Establishing an underwear brand starts with gaining knowledge. It relies on knowing the exact types of female underwear you’ll offer to customers.
Here’s why: customers need different underwear for different occasions. Sometimes, it’s just a preference thing, too. But either way, you MUST be able to accommodate options in your underwear store.
Don’t worry, though. Our team here at JaceApparel, one of the best lingerie manufacturers in China, has your back.
We’ve prepared your building blocks for selling types of female underwear.
No flushed faces or embarrassment. Pure professional business.
Table of Contents
Underwear for Businesses: How Profitable are They?
Underwear is a lucrative business. It’s an industry that’s still constantly growing. Unlike other apparel sectors, which seem to have reached a temporary growth pause.
In 2022 alone, the underwear market worldwide earned about 17.8 billion US dollars.
Just think about it. Everyone. Literally, everyone wears underwear. It’s the ONE thing you can sell anywhere and everywhere, and it always has demand.
Your only hurdle would be to beat the competition. But hey, many experts (including JaceApparel) are willing to walk you through that one! No need to wreck your brains guessing how to start a lingerie business!
Glimpse of the Top 10 Types of Female Underwear
| Underwear Type | Key Features | Pricing Strategy | Best-Paired Clothing Items |
| Bikini Underwear | Lower-rise design with extra back coverage | Affordable to Mid-Range | Everyday casual wear, dresses & skirts, nightwear |
| Boyshorts | Boxer-inspired style with full, seamless coverage | Affordable to Mid-Range | At-home fits, dresses & skirts, shorts/pants to prevent chafing |
| Hipster Panties | Lower-hip fit offering a balanced, moderate coverage | Mid-Range | Body-hugging dresses, low-rise pants & shorts, casual fits |
| Briefs | High-rise with full coverage and tummy-smoothing | Affordable to Mid-Range | High-waisted jeans, tight dresses, sleepwear |
| Thongs | Ultra-minimal design for no visible panty lines | Affordable to Mid-Range | Leggings, tight jeans, body-hugging dresses |
| Cheeky Underwear | Flirty, low to mid-rise with subtle cheek display | Affordable to Mid-Range | Date night outfits, athletic wear, pajama sets |
| Pregnancy Underwear | Ultra-stretch, seamless design for bump support | Affordable to Mid-Range | Maternity clothing, post-partum wear, pajama sets |
| Seamless Underwear | Invisible, smooth, no-seam construction | Affordable to Mid-Range | Tight-fitting dresses, leggings, activewear |
| Period Panties | Built-in absorbent, leak-proof layers | Mid-Range to Premium | Everyday clothing, workout wear, sleepwear |
| Slip Shorts | Longer anti-chafing design for maximum coverage | Affordable to Mid-Range | Flowy dresses, workwear, professional outfits |
10 Always-in-Demand Types of Female Underwear
1. Bikini underwear
Bikini underwear is NOT THE SAME as beach bikinis. But they share some similarities. Both offer a lower-rise design with a higher-cut leg part. Bikini underwear typically offers more back coverage, though. And that makes it the perfect everyday essential for women.
Perfect for wearing:
- Everyday casual wear
- Dresses and skirts
- Nightwear
Level of coverage: Partial coverage
Tips for selling bikini underwear:
- Market them as the go-to everyday option
- Sell in packs, not just pieces. Women typically need multiple bikini underwear
- Let models wear bikini underwear with regular fits. Nothing too fancy.
Let’s gives you more details about Lingerie Vs Underwear in this guide.
2. Boyshorts
Ever wondered why it’s called boyshorts?
That’s because boxer shorts worn by boys inspired this underwear. It looks similar to shorts with its full coverage. But, of course, it’s still as comfortable as any underwear!
Boyshorts typically have no visible panty line seams, too. And women know just how crucial this quality is at times!
Perfect for wearing:
- At-home fits
- Dresses and skirts (no need to worry about accidental exposure)
- Shorts or pants that may cause thigh chafing
Level of coverage: Full coverage
Tips for selling boyshorts:
- Promote as both a loungewear and an activewear essential
- Highlight the “no panty lines” feature
- Create sets that combine boyshorts with comfortable types of bras
3. Hipster Panties
Combine the idea of bikini panties and boyshort. You’ll get hipster panties.
Like bikini shorts, these panties sit on the lower hips. But just like boy shorts, they offer more back and side coverage. Ever wonder what’s the differences of Lingerie Vs Bikini, read here!
This is the perfect medium of sexiness and comfort!
Perfect for wearing:
- Body-hugging dresses
- Low-rise pants and shorts
- Casual fits
Level of coverage: Moderate coverage
Tips for selling hipster panties:
- Highlight the FACT that this underwear doesn’t ride up or dig into your skin
- Offer bundles for everyday casual wear
- Pair with shirts and other sleepwear tops to showcase its comfort
Recommended Reading:
Best Sustainable Lingerie Brands: Guide to Eco-Friendly Elegance
Maximize Sales Potential with the Best Canadian Lingerie Brands
4. Briefs
Briefs are high-rise panties that offer full coverage front and back. Many dubs these as granny panties. But many young ones also appreciate high briefs. After all, they offer lots of security around your cheeks. Plus, it has that tummy-smoothing effect that only high-rise panties offer.
Fun fact: The design also helps square-shaped butts appear more defined!
Perfect for wearing:
- High-waisted jeans
- Tight body dresses
- Sleepwear
Level of coverage: Full coverage
Tips for selling briefs:
- Hire young and sexy models to counter the “granny panties” image
- Showcase the before & after of this underwear’s tummy-control
- Try to market to all ages, from young adults to seniors!
5. Thongs
Thongs are perhaps the epitome of sexiness in underwear.
They offer minimal front coverage with a thin back that tucks into the cheeks. Now, many think this style is just for attracting partners. But thongs prove that to be WRONG.
Thongs are perfect for hiding visible panty lines. So, many also use them for bodycon dresses and other tight-fitting outfits.
Perfect for wearing:
- Leggings and other tight jeans
- Body-hugging dresses
Level of coverage: Minimal
Tips for selling thongs:
- Make sure to mention the no-panty-lines effect
- Debunk myths about thongs being uncomfortable
- Market this as a confidence-boosting product
JaceApparel is also a gym clothing expert, so contact them today to start your fitness apparel project!
6. Cheeky Underwear
Here’s the solution for those who can’t choose between a bikini and thongs.
Cheeky underwear looks like as its name suggests. It shows a little of booty. Without the FULL cheeky craze thongs offer.
It’s as the name suggests. It shows some booty. Without the FULL cheeky craze thongs offer. Depending on the specific underwear, this could be low to mid-rise.
Perfect for wearing:
- Date night outfits
- Athletic wear
- Pajama sets
Level of coverage: Partial
Tips for selling cheeky underwear:
- Offer various styles and designs (sexy + classic options)
- Promote the booty-enhancing effect it offers
- Offer in bundles and single options
7. Pregnancy Underwear
For the moms-to-be, pregnancy underwear is a LIFESAVER. They offer way more STRETCH and softness. Plus, they’re also seamless to provide UTMOST comfort to the mommy’s bump.
Note: This underwear is available in low-waist and high-waist options. It’s best to offer a VARIETY of options.
Eric Liu, Dongguan Tengfei Underwear Co.,ltd – Sales Manager
Perfect for wearing:
- Maternity clothing
- Postpartum wear
- Pajama sets
Level of coverage: Soft to full coverage
Tips for selling maternity underwear:
- Showcase how comfortable this product is for moms-to-be
- Offer over-bump and under-bump variations
- Make sure you make your product as STRETCHY as possible
8. Seamless Underwear
Seamless underwear. At some point, every woman will NEED this in their life.
After all, who wants others to see the exact shape of their underwear under their clothes?
Now, to be clear, seamless underwear comes in all kinds of types, too. By that, I mean all the underwear mentioned so far can have a seamless variation.
But I still believe this underwear deserves its entry in this post. Trust me; you’ll have more than enough customers asking for seamless underwear.
Perfect for wearing:
- Tight-fitting dresses
- Leggings and tight jeans
- Activewear
Level of coverage: Depends on the style
Tips for selling seamless underwear:
- Make this available in various designs
- Sell NUDE and neutral colors that disappear under clothing
- Bundle this underwear, as most people buy it in sets
9. Period Panties
Many women transitioned from wearing pads during their red days to period panties. Pretty much, this type of underwear already acts as pads on its own.
They have absorbent layers that can trap moisture. And unlike other disposable options, these can be reused for YEARS.
Pro tip: Include this in your offering if you want to be an ECO-FRIENDLY underwear brand. Sustainable lingerie brands have been on the constant rise these past few years!
Perfect for wearing:
- Any type of everyday clothing
- Workout clothes
- Sleepwear
Level of coverage: Full to moderate
Tips for selling period panties:
- Get into the specifics of how this underwear works
- Offer variations depending on the absorbency level
- Promote the eco-friendliness of this product
10. Slip Shorts
Think of bike shorts refined to be as comfortable as regular underwear. That concept is more or less what slip shorts are all about.
It’s a bit longer than boyshorts. So it’s perfect for avoiding thigh rub. And enjoying MAXIMUM coverage and protection under dresses or skirts.
Perfect for wearing:
- Flowy dresses
- Workwear
- Professional outfits
Level of coverage: Maximum coverage
Tips for selling slip shorts:
- Offer different lengths and colors
- Market as the solution to chaffing legs
- Advertise how comfortable and secure this underwear is
Factors Customers Consider When Choosing Which Types of Female Underwear to Buy
Women don’t blindly choose the types of female underwear they buy. Most of Lingerie Brands consider these FIVE factors before they hit buy for any underwear.
Comfort
NOBODY wants underwear that tugs or digs under the skin. So, best believe every woman would want to buy comfortable underwear.
To ensure your underwear offers ABSOLUTE comfort, choose soft fabric. And ensure that the seams, stitches, and tags prioritize comfort.
Practicality
As mentioned above, every underwear has a different purpose. Some are for moving, some are for the STRETCH. Others are for feeling sexy, and some are just for feeling lazy.
Because of this, you must master how each underwear functions. Selling underwear that’s practical and works as needed will help you DOMINATE the market. Check our list of Top 6 Italian Lingerie Brands to get more ideas!
Size & Fit
Even the best underwear, when worn in the wrong size, will SUCK. Hence, you should be able to guide your customers in choosing the perfect size and fit.
Be comfortable with talking with customers about their dimensions. Ask whether they have preferences when wearing underwear, such as a snug or relaxed fit.
Those with bigger tummies may prefer high-waist underwear, for example. Those that want to feel confident may want their butt cheeks to peak out.
Speaking of, you can start learning the truth about lingerie sizes through this post!
Design and Aesthetics
Underwear may be hidden most of the time. But don’t think this means customers won’t care about aesthetics.
The design and style of the underwear directly influence whether a customer will buy it or not.
Some tips in regard to this:
- Stalk BIG underwear brands to keep up with the trend
- Follow beauty influencers who will likely influence the underwear trend
- Contact manufacturers that offer diverse customization options
Materials and Fabric
Premium materials and fabric are the foundation of good underwear. Choose fabrics that are breathable, soft, stretchable, and durable, such as Modal Fabric.
Want to take it to the next level? Opt for eco-friendly options.
Our go-to tip: Contacting TRUSTED underwear manufacturers typically already means getting GOOD materials.
Fenny Yang, Underwear Marketing Director
Top 7 Fabrics for Underwear (table)
| Fabric Type | Price Range | Main features |
| Organic Cotton | Affordable to Mid-Range | Soft and breathable, eco-friendly fabric |
| Nylon | Affordable | Stretchy and moisture-wicking, quick-drying material |
| Silk | Premium | Luxurious and smooth, temperature-regulating fabric |
| Bamboo | Mid-Range to Premium | Ultra-soft and breathable, antibacterial fabric |
| Lace | Mid-Range to Premium | Elegant and delicate, semi-sheer decorative fabric |
| Linen | Mid-Range | Lightweight and breathable, moisture-absorbing fabric |
| Modal | Mid-Range | Silky-soft and stretchy, eco-friendly fabric |
People Also Ask About Types of Female Underwear
1. Which country has the best underwear suppliers?
China usually has the best underwear suppliers. It offers some of the cheapest wholesale lingerie products. That’s because labor and materials are cheap. At the same time, the competition for manufacturing remains high.
2. What are the best ways to market underwear?
One amazing way would be to market online. Boost your posts on social media and create eye-catching websites to attract customers. Don’t be too afraid of spending money on ads. It’ll all be worth it in the end once you see the profits coming in!
3. Can I start an underwear-exclusive brand?
Absolutely! Just make sure to include bras and other lingerie variations. This way, you can MAXIMIZE your revenue without making your inventory too complex.
4. Is it better to sell lingerie or casual underwear?
Well, there’s no right or wrong answer. One isn’t exactly better than the other. They both have different purposes. My advice would be to sell both in your store. Once you have a clearer understanding of what sells best, you can focus on that more than the other!
Conclusion
There you have it—10 essential types of female underwear that are GUARANTEED to be in demand. As a woman myself, I can tell you with confidence. Brands that sell good underwear are brands that stick to my mind.
Ready to establish your underwear brand? Contact Jaceapparel!
We have dozens of professionals working 24/7 collectively. Let us guide you through manufacturing, marketing, and selling female underwear! Let’s do it just like how big brands do it!
Source articles:
- Revenue of underwear market – https://www.statista.com