Women’s underwear now stands as a fashion category within the dynamic apparel industry that emphasizes functionality and style alongside comfort. To remain competitive and fulfill customer needs, distributors, resellers, and purchasing managers need to identify which underwear types they should source and stock. Type of Underwear: Complete Wholesale Buying Guide for Distributors and Retailers.
The guide details numerous underwear types available to female shoppers while describing each type’s benefits, targeted customer base, preferred materials, and wholesale acquisition suggestions. This guide provides the necessary information to build a high-conversion product catalog whether you manage private labels or operate large retail chains, or if you are launching your own underwear collection.
Why Understanding Underwear Types Matters in B2B
1. Consistent Sales Volume
Underwear represents a replenishment product category because customers frequently buy it throughout the year. Providing multiple underwear options attracts more customers while encouraging them to make additional purchases.
2. Demographic Diversification
Different underwear types fulfill the requirements of various age ranges along with distinct body shapes and fashion tastes. Your product catalog remains competitive by providing a wide array of options.
3. Opportunity for Branding
Underwear offers strong private label potential. Small MOQ combined with design flexibility make this product perfect for innovative branding and packaging solutions.
4. Multi-Channel Selling
Underwear demonstrates excellent performance across diverse retail formats such as brick-and-mortar stores and online platforms along with subscription services particularly when products are packaged together.
Most Popular Types of Women’s Underwear
1. Bikini
Overview:
This style of underwear is known as a bikini which features moderate back coverage and narrow sidebands along with a low-rise design. People around the world choose bikinis as their preferred underwear for everyday comfort and daily use.
Best For:
- Young women and general consumers
- Casual or activewear pairings
- Core SKU for every retail line
Wholesale Tip:
Provide in blends of cotton-modal-nylon-spandex fabrics that come in multiple colors for convenient bundling options.
2. Brief
Overview:
Customers who prioritize comfort and need support will find briefs ideal because these undergarments provide full coverage and have a high-rise waistband.
Best For:
- Mature demographics
- Postpartum collections
- Sleep and loungewear
Recommended Features:
Soft elastic, breathable gusset, and tagless design.
3. Hipster
Overview:
Hipsters provide a medium level of coverage as they sit just below the waist with broader side panels between bikinis and briefs.
Best For:
- Women of all ages
- Mid-rise jeans or pants
- Daily wear essentials
Popular Materials:
Modal-spandex and seamless microfiber blends.

4. Thong
Overview:
Thongs cover the rear area minimally which ensures no panty lines show through fitted clothing.
Best For:
- Fitness or office wear
- Leggings and dresses
- Millennials and Gen Z
Product Insight:
Laser-cut seamless thongs achieve remarkable sales success when offered in bulk bundles or through subscription services.
5. G-String
Overview:
The G-String represents a thong variation that features slim side straps along with a slender back string.
Best For:
- Lingerie collections
- Nightwear or special occasion use
- Trend-focused markets
Packaging Tip:
Present products using sustainable zip bags or gift box bundles.
6. Boyshort
Overview:
Women’s bodies benefit from this style that combines full rear coverage with extended leg openings which takes inspiration from men’s boxers.
Best For:
- Sleepwear or lounging
- Plus-size customers
- Youth-oriented brands
Common Fabrics:
Modal, bamboo, or cotton blends.
7. High-Waisted
Overview:
High-waisted underwear extends above the belly button and typically features subtle tummy control features.
Best For:
- 產後恢復
- Shapewear-enhanced lines
- Women seeking secure, comfortable fit
Add-on Option:
Mesh or compression panels for smoothing benefits.
8. Seamless
Overview:
Seamless underwear avoids irritation because manufacturers skip traditional stitching to create a flat silhouette under clothing.
Best For:
- Athleisure and gym wear
- Business attire
- Comfort-focused shoppers
Fabric Choice:
Polyamide-spandex blends or laser-cut microfiber.
9. Maternity
Overview:
Expectant mothers benefit from maternity underwear which provides extra front coverage and includes flexible soft waistbands.
Best For:
- Maternity retailers
- Women in second and third trimester
- Postpartum recovery lines
Suggested Designs:
The high-waist brief features reinforced panels alongside ultra-soft cotton for enhanced comfort.
10. Period Underwear
Overview:
Underwear with multiple absorbent layers which can serve as an alternative or additional option for menstrual care.
Best For:
- Eco-conscious customers
- Teens and health brands
- Subscription box services
Highlight:
These products are reusable leak-proof sustainable items mostly created from organic cotton and bamboo materials.
Choosing the Right Fabric by Underwear Type
Underwear Type | Ideal Fabrics | Why It Works |
---|---|---|
Bikini | Modal, cotton blends | Breathable and stretchy |
Brief | Cotton, bamboo | Soft and supportive |
Thong | Microfiber, nylon | Smooth and invisible |
Boyshort | Modal, bamboo | Lightweight and full coverage |
High-Waist | Spandex-blend | Compression and contour |
Seamless | Nylon-spandex | Smooth and invisible lines |
Maternity | Organic cotton | Soft, non-restrictive |
Period | Bamboo, cotton | Absorbent and washable |

Packaging Suggestions for Retail and Wholesale
Individual Packs
Great for boutique presentation or online ordering.
Multi-Pack Sets (3/5/7 Pcs)
This product excels as a fundamental piece for basic collections while targeting cost-aware clients who prefer subscription-based purchasing models.
Recyclable Pouches
Sustainable packaging for eco-conscious buyers.
Branded Gift Boxes
Perfect for holidays, promotions, and premium collections.
Sourcing Considerations for Wholesale Buyers
- You can start purchasing with a minimum order quantity of 100 pieces for each style and color combination.
- ✅ Custom logo, tags, and packaging available
- ✅ Multiple fabric options to meet target demographics
- ✅ Inclusive sizing (XS to 5XL)
- Our service provides expedited delivery with samples ready in 5–7 days and bulk orders delivered in 15–20 days.
Industries That Benefit from Underwear Wholesale
- 🧵 Private label apparel brands
- 🛍 Department stores & fashion chains
- 📦 Subscription box services
- 🧘 Fitness and wellness brands
- 🎀 Boutique lingerie retailers
- 💻 E-commerce businesses
Conclusion
Today’s women’s fashion industry relies on each underwear type from traditional briefs to modern period-proof panties to fulfill distinct functions. Wholesale buyers and distributors who learn about these styles can build inventory selections that generate profit while remaining current with trends and inclusive.
A dependable manufacturing partner with OEM/ODM services and low minimum order quantities enables fast delivery which enables businesses to access global market opportunities and establish a reputable brand.
FAQs
What is your minimum order quantity?
We offer bulk quantities starting at 100 units for each style and color combination which works well for large distributors and small fashion labels.
Do you offer private label customization?
Yes. Our services include OEM/ODM support along with options for logo printing and both custom tags and personalized packaging.
Is it possible to order multiple types of underwear in a single purchase?
Absolutely. Customers can order bulk quantities that combine various styles, sizes, and colors.
Do you provide eco-friendly fabric options?
Yes. Our product line includes options made from bamboo, organic cotton as well as recycled polyamide.
How long is the production lead time?
Samples: 5–7 working days
Bulk production: 15–20 working days, depending on complexity
聯絡我們
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