The main types of underwear are the brief, full brief, boyshort, high-waisted brief, bikini, hipster, thong, G-string and seamless styles. Each gives a different balance of coverage and invisibility — and the right one depends on the outfit and the occasion. This is the complete catalogue, with a detailed guide behind each style and a guide to which to wear when.
This is part of our complete guide to women's underwear in Pakistan.
The styles below are ordered roughly from most coverage to least. After them, a section on which to reach for at different times.
Boyshorts
A short, straight leg covering the whole seat and upper thigh — the most coverage of the everyday styles, and great against thigh chafing. Our Comfy Classic High-Rise Boyshorts are this cut. See boyshorts: what they are and when to wear them.
High-waisted (high-rise) brief
Sits at or above the waist, smoothing the tummy and staying put without rolling. Best under fitted clothing, postpartum, on your period and in winter. See high-waisted underwear.
Full brief
The classic full-coverage style, comfortable and supportive for everyday wear under looser clothing. For how much coverage you actually need, see full-coverage vs minimal underwear.
Bikini
Sits on the hips with moderate coverage and a higher-cut leg — the classic everyday all-rounder, between a full brief and a thong. See bikini underwear.
Hipster
Sits low on the hips with a wider side and full rear coverage — comfortable under low- and mid-rise clothing. See hipster underwear.
Thong
A thin strip at the back that removes the rear panty line, ideal under fitted, fine or pale fabric. Our Seamless Secrets thong set disappears under fitted clothes. See when to wear a thong and are thongs bad for you.
G-string
The most minimal style, with just a string at the back — completely invisible under the most fitted outfits. Our Coquettes and Privy Intrigue sets are designed to vanish.
Seamless
Not a cut but a construction: any style with bonded, laser-cut edges instead of stitched seams, so nothing shows through fitted fabric. Our Smooth Operator 7-pack is a seamless everyday set. See seamless vs regular underwear.
Which underwear should you wear when?
Match the style to the occasion, not just the outfit. A quick guide to the best times for each:
- Everyday, under normal clothes: bikini or hipster, in breathable cotton
- Under fitted trousers, skirts and dresses: a seamless thong or seamless brief to remove lines. See how to stop visible panty lines
- Under white or fine fabric: a seamless thong or brief in a skin tone. See what to wear under white clothes
- On your period: a full brief, boyshort or high-waisted style for coverage and security
- Sleeping: a breathable cotton brief, or a boyshort
- Exercise and the gym: a seamless style with a cotton gusset, changed straight after. See what to wear under gym clothes
- Postpartum: a soft, high-waisted brief that sits above a tender abdomen. See postpartum comfort
- Special occasions and formal outfits: a seamless nude style under the outfit. See our occasion and bridal guide
What fabric should each style be?
Breathable cotton or a cotton gusset for everyday and the heat; seamless synthetic for an invisible finish under fitted clothes. Most people are best owning both.
See cotton vs synthetic underwear and, for Pakistan's climate, the best underwear for summer.
How many styles do you actually need?
Most people are well served by three: a comfortable everyday cut, a seamless style for fitted clothes, and a full-coverage style for periods and lounging. Build from those, then add as your wardrobe needs.
See lingerie wardrobe essentials and how many pairs you should own.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of underwear?
Brief, full brief, boyshort, high-waisted brief, bikini, hipster, thong, G-string, and seamless styles. They differ mainly by how much they cover and how visible they are under clothing.
Which underwear style is best for fitted clothes?
A seamless thong or seamless brief in a skin tone. Both remove the panty line so nothing shows under fitted or fine fabric.
Which underwear is best for everyday wear?
A bikini or hipster cut in breathable cotton is the most popular everyday choice, balancing coverage and comfort.
What underwear should I wear on my period?
A full brief, boyshort or high-waisted style, for more coverage and security.
Where can I buy every style of underwear in Karachi?
Erblis delivers boyshorts, high-waisted briefs, seamless everyday sets, thongs and G-strings across Karachi with free delivery and Cash on Delivery available. Browse the underwear and seamless collections. Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order.
The short version
Boyshorts and full briefs for coverage, bikini and hipster for everyday, thong and G-string for fitted outfits, seamless for an invisible finish, and high-waisted for smoothing. Match the style to the occasion, and most people need three. Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order.