9 Best Cotton Underwear For Women That Are Comfy & Gentle On Skin

Choose cotton undies to keep your intimate area fresh, hygienic, and irritation-free all day!

Reviewed by Carly Morrison, Designer Carly Morrison Carly MorrisonDesigner insta_icon
Written by Baishali Bhattacharya, MA (English) Baishali Bhattacharya MA (English) linkedin_icon
Edited by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijani Roy Chowdhury MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Srijita De, MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijita De MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Last Updated on

Cotton is the safest fabric for underwear, according to gynecologists. Although that looks like the perfect reason to shop for some of the best cotton underwear for women, let’s first explore why it’s considered safe.

It reduces the formation of yeast and bacteria in your intimate area by keeping it dry. Cotton undies are also skin-friendly and non-irritating. In case you’re not sure about which ones to choose, read on to find options with our curated list of the finest and bestselling cotton underwear for women.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Overall:Fruit Of The Loom Cotton BriefsPrice on Amazon
Best Comfortable Fit:Hanes Cotton Bikini Underwear Price on Amazon
Best Breathable:Fruit Of The Loom Cotton Hipster Panties Price on Amazon
Best Soft Fabric:Jockey Elance French Cut PantiesPrice on Amazon
Best No Compression: wirarpa High-Waisted Cotton UnderwearPrice on Amazon
Best Coverage:INNERSY Underwear Cotton Hipster PantiesPrice on Amazon
Best Moisture-Wicking:Just My Size High BriefPrice on Amazon
Best Stretchable:FINETOO 10 Pack Womens Cotton UnderwearPrice on Amazon
Best Affordable:Vanity Fair Perfectly Yours Traditional Cotton PantyPrice on Amazon

9 Best Cotton Underwear For Women

1. Best Overall:Fruit Of The Loom Cotton Briefs

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Fruit Of The Loom Cotton Briefs Image: Fruit Of The Loom

These bestselling panties from Fruit Of The Loom come with smooth and comfortable flexible waistbands and 100% cotton lining that give you a friction-free experience. They wick away excess moisture and keep you dry and comfortable. The design features a traditional rise that gives you full coverage. The panties are woven with fine yarn that feels super soft and comfortable on your skin. They are available in assorted colors, prints, and solids.

Product Dimensions: 13 x 8 x 1 inches | Weight: 14.4 Ounces.

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Pros
  • Smooth material
  • No pinching
  • Full coverage
  • Machine washable

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Cons
  • Not durable
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

Almost 84,819 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.

2. Best Comfortable Fit:Hanes Cotton Bikini Underwear 

If you are looking for cute and comfy underwear, this set by Hanes is the perfect choice for you! These bestselling panties feature soft stretch waistbands for a comfortable fit. The covered elastic openings do not dig in or irritate your skin. The heathers are made with a blend of 75% cotton and 25% polyester that fits snugly while remaining breathable. This set features panties in cute floral and geometrical prints.

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Pros
  • Wide range of colors
  • Comfortable fit
  • Soft
  • Ideal for daily wear

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Cons
  • Runs small

3. Best Breathable:Fruit Of The Loom Cotton Hipster Panties 

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The 100% cotton hipster panties by Fruit Of The Loom give you full coverage. The stretchy material prevents sagging, binding, or piling and does not dig into your skin. The seam lines are smooth and non-irritating, while the low-cut stay-in-place design ensures no wedging. The panties also feature seamless edges and waistbands and a breathable double-layer crotch that is sweat-wicking and ensures chafe-free comfort, as attested by several reviews on Amazon as well.

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Pros
  • Machine washable
  • Doesn’t ride up
  • Form-fitting
  • Wedgie-free fit
  • Full coverage

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Cons

None

4. Best Soft Fabric:Jockey Elance French Cut Panties 

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The Jockey Elance French Cut Panties are made of 100% high-quality lightweight cotton for long-lasting durability and softness. They have a high waist design that hugs your figure and covers muffin tops. The panties fit comfortably, are seamless, and come in a wide range of prints and solid colors. You can always put your faith in a pair of trusted Jockey panties!

Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 1 inches | Weight: 13 Ounces.

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Pros
  • Comfortable fitting
  • Super soft
  • Durable
  • Non-irritating
  • Full coverage

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Cons
  • Might shrink a bit

5. Best No Compression: wirarpa High-Waisted Cotton Underwear

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wirarpa High-Waisted Cotton Underwear Image: Wirarpa

This wirarpa High-Waisted Cotton Underwear comes in a set of four and is made of 95% combed cotton and 5% spandex. The no-roll waistband of the underwear is covered with double-layered stretchable fabric and does not roll. The set has a high-rise waist which provides effective tummy support and is perfect for postpartum c-section recovery. It can also help reduce the appearance of a muffin top and hide post-baby loose skin. In short, this is the supportive lingerie that will keep you supported and looking stylish all day!

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Pros
  • Double-layer crotch
  • Breathable
  • Full coverage
  • Skin-friendly
  • Stretchable

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Cons
  • May shrink after washing

6. Best Coverage: INNERSY Underwear Cotton Hipster Panties

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INNERSY Underwear Cotton Hipster Panties Image: Innersy

TheINNERSY Underwear Cotton Hipster Panties are designed to be worn underneath skinny jeans, dresses, or even skirts, thanks to their smooth finish design, with no-show lines or seams. They have a flat, stretchy elastic waistband that helps to give you the right fit and comfort. The sets come in peppy colors like red, green, and navy blue, and basic colors, such as white, black, and grey, making them perfect for your every need and style! Besides that, they are made from a breathable fabric that helps you stay covered and comfortable all day long!

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Pros
  • Stretchable
  • Seamless
  • Breathable fabric
  • No chafing

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Cons
  • Not true to size

7. Best Moisture-Wicking:Just My Size High Brief

Say goodbye to scratchy tags and annoying imprints with these ultra-soft, tag-free panty set from Just My Size. The pack includes six panties in assorted colors that are stylish and comfy. The fabric is made of 100% cotton that wicks moisture and keeps you cool and dry all day. The gentle elastic band is seamless and soft and does not pinch or ride up. These panties have a unique cut that flatters your curves and tucks in your tummy for a smooth look. If you are looking for a pair of underwear that delivers loungewear comfort, then you found the one!

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Pros
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Full coverage
  • Durable
  • Does not ride up
  • Seamless

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Cons
  • Thin waistband

8. Best Stretchable: FINETOO 10 Pack Womens Cotton Underwear

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FINETOO 10 Pack Womens Cotton Underwear Image: Finetoo

The FINETOO Cotton Underwear promises no sagging, binding, or pilling and is extremely comfortable for everyday wear. They are incredibly comfortable as they are made from cotton and do not dig into the skin or stretch out. By drawing attention to your curves and making your waist look slimmer, its V-shaped waistband gives you a sexy appeal. Not just that, its stretchy design with double-layer crotch can endure every physical activity from running to squats, that too without slipping or ridding up. Amazon reviews suggest that this underwear is extremely comfortable and fits well without any rolling or sagging.

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Pros
  • Soft and breathable fabric
  • Double layer crotch
  • Durable
  • Tagless

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Cons
  • Hand wash only
  • Low back coverage

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Separate colored underwear from the whites and other lighter colors while washing as this prevents stains from color bleeds.

9. Best Affordable:Vanity Fair Perfectly Yours Traditional Cotton Panty

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Vanity Fair Perfectly Yours Traditional Cotton Panty Image: Vanity Fair

The Vanity Fair Perfectly Yours Traditional Cotton Panty is designed with a delicate lace trim. This comfortable brief is made with 100% quality combed cotton fabric. It offers full coverage and is super smooth, breathable, and soft to touch. The material is super stretchy, fits seamlessly, and does not poke, pinch, or dig into the skin. It is available in black, white, blue, and fawn. Multiple reviewers on Amazon recommend these briefs if you are looking for comfort and coziness.

Item Weight: 0.96 Ounces.

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Pros
  • Soft texture
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Snug fit
  • No irritation
  • Reasonably priced
  • Perfect fit
  • True to size

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Cons
  • Poor stitch quality

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Underwears with a high waist enhance your waist curve and offer a seamless appearance, which looks great with a flirty, feminine dress or casual jeans.

Have you ever wondered why cotton is considered the best fabric for undergarments? Let’s discuss this in the next section.

Why Should You Choose Cotton?

1. Health

Most dermatologists and gynecologists recommend cotton underwear for women, as it keeps your vaginal health in check. This is because cotton is more lightweight and breathable than synthetic fabrics. Thus, it does not trap heat or moisture in the area.

When your crotch area feels moist and stuffy, it can cause itchiness, skin irritation, and even yeast infections. The warmth and excess moisture can also promote bad odor due to bacterial growth. With antibacterial and anti-odor cotton underwear, you won’t have to worry too much about all that. Cotton is also naturally hypoallergenic, and it is perfect for people with sensitive skin.

2. Care

Cotton is also very durable and can tolerate frequent washing, even in hot water. It can also stand the high heat of the dryer, which kills germs and removes odor.

3. Style

In the olden days, you could only get boring granny panties that were made of cotton. But now, you can get different types of cotton underpants that are stylish and functional. Let’s check out the types.

  • Briefs: These are full-coverage panties that stay right below your natural waistline. They are perfect for everyday use with suits and dresses. However, they are not the best with skirts or low-cut pants.
  • Boy Cut: These panties are a version of men’s briefs and have a rectangular shape. They provide nearly full coverage. They stay below your natural waistline and come all the way to your thighs. They are perfect for bedtime and work beautifully under any loose-fitting bottom. But they create panty lines and are not the best under-fitted pants or leggings.
  • Bikini:Bikini is the most popular style of underwear. It gives moderate rear coverage, the waistband rests below your waistline, and the non-binding leg openings are high above your thighs. It works perfectly beneath any kind of outfit and also has minimal panty lines.
  • Thong: It does not provide any back coverage. It typically has a waistband along with a triangle-shaped fabric that covers your pubic area. The back side only has a thin strip of fabric. This type remains invisible even under bodycon dresses. However, wearing it too long can cause irritation as it can cause a wedgie.

If you are convinced that cotton underwear is undoubtedly the best one for you and you want to add a few new pairs to your wardrobe, here are a few additional things to consider to ensure you get only the best ones.

Things To Consider When Buying Cotton Underwear

  • Size

You must always wear the right size of underwear. If it is too small, it can bind and squeeze your back, creating unflattering panty lines. If it is too loose, your undergarments will make your butt look saggy.

  • Color And Pattern

Wearing a color and pattern of your choice may have a good impact on your subconscious mind. Cotton panties are available in solids, prints, neutrals, and many colors and designs. Choose something that you would like to put on.

  • Seamless

If you wear tight-fitting bottoms, you will need underwear that remains invisible under your outfit. Visible seams are unflattering and can ruin the charm of your entire outfit.

  • Form Shaping

If you have unwanted curves in your form, you may want to choose a model that has a tummy-tucking feature. That will get rid of the muffin top look and accentuate your curves.

  • Organic

Unlike synthetic fabrics, when choosing cotton underwear, you have the option of going organic. Organic cotton is grown from non-GMO seeds. They do contain synthetic pesticides, chemicals, or fertilizers. Once harvested, these eco-friendly cotton underwear are woven without the use of chlorine, heavy metals, or chemical dyes. These products are safer for your skin and the environment.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to underwear, settle for nothing but the best. The best cotton underwear for women is the one made with 100% pure cotton material that keeps you comfortable all day. These panties prevent germs and bacteria from infecting your intimate areas. The products mentioned in our list are machine washable and extremely soft. They offer full coverage and are designed with durable cotton material. They do not cause any irritation and have moisture-wicking qualities among other special features. The Fruit Of The Loom Cotton Briefs is ideal for those who sweat a lot as they come with a pure cotton lining that keeps you dry and itch-free. The Hanes Cotton Bikini Underwear is ideal for those looking for an everyday breathable solution. The Wirarpa High-Waisted Cotton Underwear is a great product to check out if you want a snug fit. However, avoid products that have a thin waistband.

Why Trust Stylecraze?

Baishali Bhattacharya is our certified in-house image consultant who knows what works best for your body shape and size. She believes that feeling comfortable in what you wear is key to feeling confident in your body. That’s why she has painstakingly gone through extensive reviews and feedback before shortlisting the best cotton underwear for women for you to choose from. Made up of soft, breathable, skin-friendly fabric, these cotton underwear help you keep dry and comfortable while going about your day’s errands, rain or shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to wear 100% cotton underwear?

Yes. 100% cotton underwear will reduce skin irritation, yeast infection, and rashes.

Is cotton underwear good for hot weather?

Yes. Cotton underwear allows the skin to breathe, making it a good choice for summer.

Is cotton underwear good for working out?

No. Cotton underwear traps more sweat and can increase the risk of rashes and infections.

Can you swim in cotton underwear?

No. Swimming in cotton underwear will only worsen the swimming experience and degrade the quality of your underwear.

Can you be allergic to cotton underwear?

No. However, you can get rashes or irritation due to the elastics in the cotton underwear.

What is a cotton gusset?

A cotton gusset is usually a triangle or diamond-shaped piece of cloth put into a seam to enhance the structure and provide breathing room.

Does cotton underwear shrink?

Yes. If you regularly wash your cotton underwear in hot water, you may find noticeable shrinkage in the fabric.

How to wash cotton underwear?

Wash dark- and light-colored cotton underwear separately in lukewarm water. Hang them dry in the shade, and do not use excessive heat.

How long should you keep cotton underwear?

You can use cotton underwear as long as the fabric is in good condition.

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Carly Morrison
Carly is a talented designer and the founder of Dream & Drive lingerie based in Adelaide, South Australia. She specializes in designing vintage-inspired lingerie with a contemporary flair. Her collection features non-padded bras/bralettes, along with a range of knickers that balance cuteness with a hint of naughtiness.

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Baishali Bhattacharya
Baishali BhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.

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Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Srijani Roy Chowdhury Associate Commerce Editor
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.

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Srijita DeCommerce Writer
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.

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