The Most-Flattering Knickers You Can Wear for Your Shape

last updated 11 February 2019

We talk a lot about wardrobe must-haves, but no garment is more essential than a good pair of knickers. After all, they're the one thing we're guaranteed to wear daily (not even bras and socks have that kind of power), so we think it's high time we all gave them more consideration.

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With the ability to make whatever you're wearing over the top look more polished, understanding which knickers suit your shape is key. This isn't about VPLs (or any other such dated notions); it's about comfort and making the most of the outfit you've chosen on any given day. Which is why we've rounded up the most-flattering knickers you should be wearing, depending on your body type.

For simplicity's sake, we've broken the categories down into four common body types. We suggest using the below guide to help you identify how different lingerie silhouettes can sit well on your figure. Keep scrolling to decode the most easy-to-wear knickers whatever your shape, and it won't be long before you start noticing the difference they can make.

IF YOU'RE A PEAR SHAPE

Offering coverage on the bum without being too constricting, bikini knickers tend to sit lower on the hips and have narrow (but not floss-like) sides placed just below your hip bone.

H&M

Silk-Blend Bikini Briefs

Wacoal

Periwinkle Embroidered Briefs

Arkas

Isabella Cotton Briefs

Hanky Panky

Blanchefleur Floral Bikini Briefs

IF YOU'RE AN ATHLETIC SHAPE...

Typically high on the waist and with deeper sides, thongs are ideal for those with athletic figures, as they offer support and coverage in the areas you want it. I'd always recommend, for anyone, to buy knickers a size larger than you take in clothes. It's so much more comfortable when they sit in place rather than dig in.

Bodas

Jabouley Lace Thong

Calvin Klein

Cotton Thong

Skin

Onella Cotton Thong

Topshop

Pretty Lace Thong

IF YOU'RE AN HOURGLASS SHAPE...

High-waist knickers are an hourglass's go-to, as they mimic your figure rather than fight against it and try to move around all day (the very reason they were the favourite undergarment of '50s pin-ups).

Shop High-Waist Briefs:

Elomi

Sachi Leopard Print High Waist Briefs

Coco de Mer x V&A

Gilded Arch Briefs

Free People

Hard to Get Briefs

& Other Stories

Multicoloured Lace High Waist Briefs

IF YOU'RE AN APPLE SHAPE

Brazilian knickers are flattering for pear, apple and hourglass shapes, or anyone who considers their bottom half to be bigger than that of their top. A cross between a bikini and a thong, Brazilian knickers (also known as hipsters) typically feature wide sides that sit low on the hips, giving you support where desired.

Passionata

Holala Brazilian Briefs

Stella McCartney

Rose Romancing Mesh and Lace-Trimmed Briefs

Topshop

Brazilian Knickers

Wacoal

Embrace Lace Briefs

Now that you know the perfect knickers for your frame, see the other underwear essentials every woman should own.

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.