Women's Underwear Size Guide: Choose The Best Styles and Types of Lingerie For Your Body Type

Ever wondered why that one pair of underwear just doesn’t feel quite right, while another makes you feel like a kid in a candy store, yet they both look the same? Choosing the right underwear isn’t just about grabbing the chicest pair off the shelf; it’s about finding the perfect fit for you. Imagine slipping into the most comfortable panties for women that fit like a glove and you instantly feel your mood light up. That's the kind of everyday lingerie we want for our ladies. 

Here’s the thing: every 'body' is unique, and so are your underwear needs. The wrong size or style of bra for women can ruin your overall outfit or make you uncomfortable all day. From tugging at your clothes at different corners to those awkward glances at your boobs and hips, wearing badly-fitted underwear can affect your self-confidence. 

But we have good news! Whether you're wondering what beautiful lingerie for women to add to your closet or sexy panties for ladies to add to your sultry sets, we have all your lingerie needs in our online store. It gets even better, because over here is a guide to choosing the right underwear. From how to know your panty size and finding a bra size that suits you best to the different styles of underwear for women you should definitely explore, we have all the 'feel good' and 'look great' pieces at Cuty Duty. Ready to find your perfect fit? Let’s dive in.

How to Determine Your Body Type

Knowing your body type is the first step toward finding lingerie for your body type and shape. This will allow you to make informed choices when shopping, avoid the discomfort of ill-fitting underwear, and ensure that you always look and feel your best. Here are the five main body types and how to identify which one you belong to:

• Rectangle: If you have a more athletic build with fewer curves, then, you likely have a rectangle body shape. You might notice that your waist, hips, and shoulders are roughly the same width here. Also, your waist may not be as defined, and your bust and hips are about the same size.
• Apple: You likely have an apple-shaped body if you have a less defined waistline, broader shoulders, a fuller bust, with slimmer legs and hips.
• Hourglass: An hourglass figure is marked by a well-defined waist with a bust and hips that are nearly equal in size. Women with the classic hourglass shape have balanced curves and their waist is the narrowest part of their body.
• Pear: Ladies with this shape have hips that are wider than their busts and shoulders. You likely have a pear-shaped body if you have a smaller upper body, well-defined waist, and fuller hips, thighs, and bottom.
• Inverted Triangle: If your shoulders and bust are broader than your hips, you have an inverted triangle body shape. You likely have narrower hips, a less defined waist, and a more pronounced upper body.

You can stand in front of a mirror to visually assess your shape or better still compare measurements of your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips.

The Best Underwear for Each Body Type

The right lingerie style goes beyond aesthetics to enhance your natural silhouette, boost your confidence, and even improve your posture. Different female undergarments types look great with different body types. Always select lingerie styles that complement your shape in looks and feeling, not against it. Below are specific recommendations for women's body types:

Pear-Shaped Body

For a pear-shaped body, where your hips are wider than your shoulders and bust, you should balance your proportions by drawing attention to your upper body while providing more coverage and support to your lower half. The best lingerie for pear shape are high-cut briefs which elongate the legs and boyshorts and hipsters that cover the bum without adding extra bulk to the hips.

Apple-Shaped Body

The best kinds of underwear for women with apple-shaped bodies are high-waisted briefs with tummy control panels, thongs or G-strings to avoid visible panty lines, and high-cut or seamless panties for a smoother look under clothes. 

Hourglass-Shaped Body

Although different types of underwear for females look great on hourglass figures, you can accentuate your curves with styles that highlight your waist, such as bikini cuts or briefs with a mid-rise or high-rise waistband. Thongs and G-strings are also ideal for reducing visible lines and letting your natural shape take center stage.

Rectangle-Shaped Body

The types of underwear for ladies that add volume to your hips or emphasize your waist are your best friends. It could be boyshorts and briefs with ruffles, lace, or bold patterns or low-rise bikinis, to help define your waist even better. You can also look for details like side ties or embellishments for visual interest.

Inverted Triangle Body

If you have an inverted triangle body type, you can draw attention downward with underwear that adds volume to your lower half, such as boyshorts or panties with embellishments, ruffles, or bold prints. High-cut briefs can also help elongate the legs and keep the focus on your hips.

Essential Types of Women's Panties

When it comes to women's underpants styles, Cuty Duty has a closet full of them, and choosing one can be overwhelming. Each style is designed with specific purposes in mind, such as level of coverage, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. Here are some of the most comfortable ladies panties in our collection and basic tips on how to wear them: 

Briefs

Briefs are the go-to option when you want full coverage at the front and back. They sit at or just below the waist and are practical choices for everyday wear. Briefs are well-suited for a pear or apple-shaped body, because of the support they provide over the hips and tummy.

Hipsters

Hipsters are quite versatile picks that sit low on the hips and offer moderate coverage. Their low-rise design looks flattering on an hourglass or rectangle shape, as they highlight the hip curves without digging into the waist. You can also wear them with low-waisted pants and skirts.

Bikini

Bikini panties are the classic types of undies for women and nearly all body types, especially hourglass or pear shape can wear them and look stunning. They are sexy and perfect for a beachy vibe or your everyday underwear.

High-Cut

High-cut or French-cut panties sit higher on the waist and have leg openings that go above the hips. It is a sleek pick for pear-shaped and apple-shaped bodies, as it draws attention upward and balances the silhouette.

Thongs

Thongs have a narrow strip of fabric at the back and offer minimal coverage. You can wear them to avoid panty lines, especially with tight clothes.

Boyshorts

These are the comfiest types of undergarments for ladies. They have a low waist, extend down the thighs, and fully cover the bum. Boyshorts are ideal for rectangle-shaped bodies, as they add volume to the hips, but they also suit pear and apple shapes because of their full coverage.

Seamless or No-Show

Seamless or no-show panties are designed to be invisible, sleek, and undetectable under clothes. They are typically made from stretchy fabrics that conform to your body without creating lines or bulges.

G-String

G-strings are the least coverage panties. They have a thin string at the back between the butt cheeks and are great options for all body types.

How to Choose the Best Panties for Your Butt Shape

Beyond body types, there are butt shapes, and choosing the best styles and sizes of panties for your bum shape can make a world of difference in how comfortable you feel. With the women's underwear size guide below, you can select the best panties for you.

• Round (O) Shape: You have a round butt if the fullness and curves of your butt are evenly distributed. You will need panties with full coverage that don't cut into your curves. This includes briefs, boyshorts, and bikinis. High-waist panties will also look good to elongate your legs while highlighting your round curves.

• Heart-Shaped (A Shape): Here, your hips are wider and the lower part of your bum is fuller. Panties that won’t dig into your skin are high-waisted briefs, boyshorts, thongs, g-strings, and seamless panties.

• Square (H) Shape: You have a square bum if your hips and butt are roughly the same width and your butt is flatter. You can add volume and shape to your bum with boyshorts, bikini and hipster styles, and briefs with ruffles, lace, or other decorative features.

• Inverted V Shape: If your hips are narrow and your butt tapers towards the bottom, hipsters, boyshorts, and low-waist bikinis with extra fabric around the hips will give your booty a more rounded look.

Panties Size Chart

A panty chart size that provides a clear guide to finding the perfect fit, will take the guesswork out of shopping for panties. The panties size guide below includes measurements of your waist and hips, which you can take at home to determine your size. This us underwear size chart will help you choose panties that are neither too tight nor too loose, and perfect for your butt shape.

Panties

Size	Waist (cm/in)	Hips (cm/in)	US Numerical
2XS	58 - 61 / 23 - 24"	84 – 86.5 / 31 - 34"	00
XS	61 - 66 / 24 - 26"	87.5 - 93 / 34 - 36.5"	0 - 2
S	67 - 72.5 / 26.5 - 28.5"	94 - 99 / 37 - 39"	4 - 6
M	74-79 / 29-31"	100-105.5 / 39.5 - 41.5"	8 - 10
XL	80-87.5 / 31.5 - 34.5"	107-112 / 42 - 44"	12 - 14
L	89-96.5 / 35 - 38"	113-121 / 44.5 - 47.5"	16
XXL	98-105.5 / 38.5 - 41.5"	122-130 / 48 - 51"	18 - 20

Plus Size Panties

The Best Bras for Each Body Type

Just as with panties, you also need the right bra for your bust. With the correct bra sizes and styles, your breasts will be fully supported, not stuffed, and comfortable. Here are some tips on how to choose correct bra size for your body type:

Pear-Shaped Body

For pear-shaped bodies with smaller boobs, the best lingerie for small breasts to add volume to the bust are push-up bras and padded bras. Plunge bras are also excellent choices for creating a flattering neckline and shaping the bust.

Apple-Shaped Body

The kinds of lingerie that will suit apple-shaped figures with a fuller bust and a wider midsection are full-coverage bras. Styles with wide bands and side panels will provide support and reduce the bust area. Underwire bras with wide-set straps can also help lift and define the breasts.

Hourglass-Shaped Body

Balconette bras and demi-cup bras are the most comfortable underwear for women with hourglass figures. They support the breast while showing off the cleavage. T-shirt bras are also great everyday bras for seamless support.

Rectangle-Shaped Body

If you have a straighter figure and less defined curves, bras that add volume and shape to your bust are ideal. This will include sexy lingerie for small boobs such as padded bras, push-up bras, and plunge bras.

Inverted Triangle Body

For ladies with broader shoulders and busts than the hips, sexy lingerie for big busted women will be perfect. Minimizer bras such as soft-cup bras and bralettes work well to reduce the bust size and create a more proportionate look.

How to Choose the Right Size Bra

To choose the right bra size, you need ideas on how to know bra size and cup size measurements. This includes the proper way to measure bra size from the cups and bands. A well-fitted bra should be comfortable, enhance your bust shape, give off a flattering silhouette, and promote proper posture. Below is a size guide for bras and how you can measure them accurately:

To Determine the Band Size

The band provides most of the support from your bra, hence it should be accurate. To find your band size, measure around your ribcage, just under your bust, making sure the tape measure is snug but not tight. Add 4 inches if it's an even number and 5 if odd to this measurement. This final number is your band size and you can find it in the underwear size chart for women below:

Ribcage Measurement (inches)	Band Size
23-24	28
25-26	30
27-28	32
29-30	34
31-32	36
33-34	38
35-36	40
37-38	42
39-40	44

To Determine the Cup Size

Your cup size is the difference between your band size and your bust measurement. If you're wondering how to choose bra cup size, all you have to do is measure around the fullest part of your bust and subtract the band size measurement from this number. The difference in inches is your cup size. For instance, if your bust measurement is 36 inches and your band size is 34 inches, the difference is 2 inches, making you a 34B.

Difference (inches)	Cup Size
1	A
2	B
3	C
4	D
5	DD/E
6	DDD/F

Fitting Hints and Tips

• Start with the loosest hook: When you find your bra size and make a purchase, it should fit comfortably on the loosest hook. As the bra stretches over time, you can move to the tighter hooks.
• Check the center panel: The middle part of the bra should lie flat on your chest, not gapping or lifting.
• Adjust the straps: Straps should be snug, not tight, and not digging into your shoulders.
• Look for even band alignment: If you used the proper way to measure for bra, the band should be level all around your body and not ride up in the back.

Fit Checklist

• Does the band fit well around your body without digging in or riding up?
• Are your breasts fully enclosed in the cups without spilling over or leaving gaps?
• Are the straps adjustable without slipping off your shoulders or digging in?
• Does the underwire lie flat against your ribcage without poking or pressing uncomfortably?

Best Underwear Material for Women

The different types of lingeries are made with varying fabric types. The right fabric for your underwear depends on the use and occasion. Here’s a guide to some of the most common underwear fabrics:

• Cotton: Cotton is breathable, soft, and absorbent. It is easy to care for, affordable and does not irritate the skin. You can wear them as everyday underwear but not for intense workouts or humid conditions as they sometimes retain moisture.
• Modal: Modal is a semi-synthetic fiber that is softer and more breathable than cotton. It has a silky feel against the skin and is particularly suitable for casual wear and lounging.
• Lace: Lace is elegant and feminine and although it is less practical for everyday wear due to its delicate nature, you can wear it for special occasions or when you want to feel a bit more glam.
• Silk: Silk has a luxurious texture and natural temperature-regulating properties. The smooth and soft feel of the fabric on the skin makes it perfect for special events.
• Spandex (Elastane): It is often blended with other fibers to add stretch and flexibility. This material is particularly useful for activewear and shapewear.

Types of Women's Underwear for Specific Outfits and Occasions

Whether you’re gearing up for a typical day at work, a special event, an intense workout, or a cozy evening at home, choosing the best lingerie for body types and settings can make all the difference. Here’s how you can match your underwear to your needs.

Everyday Wear

For daily underwear, comfort and practicality are key. You can wear cotton briefs and hipsters every day because of their breathability and soft texture. They work well for work clothes and casual attire, and if you're wearing fitted clothes, you can switch to seamless or no-show panties.

Special Occasions

When choosing bra size and style for special occasions, opt for elegant pieces like lace bras and panties, along with silk camisoles. For formal events or date nights, a matching lingerie set will look absolutely stunning. Strapless and plunge bras are great for evening dresses or deep V-neckline tops.

Sports and Activewear

Moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon blends or performance-oriented spandex, will help keep you dry and comfortable during workouts. High-waisted briefs or seamless boyshorts will help reduce chafing. Bras with strong support and adjustable straps are the best lingerie for small chests during sports.

Loungewear

When lounging at home, soft, relaxed styles like bralettes or wireless bras and cotton boyshorts or modal briefs will help you relax better in your favorite pajamas or loungewear. Even if you wear lingerie for smaller women, oversized or relaxed-fit underwear will give you a laid-back feel. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Underwear

The key factors to always keep in mind when selecting the right underwear include:

• Size and Fit: With tips on how to know what size underwear to buy, you can comfortably shop for underwear that won't cause discomfort, show visible panty lines, or even lead to health issues.
• Materials and Comfort: The fabric of your underwear plays a major role in how comfortable it feels throughout the day. Natural fibers like cotton are breathable, soft, and ideal for everyday lingerie. For special occasions, you can opt for materials like silk or lace while for active wear, fabrics like spandex blends will help keep you dry. 
• Support and Fit: Support features like bands, underwires, adjustable straps, and hooks are needed for support and lift. However, they should not feel restrictive, dig into your skin, or poke your body.

Underwear Care and Maintenance

To extend the lifespan of your underwear and keep it in good condition, proper care and maintenance are essential. Here’s how to wash, dry, and store your underwear:

• Washing: Always follow the care instructions on the label of your underwear. For most fabrics, a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag with cold water and mild detergent is best to prevent shrinking and damage. You should consider hand washing to reduce wear and tear for delicate materials like lace or silk. 
• Drying: Air drying is the gentlest method for drying underwear. If you must use a dryer, choose a low-heat setting to reduce damage. High heat can weaken elastic fibers and cause the fabric to lose its shape.
• Storing: Store underwear in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture and mildew. Fold them rather than hanging them, then organize them in drawers or storage containers to prevent them from getting tangled or damaged.

Final Thoughts

Over here we've looked at determining your body type and the best lingerie style for each body type, how to measure bra and cup size, the best underwear fabric and settings to wear them, and how best to care for your underwear. Choosing the perfect underwear involves considering several key factors like fit, fabric, and function. The right size and fit whether it's the best lingerie for petite women or the sexiest picks for plus-size ladies is crucial for comfort and support. Understanding how different underwear styles match various body types and occasions will help you make informed choices for any situation; and with proper care and maintenance practices, you can extend the lifespan of your favorite pieces. 

FAQ

• How to buy bras?

When buying bras, start by determining your correct size using a measuring tape. Measure around your ribcage for the band size and the fullest part of your bust for the cup size. Consider the style that suits your needs, such as support for daily wear or special features for special occasions.

• How to purchase a bra online at CutyDuty?

To buy a bra online at CutyDuty, visit our website and go to the bra section. Use the size guide provided to select your correct size and filter options by style and material to tailor your options to what you want. Add your chosen bra to the cart and proceed to checkout.

• What size panties do I wear?

To know your panty size, measure your waist and hips, then compare these measurements to the size chart. You can always refer to the size chart under each underwear for the most accurate sizing.

• How to find a perfect bra?

Finding the perfect bra involves trying different styles to see what suits your body shape and preferences. Ensure the band fits snugly and the cups fully enclose your breasts. Adjust straps for a comfortable fit and consider getting professional measurements if you’re unsure about your size.