We’ve all had a not-so-great experience with uncomfortable underwear, right? When we’re having to fidget, keep straps up, and keep things in their proper place, it’s hard to feel comfortable or confident.
But without those distractions, we can put ’em on, forget about ’em, and just enjoy life.
So, a little while back, I started editing my underwear down into the most comfortable little collection ever — and now it’s time to check in for a progress report!
I’ve got three firm guidelines when it comes to finding the right underwear:
- COMFORTABLE || No poking, prodding, riding up, or itching allowed.
- PRACTICAL || I like to keep my underthings pared down, so that means strategic choices like neutral colors and smooth cup bras that can be worn under anything.
- PRETTY || I don’t want to reserve feeling beautiful for those times when I pull out my extra special lingerie — I want to feel beautiful in my everyday essentials.
If an item doesn’t meet all three, I skip it, even if it’s thisss close. Doing so makes room for the real winners — and I’ve been lucky enough to find the right pieces for me:
If you see something you like, you can shop it and support my blog at the same time by using the affiliate links below. Your support means so much to me — thank you.
High waist boybrief | I use these as my sleep undies, and I can’t say enough good things about them. The high waist is so fun, and the lace is soft and comfortable. I have about 12 in a size S. They’re all black and they’re all the same. Boring? Not to me. I love black and I love the way I feel in black.
Cheeky thong (currently only available in navy) | same cut in black cotton | These are my day undies. I know a lot of people aren’t into thongs, but I’m used to them and love ’em. This pair in particular has a really pretty triangle shape in the back that’s super flattering, plus the lace is soft and comfortable. I have about 12 in a size M.
Black and nude wireless lightly lined bra | When it comes to bras I am all about comfort. Soft fabric, no underwire, and no clasp in the back. This bra is my absolute favorite — it’s so comfortable, I forget I even have it on! I have two of each color in a size 32B.
(All three of the above items are from Aerie, and they have quickly become one of my favorite companies to support because of their body positivity and “no retouching” message. Seeing so many different women represented in one space is powerful! This isn’t sponsored, I just want to see more of this in the fashion world, so I love supporting them.)
Stay-put strapless bra | This bra disappears under just about anything thanks to it’s nude color and smooth cups. There’s also something about the shape of this bra that stays put. I’m not sure if there’s a technical name for it, but the cups just come up a little higher on the sides. Fit tip: For me, I’ve found that this bra works best when worn a little lower on the ribcage. I have one in a size 32B.
Leopard lace bralette | I love having a pretty black lace bralette on hand. First of all, it looks pretty peeking out from under certain tops. Second, all you’ve got to do is throw on any black lace panty and suddenly you’ve got a matching set for V-Day.
Undershirt | I wear these every day in the winter for extra warmth. I love having a soft, stretchy layer close to my skin — it neutralizes mildly itchy sweaters. I have 4 in a size S.
Fleece lined tights | This is another winter must-have for me. On particularly cold days, I’ll layer these underneath my jeans. I have one pair in a size S.
A few other items not pictured: my favorite socks + the softest robe ever.
How I Organize
I used to hear that the best way to organize was to put like items with like items. Such as, putting all bras together, simply because they are all bras.
But a few years ago, I abandoned that idea and started organizing things based on where I’d need them. For example, I keep my sports bras in the same drawer as my workout clothes. That way, when I’m getting dressed for a workout, I only need to open one drawer.
So, since sports bras, etc all have a separate place, all that’s left in my underwear drawer is my everyday essentials. It speeds up the process of picking out underwear each morning. Plus the drawer just looks nice and clean and clutter free, just how I like it.
My first drawer is reserved for everyday bras and undershirts, since I reach for them at the same time:
I use IKEA Skubb drawer dividers and keep bras in the front section and undershirts in the back. My everyday black bras were in the wash when I took this photo, so they aren’t pictured, but usually they’re in there too.
My second drawer is reserved for everyday underwear:
To fold or not to fold? Honestly, I don’t fold my underwear and I don’t feel the slightest bit bad about it — sorry Marie Kondo. :)
Since all of my undies are the same, I know exactly what I’m grabbing and I don’t need to organize them any more than tossing them into two separate bins — thongs on the left and high waist boybriefs on the right.
I like to keep things simple and streamlined, so mostly everything in this drawer is black, but I’ve got a couple of nude thongs in there too, for lighter bottoms.
(Also, this dresser is a good one if you’ve got a teeny tiny corner and need to squeeze in some cute storage.)
• • •
And there you have it!
If you want to do a little underwear revamp of your own, start by cleaning out your undie drawer and leave only your favorite, most comfortable items — the ones you reach for again and again. Once you let go of the things that are no longer serving you, focus on what you do have. Jot down a few quick notes about them — what works, what doesn’t? Keep that information handy for any future undie shopping — it’ll keep you on the right track.
Your turn! Do you think you might spend a little time revamping your underwear, as a Valentine’s Day gift to yourself? Got any questions about the items in this post or how I organize? Ask away in the comments!
xo,
Yes to Aerie- big fan since 2011 and can’t use anything else.
Nice post. Thank you for inspiring me. I am curious as to what color is your robe and what types/color of socks you habe from your favorite brand?
So glad you liked it! I have the oatmeal color robe and I currently have the wool knee socks from Bombas — eventually planning to slowly add more sock styles from them because they are so awesome. :)
Thank you, Caroline. I look forward to trying the Aerie brand, and such a bonus they ship to Oz! (Australia) X
Are the nude undies the same as the black ones? Just trying to figure out what to wear with white pants!
Yes, they are the same cut, just different colors. :)
I’m all about high-waisted undies. I think they look so cute! I love that you have several pairs of the same underwear – that would definitely make getting dressed a snap!
P.S. On another note – your photography is just gorgeous.
I just did this! A few pairs each of black True & Co hipsters and thongs arrived in the mail this morning, along with one black and one nude bra. Most of the True & Co bras have a sort of comfy-but-shapeless look to them, but both of these bras are the True Body Triangle Convertible Strap Bras. They’re cute everyday staples with thin straps, super comfortable and seamless under clothes, with light pads and no underwire. Then there’s the fact that they’re convertible. Praise the boob gods!
Beyond that, I also have a few pairs of black Thinx.
I’ve waited way to long to do this, wearing either old sports bras or my one go-to bra that didn’t fit me at all (for basically two years, oops). It took a while to pull the trigger because it’s a bit of an investment all at once, but now I’m glad that I treated myself to something so foundational.
Lovely! Thanks for sharing :) I’m due to go through mine and I like your tips :)
Can you please give the brand and style of your undershirt? Here in Canada the link just takes me to Nordstrom Canada,not the item. Thanks Caroline – love your criteria!
Happy to! It’s 14th and Union Long Sleeve Solid Knit Tee from Nordstrom Rack. Hope that helps! :)
Loved this post so much! I hope you’ll do a sister one on workout gear and pjs! <3
Love your tips, in the middle of last year I bought almost the exact same bras as you describe here, but I bought mine in Calvin Klein as my Birthday gift and it was the best decision I ever did. The comfort is amazing ~
Love your ideas. Instead of having lots of choices, many of the same eliminates the need to choose. I have never understood how thong and comfortable can be in the same sentence. Sorry, just don’t get it.
I need to look at Aerie…a friend recommended them recently. I occasionally find some good finds at Nordstrom’s Rack. They carry brands like Simone Perele and I’ve fallen in love. It’s so fun to wear pretty underwear, even if it’s just me who knows.
Hi Caroline,
I know from other posts that you’re an xxs in pants (maybe 24?) can you share why you wear relatively large underwear? I’m a 25-26 and wouldn’t have considered or felt like I need anything above an xs.
Thanks!
Hi Emily! I do wear a 24 in Madewell jeans (in other brands I’m anywhere from a 23-26) but when it came to these particular undies I found the S + M to fit right and be more comfortable. :)
Wow, I’m impressed! You are really well organised. Thanks for the tips.
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
So smart! I definitely need to edit out my draws and keep only that which is comfortable, practical and pretty!
Thanks for the motivation!
Thank you for the inspiration……just ordered new and what a great online sale going on right now..
No folder here too! Such a waste of time! I have always thought of aerie as a teen brand, so thank you for showing me they are not!
I’m so ready to do this over the summer when I’m through this pregnancy (everything pulls extra duty with mama body changes). Can’t wait to start fresh and comfy – saving your post so i can reference when I’m in for a full refresh!
[Side note- gift certificates for undies are an excellent gift for new moms; a friend did this for me first time around and gosh it was the best!]
The gift certificate is such a great idea! When I was pregnant I decided to heck with maternity underwear, I’ll wear what I have and treat myself to some new things after I have my baby (…a few months after!). I have a bunch of the laser cut hipsters from Target for day and cotton/lace hipsters from H&M for night.
You’ve probably mentioned this in a previous post but how do you care for your bras as far as laundry? I have the same ones from Aerie and mine are in terrible shape :(
Hi Kelly! I just put mine in a lingerie bag wash them on a hand wash or delicate cycle. Mine have held up pretty well so far.
I’m gutted you can no longer buy Aerie in the UK because those high waisted boy briefs look AMAZING.
Ah bummer! I didn’t realize Aerie wasn’t available in the UK. :(
Ironically I have both of your underwear choices and I have to agree with their comfort, functionality and overall look. I have to say that those high-waisted briefs are the comfiest pair of underwear I have owned in my life (all of those years of turning up our noses at grandmas and their ugly underwear – only to find out they are amazing?!). I also think they are extremely flattering – at least the Aerie brand ones. I love wearing those with vintage jeans I have!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Can you wash the undies in the washing machine?
I do! I wash them on a gentle or hand wash cycle, and usually use a lingerie bag. :)
I really really love this. Such pretty photos and I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone have all the same types of undies or to not fold! I guess people don’t often share their underwear drawers? I totally love it and I’m going to look into those basic bras you recommended!
Thanks for sharing :)
Wait, sleeping underwear? Is this a thing? I’ve never not slept commando. I can’t imagine sleeping in underwear! So are you going through and washing 2 pairs of underwear a day?
Haha I’m sure everyone is different. And yep — two pairs a day. :)
I love this post & your brand recs as always!! Here’s to normal looking underwear models!
I love this so much! I did the same recently: bought all American Eagle Aerie undies for sleep, and all Gap Body thongs. Game changer!!
YES!!!! I need so much help in this area and your post answered all of the questions I’ve asked myself for years! Thank you!
I went to order some of the Patagonia undies you posted about before but noticed lots of bad reviews. Do you still buy them?
Thanks!
Hi Rachelle! :) I don’t, but mine held up amazingly well for years. Perhaps they changed the fabric/fit at some point after I got mine.
1st thing 1st, beautiful photos! Eye-pleasing posts as always <3
I agree with choosing basic colours for underwear–all of my underwears are beige/nude & black, with variation between relaxed bras, bra tops, and seamless panties. No more confusing moments of choosing! :D
Hi Caroline,
Your blog is truly the best! Do you have any go-to tanks to use as undershirts?
I loooove this post! Thank you.
Really lovely selection! One thing I struggle with when it comes to underwear though is that as my weight fluctuates, certain pieces stop fitting, and others start fitting again, so I kind of have to keep a few styles at the back of my drawer that don’t currently fit really well, but that I might need in a few months’ time.
Another issue I have is that often stores will have strict return policies with underwear, or I won’t realise the bra I bought wasn’t actually as comfortable as I thought it was when I tried it on – these are ‘mistake’ buys, but I feel too bad about the environment to just throw them away, and feel like no charity would really take them (I know there’s specialised ones for bras, but not for bottoms I don’t think).
But I guess it boils down to what you say about being very strict with yourself when buying underwear – really take the time to try things on before-hand and really look at the fit, only keeping things that are absolutely perfect.
Thank you for helping me finally find a comfortable and affordable bra for everyday. Bless you! Really!
Love the idea of the Aerie, but not enough for those of us with DD or larger.
I agree that keeping like with like , helps make dressing faster- and my lingerie drawer is simple. Daily drawer , special occasion type lingerie( Spanx, All in one, plunge ) in another.
Socks, me- smart wool and a few pairs of cashmere soft and fluffy for airplane flights or cold winter days. less is modern.
Ahhhh! Caroline, I’ve been following your blog since 2014 and have taken so many tips and hints from you but I have to say…your recommendation on those high waist lace panties…PERFECT! I bought five pairs on clearance last week and they are everything: soft, stretchy, sexy! Thank you for sharing. And yes I did click on your affiliate link for them. ;)