Britain’s 51 best knickers revealed. YOU magazine’s fashion team have tried thousands: these are the ULTIMATE picks that are comfortable, flattering, don’t ride up and wash well
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How many pairs of pants do you own? I suspect I’m hoarding almost 30. And I’m not the only one. In the UK we are guilty of buying knickers en masse – M&S sells more than 60million pairs a year, with one in three women shopping for their briefs in the store’s underwear department.
But despite having packed knicker drawers, we all seem to rotate the same select few pairs until they’re over-washed, threadbare and ready for the bin. The rest remain untouched or only appear on date nights.
Comfort is the key factor – if they cut in, ride up or show through clothes they’re destined to end up at the bottom of the pile. But according to lingerie brand Stripe & Stare, you should replace underwear every six months to a year. So it’s likely we’ve all been over-wearing our favourites.
In the spirit of buying quality not quantity, we asked the women of YOU’s editorial team to reveal the knicker styles that they find themselves reaching for on repeat.
Stripe & Stare The Original Knickers
Fabric Tencel
Price £50 for four, stripeandstare.com
Nice buns? Is cloud a fabric? Because that’s how these feel. They cover everything and there’s not a hint of VPL. As for sexy? Saucy smalls are not high on my list of priorities! An investment your backside will thank you for.
Features director Marianne Jones
M&S Rosie Silk & Lace High Leg Knickers
Fabric Polyamide mix
Price £15, marksandspencer.com
Nice buns? Silky, soft and no VPL because the back is pure lace. Good bum coverage, yet sexy. And they pair nicely with suspenders if that’s your thing.
Creative director Natasha Tomalin-Hall
Muji Cotton Blend Bikini Shorts
Fabric Viscose/cotton mix
Price £12.95 for three
Nice buns? Comfy and sustainable – made from leftover fabric. Avoid on date nights.
Editor Jackie Annesley
Uniqlo Airism Seamless Thong Briefs
Fabric Polyamide
Price £9.90, uniqlo.com
Nice buns? Who knew the words ‘comfy’ and ‘thong’ would ever be used together? Plus, they’re invisible under clothes.
Deputy editor Lindsay Frankel
Sloggi Free Evolve Hipster Knickers
Fabric Lenzing MicroModal
Price £13, uk.sloggi.com
Nice buns? Great as activewear for running or yoga, these wash well, they don’t ride up and don’t lose colour or shape.
Columnist Liz Jones
Dora Larsen Dolly Clean Tulle Thong
Fabric Recycled nylon
Price £30, doralarsen.com
Nice buns? I love that they come in funky colours (even better with the matching bra).
Fashion assistant Hope Palmer
Reebok Suki Briefs
Fabric Polyester
Price £24.99 for three, sportsdirect.com
Nice buns? The best workout pants in the world! They’re seamless, so no VPL through leggings; soft, so no chaffing from a gusset that digs in; and sweat-wicking, too.
Digital writer Scarlett Dargan
Cosabella Never Say Never Cutie Low Rise Thong
Fabric Polyamide
Price £28, cosabella.com
Nice buns? These made me a thong convert. They feel like you are wearing nothing. They also make my hips look slimmer from the front, and, thanks to the generous amount of lace and the way they taper, make my rear look acceptable, too.
Assistant editor (beauty) Rosie Green
Calvin Klein Modern Logo Bikini Briefs
Fabric Polyamide mix
Price £14, calvinklein.co.uk
Nice buns? Outrageously comfy, and the only time I won’t wear thongs. They hug your cheeks rather than digging in, the elastic round the top sits flatteringly above my hip bones, and the high leg looks sexy.
Deputy beauty editor Alice Robertson
M&S Microfibre Full Briefs
Fabric Polyester
Price £12 for five, marksandspencer.com
Nice buns? I can’t imagine not wearing these. The silhouette has a bit of a 50s feel. Especially when you have larger hips and more rolls than Greggs.
Art director Ellie Allen-Eslor
Intimissimi Cotton And Lace Knickers
Fabric Cotton mix
Price £17, intimissimi.com
Nice buns? A good mix of comfy and mildly attractive, they come in 11 colours.
Editor Jackie Annesley
Victoria’s Secret The Wink Floral Lace Thong
Fabric Nylon
Price £9, victoriassecret.co.uk
Nice buns? I wear these every day because they don’t show through my clothes.
Deputy beauty editor Alice Robertson
Commando Classic Thong
Fabric Microfibre
Price £72 for three, wearcommando.com
Nice buns? These are on the expensive side, but they are my comfiest. Not sexy, but neither are they hideous.
Fashion director Sophie Dearden-Howell
F&F at Tesco High Leg Lace Trim Knickers
Fabric Nylon mix
Price £9.50 for three, tesco.com
Nice buns? These aren’t date-night pants. But they’re comfy, don’t show through your jeans and don’t go baggy, no matter how much you wash them.
Digital writer Scarlett Dargan
M&S Pure Cotton Bikini Knickers
Fabric Cotton
Price £8 for five, marksandspencer.com
Nice buns? It has to be cotton – acrylic in private places is a no-no for me. As are sticky-in styles. These fit perfectly with maximum cheek coverage. And the price is unmatched.
Sub editor Cath Sheargold
Organic Basics Smooth High Leg Briefs
Fabric Recycled nylon
Price £17, organicbasics.com
Nice buns? These are my go-to when I want more coverage and support around my period. The ribbed-texture fabric holds you in, yet it’s soft and feels luxe.
Fashion assistant Hope Palmer
M&S Autograph Monaco Embroidery Tanga High Leg Knickers
Fabric Polyamide mix
Price £12, marksandspencer.com
Nice buns? Great for when you want comfort (always!) but don’t want to feel like you’ve given up on ever feeling sexy again.
Deputy editor Lindsay Frankel
Baserange Bell Pants
Fabric Bamboo lyocell
Price £79 for three, baserange.com
Nice buns? Simple, stylish and sustainably produced. They may be pricey but in a pair of these and a matching bra I feel calm, comfortable and set for the day.
Sub editor Marion Jones
Agent Provocateur Nelle Thong
Fabric Polyester
Price £80, agentprovocateur.com
Nice buns? Not cheap, but nothing makes me feel sexier. And they don’t cut in.
Fashion editor Hannah Skelley
M&S Lycra and Lace High Rise Shorts
Fabric Cotton mix
Price £12 for five, marksandspencer.com
Nice buns? Simple, not too small, and a little sexier than all-out hip-huggers. These sit still, so no danger of a wedgy, or cutting my cheeks into four.
Sub editor Leo Walstow
Stripe & Stare Eco Lace High Rise Knickers
Fabric Tencel and recycled lace
Price £20, stripeandstare.com
Nice buns? One satisfied customer wrote: ‘I feel like my bum is living its best life’. Quite. A date-night essential.
Editor Jackie Annesley
M&S Cotton Rich Ribbed Thong
Fabric Cotton mix
Price £7 for two, marksandspencer.com
Nice buns? Perfect for wearing with trousers – no VPL and very comfortable.
Books editor and senior features writer Maddy Fletcher
M&S Rosie Contour High Waist High Leg Knickers
Fabric Polyamide
Price £10, marksandspencer.com
Nice buns? Super flattering, stylish, feminine, no VPL. Good price, too.
Editor Jackie Annesley
Fantasie Lindsey French Knickers
Fabric Polyester
Price £29, fantasie.com
Nice buns? They feel silky-soft and luxurious, look cute on and seem to be quite popular with the chap in my life!
Deputy editor Lindsay Frankel
Chantelle Soft Stretch Hipster Knickers
Fabric Nylon mix
Price £17, johnlewis.com
Nice buns? They only come in one size because they’re so stretchy. They sit flat against your skin so there’s no sign you’re even wearing pants.
Social media editor Kanika Banwait
Lise Charmel Sublime Lace Briefs
Fabric Polyamide
Price £98, maisonsl.com
Nice buns? These posh pants are eye-wateringly expensive, but they are my most treasured pair and special occasion only. They offer full bottom coverage and look super sexy, which is no mean feat. They are also surprisingly comfortable. Don’t risk them in a 40-degree mixed load, though.
Assistant editor (beauty) Rosie Green
Dora Larsen Daisy Embroidery Knickers
Fabric Recycled polyester
Price £65 for three, doralarsen.com
Nice buns? Prettiest pants in the biz. Stretchy and light. Feels as though you’re not wearing any.
Fashion editor Hannah Skelley
Understatement Micro Lace Cheeky Knickers
Fabric Recycled polyamide
Price £24, shopunderstatement.com
Nice buns? More coverage than a thong, and the cotton gusset is breathable and hypoallergenic. This is where my money goes.
Junior style editor Jessica Carroll
Parade Re:Play Boyshorts
Fabric Recycled nylon
Price £7.50, yourparade.com
Nice buns? I have always prioritised comfort over looks with pants (apologies to boyfriends past and present), and these give the coverage and super-softness I want but come in heaps of fun colourways and patterns or with mesh panels. They cheer up my previously dowdy undies drawer. (Note: these are ordered from the US site but with zero duties.)
Chief sub editor Charlotte Cox
Victoria’s Secret Winter Wine Red Cheeky Rose Lace Trim Knickers
Fabric Nylon mix
Price £14, victoriassecret.co.uk
Nice buns? A few years ago I was given a voucher for Victoria’s Secret and I spent it on a knicker-drawer update. I naively believed their offering would be for more adventurous younger women. I’m now a Victoria’s Secret convert. They are so soft and easy to wear, while also tricking my husband into thinking I am wearing something less comfortably sexy.
Fashion director Sophie Dearden-Howell
Hanro Touch Feeling Midi Briefs
Fabric Micropolyamide
Price £45, hanro.co.uk
Nice buns? No seams, they never floss you, never lose colour or stretch even after a decade.
Columnist Liz Jones
M&S Cotton Lycra & Lace Knickers
Fabric Cotton mix
Price £12 for five, marksandspencer.com
Nice buns? As I said to a colleague before writing this: why would anyone spend money on pants? It stumps me. Anyway, these work out at £2.40 a pair, which is exactly how much I want to spend on knickers.
Books editor and senior features writer Maddy Fletcher
Wacoal Accord Tanga or Briefs
Fabric Cotton
Price Tanga, £16, briefs £20, wacoallingerie.com
Nice buns? No VPL, like a second skin – extremely comfortable!
Senior bookings editor Lila Flint Roberts
Bluebella Seraphim High Waist Thong
Fabric Polyamide
Price £22, bluebella.com
Nice buns? They are sexy, silky and comfortable, which is the holy trinity of pants in my opinion. You also can’t see them through jeans or skirts, and they don’t ride up during the day. No embarrassing wedgies here.
Interiors director Nicole Gray
Intimissimi Pretty Flowers Thong With Side Straps
Fabric Polyamide and polyester
Price £24, intimissimi.com
Nice buns? I only ever wear lace thongs and Intimissimi does the best – they’re comfy, come in lots of colours (though I go for the neutrals so I can match them with my bras) and they’re always on offer. Tip: get them while you’re in mainland Europe, where they’re considerably cheaper.
Deputy digital editor Charlotte Vossen
Underdays The Workout Thong
Fabric Recycled nylon
Price £18, theunderdays.com
Nice buns? I’m a die-hard thong wearer – even when exercising. I’ve run two marathons in this one. It’s completely chafe-resistant and sweat-wicking, too.
Fashion editor Hannah Skelley
Bravissimo Amelia Floral Briefs
Fabric Polyamide
Price £18, bravissimo.com
Nice buns? As the owner of big boobs, Bravissimo is my go-to for pretty bras that don’t look like scaffolding. I always treat myself to a pair of matching knickers when I buy a new bra and if I ever get run over, these are the pants I hope to be wearing.
Deputy editor Lindsay Frankel
Stella McCartney Lace Trim Zebra Print Low Rise Briefs
Fabric Polyester
Price £43, theoutnet.com
Nice buns? For times when someone else is ripping them off with their teeth, but way more forgiving than a thong.
Columnist Liz Jones
M&S Flexifit Lace High Rise Shorts
Fabric Polyamide
Price £16 for three, marksandspencer.com
Nice buns? These are my everyday go-tos: I prefer the secure feel of a high waist and these are sensible but still sexy, as well as seam-free and comfy.
Deputy chief sub editor Susan Henderson
Skims Soft Smoothing Seamless Thong
Fabric Nylon
Price £20, skims.com
Nice buns? On days when I’m wearing a slightly see-through dress and don’t want the outline or the colour of my underwear showing through, these are my go-to. They’re super soft, hit flatteringly at the mid-waist and have minimum bum coverage to prevent VPL.
Deputy digital editor, Charlotte Vossen
Primark Lace Bandeau Thong
Fabric Nylon
Price £5 for three, primark.com
Nice buns? I have bought these thongs ever since I started buying my own underwear. They are comfy, reliable and attractive. The thick lace bandeau waistband is super flattering as it sits alongside your body without digging in or giving you four bums.
Senior designer Amy Hanbidge
Chantelle Soft Stretch High Waist Briefs
Fabric Polyamide
Price £17, chantelle.com
Nice buns? You can’t see them, you can’t feel them. No wedgy factor and the nude shade is invisible under the lightest clothes.
Picture editor Stephanie Belingard
Peachaus Sugi Recycled Lace High Leg Thong
Fabric Nylon polyamide
Price £18, peachaus.com
Nice buns? I don’t always love lace as it can be too tight or too saggy. However, these retain their shape beautifully and are designed to fit a woman’s body (so no riding up the wrong places). They also come in elegant colours.
Fashion director Sophie Dearden-Howell
Heist The Bridget Microfibre Lace Tanga Thong
Fabric Nylon mix
Price £22, heist-studios.com
Nice buns? Thicker straps over the leg don’t cut into my hips and rest in just the right spot to make my legs look longer. The eyelash lace at the back is cute and doesn’t have seams that show through tight dresses or leggings.
Deputy beauty editor Alice Robertson
M&S Collection Light Control No VPL Full Briefs
Fabric Polyamide and elastane
Price £14 for two, marksandspencer.com
Nice buns? A long way from sexy, but there’s no VPL and they smooth over lumps and bumps without being uncomfortable.
Features director Kath Brown
Boux Avenue High Leg Seamfree Thong
Fabric Polyamide
Price £8, bouxavenue.com
Nice buns? No VPL and soft enough to sleep in. An inoffensive everyday option.
Fashion editor Hannah Skelley
M&S Lounge Rib & Lace High Leg Knickers
Fabric Viscose mix
Price £10, marksandspencer.com
Nice buns? No VPL and more importantly no itchy lace in the wrong bits! They’re sexy without being raunchy.
Picture editor Francesca D’Avanzo
Sloggi Ever Ease Hipster Knickers
Fabric Cotton
Price £11, uk.sloggi.com
Nice buns? Love these for the gym as the cotton composition doesn’t get sweaty.
Deputy editor Lindsay Frankel
M&S Lace Miami Knickers
Fabric Polyamide mix
Price £10 for three, marksandspencer.com
Nice buns? They’re big, with full coverage on the bottom, but the V-cut waistband is sexier than a standard high-leg knicker.
Social media editor Kanika Banwait
Etam Prelude Lace Thong
Fabric Polyamide
Price £18, etam.co.uk
Nice buns? A little fancy without being uncomfortable! Has a matching bra, if you like a full set.
Senior bookings editor Lila Flint Roberts
Pico Low Rise Bikini Knickers
Fabric Organic cotton
Price £18, project-pico.com
Nice buns? Super soft, great if you have sensitive skin or allergies, and good for the planet. Pico undies are made by a small team of women in southern India, using organic cotton from local small co-op farms.
Columnist Liz Jones
