If the elastic is cutting into your skin and feels restrictive, your underwear is too tight. If there is any excess fabric hanging down or you feel like your underwear isn’t supporting your butt at all, it’s probably too big. [2] X Research source
Be sure to check out the rear view when you sit or squat, as these positions tend to expose part of the thong if you’re wearing low-cut pants. If you’re concerned about your thong showing when you squat, be sure to wear high-waisted pants and skirts or shirts that extend lower than the waistline of your bottoms. G-strings have even less fabric than thongs, so they’re the best choice for minimizing panty lines. Keep in mind that thongs are much less comfortable if they are too tight, so get one that fits properly.
You need to be more cautious with boy shorts than you do with thongs because they do not eliminate the possibility of a visible panty line. It’s a good idea to test them out with your favorite pair of form-fitting pants. You can find boy shorts in many different materials. Choose one that you find comfortable and that has invisible or very minimal seams. Make sure your boy shorts fit snugly, but don’t cut into your skin.
Elastic and spandex panties are very good for a seamless look. Unfortunately, cotton panties, which are the best for feminine health because of their breathability, are typically not seamless because the fabric is too thick.
Going commando is best when wearing pants. Always wear underwear with skirts and dresses. Be sure to wash your pants after each use when going commando to prevent infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. [9] X Research source Some workout pants are actually made with special linings so that they can be worn without underwear. [10] X Research source If you feel uncomfortable doing this, you can also go “faux commando” by ordering disposable cotton patches that adhere to the inside of your pants, allowing you the freedom of no underwear without any discomfort.
You can wear panties under your shapewear or not, depending on your personal preferences. If you just want to smooth out your butt, upper thighs, and/or lower stomach, you can buy panty-style shapewear. For more coverage, you can opt for a pant-style that extends further down your legs or a bodysuit-style that covers your upper body (except your chest) as well. [13] X Research source Shapewear should not be used to attempt to fit into a smaller size of clothing. If it feels overly restrictive or you begin to experience numbness or tingling, your shapewear is too tight. [14] X Research source
As with shapewear, you do not need to wear underwear under your tights or pantyhose if you don’t want to. The choice is up to you. You can buy high-waisted styles if you want some coverage over your stomach, although tights will never give you as much control as shapewear.
A full slip covers your entire torso and the upper parts of your legs, and is meant to be worn with a dress. A half slip covers only your butt and upper legs, and is meant to be worn with a skirt. Many slips contain some lycra, which helps shape your body and prevents the garment from bunching. If you are looking for a little extra control, you can also find shapewear in slip styles. [18] X Research source Try to match the color of your slip to your dress or skirt as much as possible. This will make the slip less visible if it ever peeks out from under your clothes. Make sure your slip is always shorter than any slits in your dress or skirt. [19] X Research source Avoid slips with lace details, as this may show through your clothing. [20] X Research source To avoid static cling between your slip and your garment, try gently pulling each item through a wire hanger before you put it on.
Leggings are especially likely to show panty lines. If you want to wear them with regular panties, consider wearing a tunic-length shirt with them. The shirt will cover your butt, so you won’t have to worry about whether or not your panty lines are visible through your leggings. If you love to wear skirts, consider wearing a loose-fitting style that will not show panty lines as much. For example, instead of wearing a tight pencil skirt, wear an A-line skirt.
Rear pockets add extra fabric to the seat of your pants, so they may also help hide panty lines. Keep in mind that not all denim is created equal. Some is much thicker, while some is thinner and stretchier. Opt for thicker, less clingy styles if you are trying to avoid panty lines.
Remember that prints will not eliminate panty lines; they will only help disguise them. It’s a good idea to check for panty lines in the mirror before you go out.
White pants are common culprits, so always make sure you can’t see your underwear through them before you buy them. Leggings and yoga pants can also be see-through, so make sure you buy a pair that is thick and opaque.
