We just don’t agree with wikipedia and think it’s high time they changed this guide.

This Panty Styles Guide is also applicable to Knickers and Undies. But, it is NOT based on…

• the popularity of the current hottest items on Amazon
• some fashion survey
• an online poll
• a top brands latest sales figures

The Top 12 Panty Styles

So, there you have it!

Granny panties are the current official Number 1 Panty style!

Closely followed by French panties and the Thong. Of course “Thong” on its own is much more popular than the Top 2. However, on its own a Thong can relate to beach wear or under wear.

This guide is all about panties people are actually looking for, “… panties”, “… knickers” and “… undies” across the globe.

The winner, and top of the panty styles, by a whisker over French panties are Granny panties – Huffington Post agree!

Reportedly gaining in popularity – Our guide clearly confirms Granny panties are definitely “in”.

So, how do we class panties as being Granny panties?

For us it’s quite simple…

There’ll be lots of coverage at the front, sides and the rear. At the front, they’ll sit just above, or just below, the belly button.

With this much coverage, it’s all about comfort and feeling good. Although this is true – It’s also true that many of us actually want “sexy granny panties”. So, although comfort is key – Feeling (and looking) sexy is a very close second.

The most popular colour by far is Pink and most popular materials are, in order; Nylon, Lace, Sheer.

The second most popular of 12 panty styles – In the US they’re more commonly referred to as “tap pants” not “French panties”.

They’re bought, like Granny panties, for comfort, usually in silk or satin.

Coverage is once again key, French panties provide full rear coverage.

The reason they’re so comfortable – They usually only fit to the skin around the waist. The leg fitting is usually loose with no elastic.

The most popular colour is Black, followed by Red and White.

Thong panties provide almost no coverage at all. They’re usually defined as having sides about an inch (a couple of centimetres or so) wide. The rear band, the bit that goes between the cheeks, is a similar width.

This naturally means that thongs are NOT designed for comfort. In actual fact, for many, they’re damned uncomfortable.

One of the reasons they became so popular was a 90’s fascination – Avoidance of VPL (Visible Panty Line) at all costs. There’s also the case that on the perfect posterior they are super sexy – But this hardly applies to the majority of the population now, does it?

These days with the emergence of new materials there is really no reason to wear a thong though.

Many more comfortable panty styles, in the right colour and material, now offer a no-VPL alternative.

Hipster panties are one of the most comfortable panties out there. That is, if you get the right pair.

The Hipster is actually a bit of a cross between the Bikini and the Boyshort panty styles.

A little thicker at the sides than a Bikini yet a little thinner than the Boyshort. The Hipster provides a little more rear coverage than a Bikini and a little less than the Boyshort.

So, considering a pair of Bikini panties or Boyshorts, you could well be worth going for something in between.

Rear coverage is considered “moderate”, usually just the bottom of the cheeks are visible.

Many believe that Bikini panties are the most popular of all panty styles – They are NOT!

They are however, still popular – Probably because they’re just so damned comfortable.

Modeled on the beachwear bikini bottoms means rear coverage is again moderate.

They’re quite narrow at the sides providing a higher cut. This reveals a little more leg than the Boyshort and the Hipster.

Very popular is the String bikini where the sides are even narrower, typically an elastic band.

It’s worth noting that except in name – We see little difference between Cheeky panties and the Tanga.

“Cheeky” is though, nowadays more popular – Probably because it’s a more appropriate name.

Front coverage is typically the same as a Bikini. Rear coverage though, as the name suggests – Means quite a lot more cheek is on show.

These panties are sexy and more comfortable than, for example a thong. Some consider a pair of Cheeky or “Cheekster” panties – When wanting to show off their rear without having material lodged up there all day.

This panty style is based on the revealing bikini bottoms — Favoured on the beaches of Brazil.

Brazilian panties are a bit of a mix between a Cheeky/Tanga and a Bikini. They provide a little more coverage than the former and quite a bit less than the latter.

The Brazilian panty is an option if you are considering “down-sizing”.

Moving from your Granny panties or a Bikini cut – Straight to a String or a Thong, can be a bit daunting. Make it less so by opting for this in-between option, at least for a while.

The ideal lazy day panties.

Sometimes referred to as a “shortie”. Boyshort panties are modelled on mens briefs.

This means they’re typically cut straight across the hips – They sit on or around the hips. The legs are low cut and usually straight. This provides a snug fit at the front and the rear – Where coverage is full or thereabouts.

We’re quite surprised Boyshorts are not a bit more popular!

Coverage is great and they feel sexy. Perfect for everyday wear, even in bed.

They also make for great “time of the month” panties.

Very similar to the Cheeky panty or “Cheekster”.

If you’ve got it you can certainly flaunt it in a pair of Tanga panties.

Coverage is minimal but unlike a Thong.

And, if you wish to display a little more cheek without the discomfort they are a sensible option.

Like the Brazilian panty you can consider these if you’re considering “down-sizing” from your Granny panties.

We have 12 Tanga panty picks for women and 5 for men here.

String panties come in many options, not just related to material and colour.  And, not just related to fit, low rise, high waist, etc.

For example there are G-Strings, C-Strings (our picks), V-Strings and T-Strings. And there’ll probably be more in the future!

Comfort is forgone completely in preference of eliminating the “dreaded” VPL.

Regardless of the option…

Rear coverage is basically non-existent so these are definitely not for everyone!

Strapless panties are the new kids on the block.

If you are looking to avoid VPL completely and you don’t want to go commando this is probably your best bet.

There are a few points worth of note here though…

In order for them to stick, you are best off having little or no hair down there. If wearing under a dress or a skirt, there is an initial feeling of “will it won’t it stay in place”.

See our complete strapless panties guide for more, including an option for him!

The least popular of all our panty styles.

Bloomers panties typically sit at or above the hips and extend to the knee or thereabouts. This means they provide the greatest coverage of all styles.

They are often referred to as vintage or retro as they can be dated back to the 19th Century.

She did not actually create the style herself but she lends her name to it, Amelia Bloomer, the Women’s rights and temperance advocate.

With no real practical use they largely fall into the fancy dress, fetish, bedroom category.