- Men's and women's underwear isn't easy to shop for. A number of problems, from poor fit to pilling and stretching, plague these small pieces of fabric.
- Comfortable, high-quality underwear makes a world of difference. When you wear a pair of underwear that fits well, you can put on anything over it and feel great.
- Depending on your budget and style, you'll like the underwear sold at these 6 online men's and women's underwear brands.
For such a small piece of fabric, underwear can be deceivingly complicated. Depending on the clothes you wear over it, it can roll and bunch up, or feel increasingly restrictive throughout the day. After you wash it, it might pill, shrink, or stretch out.
Because no one likes thinking about their underwear as they work out, drive, walk, or conduct any other part of their daily life, finding high-quality, comfortable underwear is a must. It's easy to place it as a bottom priority as you shop for your closet, but we've found that you should actually do the opposite — if you set the foundation with a really comfortable piece of underwear that fits and supports you well, you'll be able to wear anything over it and feel great.
We've personally tried all the brands below and can attest to their comfort. Our favorites include everything from affordable $10 and $12 pairs to styles that cost upwards of $30 (but are completely worth the investment). Whatever your budget and style, you'll be able to find an online brand that prompts you to throw out your current collection of underwear.
Shop underwear at various price points from these 6 online brands:
LIVELY ($)
Shop women's underwear at LIVELY here
Led by a former Victoria's Secret senior merchant, LIVELY draws inspiration from lingerie, swimwear, and activewear to make comfortable and cute underwear that women can afford. You can pick up three pieces for $25, which, sure, is more expensive than the bulk deals at your regular retail store, but keep in mind these also won't fall apart after just a few washes. For their fit, comfort, and style, LIVELY's underwear is actually a bargain buy.
Price:
- $10 for all women's styles (or 3 for $25)
What to buy:
- The Seamless Thong, $10, available in 5 colors
- The All Day Bikini, $10, available in 6 colors
- The No Show Thong, $10, available in 5 colors
- The Mesh Back Bikini, $10, available in 8 colors
- The Cotton Brief, $10, available in 5 prints
Everlane ($-$$)
Shop women's underwear at Everlane here
Shop men's underwear at Everlane here
Simplicity has always been Everlane's strong suit, and its underwear is just another example of basics done right. The soft, breathable, and slightly stretchy Supima cotton pieces come in an array of neutral colors, and what they lack in frilly bells and whistles they more than make up for in fit and comfort. Everlane's progressive manufacturing practices might further convince you of the value of its underwear and frankly, the rest of its offerings, too.
Price:
- $12 for all women's styles (or 3 for $27)
- $18 for all men's styles (or 2 for $28)
What to buy:
- The Bikini, $12, available in 5 colors
- The Thong, $12, available in 3 colors
- The Hipster, $12, available in 3 colors
- The High-Rise Hipster, $12, available in 2 colors
- The Boxer Brief, $18, available in 5 colors
MeUndies ($$)
Shop women's underwear at MeUndies here
Shop men's underwear at MeUndies here
There isn't a member of the Insider Picks team who doesn't love the very comfortable and soft micro-modal underwear from MeUndies. What makes it especially memorable is its rotating selection of fun and creative prints like animals, fruits, and bold patterns. You can get a monthly subscription for a regular (and more affordable) refresh of underwear, plus access to exclusive prints, and even order matching pairs with your partner.
Price:
- $18 for women's styles (or 3 for $42)
- $14 for a women's monthly subscription
- $20 for men's styles (or 3 for $54)
- $16 for a men's monthly subscription
What to buy:
- Bikini, $18, available in 20+ colors and prints
- Cheeky Brief, $18, available in 20+ colors and prints
- Boxer Brief, $24, available in 20+ colors and prints
- Trunk, $24, available in 2o+ colors and prints
Athleta ($$)
Shop women's underwear at Athleta here
Active women will love Athleta's new line of Performance Underwear, which consists of three different types of underwear for different levels of activity. The non-slip Incognita has free-cut edges so its practically invisible under tights and is best for yoga or Pilates. Performa, made from a light mesh, is breathable, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying, and is best for high-intensity workouts. The 100% organic cotton Natura has a subtle but comfortable lace pattern and is best for everyday wear.
Price:
- $16 for all women's styles
What to buy:
- Incognita Thong, $16, available in 5 colors
- Incognita Bikini, $16, available in 9 colors
- Performa Bikini, $16, available in 3 colors
- Natura Bikini, $16, available in 8 colors
Stance ($$-$$$)
Shop women's underwear at Stance here
Shop men's underwear at Stance here
Though initially skeptical, we quickly relinquished the idea that Stance is only a sock company after trying its underwear, which feature the brand's signature style and spunk without sacrificing comfort and support. Men can choose from Supima cotton, poly blend, combed cotton, and the company's unique Butter Blend fabrics, while all women's styles are made from Sensil nylon. If you want your underwear to show as much personality as the clothes you wear over it, you'll like shopping Stance's options.
Price:
- $16-$36 for women's styles
- $20-$36 for men's styles
What to buy:
- Nylon Cheeky, $6.99
- Wide Side Thong, $9.99, available in 3 prints
- Nightridge Butter Blend Boxer, $30, available in 5 colors
- Flower Paints Poly Blend Boxer Brief, $20
- Lightning Butter Blend Wholester, $24.99, available in 2 prints
Tommy John ($$$)
Shop women's underwear at Tommy John here
Shop men's underwear at Tommy John here
Tommy John makes the rare pieces of underwear that are soft, breathable, never pill, and never need adjusting, which is why calling it the best underwear brand for both men and women was a no-brainer. Since it has primarily focused on men's apparel in its last decade of existence, you'll find a more robust selection of styles and color options there, but the company continues to grow its highly anticipated and lauded women's collection. Whatever cut you prefer, we recommend choosing the smooth, micro-modal Second Skin, or the stretchy, barely-there Air fabrics.
Price:
- $20-$28 for women's styles
- $27-$48 for men's styles
What to buy:
- Air Thong, $26, available in 6 colors
- Second Skin Brief, $22, available in 16 colors
- Cool Cotton Cheeky, $22, available in 13 colors
- Go Anywhere Boxer Brief, $28, available in 8 colors
- Second Skin Trunk, $32, available in 4 colors
- Cool Cotton Square Cut, $29, available in 2 colors
You can purchase syndication rights to this story here.
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnp52ys7GMraZmmqWueqS7zJ%2Bmq6yRl7mmedSnm56qp5qus3nOp6OippVif3F9l2Zw