Modern consumer preferences driven by fashion and comfort have transformed women’s underwear from a basic necessity into an essential component of personalized style and wellness. Wholesale distributors must source appropriate underwear styles for various markets to remain competitive. Analyzing underwear styles for functional benefits, comfort levels and demographic attraction helps businesses gain an advantage in the intimate apparel market. 12 Essential Types of Underwear for Ladies: A Guide for Wholesale Buyers.
This article serves as an exhaustive resource for the top 12 women’s underwear styles by detailing target audiences and materials along with major selling points which benefits purchasing managers as well as brand developers and retailers.
1. Bikini Underwear
Overview
The bikini cut is one of the most popular underwear styles across the globe. The waistband sits at a low to mid-rise position while providing moderate coverage of both the front and rear areas.
Ideal For
- Daily wear
- Young women and teens
Materials
- Cotton blends
- Modal
- Microfiber
Key Wholesale Advantage
High turnover and universal fit appeal.
2. Briefs (Classic Cut)
Overview
The waist placement of classic briefs provides full rear coverage for users. Known for maximum comfort and support.
Ideal For
- Mature women
- Postpartum wear
Materials
- Cotton
- Bamboo
Key Wholesale Advantage
Reliable seller in health-conscious and comfort-focused markets.
3. Hipster Underwear
Overview
Hipster underwear features a lower hip placement that provides extensive rear coverage and incorporates a modern youthful design.
Ideal For
- Millennials and Gen Z
- Casual wear
Materials
- Modal
- Lace and cotton
Key Wholesale Advantage
Stylish and functional—often bundled in multi-packs.
4. Thong Underwear
Overview
Thongs are specifically created to remove visible panty lines as they provide minimal rear coverage while maintaining a secure fit.
Ideal For
- Tight-fitting outfits
- Activewear and fashion-conscious consumers
Materials
- Nylon-spandex
- Seamless microfiber
Key Wholesale Advantage
Modern wardrobes must include these essentials because they achieve low return rates through consistent sizing.

5. G-String
Overview
G-strings provide less coverage than thongs which makes them popular choices for intimate apparel and lingerie collections.
Ideal For
- Fashion markets
- Lingerie collections
Materials
- Lace
- Satin
Key Wholesale Advantage
High margin potential and lower production costs.
6. Boyshorts
Overview
Boyshorts deliver full coverage with a flattering horizontal waistband design similar to men’s boxers.
Ideal For
- Lounge and sleepwear
- Comfort-focused shoppers
Materials
- Stretch cotton
- Jersey knit
Key Wholesale Advantage
Excellent upsell for loungewear and sleepwear bundles.
7. High-Waisted Underwear
Overview
Provides enhanced belly control and coverage commonly selected for body shaping.
Ideal For
- Postpartum support
- Retro fashion lovers
Materials
- Nylon blend
- Shaping spandex
Key Wholesale Advantage
The product gains popularity among both fashion enthusiasts and functional shapewear buyers.
8. Cheeky Underwear
Overview
Cheeky underwear blends features of thongs and bikinis to provide playful rear coverage with a flirtatious design.
Ideal For
- Trend-conscious markets
- Social media influencers
Materials
- Lace
- Mesh
Key Wholesale Advantage
High visual appeal for marketing purposes.
9. Seamless Underwear
Overview
Laser-cut edges and bonded seams make seamless underwear ideal for active lifestyles and stealthy wear.
Ideal For
- Gymwear
- Tighter clothing
Materials
- Nylon-spandex
- Seamless knit cotton
Key Wholesale Advantage
Versatile for both activewear and dresses and perfect when layered.
10. Control Briefs / Shaping Panties
Overview
This product merges traditional briefs with specialized tummy control panels to function both as underwear and shapewear.
Ideal For
- Formalwear markets
- Postpartum recovery
Materials
- High-stretch spandex
- Double-layer mesh
Key Wholesale Advantage
In-demand for body-sculpting trends and event seasons.
11. Maternity Underwear
Overview
These products feature soft bands that provide support without restriction for pregnant women’s expanding body shapes.
Ideal For
- Maternity boutiques
- Health clinics and online baby stores
Materials
- Bamboo cotton
- Seamless ribbed fabrics
Key Wholesale Advantage
This specialty product has a buyer base that remains loyal because they trust its quality.
12. Period Underwear
Overview
These undergarments feature leak-proof layers combined with absorbent materials to either replace or support traditional sanitary products.
Ideal For
- Sustainable fashion markets
- Teen hygiene products
Materials
- Multi-layer cotton
- Waterproof TPU
Key Wholesale Advantage
Eco-conscious branding and repeat customer potential.

Select the ideal underwear mix for your market by understanding consumer preferences.
1. Analyze Demographic Preferences
- Different age groups have distinct underwear preferences with teens favoring cheeky and hipster styles while older women choose briefs and control wear.
- Western markets show preference for thongs and seamless underwear while Middle Eastern markets seek full-coverage briefs.
2. Focus on Material Preferences
- The high demand for cotton underwear stems from its superior hygiene benefits and soft texture.
- Microfiber: Best for no-show and activewear.
- Lace: Popular for premium and gift sets.
3. Evaluate Seasonality
- Summer: Seamless, breathable, lightweight.
- Winter: High-waisted, full coverage, thermal blend.
4. Incorporate Value-Additions
- Bundled sets
- Private label packaging
- Size-inclusive lines (XS–5XL)
Conclusion
The women’s underwear category provides diverse products with high turnover rates which suit all buyers and market segments. Wholesalers and distributors can make successful product selections by understanding product cuts, target demographics and value-added features. To boost revenue and ensure client satisfaction you must understand the various types of women’s underwear when creating new lines or expanding current collections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which underwear style holds the highest popularity among women shoppers?
**A: The bikini and hipster styles dominate because they provide both comfort and style.
Q2: Can I order mixed-style packs for wholesale?
**A: We provide specially assembled assortment packs that match your customer preferences.
Q3: Both seamless and cotton underwear styles come in full plus sizes at our store.
A: Absolutely. Our manufacturing capabilities extend to producing garments in sizes ranging from XS to 5XL.
Q4: Can I request my own packaging design?
**A: OEM buyers can fully utilize private label packaging options.
Q5: Are samples available before making large orders?
A: We do. It is essential to request samples for proper fit analysis and quality verification.
Contact Us
To get free samples, pricing quotes, or custom order consultations, please contact:
📧 [email protected]
📞 Tel: +86-134 2393 6989
🌐 https://proshapesupply.com/
👤 Contact Person: Mray