Meet Underwear Thesis: My Search for The Most Comfortable Underwear
Underwear reviews you didn’t know you needed.
That’s right… we’re talking underwear. Paired with my textile design background means that you will be getting highly scientific, totally unfiltered reviews!
Here’s how it started: I randomly posted to Instagram Stories asking for recommendations for new underwear nearly 5 years ago. I wanted something cotton, with coverage (aka a brief or bikini style), and decent quality. What I was not prepared for was the number of people in my DMs who would ask me to share what was submitted! I got a few submissions, but overwhelmingly the message was that most people don’t actually have underwear they love. Either they were like me and hadn’t bought any in years or they just deal with disappointing panties… which got me thinking:
What if I just started ordering underwear that was recommended and try them out? And what if I documented each step??
So I started sharing my reviews in a more formalized way on my blog. It’s been a couple years since I wrote my last review and I’ve been brainstorming ways to keep me accountable with sharing new reviews with you. Then it dawned on me: start a Substack so that I am more inspired to consistently share Underwear Thesis in a dedicated forum. My goal is to create a community where we can all discuss and participate in Underwear Thesis—in it’s own dedicated space.
Now I am officially deep in the midst of my NEW Underwear Thesis reviews and hot on the trail of finding the most comfortable, everyday underwear. Since this the first post, let’s dig into the why and what!
My Search for The Most Comfortable Underwear Brands Under $60
Why I’m conducting this highly scientific research project:
Not many of you know this, but I used to be an assistant designer at Nordstrom. Part of my job was to help the lead designers as they designed and revised underwear! I learned so much about fabric, fit, and design in this job. It’s really made me a better, more informed consumer. So I want to share that knowledge with you to help you do the same!
I’m also a really big nerd who loves to do deep dives on products and get into the nitty-gritty details. It’s not always about underwear, too. For example, during the inspection process of our cabin, I researched all of the wells on the surrounding properties to try to figure out when ours was built… and that turned into tracing back the original builder of the cabin, finding out when the house was plumbed for water, and more. I LIVE FOR intense research projects like this.
And lastly, there is an element of self-care in this project of mine. When I first posed the question of asking for underwear recommendations, I received hundreds responses asking me to share the results. So many people are in the same boat as me: they haven’t bought underwear in way too long and don’t know what to get and where to get it. To me, this felt like the ultimate example of women putting aside their needs. Underwear is such a basic, necessary item and yet so many women aren’t prioritizing their comfort! My hope is that this will inspire you to splurge on a few new pairs of underwear that you actually love
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Judging criteria:
I am definitely not a scientist nor am I especially versed in the scientific method. But based on what I learned from grade school science class, knowing my criteria at the beginning is a good idea. So here are all of the factors I am keeping in mind as I review each pair:
Price
Fit and comfort — I really need to make this totally clear that I am search for the best panties for my own body. If you have a similar body type, that’s great. But if not, I still think you’ll be able to find relative info in my entire underwear thesis because it will help you be a better shopper and know exactly what you’re looking for! And I will absolutely be mentioning wedgies and chafing!
Fabric quality + details
Manufacturing quality — whenever possible, I will include my thoughts on how each pair of underwear was made so that you can be a more informed shopper
Ethical practices
Sustainability practices
Washability — typically with lingerie, you’re not supposed to put them in the dryer. But because Sean does most of our laundry, my things inevitably end up in the dryer when they shouldn’t. For this reason, I will be keeping an eye on how the undies wash and dry in a machine.
If you think I should include another factor, leave a comment and let me know! With that in mind, here are some detailed photographs and notes to visually represent underwear-specific elements I will be factoring in. Plus, it will help if we’re all on the same page about terminology!
Gusset
The gusset is the extra layer of fabric in the crotch of a pair of underwear. Typically it is a double layer of fabric, but sometimes they just use a heavier thread in that area so it’s one layer. The gusset is meant to absorb and smooth. When shopping for underwear, I always check to make sure the gusset is made of cotton — even if the rest of the panty is a synthetic material. A cotton gusset helps keep bacteria at bay, makes underwear more breathable, and cuts down on potential infections. A good gusset is your friend!
Seams and stitching
I talk a LOT about seams and stitching. For something as intimate and personal as underwear, the type of thread used to actually hold the fabric together is very important. You want it to have the right amount of stretch so that it moves with the fabric as you pull, but also not too stretchy so that the underwear actually stays put. It’s a balance!
Seams are important because they play the biggest role in chafing. If a seam feels rough to your fingertips, chances are it will irritate the way more sensitive skin in your nether regions. Seams are also probably the weakest point of the entire pantry itself and the first to wear out. So having a sturdy, well-constructed seam is key.
Waistband
When it comes to reviewing a waistband, I really focus on comfort. Some are made of a single, exposed wide piece of elastic while others are the same fabric as the panty. Or it’s a different trim, maybe a lace. Either way, definitely check for stretchiness so that they aren’t too tight that they can’t make it over the widest part of your body. Also check for softness and any potential for chafing. When we dig into individual brand reviews, I’ll be sharing a lot more detail about waistbands.
Fit
Because I haven’t bought underwear in so long, fit is a really big deal to me. I will be talking a LOT about how each pair fits my body shape. That being said, I want to share some info with you about what my body shape actually is for comparison":
I am 40 years old
Have not had kids
Height: 5’6
Weight: bout 170 pounds: This is the heaviest I’ve ever been thanks to some health issues.
In terms of pants sizing, I typically take a 29 or 30 in brands like Madewell or Frame.
Most of the underwear I order is a size medium, but sometimes a large.
Fabric content
And lastly, fabric content is important! I have yet to find a pair of underwear that is 100% cotton because you always need at least a tiny bit of elastic to provide stretch. And that’s totally fine! But as we dip more and more into synthetics or blends of fabric for underwear styles, that can impact the comfort, fit, washability, breathability, and more
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A few more things to keep in mind…
When it comes to the style of underwear I generally prefer, I’m pretty traditional. I like briefs and bikinis, sometimes a hipster or boyshort for sleeping. I am open to high waisted styles, especially since I work from home and typically wear loungewear all day. I’m also super-active in the surrounding mountains and around our property tending to my massive garden and our flock of chickens, ducks and geese. And I am definitely not a thong person!
And lastly, this project of mine doesn’t include lingerie. I’m focused on day-to-day, mostly cotton panties that are comfortable! Lingerie is a totalllllly different ball of wax and an even more personal choice. So I’ll be skipping that category.
If there is anything else you want me to try, consider, or examine leave a comment, send me an email or message me on Instagram! I am always open to feedback — especially for a big project like this. So welcome to Underwear Thesis, it’s gonna get good.