When you think about building the perfect outfit, most of us jump to the clothes, shoes, and accessories. But our intimates experts are here to make the case that what’s underneath is just as important. The best underwear for leggings might not be the same as the right pair for a pencil skirt, and your go-to style for jeans may not work under a silk dress. The wrong underwear can leave you with discomfort, panty lines, or a constant need to adjust throughout the day.
That’s why knowing the right underwear for every occasion is a game-changer. From seamless panties that disappear under leggings to breathable cotton briefs for relaxed days, this guide, put together by Felina’s experts, will help you create a truly versatile underwear drawer that works with your busy lifestyle.
What Panties Should I Be Wearing?
Choosing the best underwear starts with understanding different cuts, fabrics, and features. Each style has its strengths, and when you know how to pair them with your outfits, you can feel confident and comfortable every time you leave the house.
Below, we’ll walk you through the best underwear for leggings:
- Seamless Boyshorts: perfect for everyday comfort
Seamless boyshorts are the quiet achievers of the seamless underwear world. With their no-lines construction, they hug your curves without digging in, making them ideal for avoiding underwear lines under leggings or slim-fitting jeans. Their longer leg coverage also helps prevent chafing.
Fabric Tip: When finding the best underwear for leggings, look for a smooth microfiber or modal blend. Cotton versions are great for breathability, but microfiber is more likely to stay invisible under tight fabrics.
Why we love them: All-day wearability and no visible panty line surprises
- Bikinis: versatile and flattering
Bikinis strike a balance between coverage and sexiness. They’re cut high enough at the leg for a flattering look but still offer enough back coverage for everyday wear. Choose a seamless bikini in a laser-cut style for fitted outfits.
Style Tip: Bikinis in neutral shades like nude, beige, or soft pink will blend best under light-colored clothing.
Why we love them: Flattering fit that works in almost any situation
- Thongs: minimizing panty lines
For many, thongs are the best underwear for leggings because they virtually erase any trace of an underwear line. They’re also great for silk dresses, pencil skirts, and gym wear.
Comfort Tip: If you find thongs uncomfortable, try a seamless or wide-band style made from soft stretch fabrics; they feel less restrictive and stay in place better.
Why we love them: Maximum discretion with minimal fabric
- High-Waisted Thongs: Elegance with no show
High-waisted thongs offer light tummy smoothing with the invisibility of a thong. They’re a great choice under high-rise leggings, jumpsuits, or skirts when you want that sculpted look without bulk.
Fit Tip: Choose a pair with bonded seams instead of stitched seams to keep them truly invisible.
Why we love them: Streamlined waistline and no visible panty line
- Breathable Cotton Briefs: Best for casual wear
Some days are all about comfort, and nothing beats cotton briefs for breathability and softness. These are ideal for sleeping, lounging, or running errands. While they may show panty lines under tight clothing, they’re unbeatable for comfort on easy-going days.
Health Tip: Cotton is naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, making it a great choice for sensitive skin or warmer weather.
Why we love them: Skin-friendly and timeless comfort
- No-Show Underwear: Invisible under tight leggings
If avoiding underwear lines is your top priority, no-show underwear is your best friend. These panties are often laser-cut, with no elastic binding, so they lie flat against your skin.
Style Tip: Match your skin tone for the ultimate invisible effect, especially under white or light-colored leggings.
Why we love them: They completely disappear under clothing
- High-Rise Briefs: Comfort and Coverage
High-rise briefs smooth and support your midsection while offering full coverage in the back. In seamless styles, they work beautifully under your high-waisted leggings.
Fabric Tip: For high-waisted leggings, choose high-rise briefs in smooth, stretchy microfiber or performance blends. These fabrics glide under activewear without clinging, wick away moisture, and keep their shape through all-day wear, whether you’re at the gym, running errands, or out with friends.
Why we love them: Flattering coverage and subtle smoothing
- Hipsters: The middle ground between comfort and style
Hipsters sit just above the hips, offering moderate back coverage and a comfortable fit. In seamless underwear designs, they work with many different styles, from low to mid-rise leggings.
Fit Tip: If you’re prone to waistbands rolling down, opt for hipsters with a wide, flat waistband.
Why we love them: Balanced fit and versatile style
Fabric Guide: Choosing the right material
The right underwear style is only half the story; fabric plays an equally important role in how your panties look, feel, and perform under clothes. Even the best underwear style can underperform if it’s made from the wrong material for the job. Below, we break down how to choose the right material.
Fabrics determine everything from breathability and stretch to how well your underwear stays invisible under clothes. For example, seamless underwear made from microfiber is perfect for avoiding underwear lines under gym leggings, while cotton excels at keeping you cool and comfortable during long days or warm weather. Performance blends with moisture-wicking technology can help you stay fresh during workouts, while buttery-soft modal or bamboo fabrics give you an ultra-luxe feel for lounging or travel days.
Understanding these differences makes it easier to pick the right underwear for your lifestyle. Think of it like building a wardrobe; you wouldn’t wear the same top for yoga class, a dinner date, and a day at the office. Your underwear should be just as intentional.
Up next, we’ll break down the most common fabrics for seamless panties, briefs, and thongs so you can choose the best underwear for leggings.
- Cotton: Breathable, skin-friendly, best for casual wear and sensitive skin
- Microfiber: Smooth, lightweight, best for avoiding panty lines under tight clothes
- Modal: Ultra-soft, sustainable, and drapes beautifully, great for comfort-focused underwear
- Nylon/Spandex blends: Stretchy, durable, and perfect for activewear styles
- Lace: Elegant, romantic, but can show an underwear line under certain outfits
Fit & Sizing Tips
Even the most perfect bra can’t fix the wrong underwear fit, and the same is true for panties. We’re known for our precision fit; every style is thoughtfully designed to contour, support, and flatter the body. But even the most beautifully made underwear can only deliver its best when you’re wearing the right size and style for your shape. Discovering your perfect fit means paying attention to the details: how the waistband sits, how the fabric feels against your skin, and how well the cut works under your favorite outfits.
To find your right underwear size and style, start by measuring your waist and hips accurately, trying on different rises, and moving around to test comfort and stay-in-place performance. Remember, underwear should feel secure without digging in or riding up.
Here are our steps to ensuring the perfect Felina fit:
- Know your measurements: Waist and hip measurements are essential for finding the right size.
- Test movement: Squat, bend, and sit; your underwear should stay in place.
- Mind the rise: Remember that high-rise, mid-rise, and low-rise styles will fit differently under various outfits, so take that into consideration.
- When in doubt, explore our in-depth Size Guide to find your perfect Felina fit and shop with confidence knowing you’ve chosen the right size for you.
What are the Pros and Cons of Going Commando?
Skipping underwear, also known as going commando, is a personal choice that can feel liberating for some and uncomfortable for others. For certain outfits, especially leggings or fitted dresses, it can eliminate visible panty lines altogether, offering a completely smooth look. Without extra layers, it may also feel cooler and more breathable in warm weather.
However, there are potential downsides. Without a layer of fabric to act as a barrier, your clothing will absorb more moisture and bacteria, which can lead to hygiene concerns, particularly during workouts or on hot days. You may also experience more friction or chafing from certain fabrics, especially activewear with rough seams.
Ultimately, it’s about comfort, personal preference, and knowing when it’s practical. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks will help you decide if going commando works for your lifestyle, or if seamless underwear might be a better choice for achieving the same smooth finish.
Here are some things to take into consideration:
Comfort Considerations
Going without underwear can feel liberating, especially under leggings or flowy skirts. Without fabric layers, you’ll never have to worry about panty lines. However, it can also lead to chafing with certain fabrics.
Hygiene Implications
Underwear creates a barrier between your body and clothing, helping to absorb moisture and keep your clothes fresher for longer. Without underwear, there’s no fabric layer to absorb sweat or act as a protective barrier, which can lead to odors or increased bacteria transfer to clothing. For workouts or hot days, this can also mean more frequent washing of leggings or pants, and potential irritation from trapped moisture.
FAQs
What is the best underwear for leggings to avoid panty lines?
The best underwear for leggings is typically a no-show underwear style or a seamless thong. These use smooth fabrics and laser-cut edges to disappear under even the tightest leggings, giving you a flawless look. For added comfort during workouts, look for moisture-wicking performance blends that keep you cool and dry.
How do I stop underwear lines showing under tight clothes?
To prevent an underwear line, choose a seamless panty with bonded edges and avoid thicker fabrics that can create visible ridges. Matching your skin tone can also make lines less noticeable. Opting for the correct size is just as important; too-tight panties can dig in and create lines, while too-loose styles may shift and bunch.
Can I wear lace underwear under leggings?
You can, but lace tends to have raised textures that often show through clingy fabrics like leggings. If you want the romantic look of lace without a visible panty line, consider lace-trimmed seamless underwear, which offers both style and invisibility. This gives you the feminine detail you love while keeping your leggings looking smooth.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best underwear for leggings and every other outfit, comes down to matching the style and fabric to your clothing and comfort needs. By stocking your drawer with a mix of seamless boyshorts, thongs, no-show underwear, and breathable cotton styles, you’ll always have the right underwear ready to go.
Ready to refresh your underwear drawer? Explore Felina’s collection of seamless panties, soft cotton briefs, and no-show styles designed to make every leggings outfit look and feel better.