Cornerstone Definitions
Panty Types Explained: Thong, Brief, Bikini, Boyshort, and Every Cut In Between
Panty cuts are the most varied category in lingerie. Eleven distinct cuts are sold under various names, each one designed for a different combination of coverage, comfort, and outfit invisibility. Knowing the differences lets you choose the right cut for the right outfit and the right body, instead of buying by colour and hoping.
The Eleven Standard Panty Cuts
1. Brief
The classic full-coverage cut. The waistband sits at or just below the natural waist and the back covers the entire buttocks. The most invisible cut under loose clothing and the most comfortable for everyday wear. Plus-size briefs typically have wider gussets and reinforced side seams.
2. High-Waist Brief
A brief with the waistband sitting above the navel. Provides smooth coverage of the lower abdomen and is the cut most often chosen for under bodycon dresses or as light shapewear. Particularly flattering for plus-size bodies because the high waistband creates a smooth line through the entire torso.
3. Hipster
Mid-rise waistband sitting on the upper hip rather than the waist. The back coverage is full but slightly more cut-out than a brief. The most popular everyday cut because it feels secure without sitting at the waist.
4. Bikini
Lower-rise than a hipster, with leg openings cut higher to expose more of the upper hip. The original 'standard' panty cut, sold in nearly every collection. Comfortable for everyday wear, less invisible under fitted clothing than briefs.
5. Boyshort
Cut like fitted shorts: a horizontal leg opening that wraps around the thigh and a low rise. Provides full back coverage and prevents thigh chafing. Popular for sleep and lounging on plus-size bodies because the longer leg opening avoids inner thigh friction.
6. Cheeky / Brazilian
Reduced back coverage that exposes a portion of the buttocks while still providing substantial coverage at the front and sides. Less revealing than a thong, more revealing than a bikini.
7. Thong
A back strap of fabric replaces traditional back coverage. The most invisible panty cut under fitted clothing because there is no leg-opening edge to create a visible panty line. Plus-size thongs require careful sizing because a poorly sized thong digs uncomfortably.
8. G-String
An even narrower version of the thong with a string-width back strap. The most minimal cut. Best for occasions where invisibility is the only goal; not the most comfortable for all-day wear.
9. Tanga
A cut between bikini and thong: more back coverage than a thong but cut higher and narrower at the side than a bikini. Common in European brands. Comfortable for active wear because the side coverage is reduced without going to a full thong.
10. Control / Shaping Brief
A brief constructed with compression fabric to smooth and shape the lower torso. Sits between traditional panty and shapewear. Useful under fitted dresses for plus-size bodies that want light shaping without committing to full shapewear.
11. Seamless / Laser-Cut
A construction style rather than a cut: any panty (brief, hipster, bikini, thong) made without traditional seams using bonded edges or laser-cut finishes. The most invisible option under leggings and fitted fabrics. The Scarlett Club's seamless options are particularly popular under athleisure.
Choosing the Right Cut for the Outfit
| Outfit | Best cut | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Leggings or yoga pants | Seamless thong or seamless bikini | No visible leg-opening line under thin stretch fabric. |
| Fitted jeans | Hipster or seamless brief | Mid-rise sits at the same level as jean rise; no waistband stack. |
| Bodycon dress | High-waist brief or shaping brief | Smooths the entire torso; no panty edge visible through stretch fabric. |
| Fit-and-flare dress | Hipster or bikini | No silhouette concerns from a knee-skimming skirt; comfort wins. |
| Pencil skirt | Seamless brief or thong | Smooth silhouette through hips and seat. |
| Loose dress or skirt | Brief or boyshort | No invisibility concerns; comfort and breathability win. |
| Tailored trousers | Hipster or brief | Mid-rise sits below trouser waistband; no compression line. |
| Workout / activewear | Boyshort or seamless bikini | Thigh chafing prevention plus invisibility under fitted fabric. |
| Sleep / lounge | Boyshort or full brief | Maximum comfort; no invisibility concerns. |
| Special occasion / lingerie set | Coordinated cut with the bra | The set is the look; invisibility is not the goal. |
Choosing the Right Cut for Your Body
- Fuller hips than waist (pear shape): high-waist briefs and full briefs flatter most. Avoid low-rise styles that emphasise the hip-to-waist contrast.
- Fuller waist than hips (apple shape): hipster, bikini, and boyshort cuts flatter. The lower waistband sits below the fullest part.
- Even hips and waist (rectangle): most cuts work; choose by occasion rather than body shape.
- Hourglass: high-waist briefs and shaping briefs flatter the natural waist. Hipster and bikini work for everyday.
- Inverted triangle (broader shoulders, narrower hips): low-rise and bikini cuts add visual width to the hip area.
What to Look for in Plus-Size Construction
- Wide gusset (at least four centimetres) made of soft cotton.
- Reinforced waistband at least two centimetres wide for distribution.
- Bonded or rolled side seams that lie flat instead of digging.
- Hip-to-waist ratio that matches plus-size proportions, not scaled-up straight-size.
- Fabric content with at least eighty percent of either cotton (for breathability) or microfiber (for invisibility), with elastane for stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most popular panty cut?
The bikini cut is the most-sold panty style globally, followed closely by the hipster. Both balance coverage and comfort and work for everyday wear. The Scarlett Club's most popular plus-size cuts are the high-waist brief and the seamless hipster.
- What is the difference between a thong and a g-string?
A thong has a wider back strap (typically two to three centimetres) of fabric. A g-string has a narrow string-width back strap. G-strings are the most minimal cut; thongs are the more wearable everyday cut for those who want invisibility.
- Are boyshorts good for plus sizes?
Yes. The longer leg opening prevents inner thigh chafing, the back coverage flatters most plus-size body shapes, and the lower rise sits below the fullest part of the abdomen. Boyshorts are one of the most plus-size-friendly cuts.
- What is the best panty cut to wear under leggings?
Seamless thongs or seamless bikinis are the most invisible. The lack of a traditional leg-opening edge prevents visible panty lines under thin stretch fabric. See the best panties to wear under leggings for the full breakdown.
- What is the difference between a tanga and a thong?
A tanga has more back coverage than a thong (it covers a small triangular section of the buttocks) but less than a bikini. The side strings are narrower than bikini side panels. Tangas are common in European brands and are a comfortable middle-ground for those who find thongs uncomfortable but want minimal coverage.
