10 Best High Waisted Underwear & Briefs for Women

Gone are the days where women have to choose between frumpy and full-coverage undies or a pretty yet uncomfortable pair. Today, you can have both comfy and sexy!

A staple that every woman should have in their wardrobe, high-waisted panties can have a wide range of functions.

For some women, the full coverage fit offers a bit of shaping and tummy control. Shapewear underwear that focuses on the stomach can boost your confidence and get you feeling good about that new tight outfit in your closet.

For others, they just like the support and compression that high-waisted undies bring to the table.

While shopping, you can also choose from a wide variety of styles that are basic or sexy. There's nothing wrong with basics, but who doesn’t want a little sex appeal in their life?

In particular, we appreciate a bit of lace and a cut that accentuates your lovely features, and we think your significant other or future suitors will too.

And last, the defining feature of any new pair of undies, high-waisted or not, is the type of material that they're made of.

You want to consider what's important for you. Is soft and durable number one? Or breathability and freshness? The type of fabric dictates these essential features.

Every woman needs a trusty pair of high-waisted underwear in their wardrobe, no matter the need or occasion! And we're here to help you find the best pair for you.

Top 10 Best High Waisted Underwear

Wirarpa High Waisted Cotton Underwear

Pro: Soft cotton comfort with over 10,000 reviews.
Con: Sometimes low waisted is mistakenly sent.

95% cotton and 5% spandex blend that’s super soft and breathes: Wirapa slays the game with their high-waisted cotton underwear basics - but you don't have to take my word for it. These particular undies boast an impressive 4.6 stars from an average of more than 10,000 reviews! That's a lot of happy shoppers!

And it's no reason why. These cotton panties are beyond soft and comfortable. Their double-layer waistband sits right where you want it to on your waist. They don't have tight compression but are snug enough to keep everything in place and diminish any muffin top action. The thoughtfully designed crouch is double-layered as well to increase breathability and sweat-wicking, so you stay fresh and cool.

Bali Women’s Passion for Comfort Hi Cut Panties

Pro: Soft and smooth feeling.
Con: Runs large.

Soft and comfy fabric: Bali is a leader in comfortable underwear for women, and these hi-cut panties are no exception. Constructed with a soft and smooth microfiber material, the Passion for Comfort panties hugs your behind in all the right places without pinching, digging in, or causing bulging.

The waistband is cut in a flattering u-design, so it lays flat on your hips and doesn't roll or create visible lines. These also feature a lacy detail at the top that's easy on the eyes and an elastic band around the legs to keep them in place throughout the day.

Maidenform Women’s Tame Your Tummy Shaping High Waisted Thong

Pro: Beautiful lace detail that shapes your tummy.
Con: May roll down while wearing.

Pretty lace undies that smooth your stomach: Maidenform's sculpting tummy high-waisted thongs are made to shape your midsection with firm support that doesn't cause you to feel overly hot or sweaty. Beneath the shaping waistband is a lacy gusset that ventilates and keeps you cool and dry, so you don't have to worry about swamp butt that often accompanies shapewear.

As a shaping thong, visible panty lines are of no concern, so you're free to wear that rocking bodycon dress without a care in the world. As an added bonus, the tight waistband has been carefully made with a smooth and soft material that doesn't dig or pinch while wearing.

Amazon Basics High Waisted Thongs

Pro: Great fitting, high-waisted thongs that are comfy and sexy.
Con: Sizing runs small.

Comfy and sexy high-waisted thong: Whether you’re looking for sex appeal or utmost comfort in pair of high-waisted thongs, shoppers can’t get enough of these basics. They feature a super flexible fit with four-way stretch for high activity workouts or busy days running around the office.

The waistband sits right below your navel and offers a bit of tummy support and smoothing for high-waisted jeans or tight skirts. They are constructed from 95% cotton making them sweat resistant and super breathable but also have a touch of spandex that makes them soft to the touch. Who doesn’t love sexy yet functional thongs?

Fruit of the Loom Beyond Soft Panties

Pro: Full-coverage, super-soft briefs.
Con: Sizing is off.

Full coverage high-waisted underwear that breathes: Fruit of the Loom knows what they’re doing when it comes to comfortable and reliable underwear. Designed with a blended fabric that’s 60% cotton and 40% polyester, these resist fading and shrinking in the wash and should stand the test of time.

However, they’ve made sure to put in a 100% cotton gusset so there’s no need to worry about overheating or odor throughout your day. We have a feeling you’ll also appreciate that the waistband is tag-free and made to lay flat against your skin. No detail has been overlooked in the name of comfort here.

Flexees Women’s Tame Your Tummy Brief

Pro: Firm tummy control that’s secure and slimming.
Con: Runs small.

Tummy control that’s secure: If your top priority is a pair high-waisted underpants that cinches and smoothes, look no further than these Tame Your Tummy briefs that do a fabulous job of accentuating your curves. Made from a blend of polyester, spandex, and cotton, these ensure zero pinching that keeps you comfy and fresh all day long.

These Flexees panties are technically shapewear, so they do come tight and may run small. We always recommend checking out the reviews and size chart so you can make the best decision for what size you need for your body. You'll be happy to hear that these are also machine washable and dryer safe.

Barbra Lingerie Briefs Tummy Control Panties

Pro: Pretty retro design that’s slimming and sexy.
Con: May give you a wedgie.

Zero muffin-top in these retro lace panties: These girdle-style panties are a beautiful blast from the past. The v-shaped front creates a slimmer look that also offers light tummy control and effectively eliminates muffin-top. The butt has a ruched design that lifts your derriere for a touch of sexy.

The material is a nylon blend that is silky soft, durable, and stretchy while the gusset has a cotton liner, so you feel fresh and clean. The leg openings have been embellished with a stunning lacy frill, which is not only pretty but also aims to reduce visible panty lines. You will look and feel your best in these!

Bali Shapewear Lace ‘N Smooth Brief

Pro: Lacy high-waisted shapewear.
Con: Cut isn’t flattering for all body types.

Gorgeous shapewear panties that work: Who says shapewear has to be frumpy? These Lace ‘N Smooth briefs by Bali are made of Lycra Beauty fabric that is attractive and sexy while also delivering excellent smoothing and comfort. The lace lycra ensures utmost breathability with a sleek silhouette that lays flat.

The waistband is designed to offer firm tummy control that smoothes your belly for a wrinkle-free look under tight dresses and blouses. The full seat coverage guarantees zero ride-up and also helps to give your booty a sculpting pop. You wouldn't even know from first glance that these are for tummy control.

Annyison Soft Cotton High-Waist Briefs

Pro: Form-fitting, high-waisted panties that are uber soft.
Con: Sizing may vary.

Full-coverage undies that are comfortably snug: Women everywhere have spoken, and they love these soft cotton high-waisted briefs from Annyison! Rocking a respectable average rating of 4.4 stars, reviewers praise how comfortable, soft, and lightweight these full coverage briefs are.

The waistband sits high up on your hips and provides light support that’s not so tight that it causes discomfort, nor so loose that they roll down. The thick cotton fabric is super durable and won’t pill after washing. These are even a great option for women looking for maternity or postpartum undies.

Jockey Women’s French Cut Underwear

Pro: Breathable women’s underwear that’s 100% cotton.
Con: Seams may unravel.

Comfy and soft cotton underwear: Jockey consistently delivers when it comes to quality and comfortable underwear. These full coverage, French-cut panties are made to breathe and move with you, even on your busiest days. The cut of the leg openings is designed to stay put without riding up or pinching your booty.

The fact that these are 100% cotton is also a game-changer! Most underwear on the market has some sort of blended material, but for women who overheat or are on a mission to find odor-free undies, you can't go wrong with a full cotton pair. These make for a great pair of underwear for working out, long travel days, or just as your daily pick.

High Waisted Underwear Buying Guide

Tummy Control High Waisted Underwear

Obviously, not everyone buys high-waisted underwear for tummy control, but the right pair can definitely help boost your confidence and smooth over any insecurities you may have in the midsection region.

Many women have ditched their regular loose panties for something that offers a bit more support and control.

Light or firm compression not only smoothes out any bulges or wrinkles, but it can also help with post-surgery recovery or poor posture. Especially women who are postpartum, a quality pair of high-waisted compression underwear can go a long way to improving blood flow and rehabilitation.

There are lots of reasons to love supportive and shaping panties!

Sale
Top Choice for Tummy Control: Flexees Women’s Tame Your Tummy Brief
  • TARGETS YOUR TUMMY, WAIST, AND REAR - Choose the fabric for firm control all around; lace panty styles...
  • STAYS IN PLACE - Stay Put design means you won't have to keep smoothing or tugging your shaping briefs.
  • DESIGNED FOR SMOOTHNESS - Virtually seamless styling disappears under clothes, so all that shows are...

Sexy High Waisted Underwear

Who says 'granny panties' have to be boring, shapeless and unattractive? Not us! You can have your cake and eat it too with high-waisted underwear that offers full coverage comfort and looks super cute and stylish too.

With current fashion trends emphasizing high-waisted cuts in most jeans, skirts, swimsuits, and shorts, it's no wonder that underwear has been swept up in the movement as well.

That means women everywhere no longer have to choose comfort over sex appeal just because they prefer a more full-bodied fit.

Top Choice for Sex Appeal: Bali Shapewear Lace ‘N Smooth Brief
  • Full seat coverage eliminates ride-up and dig-in
  • Smoothing lace delivers breathable comfort
  • Smooths tummy and shapes rear

Best Material for High Waisted Panties

One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for new undies is the material. The fabric determines how soft, breathable, and cooling a new pair of underoos will be. As with any style of panties, getting something with a touch of cotton or a cotton liner will help promote freshness throughout your busy days.

A blend of spandex, nylon, and polyester will add flexibility, increased softness, and even a bit of stretch that can go a long way in the comfort of your high-waisted panties. Our recommendations below touch on many of the best fabrics that undies can be made from.

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Top Choice for Material: Wirarpa High Waisted Cotton Underwear
  • STRETCHY COVERED WAISTBAND: Soft stretchy DOUBLE-LAYER fabric covered waistband sits right at the waist....
  • SOFT EASY ON EASY OFF UNDIES: Comfy full coverage brief panties, suitable for postpartum c-section and...
  • DOUBLE-LAYER CROTCH: Women's underpants with wide breathable crotch for added protection, sweat wicking,...

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About the author

Brittany Varano

Brit is a lifestyle content writer and travel blogger who loves expressing herself through fashion and travel. When she's not sharing helpful guides about undies, she can be found sharing her travel adventures on her blog.