Did you know 80% of women wear the wrong bra size? The truth is, the right undergarments can transform the way your clothes fit, improve posture, boost confidence, and keep you comfortable all day. From everyday cotton bras to shapewear for special occasions, there’s an innerwear style for every outfit, season, and mood.
This guide will walk you through 15 must-have women’s undergarments, tips to choose the right size, fabric recommendations, styling ideas, and care instructions so you always feel your best.
15 Undergarments for Women
Which undergarments are essential for women? From bras to panties, there's a wide range of options available, each with its own benefits and features. Here, let’s take a look at the 15 unavoidable undergarments for women.
1. T-Shirt Bra
A seamless bra with smooth cups is designed to be worn under body-hugging clothes. It's simple, lightweight, and comes in both wired and wire-free options, making it perfect for everyday wear. The T-shirt bra pairs well with various types of clothing, such as shirts, kurtas, and other tops.
2. Strapless Bra
If you want to avoid visible bra straps under dresses, a strapless bra is ideal. It comes with thicker, wider brands, moulded cups, and underwires for adequate support. You can easily pair it with tube tops, off-shoulders, and strapless outfits. Did you know there are different types of strapless bras? Varieties include push-ups, plunges, convertibles, and full-figure options.
3. Sports Bra
Is it necessary to wear a bra when working out? If so, which type is best? You can choose a sports bra that provides excellent support and comfort during your sports activities. A sports bra comes with breathable and supportive fabric that will keep you cool during workouts. The benefits of wearing a sports bra include reducing breast movement, providing maximum comfort, preventing chafing, and alleviating back pain.
4. Padded Bra
Anyone can wear a padded bra that is designed to add volume and enhance the appearance of their breasts. These bras shape your breasts and offer a natural look. Available in different colours, styles, shapes, and sizes, padded bras provide versatility, enhanced cleavage, and a lifted appearance.
5. Cotton Bra
What is the best summer bra for women? A cotton bra is the best summer lingerie essential, made from natural fabric. It gives you ideal comfort and absorbs sweat during hot days. You can wear it as an everyday bra that provides better support and a perfect fit. Cotton bras come in various styles, like bralettes, sports bras, wireless bras, underwire bras, and pushup bras.
6. Seamless Bra
A seamless bra made without any seams provides an invisible look under your clothing. Perfect for wearing under tight-fitting or sheer outfits, it offers better comfort. Seamless bras can be made from various materials, like nylon, polyester, cotton, and spandex.
In addition to seamless bras, what are the must-have bras you need in your wardrobe? Non-padded bras, everyday bras, printed bras, and wireless bras are timeless styles that never go out of fashion.
7. Lace Bralette
Lace bralettes offer a blend of comfort and style for various occasions, such as weddings and parties. Available in numerous styles and colours, lace bras are flattering undergarments. Common types of lace bras include lace on cups, all-over lace, half-cup lace, and bralettes. Style your lace bra with crop tops, backless attire, and deep neckline tops.
8. Push-Up Bra
A push-up bra adds volume to your breasts with padding. Foam pads at the bottom of push-up bra cups work as support enhancers, pushing your breasts inward for a rounded appearance. Front-open, underwire, printed, bridal, and casual bras are popular styles of push-up bras.
9. Nursing Bra
Nursing bras are essential undergarments for new moms, offering extra care, comfort, warmth, and easy access to breastfeeding. Crafted from breathable and soft materials, nursing bras minimise skin irritation, making the motherhood journey more comfortable.
10. Seamless Panties
Have you experienced visible underwear lines under your clothing? Say goodbye to this issue with seamless panties. Seamless panties have no seams to irritate and come in various types like thongs, bikinis, hipsters, and boyshorts, printed, and mesh-panelled, suitable for every occasion.
11. Thong
A thong is the best underwear because it has a slim, elastic waistband and provides zero coverage. It boosts confidence and can be worn with shorts or low-waist pants. The gusset lining in thongs offers better comfort and hygiene.
12. Boyshorts
Boyshorts offer more coverage for your buttocks and hips. Highly comfortable and breathable, they can be worn under trousers or skirts. Printed, casual, and medium coverage are different styles of boyshort panties for women.
13. Shapewear
Shapewear helps tone your body by reducing unnecessary bulges. You can opt for specific shapewear that tones different parts of your body. For example, tummy tucker shapewear shapes your waist and enhances your silhouette. You can always opt for shapewear such as body briefs, saree shapewear, butt shapers, and more.
14. Bikini
Bikinis sit below the hips and feature high-side cuts for better comfort. Available in various colours, sizes, lacework, and pretty prints, they leave no marks on the skin. Medium waist, string bikini, plus size, and low-waist are different types of bikini panties suitable for various occasions.
15. Cotton Panties
You must have cotton panties in your wardrobe because they are the best ones for summer and almost every Indian season. Panties made of pure cotton make you feel comfortable all day long. It also prevents itching and infections. Cotton panties eliminate odour and are refreshing to wear all day long.
Now that you know the essential undergarments for women, from t-shirt bras to cotton panties, you can enjoy better comfort, support, and an improved outfit appearance. Lingerie boosts confidence, making you feel more attractive and comfortable every day.
How to Choose the Right Size & Fit
Bra Size Guide
- Measure band size: Underbust in inches, rounded to nearest whole number.
- Measure bust size: Fullest part of bust in inches.
- Cup size = Bust – Band measurement (1” = A cup, 2” = B cup, etc.).
| Difference (in inches) | Cup Size |
| 1 | A |
| 2 | B |
| 3 | C |
| 4 | D |
Panty Size Guide
- Measure fullest part of hips.
- Refer to panty size chart:
| Hip Measurement (inches) | Size |
| 34–36 | S |
| 37–39 | M |
| 40–42 | L |
| 43–45 | XL |
Fabric Guide – Which Material is Best for You?
| Fabric | Cons | Pros | Best For |
| Cotton | Breathable, hypoallergenic | Loses elasticity | Everyday wear |
| Lace | Stylish, romantic | Needs delicate care | Parties, date nights |
| Microfiber | Smooth finish | Less breathable | Office wear |
| Modal | Super soft, eco-friendly | Pricey | Lounge, sleepwear |
| Satin | Luxurious, silky feel | Can trap heat | Special occasions |
Undergarments for Every Occasion
| Occasion | Best Bras | Best Panties | Extra Tips |
| Everyday | T-shirt bra | Cotton briefs | Choose moisture-wicking fabrics |
| Workout | Sports bra | Seamless panties | Avoid lace to prevent chafing |
| Saree/Wedding | Strapless, Convertible | Saree shapewear | Nude tones for invisibility |
| Romantic | Lace bralette, Push-up | Bikini, Thong | Match bra & panty set |
| Travel | Convertible | Seamless briefs | Pack multi-way bras |
| Lounge | Cotton bralette | Boyshorts | Soft fabrics for comfort |
Undergarment Care & Longevity
- Wash: Hand wash or delicate cycle, mild detergent.
- Dry: Air dry, avoid sunlight & dryers.
- Store: Lay flat or use bra organizers to maintain shape.
- Replace: Bras every 6–12 months, panties every 6 months.
More About Undergarments for Women
Types of Bra – 40 Different Bra Types and Styles
What Are The Different Types of Women Panties?
FAQ
1. How to Take Care of Women Undergarments?
Ans: Proper care of women's undergarments ensures longevity and maintains comfort and fitness. Always hand wash or use a delicate cycle with mild detergent, and avoid high heat by air drying them to preserve their shape and fabric quality.
2. What are the other names of women undergarments?
Ans: Women's undergarments are lingerie, intimates, or underclothes. These terms encompass a variety of items including bras, panties, camisoles, and shapewear, each are designed to offer support and comfortable fit.
3. Why are undergarments used?
Ans: Women need undergarments for protection, comfort, and support. In addition to improving the fit and look of outerwear, they contribute to hygiene by absorbing sweat and acting as a barrier between the skin and outer clothing.
4. How many bras should a woman own?
Ans: At least 5–7 for rotation: everyday, sports, strapless, and special occasion bras
5. Which undergarments are best for sarees?
Ans: Saree shapewear, strapless or backless bras, and seamless panties in nude tones.
6. What is the difference between lingerie and innerwear?
Ans: Lingerie is often designed for style and special occasions, while innerwear focuses on daily comfort and support.
7. How often should you wash bras and panties?
Ans: Bras - Every 2–3 wears (unless sweaty). Panties - After every wear.