What Are The Different Types Of Knickers?
You can’t deny that we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to shopping for knickers these days. But with new underwear trends always evolving, it can be hard to keep up. In this article, we take you through all the knickers you need to know about to help you decide which ones might be right for you.
The Different Types Of Knickers Explained
Read on for our rundown of the top knicker styles around and why we love them.
Brazilian knickers
Brazillian knickers, which are similar to cheekies, are low-cut briefs with high-cut legs. With a cutaway back, they offer more coverage than a thong but are more revealing than bikini-style pants. Think skimpy yet stylish swimwear on the beaches of Rio and you’ll get the idea.
Why we love them: Helping to elongate your legs, complement your curves and shape your bum, these knickers are super flattering. With wide sides that don’t dig in, they also rank highly in the comfort stakes. Plus, the often-seamless cutaway edge means no VPL.
Give them a try: These cheeky briefs are available in a wide range of materials, colours, and patterns for you to try. For an oh-so-sexy look, check out the lacy Panache Imogen Brazilian Brief. This lacy number offers comfort as well as style and is available in a choice of colourways.
French knickers
Inspired by Moulin Rouge-era frilly pantalette-style underwear, French knickers have a shorts-like appearance. Sitting mid-rise on the waist, they provide almost full bum coverage and feature non-elasticated, open legs.
Why we love them: For flirty boudoir attire, you can’t go wrong with a playful pair of French knickers. Offering discreet tummy support and a flared fit, these knickers can help create the illusion of a cinched waist and curves in all the right places.
Give them a try: Add a little coquettishness to your top drawer with the très chic Playful Promises X KMD Diana French Knicker. These daringly short briefs feature a feminine lace trim and are a pleasure to wear thanks to their soft elasticated waist and silky satin feel.
Tanga briefs
Tanga briefs are similar to thongs but they offer more coverage in the front. When it comes to the rear, coverage can vary from minimal to moderate.
Why we love them: These knickers are perfect if you love that barely-there look and feel but prefer a little more fabric in the front. With narrow waistbands, these briefs can help to give the appearance of longer legs and highlight your natural curves.
Give them a try: Pretty meets glamorous in the Aubade Reve Eveille Tanga Brief. These semi-sheer knickers are soft and comfortable while also being super seductive.
Thongs
Thongs are briefs that provide varying levels of coverage in the front and none in the back. Instead, a narrow piece of material sits between the bum cheeks.
Why we love them: If you want to be totally sure your panty line won’t be visible through your clothes, a thong is the way to go. Whether you’re wearing a figure-hugging dress for a night out or leggings on a lunch date, you can be confident that your VPL won’t be on show in a thong. They’re also undeniably sexy and surprisingly comfortable.
Give them a try: The gorgeous Andres Sarda Vaughan Luxury Thong combines sheer fabric and minimal coverage for a sultry yet elegant look.
Bikini knickers
Bikini-style briefs are a type of high-leg underwear with a low-rise waistband. They provide moderate coverage in both the front and the back.
Why we love them: With high legs that help to lengthen the legs and a good level of coverage all around, bikini-style briefs are an underwear drawer staple. They get top marks when it comes to comfort, making them perfect for everyday wear.
Give them a try: The stylish Calvin Klein Reimagined Heritage Bikini Brief is made with a blend of recycled and organic cotton for luxurious softness you can feel good about.
High-waisted knickers
As the name suggests, high-waisted knickers have a waistband that sits higher up on your midsection. They are available in a wide range of cuts so whether you want maximum or minimum coverage, you should be able to find the right ones for you.
Why we love them: If you like a little extra support in your midsection, you’ll love high-waisted knickers. These pants can help to create a smooth outline under close-fitting clothing, helping you to look and feel confident no matter what you’re wearing. They can also help to accentuate your waistline.
Give them a try: You don’t have to sacrifice style for the security and comfort of a high-waisted brief. Check out Playful Promises Wren High Waisted Brief to see just how alluring this type of underwear can be.
High-leg knickers
As the name implies, high-leg knickers are cut high on the leg, exposing more of the thigh. You can find high-leg briefs in a range of styles, from bikini-style knickers to thongs.
Why we love them: High-leg knickers are great for creating the illusion of longer legs and can help to create an overall taller and slimmer look.
Give them a try: With a sensual satin feel and good rear coverage, the Pour Moi Viva Luxe High Leg Brief is a great choice if you’re looking for a flattering high-leg brief that’s both comfortable and attractive.
What type of knickers should I wear?
Not sure which type of knickers to choose? Here you can find out what type of knickers might be most flattering for your body shape.
If you’re a rectangle shape… low waist bikini-style knickers can help to make your athletic outline look curvier. Try to avoid classic full-coverage briefs to create a more feminine shape.
If you’re an inverted triangle shape… French knickers can help to balance out narrow hips and create a more shapely silhouette. Fun prints and patterns can also help to soften the athletic appearance of your top half.
If you’re an hourglass shape… a V-shaped thong can help to highlight your natural curves and accentuate your defined waist.
If you’re a pear shape… Brazillian briefs can help you to balance out your wider hips and bigger buttocks and thighs. We recommend trying out sheer or lacy styles to create a lighter look on your bottom half.
If you’re an apple shape… a high-waisted brief can help create a more defined waist and elongated legs.