I prefer the feel of cotton underwear over anything else in my top drawer. Not only is it way softer, but because cotton is more breathable, gynecologists say it's better for supporting your overall vaginal health.
"Artificial fabrics — or wearing daily pantiliners — block the vagina, which for some people causes increased discharge and sometimes a stronger odor," Dr. Kate White, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University and author of "Your Sexual Health," previously told Business Insider.
If you've ever known the discomfort Dr. White is describing, then it's worth investing in pairs that have a 100% cotton gusset lining. Below is our curated guide to the best underwear for women, made from the softest and healthiest underwear material: cotton.
The top 5 pairs of cotton underwear we tested:
Best overall: Hanes Ultimate High-Waisted Panties — See at Amazon
I love the convenience of this Hanes multipack, and their true-to-size fit means I know what I'm getting each time.
Best budget: Wirarpa Cotton Full Coverage Briefs — See at Amazon
The double layer of soft cotton and thick seamless banding on these briefs doesn't roll down my stomach — even on busy work days.
Best lightweight: Tommy John Cool Cotton Brief — See at Tommy John
The super lightweight and breathable briefs feel silky on the skin, thanks to the extra-long cotton fibers.
Softest: Knix Full Coverage Cotton Modal Super Leakproof Bikini — See at Amazon
My favorite part of these leak-proof undies is the multiple cotton layering that makes me feel snug in the stomach and below — without spillage.
Best organic: Kent Organic Supima Cotton Bikini — See at Kent
"This pair is so free of chemicals and synthetics that you can literally bury it in the dirt when you're done with it. It's also noticeably more breathable, which is better for vaginal health — and after feeling the difference, I won't sleep in anything else." — Samantha Crozier, style editor.
Best overall: Hanes Ultimate Breathable Hi-Cut Underwear
Hanes is a consistently reliable brand making simple, comfortable intimates across sizes, genders, and styles — making them our top source for cotton underwear.
Our top pick for the best cotton underwear are, naturally, made entirely from cotton. These full coverage undies fit securely and smoothly around the hips, without material cutting into the skin or bunching awkwardly. They're preshrunk with Hanes' Cool Comfort fabric that's both soft and moisture wicking.
Best value: Old Navy High-Waisted Logo Graphic Classic Bikini Underwear
This soft, high-waisted bikini underwear is scripted with "Old Navy Loves You" across the waistband and is available for just $5 a pair.
This bikini underwear will quickly become an everyday favorite with the cotton material that fits smoothly and has elastic banding around the waist and legs for more security. Old Navy's low prices and 'frequent sales makes this a great pair to buy in bulk.
Best lightweight: Tommy John Cool Cotton Brief
This moisture-wicking pair of stretchy briefs have a liner made with Pima cotton, which ventilates and dries better than regular cotton.
Cotton is a special textile that can be stretched, starched, and manipulated in hundreds of ways to create different textures — keep in mind that denim is technically cotton. That's why underwear with Prima cotton, like these cool cotton briefs from Tommy John, is our favorite cotton underwear for the breathability that this material offers. After putting them on, you'll quickly notice the soft material that keeps you cool while feeling luxurious against the skin with the higher-quality cotton.
Tommy John also makes some of the most comfortable thongs we've ever tested. Read more in our full Tommy John review.
Best organic: Kent Organic Supima Cotton Bikini
The Organic Supima Cotton Bikini is a soft, breathable everyday brief with a classic below-the-waist fit, made without synthetics, spandex, or plastic.
"When I first put this pair on, I was skeptical. I'm used to wearing line-free synthetic underwear that smoothly skims the body, so when I felt the thicker seams on these, I assumed they wouldn't get much wear. But I was very wrong.
They turned out to be the perfect underwear for sleeping, thanks to the breathable, lightweight cotton. When I was a health editor working on women's health stories, I heard gynecologists say again and again that cotton underwear is the best choice for vaginal health. Without going into too much detail, I've found that to be true — but I've only really noticed a difference with this pair, which is so organic that you can compost it at the end of its life.
All in all, I didn't expect to love the Kent Organic Cotton underwear as much as I do, but they've become the pair I reach for when I want something comfortable, breathable, and genuinely better for my body." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Business Insider Reviews.
Best Amazon: Wirarpa Cotton High Waisted Briefs
These briefs have and extra thick stretch band and the cotton fabric is breathable and comfortable for a full-coverage fit that moves with your body.
Various body types (from straight size to plus-size) can finally stop searching around for underwear on Amazon, because I found the best pack thanks to TikTok. This top-rated multipack includes four pairs of full brief cotton briefs. They have an extra thick stretchy waistband, and the cotton fabric is breathable and comfortable. With over 60K+ five-star reviews, we also recommend these as the best plus-size underwear.
Best briefs: La Coochie High Rise Brief
The high waist brief can double as pajama bottoms for hot sleepers. It's made with breathable organic cotton and decorated with OEKO-TEX certified mesh panels.
Briefs are all over this list, but the very best cotton briefs are from another Tik Tok suggestion, La Coochie. Designing their intimates with sustainable resources is a core part of the brand's mission. These subtly sexy cotton underwear feature mesh paneling and a lace trim for a romantic version of the granny panty. They differ from other options on the list with their thick elastic-free band. It's slightly smaller so it stays put on the hips without rolling down.
Best patterned: Duluth Trading Co. Women's Free Range Organic Cotton Briefs
These high-rise briefs have four-way stretch, smooth and secure seams, plus a double-layer cotton gusset for the ultimate protection.
Underwear doesn't have to be boring, and these cotton briefs from Duluth Trading Co. showcase a colorful array of fun themes. Our favorite patterned cotton underwear are lauded by reviewers from Reddit and TikTok, who claim the brand makes long-lasting pairs that work great for different body types. These briefs are also available in plus sizes 1X-3X.
Best French cut: Jockey Elance
These smoothing French cut briefs have high-cut leg openings for a full range of motion and ample coverage in the rear.
High-waisted: check. High-leg cut: check. Cute colors: check. Soft materials: check. Jockey Elance checks all the boxes for the best French cut undie with these bottoms made with uber-soft modal cotton and stretchy Spandex. The underwear is designed to fit that French cut look without constricting your legs or waste — no panty marks or redness here.
Best no-show: Hanro Seamless Cotton High Cut Briefs
These 100% cotton briefs are made with a wrinkle-resistant mercerized cotton. You can wear these no-show undies under leggings in lieu of a thong for a comfortably sleek silhouette.
Panty lines can ruin a sleek night-out look, so it's essential to have some no-show underwear at hand. Many seamless undies are made from nylon for a luxe invisible look, but Hanro proves that you can have that same smoothing effect with a breathable fabric. Made from lustrous cotton, these are the best no-show cotton underwear for the neutral shade variety (to fit different styles) and the seamless commando look under even a tight bodycon dress.
Find more invisible pairs in our guide to the best no-show underwear.
Most soft: Knix Full Coverage Cotton Modal Super Leakproof Bikini
Even if you're not on your period, wearing a pair of supremely soft leak-proof Knix underwear can help keep you comfortably dry on sweaty days.
Knix expands its usual stretchy, nylon underwear category with these cotton underwear that have intense softness from the added butter-like modal. I love these period underwear that have various layers of cotton, modal, and waterproof material for comfort and an easier wash. Even when I'm not on my period, I'll throw on these full-coverage cotton underwear on hot days when I'm sweaty everywhere.
Best low-waist organic: Quince Organic Cotton Bikini
These low-rise bikinis are made with organic cotton, dyed in mills free of hazardous substances. It's a relatively affordable multipack compared to other brands' offerings for organic cotton underwear.
Quince has been well-tested and reviewed by our team, so their underwear was an easy addition to our guide to the best cotton underwear. Each pair is made from Organic Context Standard-certified cotton in a Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production factory in Sri Lanka.
"I recommend Quince's underwear to anyone who shares my concern over the overwhelming amount of women's underwear that are treated with pesticides and harsh chemical dyes. I wear this soft, stretchy bikini with more peace of mind knowing it's made with organic cotton, and the low-rise waistband is perfect for wearing beneath low-rise jeans. They run small, so I'd round up if you're between sizes — especially because they shrink in the wash." — Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor
Read more in our full Quince review.
Best plus-size: Universal Standard UltimateS Full Coverage High Rise Brief
These anti-microbial cotton briefs have a thick high-rise waistband and a generously wide gusset for a flexible fit.
Plus-size and fat bodies will appreciate these full coverage briefs from one of our favorite plus-size clothing brands, Universal Standard. These are designed specifically to fit round stomachs, bottoms, and body rolls without fabric bunching. Keep in mind that Universal Standard has their own size guide system that differs from commonly used sizing.
Best high-waisted: Oddobody Organic Cotton High Waisted Brief
These four-way stretch briefs have extra coverage around the hips and tummy. They're made with a lightweight, finely-woven fabric that's super breathable. You can save 15% and earn free shipping when you subscribe from Oddobody.
High-waisted panties don't have to bunch around your bottom as traditional granny panties do, and Oddobody is re-inventing the underwear classic with these near-weightless cotton underwear. They are the best high-waisted cotton underwear for the cut and comfort of Pima cotton. When you put these on, they fit high up on the hip and the center band dips below the belly button.
Best bikini: Wacoal Understated Cotton Blend Bikini
This low-rise bikini has thin elastic seams that fit securely to lay flush against your skin without digging.
If you want full rear coverage that can still hide under low-rise jeans, you need this cotton-blend bikini from Wacoal. Designed with premium Supima cotton material and a cotton lining, you can feel secure about the health of your privates with this soft, breathable fabric blend.
Best boyshort: Hanky Panky Supima Cotton Boyshort
These lace-trimmed mid-rise boyshorts are made from a stretchy cotton-jersey knit. Its low-cut leg openings offer fuller coverage to wear beneath dresses and skirts.
Hanky Panky took everything we loved about their iconic stretchy thong to make a boyshort cut for the person who likes full coverage with sexy details. This top-rated pair is our favorite cotton boyshort for its delicate design and ultra-stretch fabric. These rest at the lower hip, with soft lace outlining the waist and legs for a feminine touch.
Best hipster: Calvin Klein Modern Logo Hipster
These hip huggers from Calvin Klein protect private areas with a full gusset and rear coverage.
Calvin Klein makes some of my favorite cotton underwear, like these hipsters with a logo that adds an extra "It Girl" factor. I love wearing this pair (also available in plus-sizes) for a classic genderless look. These hipsters sit on the lower hip without rolling down or bunching. The plus size option is offered in a different cut to accommodate larger stomachs, but still falls on the low waist for that hip-hugging feel.
Most stylish: SKIMS Cotton Jersey Cheeky Tanga
This stretchy pair of cheeky SKIMS briefs are soft and have minimal hip coverage, perfect for wearing with skirts that have high slits.
While there are endless stylish choices regularly debuting on the SKIMS site, these cotton jersey tanga briefs maintain the top spot for their durable and breathable cotton material. You'll feel like a supermodel with the cheeky bum moment and high-leg cut.
Read about another of our favorite pieces from the brand in our full SKIMS bodysuit review.
Best adaptable: Liberare The Everyday Bikini
These briefs are designed with side Velcro strap and finger loops, so they're a great choice for people with dexterity issues. You can even put them on while seated.
Liberare's underwear innovations prove that the best adaptable underwear can be both sexy and functional. The Velcro side-opening on these panties make donning and doffing easier for those who get dressed solo or with assistance. The cotton-lined cheeky briefs are made with a flexible material to accommodate different abilities and body types.
Best thong: Auden Cotton Stretch Comfort Thong
This low-rise thong has a foldover waistband so you can customize it to your look. It's made with a soft, stretchy jersey fabric and lined with 100% cotton.
You'll believe in the comfort of thongs when you try a pair of this cotton stretch underwear from the Target brand, Auden. A blend of cotton and Spandex creates a flexible fit to stretch across different-sized stomachs, bottoms, and hips. This will quickly become your favorite cotton thong to wear with outfits that require seamless minimal coverage, or whenever you want to feel comfortable and sexy at the same time.
You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@jkmperu.com.
