Different types of underwear for women: The ultimate guide

Underwear comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes and cuts. And it’s a good thing because so do we, ladies! It’s also worth noting that women’s underwear and panties say a lot about each of our unique personalities. Any woman knows that the right panties on a bad day can boost our spirits and make us feel more confident.

However, we need more than one style to fit our wardrobe and multi-faceted lifestyles. You wouldn’t necessarily wear the same underwear to the gym as you would on a date, would you? Sometimes you need flexibility and comfort, while other times, you might just need some support and discretion.

But how do you know what type of underwear to slip on and when to wear them? From thongs to high-rises and boyshorts, here are six types of underwear to keep in your drawer for every occasion. Leonisa will help you discover different types of underwear for women so you can find the best fit for you.

Different Types of Underwear for Women

Ready to get started? We’ve examined all the different types of underwear for women, and we’re ready to guide you through this process. Below each section, you’ll find some suggestions for outfits and wardrobe items that go best with each style. We also explain what butt shapes look best with each type of underwear, so you have a better understanding of how to make your silhouette and derriere look especially flattering.

Shaper panties are perfect for ladies who want underwear that provides the coverage they’re used to with a little extra compression. Leonisa ladies, if you want undies that shape, flatten your tummy and shape your butt, well...ta-da! Your perfect fit awaits. Shaper panties come in many styles, so no matter how much coverage you want, you can find shapewear that feels comfortable. These panties are also available in various compression levels (slimming, moderate and firm), so you can choose a style according to your exact needs. Whether you prefer high-waisted panties, mid-rise panties, shaper shorts or butt-lifters, you will find shaper panties to fit any outfit.

If you want a bit more support around your thighs, lower tummy or butt, shaper panties will give you that tiny boost of confidence you’re looking for.

Butt-lifter panties are the perfect panty to give your bottom that extra bit of oomph! These panties amplify your booty's size and shape by lifting and toning your backside for that extra firm look. We also offer butt-lifter panties with removable padding, so you can pick and choose when exactly you want that extra booty boost.

Whether you're looking for more definition or better support, butt-lifter panties are soft, breathable and very discreet. They also help prevent chafing in the groin area and are made with various compression levels to fit your size and needs.

Invisible and seamless panties are made to go completely unnoticed. If you can see them, they are not doing their job. But don't worry, these panties are like the best hide-and-seek players ever. They stay hidden. Want to wear that tight dress or those skinny jeans? Try a pair of invisible panties to make sure that everyone notices your sexy new outfit instead of your panty lines.

You can find invisible or seamless panties in various styles. Whether you prefer hiphuggers, bikini bottoms, thongs, high-waisted panties, boyshorts or classic panties, there's no reason why you should worry about people seeing your panty lines through your clothes. You can even find shaper panties that are seamless for extra support without embarrassing lines. Does it get any better than that?

Nothing is as sexy or sensual as thong underwear. But, thongs do a whole lot more than simply entice your partner. In fact, thongs have a more practical purpose.

Thongs are the perfect choice when you want to be discreet and avoid panty lines from showing. Most thongs, as well as G-strings and tangas/sambas, offer a seamless look. They offer almost zero butt coverage and a narrow strip or band along the hips.

Because they’re so excellent at hiding visible panty lines (VPLs), thongs are best suited for tighter garments like bodycons or wrap-style dresses. They also work great with fitted slacks or leggings for the yoga studio.

Despite their bad reputation of being awkward and “riding” in intimate areas, thongs are actually quite comfortable once you get used to them. However, should you decide to wear a thong, there are other important considerations to keep in mind. For instance, thongs come in a variety of styles, such as G-string thongs and tanga/samba thongs. It’s critical to find the right shape to avoid that annoying “wedgie” feeling.

Much like a bikini swimsuit, bikini underwear styles are designed with a lower rise along the hips and a higher cut along the legs. However, unlike a revealing thong, bikini underwear still offers plenty of middle coverage on your backside, too.

Since you can wear bikini underwear under many outfits, they have become many women’s go-to panty styles. A pair of bikini underwear is a nice alternative to a thong and will go perfectly with jeans, skirts and dresses.