Wearing white shorts is a gamble for obvious reasons, but will that stop me from doing it? Of course not. All it takes is the right pair of no-show underwear — then I'm free to rock sheer, light clothing all summer long.
The best no-show underwear our team has tested have seamless designs that cling to your body (without squeezing you in). These pairs effectively disappear any panty lines that might distract from your outfit.
My favorite no-show thong is the Spanx Fit-To-You Thong because it's made with a super stretchy nylon-Spandex fabric that gently hugs my body in all the right ways. If you prefer something with more coverage that'll stay invisible under a sundress, associate style editor Gabrielle Chase recommends the high-waisted seamless Slip Shorts from Evelyn & Bobbie.
Top 3 pairs of no-show underwear:
"I wear them under dresses in summer, and they help prevent my thighs from sticking together when I sweat," writes senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase.
This barely-there thong is made with a lightweight, anti-microbial micro-modal fabric. It's invisible under clothing and has a comfortably wide waistband that won't roll down.
This thong has a high-rise waistband made with a slightly compressive material that gently holds you in around the middle, giving you a more secure feel.
Evelyn & Bobbie High-Waisted Thong
Across the style team, you won't find an editor who doesn't sing the praises of Evelyn & Bobbie's underwear. "I've been washing and wearing this underwear for about a year, and it's still by far my favorite thong. It's perfect under high-rise leggings, because it feels like wearing not much at all," says senior associate style editor, Gabrielle Chase. "The fabric is extremely breathable, buttery soft, and absolutely invisible. It has a stretchy waistband has just the slightest bit of compression so it feels supportive, but never constricting."
Executive editor, Sally Kaplan, said she cleared out her underwear drawer and, save for a few pairs, has entirely replaced her collection with the brand's high-rise thongs and no-show briefs. "I am obsessed with Evelyn & Bobbie's underwear and bras. As someone with a very soft belly and hips, I know how hard it is to find good pairs that don't dig anywhere or show lines under thin clothing. The high-rise thongs are my top pick because they're perfectly seamless, so stretchy, and extremely breathable. They stretch all the way over my belly for a nice, full-coverage feeling and they don't show any bulging whatsoever."
Gabrielle is also a fan of the full-coverage feeling that the high-waist offers. "I like that this design gives me more coverage than a G-string, but still has the practicality of a thong. You can get them in one of two sizes that stretch to fit a wide range," writes Gabrielle.
Spanx Fit-To-You Thong
"Though Spanx may be best known for its shapewear, the brand is responsible for some of our favorite comfy lounge clothing — and now our daily underwear, too. I tend to be skeptical of one-size-fits-most underwear, but these actually deliver. Crafted from a breathable nylon-elastane material with a 100% cotton gusset, the thong stretches up to 400 percent to accommodate various body shapes and sizes (One Size is designed to fit sizes XS-XL, and One Size Plus covers sizes 1X-3X).
Still, I found the fit comfortable but not tight. The thong stayed hidden under a pair of leggings and the quick-dry fabric was appreciated during my workout." — Talia Ergas, freelance writer, Insider Reviews
Bombas Women's No Show Thong
In our review of Bombas women's underwear, we found that the brand made famous for its socks is also a major player in the intimates category. This nylon-elastane thong (in sizes XS-2X), which is perfect for wearing under leggings during a workout, was a standout.
"They come with a grippy, textured detailing on the inside that's intended to keep the underwear from moving around when wearing under leggings or other activewear," writes Sally Kaplan, Executive Editor, Insider Reviews. "I personally didn't find that the textured detailing was particularly helpful, but I do like the silky feel of the underwear. If you feel more secure with high-waisted styles, I wouldn't recommend this pair — but if low-rise is your usual go-to, these are a comfortable option I'd definitely recommend."
Tommy John Air Thong
"The Air Thong was lightweight and felt barely there. Certain outfits dictate wearing a thong, often prompting women to give up on wearing the outfit altogether for fear of how uncomfortable the thong will be," writes Connie Chen, former Insider Reviews reporter in our Tommy John women's underwear review. "Thanks to great designs like Tommy John's and Everlane's, I've gotten over this fear and have a new appreciation for this low-profile style."
Negative Underwear Base High Thong
We love Negative Underwear's minimalist approach to luxury intimates with a focus on comfort, quality, and function. It's great for people who want high-quality lingerie without any (literal) frills, and it scored high marks when we had three staffers test a variety of the brand's offerings.
This nylon-lycra high-rise thong is great for wearing under thin fabrics because the lightweight material is made with bonded seams that help conceal the panties. The sleek and stretchy style, which comes in black and buff in sizes XS-XXL, is basically invisible under clothing.
Read our full Negative Underwear review to learn more about the brand's other styles.
ThirdLove ComfortStretch Thong
I own at least 10 pairs of ThirdLove's ComfortStretch Thong (in sizes XS-3X), and they're some of my favorite pair of panties for everyday wear. The nylon-Spandex fabric (with a 100% cotton gusset) has a ton of stretch, so I've been able to keep wearing the same size even through weight fluctuations. The fabric lays flat against my skin, and it's invisible under a tight pair of leggings or a figure-hugging sundress. I just wish they came in more colors, including darker nude shades.
Everlane The Invisible High-Rise Thong
Over the years, we've reviewed dozens of Everlane styles from shoes to denim, and we've consistently come away impressed with the brand's lineup of improved-upon basics. We also gave the label's ReNew Underwear — which includes minimalist, seamless styles made from 100% regenerated nylon — a test run, and we found it comfortable and flattering.
If you're going for a no-show thong, we recommend the brand's aptly monikered Invisible Thong, which comes in five neutral shades in sizes XXS-XXL. "I was surprised by the Barely There Thong's high waist, but it ended up being my favorite aspect. It maintains the versatility of a thong's zero-panty-line effect while also delivering a relatively unique — and really flattering — high-waist silhouette. Plus, since the material is slightly compressive, it feels more secure. Aside from being seamless, they're also bonded, so they stay put throughout the day," writes freelancer Mara Leighton.
Read more in our full review of Everlane's ReNew underwear.
SKIMS Naked Dipped Thong
Kim Kardashian's intimates and loungewear brand stands out for its focus on inclusion. SKIMS' no-show nylon-Spandex thong, for instance, comes in eight different nude hues ranging from fair to dark and sizes XXS-4X. One reviewer called the mid-rise thong "extremely comfortable," adding, "You put them on and forget you are even wearing them."
Athleta Ritual Thong
If you're looking for a fitness-ready no-show thong, consider this style by Athleta. The nylon-Spandex fabric is quick-drying, moisture-wicking, breathable, and stretchy. One reviewer raved that it's "soft and firm" but "not flimsy" so you don't have to worry about it getting "overstretched." The thong comes in 10 neutral hues in sizes XXS-3X.
Commando Butter Thong
Reviewers love these "soft as butter" stretch Austrian modal fabric panties because they have a wide gussett, "so no frontal wedgie." If that's not enough to sway you into "going Commando," consider the flattering mid-rise cut with raw edges that remain completely hidden even when worn under leggings. The undies come in eight shades, including three different nude hues, in sizes XS through 3X.
Hanky Panky BreatheSoft High Rise Thong
If you're looking for a truly impressive color range on a pair of no-show undies, this high-rise thong from Hanky Panky stands out with 19 hues to choose from. (Unfortunately the size range is slightly more limited with only S-XL available.) People who have worn the moisture-wicking microfiber panties appreciate the comfortable, wide waistband and the "naked" feeling the lightweight, seamless fabric provides.
Evelyn & Bobbie Slip Short
"I prefer wearing these Slip Shorts if I have a dress on because they make me feel more secure if my skirt hem happens to ride up. Plus, when it's hot and humid out, they prevent my thighs from sticking together.
I love that they can be underwear, slip shorts, or pajama bottoms — they're whatever you need them for. They're incredibly soft and light, almost like stretchy silk. I wore mine under white shorts to test just how 'no-show' they could be, and they practically disappear.
The hems peek out around the thighs under short shorts, so I pulled them up a bit to conceal them. There they stayed, without falling back down. The high rise waistband can also be adjusted to your comfort level. I wear them often enough that I'm tempted to get them in a few more colors." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews.
Wacoal Body Base Brief
Wacoal's Body Base line offers lightweight and smoothing panties that won't be visible underneath your clothing. The stretch fabric is a combination of Spandex and nylon (with a 100% cotton gusset), which gently hugs the body and stays in place without squeezing. One user reported the brief "feels like a second skin" with a light amount of compression that "fits like a dream."
Knix Leakproof No-Show High Rise
Though you may assume liquid-absorbing undies create bulk, Knix actually devised a super thin nylon-Spandex pair which is virtually invisible under clothing. There's a 9-inch built-in liner, which can absorb as much menstrual blood as two regular pads or four super tampons. The machine-washable fabric clings to your curves to prevent leaks.
These are comfortable even if you aren't on your period, because they also effectively absorb sweat. They come in 13 colors (including five nude shades) in sizes XS-4XL.
Bombas No Show High Rise Brief
As big fans of Bombas' socks, we were excited to put the brand's underwear to the test. After giving them a go, we appreciated the brand's thoughtful, comfortable, and durable designs. Plus, knowing of their recycling program and that Bombas will donate a pair to those in need makes this underwear a worthwhile purchase.
This pair of no-show, high-rise panties is crafted from a breathable, quick drying nylon-elastane fabric that our tester found quite comfortable. The thin fabric clings to your curves, so it stays well hidden even under leggings. It comes in three colorways in sizes XS-2X.
Discover other styles in our Bombas underwear review.
Everlane The Invisible High-Rise Hipster
Since we love Everlane's clothing and shoes so much, we are happy to report that the brand's intimates are equally impressive. When we took the label's ReNew Underwear — which includes minimalist, seamless styles made from 100% regenerated nylon — for a test run, we found it comfortable and flattering.
Among the styles that scored high marks with our team is this cheeky, high-rise style, which comes in five shades in sizes XXS-XXL. Executive Editor Sally Kaplan loves the "ultra-lightweight and breathable" fabric. "They don't slip or slide around, which is usually my issue with this kind of silky underwear."
Read more in our full Everlane's ReNew underwear review.
EBY Seamless High Waisted Panties
This high-rise style with a full-coverage back stands out for its ability to stay in place no matter your activity. "They stay up and don't roll down," one user wrote of the "soft and comfortable" EBY seamless panties. "The seamless finish is perfection. Love the high rise for added tummy support." They come in seven solid colors and two prints in sizes XS-4X.
Old Navy High-Waisted No-Show Bikini
Old Navy's underwear section provides high-quality intimates that are easily affordable. This no-show bikini comes in 12 colors and patterns in sizes XS-4X. It's crafted from a seamless nylon-Spandex fabric that sits at your belly button.
Users love the "great fit" of this pair, with one noting that the undies are "a little on the cheeky side." Another explained: "I've been searching for new underwear now that I'm postpartum, specifically seamless and high waisted to help with covering my belly. I had a c-section so low-rise underwear hurt! These are perfect!"
Panty Promise Seamless Organic Cotton High Rise Hipster
After working as a Victoria's Secret panty designer for a nearly a decade, Jessica Krupa was disturbed by the chemicals, cheap materials, and synthetic fibers that were applied to women's panties. She teamed up with New York Gynecologist Alyssa Dweck to create Panty Promise, a line of panties that delivers in both style and hygiene.
This cheeky, high-rise design is made of organic cotton and elastane, with a 100% organic cotton liner. Users report the fabric to be extremely comfortable. The underwear comes in four nude hues, plus black and white, and it's available in sizes XS-4X.
"My vagina has been so much happier and healthier since wearing these panties," raved one reviewer. "These are definitely the MVPs of my underwear drawer."
Greenbaa No Show High Rise Bikini
Available in a five-pack for under $20, this seamless, high-rise bikini with moderate back coverage comes at an unbeatable price. Users love that the nylon-Spandex fabric "doesn't wedge up" and that the wide waistband offers "slight tummy control." It comes in sizes S-XXL.
Jockey Generation High-Waist Underwear
If you like your underwear to add a bit of support around your middle, this microfiber high-waisted pair is constructed with a 360° panel around the tummy. Still, they're not constricting like shapewear. "[I] wear a [size] 10/12 and ordered a large," one user reported. "They are snug, not tight and not uncomfortable. I can still [breathe] and sit comfortably. I even wore them to sleep." They come in beige or black in sizes S-XXL.
Harper Wilde No-Show Hiphugger
Harper Wilde's hip-huggers, available in black and two nude shades in sizes XS-4X, wraps itself around your natural curves with an edgeless, silky fabric that's virtually invisible underneath your clothing. The zero-elastic design prevents the underwear from digging into your skin as you wear it. Still, they "don't shift around when I'm wearing them," one satisfied customer reported.
Aerie Superchill No Show Cotton Cheeky Underwear
The perfect mid-way option between a thong and a bikini, these cheeky bottoms (on our list of the best cotton underwear for women) offer a seamless look that won't get stuck in body crevices. Aerie offers them in six shades in sizes XXS-XXL.
Hanro Seamless Cotton High Cut Briefs
Many seamless undies are made from nylon for a luxe invisible look, but Hanro proves that you can have that same smoothing effect with a breathable fabric. Made from lustrous cotton, this seamless pair gives a commando look, even under a tight bodycon dress. Amazon users call them "feather light, invisible under clothes, cool, [and] comfortable." They come in six hues, in sizes XS-XL.
Bombas No Show Hipster
In our tests, this pair of Bombas'athletic underwear stood out for it's "silky feel" and "comfortable" low-rise fit, according to Executive Editor of Insider Reviews, Sally Kaplan. The nylon-elastane undies even have a grippy, textured detailing on the inside that's intended to keep the underwear from moving around when wearing under leggings or other activewear. They come in 12 neutral and bright hues in sizes XS-2X.
Read more about our favorite styles in our full Bombas underwear review.
Negative Underwear Base Boy Short
We asked three testers of different body types to try Negative Underwear's luxury intimates to see how they compared to our favorites among the best underwear for women, and they all fit each wearer well. If you're looking for a bikini silhouette with a bit more coverage and that invisible feel, this low-rise boyshort is an excellent choice. Available in black or tan in sizes XS-XXL, the undies are crafted from a lightweight, barely-there fabric with bonded seams that blends into your skin to hide panty lines.
Everlane The Invisible Bikini
Everlane is among our favorite underwear lines, and the brand's aptly monikered Invisible Bikini is the perfect choice for days when you need to keep panty lines concealed. The recycled nylon-elastane style comes in four hues in sizes XXS-XXL. Users enjoy the breathable fabric and comfy fit, however, they report that the underwear runs a bit small, so you may want to size up.
Read about our favorite styles from the collection in our full Everlane ReNew underwear review.
Intimissimi Seamless Cotton Panties
"They not only look good under tight, form-fitting clothing, but also feel really nice on my skin," one user wrote of these cotton-elastane undies by Intimissimi. These seamless stretch panties have scored top marks for both comfort and quality, and come in in 11 bright and neutral colors in sizes S-XL.
Commando Butter Bikini
Commando's Butter Bikini is made from a delightfully smooth modal-elastane fabric that feels just like, well — butter. Raw-cut, elastic-free edges on the low-rise, stretchy undies prevent digging, rolling, and bulging. "I barely feel them when I wear them," one user wrote, while another dubbed them the "most comfortable underwear I have ever bought."
How we selected the best no-show underwear
Several members of our team have conducted extensive testing on popular underwear brands. Our favorites comfortably fit different kinds of bodies and come in a wide range of sizes. We also suggested pairs made of high-quality, gentle-on-skin materials that have withstood years in the wash.
For each pair we tried ourselves, we tested to see how invisible they looked in direct sunlight under thin, light-colored fabrics. Beyond our own recommendations, we pored over positive online reviews to see how customers felt about pairs they've tried themselves.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may 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 team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.