What Is the Most Comfortable Underwear for Women? A UK Guide
By Aileen Gana, founder of Cuurve
The most comfortable underwear for women is soft, breathable and the right size, with a waistband that doesn't dig, flat seams and a gusset wide enough to stay put. Fabric and style come down to how you spend your day: shorts and full briefs suit lounging and sleep, while a low-rise brief sits better under jeans.
I started designing underwear in 2021 because I couldn't find any that stayed comfortable from morning to night. Here's what I've learned about what actually makes the difference.
Our bestseller: the Cosy Charlotte
Soft modal shorts with an 8cm gusset, designed not to dig, roll or ride up. Made in small batches in Yorkshire.
What makes underwear comfortable?
Five things decide whether you forget you're wearing it:
- Fabric. Soft, breathable fibres feel better against skin, especially on warm or sensitive days.
- Waistband. A soft, wide band spreads pressure. A thin, tight elastic digs in and leaves marks.
- Gusset. This is the panel between the front and back. If it's too narrow, it shifts and rubs.
- Seams. Flat or covered seams sit smoothly. Thick seams can press and chafe.
- Size. Even the softest pair is uncomfortable if it's too small.
I made a short video on the green flags to look for when you buy underwear. Watch it on Instagram →
Which fabric is most comfortable?
There's no single answer, but these are the main options:
| Fabric | What it feels like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Soft, breathable, absorbent | The NHS suggests loose, cotton underwear if you have vulval pain. |
| Modal | Very soft and smooth, drapes well | Made from beech wood pulp. More on it in Is Modal Good for Underwear? |
| Nylon with elastane | Smooth, cool, stretchy, quick-drying | Less absorbent than cotton or modal. |
| Lace | Pretty, often stretchy | Best kept away from the gusset if your skin is sensitive. See Can Lace Underwear Cause Irritation? |
If your skin is sensitive, our guide to what dermatologists recommend goes into more detail.
What is the most comfortable style of underwear?
It depends on what you're doing:
- Shorts or boxer-style: the most coverage and the least digging. Ideal for sleep, lounging and days when your body feels different. See Shortie PJs vs Boxers.
- High-rise briefs: cover and smooth the tummy, and stay put under dresses and high-waisted trousers.
- Low-rise briefs: sit under the waistband of jeans without bunching.
- Thongs: no visible lines, but many women find them less comfortable for all-day wear.
Why does the gusset matter so much?
The gusset sits against your most sensitive skin all day. I trained as a chemical engineer, so I measured the gussets on four well-known high-street brands. Every one was 5.5 to 6cm wide.
A narrow gusset is more likely to shift and roll, and it leaves little room for a pad. I made the gusset on all Cuurve briefs and shorts 8cm wide. I explain why in The Gusset: Why It's Different and Why You Should Care.
How should comfortable underwear fit?
Your underwear is too small if it:
- leaves red marks at the waist or legs
- rolls down at the waistband
- rides up as you walk
- feels tight when you sit down
If you're between sizes, check the brand's size guide. Some styles run large. For example, customers tell us our Cosy Charlotte shorts do, so we suggest sizing down. Our Size Guide and Fit Finder help you choose.
What's the most comfortable underwear at Cuurve?
Every Cuurve brief and pair of shorts has an 8cm gusset and is made in small batches by our women-led studio in Yorkshire.
- The Cosy Charlotte Modal Shorts (£59): our best-selling piece. Soft modal shorts for sleep and lounging, designed not to dig, roll or ride up.
- The Elevated Emma (£49): a high-rise modal brief with a softly supportive waistband.
- The Sleek Sophie (£49): a low-rise modal brief that lies flat under clothes.
One customer, Sarah, described the Cosy Charlotte like this: "They're incredibly soft, never restrictive, and honestly feel like a hug."
You can try the whole range at the 192 Collective, 192 Upper Street, Islington, London.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most comfortable type of underwear for women? Soft, breathable underwear in the right size, with a waistband that doesn't dig and a gusset wide enough to stay put. Shorts and full briefs give the most coverage and the least digging.
What are the most comfortable ladies' knickers in the UK? Look for soft fabrics such as cotton or modal, flat seams, a wide gusset and a size guide that tells you how the style fits. Try them on in person if you can.
Is cotton or modal more comfortable? Both are soft and breathable. Modal feels smoother and silkier. Cotton is the fabric the NHS suggests if you have vulval pain.
How do I stop my underwear digging in? Go up a size, or choose a style with a wider, softer waistband, such as shorts or a high-rise brief.
Aileen Gana is the founder of Cuurve, a UK comfortwear brand. She trained as a chemical engineer and has designed and sewn underwear since 2021. This article is general information, not medical advice.
