The best cotton underwear for ultimate comfort, according to rave reviews
Lingerie that makes you feel confident and sexy will always take priority when it comes to shopping for underwear, but cotton underwear will see you through the more practical side of life. Think: when you’re on your period, when you’re having a loungewear day and just want to be comfortable, or when you just need a little more... breathability.
When you think of cotton underwear, your mind may drift to massive Bridget Jones-inspired pairs - but that needn’t be the case. There’s a variety of styles, shapes and colours of breathable cotton underwear that are just as saucy as your favourite lace undies (and probably a lot comfier, too). Dare we say it; once you go cotton, you may never go back, and according to the rave reviews on the below bestseller styles, you won’t want to either.
Is cotton best for underwear?
The truth is, as appealing as silk or satin feels (and looks), the best fabric for your vagina is most likely cotton. It’s the least irritating fabric on skin - because, let’s face it, it’s a sensitive area down there - and is super lightweight and airy which means you’re less at risk of an infection.
A lot of synthetic fabrics aren’t that breathable, so cotton is the material to look for if you’re someone who has sensitivities or if you’re prone to yeast infections. This is because, to put it bluntly, yeast thrives on moisture. If you’re wearing silk or similar, you’re trapping moisture and essentially creating a breeding ground for yeast. At the very least, a cotton lining is something we should all aim for.
We love a matching lingerie set as much as the next person - wearing one instantly lifts your mood and makes you feel more put together - but, above anything, we strive to be comfortable. As beautiful as it is, sometimes lace, mesh, cut-outs and frills just aren’t the one. Comfort is key, as proven by how much we love our trusty wireless bras and sleep bras, and cotton seems to be the way forward.
Seeking more lingerie content? You've come to the right place. We've got a round-up M&S underwear, plus size lingerie, comfortable thongs, colourful lingerie and the best sexy lingerie sets. For bras, take a look at our choices for the best period pants, best push-up bras, the best bras for DD cups, the best nursing bras for new mamas, a selection of sports bras and bras for small busts.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
Continue down to our round-up of the best cotton underwear for you and, of course, your V.
Lindex Cotton Thongs
Lindex Organic Cotton Nova 3-Pack Thongs, WAS £13 NOW £6.50, ASOS
Why we love it: Packs of underwear tend to come in all the usual suspects of colours (i.e. grey, black, white and beige), but this set features a healthy mix of everyday and fun.
Customers are saying: “Lovely cotton underwear, not annoying on my C-section scar, comfy and great value.”
Cotton Briefs by Sloggi
Sloggi Women's Briefs (Pack of 3)
Why we love it: It's the classic cotton knicker everyone is looking for – comfortable, simple design and a great breathable fabric.
Customers are saying: One thing to note, they run a little smaller so I would go a size up
High-Rise Brief: Cotton Women's Underwear
Pure Cotton High Leg Knickers 7-Pack, £8, Marks & Spencer
Why we love it: This 7-pack set averages out to cost you just over £1 per pair. What's not to love about that?! That's pretty affordable for pure cotton, too.
Customers are saying: “Comfortable. Wash well. Super value for money.”
Save when you shop for cotton underwear with our Marks & Spencer discount codes.
Cotton G-String
Organic Cotton Icon Tanga G String Brief, £6.99, Cotton On
Why we love it: The hipster cut to this thong makes it super flattering, leaving a near-seamless finish, and you won't feel it slip down as the days go on.
Customers are saying: “I am obsessed with how you can adjust the waist, this is the biggest improvement on underwear for me.”
Cotton Underwear With Lace Trim: Mid-Rise
5pk Cotton & Lace High Leg Knickers, £12, Marks & Spencer
Why we love it: The prints and colours! From polka dots to leopard print to all shades of blue, this set is a step above our usual top-drawer go-tos.
Customers are saying: “Good fit and very comfortable. Note: they are not 100% cotton.”
Best Cotton Underwear: Miskie
Bralette & Thong Set In Pink, £20, Miskie London
Why we love it: Miskie offsets emissions on their deliveries, working with key charities to plant trees and help clean turn carbon into clean air for a healthy atmosphere. So if you're looking for a good purchase sustainability wise, as well as a cute one, this is it.
Customers are saying: The fact you can choose a different size bralette to the thong is a massive plus.
Cotton and Lace Briefs By Amazon
Amazon Essentials Women's Cotton and Lace Bikini Underwear, Pack of 4
Why we love it: The handy four-pack includes in two shades (pink and white), and the added lace detailing elevates them beyond your traditional cotton undies.
Customers are saying: These are thin and breathable. Fit true to size.
M&S Cotton Knickers: Bikini Briefs
5pk Cotton & Lace Midi Knickers, £12, Marks & Spencer
Why we love it: Marks & Spencer just nail the patterns when it comes to their underwear packs. This set features two floral designs for that extra feminine feel.
Customers are saying: “The lace tops are comfy.”
Save when you shop for cotton underwear with our Marks & Spencer discount codes.
Cotton High Waisted Knickers: Full Briefs
High Waisted Bikini Brief, £25, Calvin Klein
Why we love it: The modern cotton underwear range offers stretch as well as comfort, and these bikini briefs are no exception. They're popular for a reason.
Customers are saying: They fit true to size.
Save when you shop for cotton underwear with these Calvin Klein discount codes.
Ribbed Cotton Underwear: High Waist Briefs
Why we love it: If you're going to trust anyone with your base layers, trust Kim Kardashian's SKIMS. These ribbed cotton briefs are a fave of ours.
Customers are saying: The thick waistband digs in a bit, so they're not so great if you're looking for a completely smooth finish.
H&M Cotton Bikini: Multipack
7-Pack Cotton Bikini Briefs, £14.99, H&M
Why we love it: In a variety of basic colours, this seven-pack of cotton underwear has got you covered (literally) for the whole week.
Customers are saying: The fit of these is pretty spot on, so get your usual size, and they have a 4.8 star review on the website.
Save when you shop for cotton underwear with these H&M discount codes.
Cotton Briefs For Women: MONKI
3-Pack Cotton Briefs, £15, MONKI
Why we love it: The colour range of this set is limited, but it's all you'd need for basic day-to-day wear. Who wants their bright pink pants showing through their clothes?
Customers are saying: The high waist lends a flattering look.
Save when you shop for cotton underwear with these Monki discount codes.
Organic Cotton Thong
Weekday Nana Organic Cotton Thong, £7, ASOS
Why we love it: Despite this thong being cotton, it provides a pretty seamless result beneath your clothes. No VPLs here, thank you.
Customers are saying: “Although I wouldn’t usually pay as much on one pair of pants I’d say these were worth it, they’re really comfy and the colour gives a fun twist on your everyday underwear.”
Don't forget to use our ASOS discount codes when you buy cotton underwear.
Mid-Rise Cotton Briefs
Sloggi Women's Double Comfort Tai Brief
Why we love it: These mid-rise briefs offer that extra bit of coverage for maximum comfort.
Customers are saying: I love them. Can't stop buying them. I know after a few washes the elastic starts to show but I don't care.
Low-Rise Stretchy Cotton Thongs
5pk Cotton & Lace Low Rise Thongs, £12, Marks & Spencer
Why we love it: Finding cotton thongs that also lay flat on your skin is a hard task, but these ones from M&S are nearly seamless. A yes from us.
Customers are saying: “Really comfy. They don’t come up too high or too low. Soft cotton and soft lace band.”
Cotton Boy Shorts
Organic Cotton Boxing Short, £8.99, Cotton On
Why we love it: On the days when you just want that extra coverage and comfort, these are the cotton undies you should reach for.
Customers are saying: They're also good for wearing beneath dresses to avoid chafing. Bonus.
Cotton Panties: Cheeky Soft Cotton
ASOS DESIGN 3 Pack Cotton & Lace Trim High Rise Malibu Thong, £14, ASOS
Why we love it: Somewhere between a thong and a Brazilian style, these cheeky briefs are both pretty and comfortable courtesy of the delicate lace trims. Love!
Customers are saying: They're called thongs but they have more coverage.
Save when you shop for cotton underwear with these ASOS discount codes.
Calvin Klein Cotton Underwear
3 Pack High Waisted Thongs, £38, Calvin Klein
Why we love it: Want some cotton underwear that'll still make you feel confident and sexy? This three pack hits the nail on the head thanks to romantic shades.
Customers are saying: They fit true to size.
Save when you shop for cotton underwear with these Calvin Klein discount codes.
Stretch Cotton Thongs
5 Pack Cotton Thong Pantys, £25, Victoria's Secret
Why we love it: Victoria's Secret is renowned for its lacy lingerie styles, so we weren't expecting a set like this from the brand. They're quickly becoming some of our faves, though.
Customers are saying: The V-shaped front is flattering.
