It's 2025 and life is too hard to wear uncomfortable undies. None of us have the time or the energy to be picking knickers out of our butts, or to have our cheeks squishing through polyester mesh like Navel oranges escaping their encasement. Fortunately, due to advancements in fabric technology and advancements in realising who we are actually dressing for, there are myriad options for people who want to look great, and feel even better.
You wanna get into our pants? There's no gatekeeping here.
"I'm a bikini brief gal, who buys the three packs from Videris (also worth keeping an eye out for their sample sales) and always stocks up on the seamless Airism briefs at Uniqlo whenever I can." – Rebecca
"Best in my opinion means comfort. And the best undies are, like most wardrobe essentials I'm afraid, from Uniqlo. I also rate the Nala midi and high-waist briefs." — Zoe
"Calvin Klein's a classic for a reason! I picked up a five-pack of briefs at Outlet City ages ago and they're the comfiest undies I’ve got in rotation." – Sophie
As for our panel of undie advisors? Read on to discover the brand that’s named more than any other, the lacy briefs that are comfy as well as saucy, and some new brands you may not yet have come across.
Lauren Brodie, content creator
As someone with endometriosis, I’m all about a comfy high-waisted number – but that doesn’t mean I’m settling for boring and beige. Valerie Lingerie, handmade in Pōneke, has beautiful, colourful, and size-inclusive options that tick all the boxes for comfort and style.
Bailey Meredith, CEO and creative director of Baina
Ohen, high-waisted brief. For everyday ease and comfort.
Nat Robb founder, Amélie
My friends and fiance will laugh that I have been asked this question – I am notorious for having very average underwear. I love comfort so the Lyric Laser G-String and Jockey high cut briefs from Farmers are staples. I have some of the Ohen French briefs which I love – they are comfy, I feel hot and love supporting other wāhine from Aotearoa!
Kaarina Parker, author and model
I'm a high-waisted, high-cut girl (I think it's called a French Cut?). I'm obsessed with Nala – they have a 'high waist high leg' brief that is my absolute favourite, every new colour they come out with is delicious, and their bras are actually incredible. I'm an F cup so finding bras that support my boobs and back without cutting off the circulation in my sides is difficult at the best of times, but their bras are so well made and supportive while also being ridiculously comfortable. And the colours, my god, the colours.
Amanda Linnell, writer and comms specialist
Sensible cotton knickers for me all the way. The ‘Emily’ mid-rise hipster brief from Papinelle is one of my faves. Made from 95 percent organic cotton, with elastane, there’s something reassuring knowing the fabric is free from nasty toxins and chemicals. Why would you?
Sarah Gulley, The Weekend Project
My favourite undies were all from Nisa. I wore them all to death and loved the ethos behind the brand, so I was devastated when they had to close this year. I think my new go-to will be Videris. Supporting local is so important, and it doesn't hurt when they've got such a cute range of knickers. I'm very basic and all about comfort, so I'll be investing in the high waist versions. However, to make my very boring undies drawer slightly more exciting, I'll be getting an embroidered pair and a matching bra!
Chelsea Winstanley, filmmaker
Weather and cyclical dependent. I love comfy bamboo but will always be happy in something sexy when necessary.
Rachel Soo Thow, literary influencer at The Lit List
I’ve been so impressed with Nala – even though each style for me is a little different in terms of sizing, the materials used are silky soft and the quality is just superb. The high waisted mesh undies and the seam free thongs are so comfortable and I’m about to place another order for more! What I also love about the brand is their sizing chart - there’s an acknowledgment there of the different types of breasts in women via images so I love the fact that they’re not restricting this to a size measurement alone. It’s about choosing what’s right, what’s comfortable and what’s YOU.
Tanya Barlow, nail artist and host of Hello Tanya podcast
I buy multi-packs from Marks and Spencers (full brief, black) and have done since I lived in London in 2008. Comfy and reliable!
Zoe Black, deputy director Object Space
AWWA undies are my go-to and I’ve loved seeing the brand go from strength to strength while supporting the end to period poverty and indigenising our understanding of ikura.
Jess Molina, writer and content creator
Nala Underwear has changed me. I find it impossible to find bras that fit me and in fact even the 'big boobie specialty shop' had limited options when I tried to shop for one to wear for the runway as I needed a strapless bra and I don't own one. Anyway that experience humbled me. But then I got sent the wirefree Nala bras recently and I'm already ordering more as we speak. Never have a wirefree bra given me so much support before. I'm still in shock.
