I hate nearly every term for underwear.  Panties? They sound like a term for baby pants. Briefs? That would like the type of work that has you clawing your eyes at 3 pm when you realize you have 2 hours left and not enough sanity to bare it. Bikinis? All the fun of the name, but none of the vacation, sandy beaches and tropical drinks that come with it. Thongs? Those were ruined by an unfortunate song in the 90s. Thanks Sisqo.

What I also hated, for the longest time, was how there were simply no good, every day underwear options. For example, panties that rocked some awesome butt cleavage or barely cover your naughty bits, were available a plenty. Also available? Underwear big enough and high enough to double as a crop top.  I am not kidding. I almost bought a pair to prove this very point. It would have been an awesome crop top. But these options as every day panties? Nope.

So I started a mission, I would try every brand I possibly could until I found those diamonds in the lingerie drawer.  And try underwear, I did. Tons of it. I wasted so much money. I got frustrated many times that I had just spent money on things that were terrible, itchy, and in some cases left scratch marks on my thighs like a wild animal clawing away from lady bits. But in the end I emerged with 4 solid solutions. And frankly it was totally worth it.

One: Cheap + Cheerful- Marks and Spencer Cotton Rich Midi Knickers

There’s nothing fancy about these  basic cotton panties, but that’s exactly why they’re the best. For $12 a pack, they’re a bargain. The midi rise offers a lot of coverage with out feeling like I’m wearing a sexless pair of grayed haired grandma panties. The cotton construction makes them breathable and ideal for day to day wear. They aren’t as durable as the other pairs I came to love, but the price is right and the construction is good.

Two: Underwear to live in- Tomboy X Boy Shorts

I originally ordered these undies because I liked the brand’s mission, being both size inclusive and advocate for empowering women. That said, when I first got these boy shorts in the mail I was skeptical. I loved the styling, but I felt like they were going to end up like most cotton banded underwear-feeling heavy, bunchy and just getting weird in my down under. However, I lived in these underwear for 24 hours and I actually had separation anxiety when I had to put them into the wash. I also immediately called my girlfriend who wears men’s underwear because girl gear is too “frou frou” for her and demanded she buy a pair. Writing this blurb actually reminded me to go and buy a few more pairs and I see they have these adorable rainbow banded pairs for pride week.  I’ll take two.

Three: Glamour + Comfort- Hanky Panky Retro V-kini Every pair of underwear with lace that  I had tested to this point has ripped either in the first wear or in the first wash, I was pretty much wearing my lace face of ultimate disgrace when I laid down $37 for another  pair of lace underwear . So it was with great hesitation I put my card down knowing I’d be kissing away my drink money for the week for a pair of underwear that would likely disintegrate in my hands. After wearing the pair I was pretty impressed, comfortable and lacy.. who knew that existed. I dropped them in the washer and said a prayer. They emerged unscathed. It was like a panty miracle. 10 washes later, this pair still looks like new. So yeah, they’re expensive, but you wont be replacing them as often. And with a variety of cuts that I enjoy, I know I can even wear these when I want to add a little spice to my outfit. Pro tip: shop the sale section, same great panties, half the price.

Four: The Anti-Chaf Champion- Thigh Society

Thigh Society read a post of mine about wearing bike shorts under dresses to prevent chub rub in India and gave me a pair of the high rise anti-chafing panty short to test. I was super impressed. Usually the only “anti-chaf shorts/underwear” are shape wear. Which means you have to feel like a sausage stuffed in a casing of underwear hell to prevent chub rub. Thigh Society is different. They’re super stretchy, super comfortable, and keep you dry. The last bits important because chafing isn’t just an affect or rubbing, it’s also a result of candy juicy thigh sweat. I wore these babies in million degree weather in Costa Rica and emerged with no panties lines, no chafing and no awkwardly wet bum.  These are now my go undergarment for sundress season.

What brands did I miss that you love? Share them in the comments! Also check out last weeks post on the best plus size bralettes.