I will admit, I love luxury—whether it is in the thread count of my sheets, the brand of cashmere sweater I buy, the kind of olive oil I use, right down to my underwear. I have never skimped on good undergarments, even when I was 60 pounds heavier. To me, they set the stage for how you feel in your clothes, so why not splurge a little?
However, one thing has changed as I have made my way to 40. I am no longer buying anything in a thong shape and only wear lace when I need to impress. The rest of the time, I am wearing all-cotton, all-bamboo, or all-wool full-coverage underwear so I do not spend even a second uncomfortable. If you are like me, check out these super-soft, super-comfortable, super-tummy-sucking-in skivvies I cannot live without.
1. Bombas
Some no-show undies from a brand you might associate with socks. I have loved and supported Bombas for years, and not just for the socks. I was introduced to the brand's underwear last year, and have to admit they are some of my favorite pairs. I love that they are seamless, tag-less and high-waisted, so I can get a slimming and flattering fit without any fidgeting. Beyond just me, I love that Bombas donates a pair to someone in need for every pair purchased. The gusset is made from 95% cotton, while the rest is made from a blend of nylon to ensure they move and stretch with you. This same material makes sure they wick sweat and dry fast, so you never feel swampy. You can bundle as well, and get six pairs for $90—that is a 30% savings when compared to buying them individually.
- Single: $22 at Bombas
- 3-pack: $48 at Bombas
- 6-pack: $90 at Bombas
2. Icebreaker
A merino wool pair that neutralizes odors. You do not need me telling you why you might want underwear that blocks odors. I will just tell you these REALLY do. Made from a soft-spun blend of merino wool and jersey, these ultra-stretchy briefs give you full coverage in a material that wicks sweat and keeps odors at bay. Thanks to the material, these briefs also maintain body temperature so you are not soaking through when you are hot. These are not a budget option, and cost about $40 per pair or $72 for two. However, for as long as they last and as comfortable as they are, I am hard-pressed to find a reason you should not buy them. I wore them commuting to work and 8 hours in office, as well as on a 12 hour flight, and they held up incredibly well for both.
- $40 at Zappos
- $40 at Amazon
3. Branwyn
Another ultra-comfortable merino wool pair. I would live solely (and only) in merino wool if I could, and that 100% counts in my undergarments too. Like the brand above, these are made from ethically sourced merino wool, meaning they repel sweat, hold in heat (or cool), reduce odors, and stay naturally breathable. In terms of fit, these hipsters have a seamless waistband, so they do not pinch you or dig into your skin. They are pricey, at $40 a pair, but you can bundle up to 4 and save 15%. I wore these (and the matching bralette) on a 6 hour car drive and literally forgot I was wearing underwear. The light and dark nudes are also the perfect compliment for anything, and the bralette actually holds up my size 36 C chest without sagging.
- $40 at Branwyn
4. Pact
A second-skin budget find made from organic cotton. Considering most of the picks above are more expensive, these were such a welcome change because of the price. Available in a 2-pack on Amazon that adds up to less than $10 a pair, you would think these were three times the price when you put them on. Made by Pact, a sustainable and organic clothing brand, these are made from 100% organic cotton, so they are super soft (from the first wear) and feel like a second skin on your body. With no tags or hard seams, they also never dig into your belly (or your bum) so you can wear them with anything—from tight leggings to bodycon dresses—without a single line. They range in sizes too, from an XS to a 3XL.
- Single: $16 at Pact
- 2-pack: $23 at Amazon
- 5-pack: $80 at Nordstrom
5. Huha
Breathable underwear with an antimicrobial lining. I was immediately drawn to this company for the name—you cannot get more cheeky than naming your brand after a euphemism for vagina. That being said, this woman-founded and led company actually makes underwear for women. Not only are they made from 100% natural fibers, they feature a secret add-on—a seamless gusset that is lined with naturally antimicrobial zinc oxide. This means the most sensitive part of your body has more breathability and is covered by fabric that does not chafe and absorb sweat and bacteria. Like other brands, you can bundle and save, with one pair costing $28. Their bras and bodysuits are made from the same soft, second-skin materials, which mean you can layer in pieces that move with you (and not against). Because they are women founded, they are also incredibly inclusive, with sizes ranging from 2XS to 3XL.
- $24 at Huha
6. Stripe & Stare
A set of eye-catching undies trimmed with lace. I had to give up my lace underwear after I had a baby because it just was not doing what my all-cotton briefs were. However, these lace-trimmed briefs are not the all-lace thongs of my Victoria Secret days, and feel absolutely incredible on. They are made from a soft modal blend and do not leave any lines or seams. These do not move up or bunch, and because of the material, they are ultra-breathable and can be worn while you do anything, from working in the office to hitting the gym. The only downfall is they can only be washed on cold and tumble-dried low. They also work for all body types, and range from a size XS to a 4XL.
- 4-pack: $80 at Nordstrom
7. Q for Quinn
The most comfy granny panty. In my twenties, the term "granny panty" was not a compliment. They were the underwear you would wear when it was laundry day. Now, as a freshly 40-year-old woman, you have to pry my granny panties out of my cold, dead hands. This pair from Q is for Quinn are my absolute favorite, and not just for the coverage they provide. They are made from 100% organic cotton, so you can feel good knowing you have a natural fiber on your privates. Additionally, the colors they use to dye are naturally sourced from the Himalayas. I wore these on a flight, and was shocked how well the shape held up, and how comfortable they were. They feel almost like you are wearing nothing (which is not something I would recommend in your 40s). A little on the steep side in terms of price, each pair is around $20, or $49 for two. They also range in sizes from XS to 2XL.
- 2-pack: $49 at Q for Quinn
8. Soma
A smoothing pair that stays put. High-waisted underwear has been in constant rotation in my wardrobe since I had a baby. Originally I wore them to help smooth out my postpartum body, and truthfully, I wear them now for the same exact reason. As a staunch hater of Spanx, I find these Soma high-waisted briefs do the same job, thanks to the slight compression and stay-put silicone on the back. This also prevents them from riding down, and keeps everything in place where it needs to be without uncomfortable adjusting. Another reason I love them is the full coverage in the back. Plus, they come in really pretty colors and prints (like pink florals for spring and soothing blues). They also come bundled, with a 3-pack costing around $50.
- 3-pack: $56 at Soma
