The Ultimate Guide to Matching Underwear Styles to Your Body Shape

Underwear that fits perfectly can make you forget you’re even wearing it and helps you move through your day with confidence. A pair that’s too tight, rolls down, or gives you a wedgie every five minutes? That’s an all-day distraction no one needs. 

Ill-fitting underwear can cause everything from rolling waistbands to visible panty lines and discomfort, making it crucial to find a style that works for your unique shape and needs.

Whether you want smoothing, shaping, or just an everyday comfy fit, there’s a style that suits you.

A Quick Overview for Understanding Your Body Shape

When it comes to choosing the best underwear for your body shape, understanding your body type can be helpful (but comfort and personal preference should always come first). The goal isn’t to follow rigid style rules but to find underwear that fits well, feels great, and lets you move through your day without constant adjustments.

Here’s a quick overview of five main body shapes and how underwear can work with them:

• Apple: A fuller midsection with narrower hips. Best suited for high-waisted styles that offer tummy support and a secure fit.
• Pear: Wider hips with a smaller waist and bust. Look for classic briefs that are less likely to ride up or dig in.
• Hourglass: Balanced bust and hips with a defined waist. Flattered by seamless, curve-hugging styles that enhance natural proportions.
• Inverted Triangle: Broader shoulders with a narrower waist and hips. Requires underwear that fits snugly without extra fabric bunching up.
• Rectangle: A straight silhouette works well with underwear that adds definition or shaping.

Choosing the right style for your natural shape can improve comfort and create a smooth, flattering silhouette under clothing.

Best Underwear for Each Body Shape

Finding the best underwear for your body shape is about choosing styles that work with your body, not against it. Here’s a breakdown of the best styles for each body type.

Apple Shape: High-Rise Comfort & Coverage

If you carry more weight around your midsection, you’ve likely dealt with waistbands rolling down at some point. The solution? High-waisted briefs, wide-band hipsters, or high-rise thongs provide support and stay in place. 

The Valentina High-Waisted Silk & Organic Cotton Full Brief offers all-day comfort with its moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic silk gusset and soft silk-cotton blend. The gentle elastic waist prevents digging or rolling while providing light tummy support for a smooth, irritation-free fit.

Customers love its blend of luxury and practicality: "I already had two pairs of these & just bought another three. It’s wonderful to find such pretty underwear that’s comfortable to wear… The bonus is that my husband loves them too!" – Mrs. L., United Kingdom

Pear Shape: Coverage That Moves with You

With wider hips and a smaller waist, the challenge for pear-shaped bodies is finding underwear that doesn’t ride up or create unwanted panty lines. The best options are hipsters, cheeky briefs, or full-coverage panties, which provide a secure yet flattering fit. 

Hourglass Shape: Enhancing Natural Curves

If your bust and hips are proportionally balanced with a defined waist, you’ll want underwear that highlights your curves without digging in. Thongs, cheeky briefs, and high-cut bikinis work well because they enhance your natural shape without cutting across your natural curves. 

JulieMay’s Debbie Cotton & Silk Brief is an excellent choice for all-day wear. Made with a silk-cotton blend and a pure silk inner crotch, it offers breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and a luxuriously smooth feel. 

Inverted Triangle: Balance & Comfort

Underwear that stays in place without excess fabric bunching is also key for those with broader shoulders and a narrower waist and hips. Bikinis, thongs, and boyshorts are great options because they provide a snug, comfortable fit without unnecessary bulk. Look for elastic fabrics to ensure your underwear stays put throughout the day.

Rectangle Shape: Adding Shape & Definition

Rectangle body shapes tend to have a straighter silhouette with minimal curves, so underwear that creates definition can be a game-changer. High-cut briefs and bikinis add subtle shaping without excess fabric bunching. 

The JulieMay Passion Red Silk & Organic Cotton Brief is a standout option for a mix of style, comfort, and curve-enhancing fit. Crafted from a silk-cotton blend with a 100% silk gusset, this brief is soft, moisture-wicking, and antibacterial. The high-cut leg design helps elongate the silhouette, making it a flattering choice for rectangle shapes.

The JulieMay community loves its durability and premium feel: "Very cute and amazing feeling on the skin, but also so high quality. I’m so used to lingerie that is flimsy—I did not expect this to be so durable. Very impressed!" – Trevor L., United States

Common Fit Issues & How to Solve Them

Even the best underwear for your body shape won’t feel right if the fit is off. Here’s how to fix three of the most common issues.

• Rolling Waistbands: If your waistband keeps rolling down, your underwear is likely too tight or has a thin waistband that can’t hold its shape. High-waisted styles with wide elastic bands provide a secure fit and prevent rolling.
• Wedgies & Riding Up: This usually means your underwear is too small or the cut is wrong for your shape. Pear and hourglass figures should try full-coverage hipsters, which offer more rear support and stay in place better than other styles.
• Pinching or Discomfort: Underwear that digs in or leaves marks is too tight or made from stiff fabric. Choose stretchy, breathable materials like cotton to avoid irritation and ensure all-day comfort.

When your underwear fits well, you won’t notice it, and that’s the goal!

Fabric & Comfort: Choosing the Right Material

The best underwear for your body shape isn’t just about the cut; it’s also about choosing the right fabric for maximum comfort and breathability. The wrong material can lead to irritation, overheating, or discomfort, while the right one keeps you feeling fresh all day.

• Cotton: Naturally breathable and hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.
  Pima Cotton: A step up from regular cotton, it’s five times more breathable, ensuring all-day comfort.
• Pure Silk: Naturally antibacterial and moisture-wicking, silk prevents odors and promotes optimal feminine hygiene.
• Lace: Stylish and feminine, but opt for soft, cotton lace for comfort without irritation.

The right fabric can make even the most structured underwear feel like a second skin.

Confidence Starts with the Right Fit

When choosing the best underwear for your body, focus on comfort, support, and feeling your absolute best. The right underwear should move with you, stay in place, and make you feel confident from the inside out.

At the end of the day, there’s no single “right” style. Whether you prefer high-waisted briefs, hipsters, or lace thongs, the perfect pair is the one that makes you feel comfortably confident and ready to take on the day.

So don’t be afraid to experiment with different underwear styles and fabrics until you find your perfect fit. Your body deserves the best, so wear what makes you feel unstoppable!