How to choose the most comfortable knickers

Choosing the perfect pair of panties can truly transform your daily routine. High quality underwear isn’t just about looking beautiful—it’s about feeling confident, cared for, and most of all, comfortable! (Trust us, even if your underwear looks great, if it doesn’t make you feel great, you won’t be confident at all!) Drawing on years of experience with various styles and fabrics, here is a comprehensive guide on selecting, wearing, and even gifting luxurious, comfortable panties that truly serve your lifestyle.

Finding the right fit for comfy underwear

The key to a perfectly fitted pair of panties is a careful balance of design and function. We’ve all experienced underwear that twists, bunches, or constricts, constantly disrupting our comfort throughout the day. But when you do find that perfect pair that fits like a glove without digging in, doesn’t show through your clothes, and looks fabulous on you, it’s like winning the golden ticket!

• The right size: It always pays to do your research! Don’t simply default on the size you usually buy, unless you’re already very certain of a brand’s sizing. Take the time to check size charts, compare to the model’s listed sizes if available, and even reach out to customer service to ask for fitting recommendations if you’re still unsure. Incorrect sizing is a surefire path to discomfort, so be realistic when choosing your size - or if you're shopping for a gift, do some investigative peeking or ask the gift recipient directly before making assumptions. (Pro tip: If you're unsure of how to follow size charts for online lingerie shopping, follow our Expert Guide to Measuring Yourself at Home!)

• Innovative design: Prioritize pieces with flat, smooth seams and plush elastics that respect your body’s natural contours instead of pinching with firm or harsh edges. If you often struggle with knickers that dig in, try a design with folded fabric edges instead of elastics over the derriere, like our silk Wisteria or Gemma cheeky knickers. Styles like these offer more stretch and size variability for your curves, as well.

• Durability and easy care: Invest in underwear that stands up to repeated washing, and take the time to give your lingerie a little TLC. That means hand washing and line-drying or laying flat to dry, which will save your garments from the destructive heat and agitation of tumble drying. Once you find your perfect pair, you’ll want them to last a long time, so it’s important to shop from brands with a reputation for high quality and durability.

Read our easy Lingerie Handwashing Guide to help extend the life of your favorite skivvies!

Comfort through the seasons

Comfort isn’t a one-season wonder! Whether you’re facing sweltering heat or just need reliable support day in and day out, the right pair of panties makes all the difference. In hot and humid environments, for example, breathable fabrics can significantly boost your comfort. Look for panties made from materials that are soft, breathable, and ideally made of natural fibers. 100% silk and silk blends, bamboo, rayon, or even high-quality microfiber mesh provide excellent ventilation on humid days, as well as wicking any moisture away from the body and allowing it to evaporate.

But it’s not only summer that we need to consider! Fortunately there are cozy skivvies available in warming textiles too, such as soft merino wool and cashmere, as well as warmth-layering new textiles like Heattech. Silk makes an excellent base layer and is even used by mountain climbers for it’s breathability and sweat-evaporation properties, so it really is a year-round favorite for many. The overall point is this: It pays to do your research in advance, because well-chosen materials and designs will ensure that your undergarments work as hard as you do!

100% silk satin is the perfect all-season solution for lingerie comfort

The right knickers for your lifestyle

Finding underwear that marries luxury with everyday practicality starts with understanding your own body and lifestyle. Here are a few specific recommendations:

• Know your body: Every body is unique, and your ideal pair of panties should accommodate your specific needs. Consider whether a wider, looser waistband might help prevent cutting-in while sitting down, or whether you prefer a more firm and tight waistband to keep your undies from slipping or shifting around. If your size fluctuates according to your monthly cycle, you might want to buy the same pair of underwear in 2 sizes so that you can wear your favorites anytime. Or if you have eczema or other skin sensitivities, you’ll probably prioritize textiles made for sensitive skin over anything else. It’s all a matter of knowing yourself and sticking to your list of must-haves, even if you do feel tempted by something pretty that doesn’t check all of the boxes.

• Know your style: Pay attention to the cut of the garment and not only whether you think it’s stylish! Do you need a low-rise panty to coordinate with your collection of low-rise jeans, or is a high-waisted knicker or thong style more practical for your wardrobe? Do you prefer more leg coverage for extra security under dresses, just in case a gust of wind catches your skirt? Is it important to you to have matching sets of bras and panties or are you happy to mix styles? Do you need underwear that doesn’t show VPL under tight clothing, or can you get away with fun textures like embroidery or lace? All of these practical considerations will help guide you to the right choices for you–which might be very different from what someone else requires!

• Read the reviews: Look for feedback mentioning comfort, wearability, and durability after washing. These insights from fellow shoppers can guide you toward designs that have proven comfortability, so pay attention to how others describe the garments. It also helps to read lingerie reviews for sizing recommendations, like whether you might want to go up or down if you’re in-between sizes.

• Experiment and enjoy: Comfort is deeply personal, and even the best advice in the world can’t make decisions for you. Try different styles and designs to see what fits best and makes you feel your best. It’s all part of the journey towards a wardrobe that genuinely honors your daily comfort and confidence. (And as always, make sure to read a brand’s return policy up front, just in case things don’t work out or you need to try a different size or style.)

Knickers that feature a double layer of silk that's folded over at the leg line, like our Wisteria knickers above, are perfect for size variance and comfort across the derriere.

The art of gifting comfortable panties

Luxury lingerie is not solely a personal indulgence–it also offers a unique opportunity to share a thoughtful gesture with someone you love! Gifting a pair of beautifully designed, comfortable panties doesn’t have to be difficult, either, because we have some pro tips to share with you:

• Think outside the Valentine box: Whether it’s for a birthday, an anniversary, mother’s day, or a spontaneous reminder of care, the gift of a silk lingerie set or an underwear gift set is a great way to show your care. It’ll be all the more exciting if it’s unexpected, so do your research on size and styles by having a little snoop if possible, or by asking the giftee’s friends what their preferences are.

• Invest in self-care: Remember, this gift is for them and not you… So even if you might like to see your sweetheart in a tiny, strappy, sexy number, consider whether that’s what they truly would love. (It might be!) Consider indulgent textiles like 100% silk, and think about whether you can treat them to something that they will adore but would have never splashed out on for themselves. When it’s something that feels good against the skin, you’ll be giving a gift that promotes self-love and indulgence.

• A shared secret: You’ll soon be able to share a wonderful little secret together, knowing that you’ve discovered something special! Let your gift be a gentle reminder of the joy found in everyday elegance, as well as showing them that you’re prioritizing their well-being and comfort. If you need any more help finding the perfect thing, read our Ultimate Lingerie Gift Guide for more tips!

Giving the gift of comfortable undies, what a treat! Shop our Top Gift Selections.

Bringing it all together

Underwear is so easily overlooked because you’re often the only one who gets to see it, but this foundation to the rest of your outfit should be prioritized! Every detail of your wardrobe has the ability to contribute to your overall mood, even if it's hidden under other garments. The nearest-to-your-skin foundations are what really set you up for a comfortable and confident day.

By focusing on quality fabrics, innovative design features, the perfect fit, and practical durability, you’ll ensure that every pair of panties in your new lingerie collection will feel like a personal luxury. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or choosing a gift for someone special, the right piece is always the comfortable piece. At Angela Friedman, we firmly believe that life is too short for boring and uncomfortable underwear. So treat yourself, and buy the good stuff!

Ready to indulge in the most comfortable panties you've ever felt? Shop Angela Friedman knickers!