When you find the perfect pair of seamless underwear, it’s like finding a new and true friend. It allows you to feel comfortable and confident in the way you look and move, and you can trust that when it makes a promise (e.g., to keep you line-free in every outfit), it’ll pull through every time.
Tamara Conlin, vice president of Product Operations & Strategy at Parade, offers some guidance if you’re in the market for this aforementioned pal. “True seamless underwear has an edgeless design—no lines under clothes, even leggings,” she says. “When shopping for seamless underwear, it’s best to look out for these second-skin materials and fabrics, and to find a pair that shows no lines at all.”
Byrdie Researched & Approved
We chose Calvin Klein’s Invisible Hipster as our top pick because they are tried-and-true by the Byrdie team. They’ve garnered thousands of positive reviews on Amazon.
Good seamless underwear offers coverage without leaving a visible panty-line. Some pairs will give a barely-there feeling, while others offer more support. We conducted hours of research on the best seamless underwear, evaluating different styles and brands on their fabric, fit, and size range. After consulting style experts and considering dozens of top-rated seamless underwear, we landed on the following best in show.
Best Overall
Calvin Klein Invisibles Hipster
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/51503429_100_alternate3-eaa64d785f6d4011a4c2663ae086d491.jpeg)
Courtesy of Calvin Klein
- Ultra-smooth
- Clean cut edges
- Tag-free
- Run too small
Who else recommends it? Cosmopolitan also picked the Calvin Klein Invisibles Hipster.12
Calvin Klein’s “invisible” underwear is everything we could want in a pair of seamless underwear. They’re comfortable enough to wear all day and night; they’re lightweight for a barely-there feel while still being resilient enough to last for years; and most importantly, they’re truly seamless—complete with clean edges—so they don’t show under clothes. Let’s not graze over the fact that they come in a plethora of colors and prints, so you’re sure to find the right pair for any mood.
Price at time of publish: $15 for Black
Material: Nylon, elastane | Colors: Black, White, Caramel, Sage Meadow +more | Size Range: XS-XL
Runner Up, Best Overall
Parade Hip Hugger Universal
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ParadeHipHuggerUniversal-418f3f6ecafb48c89c28ae4d8e4f12a5.jpeg)
- Good stretch
- Very lightweight
- Adapts to body shape
- Faintly detectable panty line
For those who gravitate towards a fuller-coverage hipster style, this is Byrdie’s best recommendation. According to the brand, these are the world’s first carbon-neutral edgeless underwear. “Universal is made with OEKO-TEX-certified recycled fabrics and utilizes a 100 percent organic cotton gusset,” explains Conlin. “Parade’s smoothest fabric ever molds to the shape of your body for a second-skin feel.” Not only are these underwear super soft, but they also offer a wide size range. Another plus? Parade gives 1 percent of sales to organizations dedicated to social good. Erika Harwood, Byrdie’s Senior Style Editor is a fan. She says, “When in doubt, I always end up reaching for a pair of Parade’s buttery soft undies. They feel like you’re wearing nothing and come in the most vibrant colors.”
Price at time of publish: $10 or 5 for $45
Material: 80% recycled nylon, 20% elastane | Colors: Eightball (black), Cupid, Violette +more | Prints: Mirage, Eightball Blooms +more | Size Range: XS-3XL
Best Budget
Fruit of the Loom Seamless Panties
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ed63a6c3-fdf3-494b-af6f-c5c02fb14306_1.25aed2cb27149dbe9ffa01f11cf4a93c-62b8f3857a3d45ad8f04e480379abac7.jpeg)
Courtesy of Walmart
- True to size
- Smooth waistband
- Breathable
- Doesn’t hold up after some washes
This pack of seamless underwear by Fruit of the Loom is a budget score given the price for a pack of six and is beloved by reviewers. The brand boasts a stretchy fabric and tag-free construction for all four styles—bikini, high-cut, hipster, and low-rise brief—in its seamless line. We also appreciate the cheery pink and purple colorways, which are great if you’re bored of the typical nude and black variety packs. For an everyday no-show panty with little effect on your shopping budget, these tick off every box.
Price at time of publish: $17 for a 6-pack
Material: 100% nylon | Colors: Assorted pinks and purples, Black | Size Range: 5-9
Best Value
Commando Butter High Rise Panty
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/HRP04_TNU_4-bac9fdd58f63468f8660f1e7e9685400.jpeg)
Courtesy of Commando
- High recovery
- Elastic-free construction
- Piling resistant
- Has to be washed cold
Per the name, these panties by Commando are buttery soft with an elastic-free construction for a very breathable feel. Produced from luxury Austrian modal, they feature four-way stretch with a high recovery capability, meaning they snap back after all-day wear. They’re a great value not only because of their construction and comfort but for their longevity (they’re pilling resistant) and sustainability (they’re made from renewable beech trees).
Price at time of publish: $38
Material: 79% modal, 21% elastane | Colors: Black, Beige, Cinnamon, Toffee | Size Range: XS-XL
Best Nonslip
EBY Seamless Brief
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/grey---brief---missy---model_fr_2x_e5eb7d69-8d4c-4b89-adc4-e697839a1fdc_750x-114d0f9f085b4bdb89971ca26f06b600.jpeg)
EBY
- No-slip grip
- Buttery soft
- Various patterns and prints
- Not many super petite sizes
EBY is fairly new to the underwear scene, but it’s making its mark on the industry. Co-founded by Sofía Vergara, the brand’s seamless brief is a solid go-to thanks to the nylon no-slip grip (so there’s no silicone chafing), buttery soft material, and comfortable fit. If you need your undies to stay in place, whether you’re headed to yoga or the office, these won’t let you down. Plus, EBY funds microloans for women to start their own businesses as a way to get out of poverty, so you know your purchase is contributing to a good cause.
Price at time of publish: $16
Material: Body: 85% nylon, 15% spandex; Lining: 100% cotton | Colors: Black, Nude, Grey, Provincial Blue, Espresso +more | Prints: Spotted Panther, Sleek Tiger, Dark Palm +more | Size Range: XS-4X
Best Splurge
Wacoal Keep Your Cool Shaping Hi-Cut Brief
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/WacoalKeepYourCoolHigh-CutShapingBriefs-2542ac603e5c4ff4bb5996454f4f171a.jpg)
- Gently hugs curves
- Cooling
- Sporty mesh patter
- Runs a bit big
For a luxury brief, look to Wacoal. In addition to light shaping, this particular pair of briefs offer a cooling feature in high temperatures. It’s the ultimate pick to support an outfit for an all-day event where you’ll need to be cool and comfortable for hours on end. It’s worth noting that the brand recommends hand-washing and line-drying these briefs.
Price at time of publish: $27 for Sand and Tap Shoe
Material: 70% nylon, 30% spandex | Colors: Sand, Tap Shoe (black) | Size Range: S-2X
Best Briefs
Spanx Undie-tectable Brief
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2021-09-09at11.21.48AM-3be13446ccf8419d896981f6083f9edd.jpg)
Courtesy of NET-A-PORTER
- Very comfortable
- Lightly shapes the body
- Very undetectable
- Loses quality after three months
Need a little lift? SPANX’s Undie-tectable Brief promises to make your tush appear a bit firmer while solving your panty line troubles, thanks to its elastic-free edges and comfortable smoothing waist. It’s available in four neutral colors to match every outfit’s necessity, but it also comes in Sea Salt and snake print for a dash of personality.
Price at time of publish: $24
Material: 77% nylon, 23% elastane | Colors: Red Pop, Umber Ash, Violet Umber +more | Prints: Brushed Collage | Size Range: XS-XL
Best Thong
Intimissimi Brazilian Panties in Seamless Ultra Light Microfiber
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/IntimissimiBrazilianPantiesinSeamlessUltraLightMicrofiber-350b7cdede6e464bbf1fd7e79a36e00c.jpeg)
- Ultralight
- Breathable
- Soft pastel shades
- Tends to ride up a lot
Intimissimi’s simple—and, well, skimpy—design is perfect for those who don’t care for coverage or support but prefer not to go commando. This particular style has a limited size range, so if you’re on either end of the spectrum or in between sizes, it may not be the perfect fit for you. A benefit of Intimissimi? Traceability. According to the brand, they produce 94 percent of goods in their factories with complete control of the supply chain.
Price at time of publish: $12, 3 for $35, or 6 for $60
Material: Microfiber | Colors: White, Black, Soft Beige, Blooming Pink, Medium Beige, Ribbon Red +more | Size Range: S-L
Best Bikini
CUUP The Bikini
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/CuupTheBikini-5c1dfa8c4bb14c0dab93131ee3d90a23.jpeg)
- Flattering back V-shape
- Sweat-wicking
- Maximum wearability
- Not as many petite sizes
These bikini briefs in modal are easy to wear every single day due to their comfort and versatility. While not technically seamless, the style’s back “V” shape makes it perfect for those looking for minimal coverage of the derriere. Plus, CUUP assures prospective wearers that it lies flat both high on the waist and low on the hips for maximum wearability. Hygiene is also a top priority here, with an antimicrobial and sweat-wicking lining to keep you comfy at all times.
Price at time of publish: $20
Material: 88% modal, 12% elastane | Colors: Black, Salt, Clay, Blush +more | Prints: Leopard | Size Range: XS-3XL
Best Compression
SKIMS Sculpting High Waist Brief
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/SkimsSculptingHighWaistBrief-41027c79760845f1a8296253cf8a69e8.jpeg)
- Prevents rolling
- Effectively shapes and lifts
- Very comfortable
- Pricey for just one garment
- May show under clothes
SKIMS seeks to enhance your body’s natural shape with its Sculpting High Waist Brief in a seamless construction. The brand claims invisibility under every garment and plenty of support around the core and butt. And since this style runs up to the bustline, it also features a silicone grip along the waistband to prevent rolling. Like virtually all of SKIMS’s offerings, this brief comes in nearly a dozen skin tone colors.
Price at time of publish: $36
Material: 78% nylon, 22% spandex | Colors: Sand, Mica, Clay, Ochre, Sienna, Umber, Oxide, Cocoa, Onyx | Size Range: XXS-5X
Best High-Waisted
CUUP The Highwaist
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-11-03at1.16.45AM-372e1a7ec24c4b7ba243e45dba42fe9c.jpg)
CUUP
- Quality feel
- Just the right amount of coverage
- Bold and bright colors
- Tend to stretch out quickly
For cheeky coverage and a flawless fit, look to CUUP’s high-waisted, low-hip style. Reviewers say they didn’t experience digging in this style, making the pair perfect for layering under thin or sheer dresses and skirts or simply lounging at home with the most comfort.
Price at time of publish: $20
Material: 88% modal, 12% elastane | Colors: Espresso, Salt, Taupe, Clay, Black +more | Size Range: XS-3XL
Best High-Waisted Hipster
Intimissimi Invisible Touch Hipster
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/IntimissimiInvisibleTouchHipster-1b569413b4704bd0be9b6e288373e550.jpeg)
- Seamless edging
- “Barely there” feel
- Beautiful pastel and nude shades
- Limited size range
Intimissimi’s Invisible Touch Hipster takes a unique approach to barely-there underwear. Its tulle-like fabric makes it soft and comfortable for wearers, and the seamless edges create a no-show effect. These would particularly be a comfortable pairing with slim-fitting high-waist trousers or skirts; however, be conscious of the brand’s more limited size range.
Price at time of publish: $18, 3 for $35, or 6 for $60
Material: 60% polyamide, 32% elastane, 8% cotton | Colors: Black, Natural | Size Range: S-L
Best High-Waisted Thong
Cosabella Free Cut Micro High Waist Thong
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/CosabellaFreeCutMicroHighwaistThong-463a0a0551e94466ad6b87ee633930b0.jpeg)
Cosabella
- Made from sustainable material
- Free cut
- Simple construction
- Smaller size range
- Has to be washed delicately
This Italian-made free-cut thong is both comfortable and versatile enough to be worn daily. The style is designed to sit above the hip bones to complement your natural curves without any visible panty lines. Fun fact: The brand claims to have coined the term “No More VPL” back in the mid-1980s, so you could say they have experience in perfecting it.
Price at time of publish: $26
Material: Body: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane; Inner gusset: 93% cotton, 7% elastane | Colors: Black, Cinque, Due, Sette, Tre, Uno, Quattro, Sei (skin tones) +more | Size Range: S-XL
Best Compression Thong
Commando Classic Control Thong
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/CommandoClassicControlThong-3895111780c943a897e2e9c0643a1ce0.jpeg)
- Fast drying
- Piling resistant
- Machine washable
- Fits uncomfortably to some
A supportive thong, like Commando’s Classic Control Thong, can be a game-changer. It offers a light to moderate amount of compression so that you may feel supported but not “stuffed.” The raw-cut edges help the nylon-and-spandex garment sit flat and minimize digging. Another plus? It’s crafted from sustainably made fabric, which is PEF-, REACH-, ISO 14001- and Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certified.
Price at time of publish: $38
Material: 68% nylon, 32% spandex | Colors: Black, Beige, Caramel, Mocha | Size Range: XS-XL
Best Colors
SKIMS Fits Everybody Thong
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/042522-skims-fits-everybody-thong-embed-d722bb9b2f6d4a589cb263a1ee4fbeb2.png)
SKIMS
- Various colors
- Very wide range of sizes
- Doesn’t dig into skin
- Doesn’t lose color or quality after washes
- Waistband stitching is slightly visible under clothing
SKIMS prides itself on offering an inclusive color selection (as well as size range) for its products, be they an itty-bitty thong or a high-waisted brief. Most undergarments come in eight to nine skin tone colors, plus a handful of seasonal colors. Pro tip: SKIMS products are famous (or rather infamous) for selling out quickly and often, so sign up for waitlist emails to ensure you can grab your size as soon as it’s available.
Price at time of publish: $18 or 3 for $36
Material: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane | Colors: Ruby, Fuchsia, Sugar Plum, Oxide, Cocoa, Onyx +more | Size Range: XXS-4X
Best Cheeky
Aerie No Show Cheeky Underwear
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/AerieNoShowCheekyUnderwear-481be0b5159a4789b648639acb8680af.jpg)
- Fun prints
- Moisture-wicking properties
- Affordable
- Shift a bit while wearing them
For Aerie, “no show” means no visible panty lines, period. With its No Show Cheeky style, it promises no lines anywhere, even if you’re in leggings. In terms of material, the combination of nylon and elastane makes this underwear stretchy and lightweight. In fact, it’s the brand’s most lightweight fabric. It also contains wicking properties to keep you dry when you sweat; in other words, these are fitness class-friendly.
Price at time of publish: $9 or 7 for $30
Material: 87% nylon, 13% elastane | Colors: True Black, Sands, Marbled Blue +more | Prints: Sandalwood, Green Alpine +more | Size Range: XXS-XXL
Best for Postpartum
HATCH Seamless Belly Brief
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/P60041-01_SI_1200x-0ee87b9f07964b87adc3cbd7aaaa5016.jpeg)
Courtesy of A Pea in The Pod
- All-day support
- Light sculpting compression
- Function, feel-good details
- Only comes in one color
If you just baked a bun and you’re looking for something seamless to smooth things out, check out HATCH’s Seamless Belly Brief. It offers full coverage and support with light sculpting compression but doesn’t look like a “granny [panty],” according to one reviewer. When figuring out your size, the brand recommends measuring the fullest part of your hips for the most comfortable fit.
Price at time of publish: $38 or 3 for $99
Material: 84% modal, 13% nylon, 3% elastane | Colors: Sand, Black, Bordeaux | Size Range: S-XL
Best High-Rise Boyshort
Lunya Soft Supportive Seamless Modal Boyshort
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/LunyaSoftSupportiveSeamlessModalBoyshort-9c16862a10f146c7923d22889d4954e4.jpeg)
- Subtly sculpting
- Reduces chafing
- Just the right amount of stretch
- Runs small
Whether you’re seeking the perfect pair of shorts for sleeping or an undergarment that will give some extra coverage under a minidress or skirt, this seamless modal pair by Lunya is here for you. Composed of Lenzing modal, nylon, and elastane, it’s designed to hug the body and maintain a supportive fit. It lacks side seams, which reduces the possibility of chafing.
Price at time of publish: $48
Material: 70% modal, 23% nylon, 7% elastane | Colors: Immersed Black/Otium Tan, Deep Blue/Otium Tan, Meditative Grey/Otium Tan, Sincere White/Otium Tan | Size Range: XS-XL
Best for Sensitive Skin
Boody Full Brief
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Full-Briefs-Nude-6-Front-41e2773b93d2497293288cd9c4d62b8f.jpeg)
Courtesy of Boody
- Streamlined, stretchy silhouette
- Extra coverage
- Sustainable construction
- Tends to roll down the stomach
For those whose skin doesn’t fare well with typical clothing fabrics, Boody might be a more comfortable option. The Aussie-born brand is known for its use of bamboo viscose, a material that has a host of advantages and is wildly different from cotton. Silky to the touch, this fabric is said to get softer with every wash while still maintaining its shape. The bamboo fibers made in Boody’s bras and underwear are certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, which means they’ve been tested for potentially harmful chemicals.
Price at time of publish: $16
Material: 80% bamboo viscose, 13% nylon, 7% spandex | Colors: White, Light Grey Marl, Nude 0, Nude 2, Nude 4, Nude 6 | Size Range: S-XL
Best High-Waist Hipster
Everlane Invisible High-Rise Hipster
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2021-09-03at2.08.47PM-9b0c1a6d6a10492192c8bd963baad8f4.jpg)
Courtesy of Everlane
- Bonded to lie flat on the skin
- Stays put while in motion
- Very soft, recycled material
- Has glued seams
Great everyday underwear, Everlane’s Invisible High-Rise Hipster is soft and smoothing, perfect for anything from high-waisted jeans to silky dresses. Bonded to lie flat against your skin, they are designed to move with you while preventing annoying (and uncomfortable) bunches that we do not have time for! In addition to being made from recycled nylon, one reviewer was appreciative of its eco-friendly packaging: it arrived in a simple cardboard packet and post-consumer plastic pouch.
Price at time of publish: $18 or 3 for $45
Material: 87% recycled nylon, 13% elastane | Colors: Dark Tan, Light Tan, Black, Plum Grey, Pewter Green | Size Range: XXS-XXL
Best Low-Rise Boyshort
Tommy John Second Skin Boyshort
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/W_10005541000_010001_ECOM_S-33d409f957c846c2aa9a8a5d2bd31932.jpeg)
Courtesy of Tommy John
- Non-piling
- Delivers extra freshness
- Made from quality material
- Construction produces an odd fit
If you’re one of the few people excited about low-rise jeans coming back in style, this may just be your new go-to. Tommy John’s Second Skin Boyshort is meant to feel just like that: a second skin. The non-pilling, super soft modal fabric makes it suitable for everyday wear. You can expect comfort despite the hip-hugging rise, too, thanks to a waistband that “won’t roll, bunch, or pinch,” according to the brand.
Price at time of publish: $18
Material: 90% micro modal, 10% spandex | Colors: Maple Sugar, Winetasting, Dress Blues, Black +more | Size Range: XS-XXL
Best Active
Parade Thong Sport+
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Parade-Sweat-Wicking-Workout-Thong-ad4ac44d59f84e449f030e5066463eae.jpg)
Parade
- Durable interlock seams
- Sweat-tested by real athletes
- Quick drying
- Middle seam could be better constructed
Parade’s Brief Sport+ has all the ingredients needed to make comfortable activewear: sweat-wicking, cooling, edgeless, and quick-drying. According to Conlin, “Breathability and comfort are of ultimate importance when choosing seamless underwear,” which is especially true if you plan on having a sweat session in them. Not only does it both feel and look invisible under leggings and bike shorts, but it’s also been said that they stay put quite well. This all sounds like a recipe for a successful workout class if you ask us.
Price at time of publish: $13
Material: Body: 80% recycled nylon, 20% elastane; Lining: 100% cotton | Colors: Hibiscus, Eightball (black), Lime Fizz +more | Size Range: XS-3XL
Best Sculpting
SKIMS Sculpting Seamless Mid Waist Briefs
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/3a4e95f1-5af5-47e8-bc38-f592f4c575f3-d6cd8b97df654e50bc99b54b5e8aabf1.jpg)
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Underwear can be sculpting and seamless at the same time—you’ll just want to make sure you snag a pair that targets sculpting support to the midsection. This sculpting brief sculpts your waist and smooths your stomach while providing seamless shapewear coverage that’s invisible beneath clothing.
Material: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane | Colors: Ruby, Fuchsia, Sugar Plum, Oxide, Cocoa, Onyx +more | Size Range: XXS-4X
MEET THE EXPERT
Tamara Conlin is the Vice President of Product Operations & Strategy at Parade. She has nearly 15 years of experience in merchandising and product development. She’s also worked at Gap, Lululemon, and Abercrombie & Fitch.
What to Look for in Seamless Underwear
Material
Shapewear is generally made from nylon and spandex, though some brands are making the most of modal. The latter has many benefits: It’s approximately 50 percent more absorbent than cotton and durable enough to wear for years. Modal also doesn’t pill or shrink in the wash and is eco-friendly because it’s biodegradable and made from plants. Another material featured in this roundup that’s worth mentioning is bamboo viscose. According to undergarment brand Boody, it’s a super soft fabric that feels light and gentle on your skin while also being breathable and moisture-wicking.
That being said, different materials may cater to different needs. Bamboo viscose is hypoallergenic and may be a better choice for you over spandex if you have sensitive skin. If your priority is product lifespan, a modal may just be your best option. Mostly nylon and all-nylon options tend to be less expensive since nylon is one of the most cost-effective fabrics.
Cut
Cuts will suit different people differently, so it’s important to consider the styles in which you’ll be most comfortable in your prospective outfits. A high-waisted hipster and a boyshort might work equally well as the underpinning for a sheer minidress, in which case it would come down to whether you feel more comfortable with more material around your core or your butt. By the same token, a seamless thong and a pair of seamless cheeky underwear may not work equally well under a bodycon dress. If you don’t want lines but still need some structure, go for compression or, at the very least, a high-waisted option.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like materials, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust Byrdie
Hayley Prokos is a freelance writer and editor focused on fashion and lifestyle. She contributes regularly to Byrdie’s commerce section and has a passion for sourcing stylish items that also offer lasting comfort and ease of wear. After hours of researching and chatting with our expert, she’s gathered enough insight to determine which seamless underwear styles are worth buying.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough seamless underwear from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage.