The Encyclopedia

Types of Panties — The Complete Guide

A visual glossary of every panty silhouette — from the classic brief to the barely-there thong. Understand the construction, coverage, and occasions for each style.

15 entries

Thong

A thong is a panty with a full front panel and a narrow strip of fabric at the back, leaving the rear bare and avoiding visible panty lines.

G-String

A G-string is the most minimal panty: a small front panel joined to a thin cord at the back, often with cord sides as well.

V-String

A V-string is a G-string whose thin waistband strings dip to meet the back string in a V, with a small triangular front panel.

Tanga

A tanga is a panty with high-cut sides and a small back panel giving partial rear coverage, sitting between a thong and a bikini brief.

Brazilian

A Brazilian panty has narrow sides and a back cut between a tanga and a full brief, showing some cheek while covering more than a tanga.

Cheeky

A cheeky panty has a bikini-style front and a scooped back that covers the upper buttocks and leaves the lower curve partly bare.

Bikini Brief

A bikini brief sits just below the waist with moderately high leg openings and full rear coverage, the default panty cut in most ranges.

Hipster

A hipster is a low-rise panty that sits on the hip bones, with wide sides, straight-cut legs and full coverage at the back.

Boyshort

A boyshort is a panty cut like very short shorts, with straight leg openings across the top of the thigh and full hip and rear coverage.

High-Waist Brief

A high-waist brief rises to the natural waist or above the navel, giving full coverage and a smooth line from stomach to hip.

Full Brief

A full brief rises to the natural waist and covers the hips and rear completely, the traditional panty shape with the most coverage.

Control / Shaping Brief

A control brief is shapewear underwear in firm stretch fabric that compresses and smooths the stomach, hips and sometimes the thighs.

Seamless Brief

A seamless brief has laser-cut or heat-bonded edges instead of sewn elastic, so no ridge or line shows under close-fitting clothes.

Side-Tie Brief

A side-tie brief fastens with fabric ties or bows at each hip in place of a continuous waistband, so it adjusts and unties completely.

Bikini Bottom

A bikini bottom is the swimwear half of a two-piece, cut like a bikini brief but made of swim fabric and worn with a matching top.