Types of Panties for Women: The Best Styles and When to Wear Each One

By Pretty Wear Team · Reviewed by our fit specialists · Updated 5 Nov 2026

Most women buy panties the same way every time: a pack of whatever is cheapest, in the size they have always worn. That works until the elastic starts cutting in, the lines show through a fitted trouser, or the fabric feels sticky by noon in June. Knowing the basic types helps you buy fewer pairs that you actually wear. Here are the types of panties worth knowing, and when to wear each one.

The main types

Full brief. Sits at or just below the waist and covers the whole seat. The everyday standard. Good under shalwar, loose trousers, and for anyone who wants nothing riding up. Example: Flourish combo of 3 cotton briefs (95% cotton, 5% elastane), S to XL, Rs 1,520.

High waist brief. Comes up to or above the navel. Smooths the tummy a little under fitted clothes and many women find it easier to wear after a C-section, since the waistband sits above the scar. Comfort-fit high waist ribbed briefs come in L to 2XL; the seamless lace high waist pair in M to XL. Both are Rs 1,424 for two.

Hipster. Sits lower, on the hips, with wider sides. Works under low-rise jeans. Blush Bloom cotton hipster, S to L, Rs 689.

Seamless. No thick elastic at the edges, so no lines under tights, leggings or a fitted dress. The pack of 3 lace net seamless briefs is a nylon-cotton mix, M to XL, Rs 1,424.

Lace. Mostly for looks, though the softer ones are fine for daily wear. Hand wash them. Our packs of 3 lace briefs with bows or ruffles are Rs 1,899.

Period panties. These have an absorbent, leak-resistant layer and are worn on their own on light days or with a pad on heavy ones. We cover them properly in period panties kya hain. The reusable period panty starts at Rs 664, and the high waist pack of 3 for heavy flow is Rs 1,614.

Disposable briefs. Single-use, for travel or the first days after delivery. Pack of 6, M to 3XL, Rs 712.

Fabric matters more than style

For daily wear in this climate, cotton wins. It lets the skin breathe and handles sweat far better than nylon or polyester, and it survives the washing machine. Keep satin and lace for occasions or short wear. If you are prone to irritation, cotton is the safer choice and worth sticking to.

Budget cotton packs: Love Patti cotton (3 or 5 pieces, XS to L, from Rs 854), budget cotton briefs (3 or 5 pieces, from Rs 902), and the soft cotton pack of 3 in random colours, Rs 1,424.

Sizing

Panty sizes are not standard between brands, so go by the chart on each product page rather than the letter. As one example, our soft cotton pack lists S as 28-30, M as 32-34 and L as 34-36. If the waistband leaves a red mark at the end of the day, you need the next size up. If the leg openings gape, size down.

When to replace them

Once the elastic goes wavy or the fabric thins at the gusset, it is time. Rotating a pack of five or more makes each pair last longer than wearing the same three on repeat.

All styles are under Panties, with separate pages for cotton panties, briefs and period panties. Looking for matching sets instead? See how to choose a bra panty set. Cash on delivery across Pakistan, free delivery over Rs 2,500.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of panties for women?

The common ones are full brief, high waist brief, hipster, bikini, thong, seamless, lace and period panties. Briefs and hipsters cover the most daily needs.

Which panty fabric is best for daily wear?

Cotton, or cotton with a little elastane for stretch. It breathes, absorbs sweat and is easy to wash, which matters in Pakistani summers.

What is the price of panties in Pakistan?

At Pretty Wear, packs of 3 cotton panties start around Rs 854, packs of 3 lace or printed briefs are Rs 1,424 to Rs 1,899, and a reusable period panty starts at Rs 664.

How do I choose my panty size?

Measure your waist and hips and check the size chart on the product page. Our cotton pack lists S as 28-30, M as 32-34 and L as 34-36. If you fall between sizes, go up.