: 11 | Sizes: X-Small — 3X

4. An Affordable 6-Pack Of Seamless High-Waisted Underwear

Preferring briefs doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to a life of VPL. This multipack of seamless underwear has it all: Each pair features a comfortable high waist and full coverage in a whisper-thin and silky synthetic blend with bonded edges for an invisible finish much like the Fenty pair above (though here you get six pairs for the price!). Although they’re made from synthetic fabrics (the better to disappear, my dear) you still get a breathable cotton crotch lining.

A rave review: “These are great undies if your priority is making sure your clothing looks smooth, with no visible panty lines.”

Colors: 14 | Sizes: Small — XX-Large

5. These High-Waisted Boyshorts

Although not explicitly marketed as a high rise, reviewers confirmed that these boyshorts hit solidly at or near the navel and were incredibly stretchy to boot (thanks to their dreamy synthetic blend). They have a seamless waistband and hem on the shorts that are built to stay flat. The only possible downside? The crotch is lined with a nylon-cotton-elastane blend rather than pure cotton like the others on the list, so it won’t have quite as much grab for liners or pads. That didn't stop repeat purchases, however, and these boast over 2,000 reviews.

A rave review: “They fit perfectly. They are so soft and well made. No weird seams in the wrong places. Stretchy but not baggy. Exactly what I was looking for!!”

Colors: 8 | Sizes: 5 — 8

Also Nice: A Bra & High-Waisted Panty Set That Looks More Expensive Than It Is

This lace bra and underwear set could easily be mistaken for boutique lingerie. (La Perla? Agent Provocateur? I won’t tell if you won’t.) The panty features an extra-high waist that laces up in the back and is made of sheer lace with a sultry scalloped edge. The bralette boasts a deep V-neck design, lacy material, adjustable straps, and hooks in the back. In other words, it’s a set you might wear far more often than you think.

A rave review: “Perfect fit! Love it, it is very beautiful and very comfortable against the skin!”

Colors: 14 | Sizes: Small — 4X-Large

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