I wear dresses every single day, no matter what the season is. This is not an exaggeration. Pants annoy me to no end, and pants shopping is even worse. Consequently, I’ve done a lot of research about the right kinds of underwear to wear under skirts and dresses, especially if you’re looking for panties and shorts with adequate coverage. The results? Dress lovers everywhere can rest easy knowing that there are tons of options out there.
Wind is something that I’ve got a lot of on Long Island, and since the very beginning of my dress-wearing days, I realized that running errands with nothing but a thong underneath would most likely result in a parking lot full of people who’ve now seen my butt. Which is to say, if you're someone who wants to avoid this, I recommend shorts under dresses, all the way.
I used to steal a pair of boxer briefs from every guy I’ve ever dated, but I’ve since learned that they specifically make underwear for underneath dresses and skirts. Reach for something that’s smooth, body-hugging, fits well, and offers full coverage, and you can walk over any subway grate without a care. Check out these awesome full-coverage underwear options for any body size or dress type.
In a hurry? Here are the top picks for full-coverage underwear that you can wear with dresses.
This Maidenform boy short panty is ideal for tighter and shorter skirts or dresses, as it provides adequate coverage and a seamless look underneath clothing while cutting right above the thigh. It’s extra stretchy and comfortable, so you get protection while feeling like you’re wearing nothing at all. And it comes in six different colors, including black, hot pink, and a smokey gray.
One reviewer wrote: "So comfortable and breathable. Fits as expected, without the dreaded rolling down under my belly!! I work in pharmacy and wear these under a dress for a full shift without getting a wedgie, sliding up, or rolling down. Definitely worth the buy!”
For full coverage without any of the bunching or sweating, you’ve got Jockey's skimmies shorts. They’re made with a silky smooth fabric that reduces chafing, wicks sweat, glides easily underneath any fabric, and won’t cause panty lines. Made with a comfortable blend of nylon, microfiber, spandex, and cotton, this pick comes in your choice of three colors.
One reviewer wrote: “These are NOT shapers. They are light silky soft underwear that are FANTASTIC for under skirts. Very comfortable and don’t make that scritchy sound when you walk. They are stretchy but durable, and great for summer as they are breathable.”
This pack of full-coverage briefs looks less like underwear and more like a pair of boyshorts — but even despite their full-coverage design, they’re made from a sleek, lightweight microfiber for optimal breathability underneath a dress or skirt. Since the pack comes with four pairs (in all different colors and for just $10), it’s a pretty incredible value. Finally, in combination with Fruit of the Loom’s two other top-selling fits, they’ve earned an overall 4.5-star rating from over 45,000 reviewers.
One reviewer wrote: "Very soft and satiny but breathable. Very full coverage and not cheeky like boyshorts. They have a large cotton crotch panel that is very comfortable. Even though they are full coverage it feels like I'm naked. Perfect for wearing a dress. No flashing and no panty lines.”
If you wear dresses to avoid feeling confined, a thick solid fabric might seem counterintuitive. The FOXERS lace boxer briefs cover things up while still being breathable and lightweight, as they’re made from a nylon lace material. Unlike other briefs, the band fits snugly around your waist to prevent lines, and they have a subtle interior lining to keep certain areas covered. Choose from colors like, black, charcoal gray, and ivory.
One reviewer wrote: "Perfect with just enough coverage, super comfy while keeping me feeling pretty and sexy.”
These hipster boy short panties look more like workout shorts than anything else, so they’re an obvious option when it comes to full coverage. They’ve got a great stretch to them without becoming translucent, they won’t slip or bunch, and women say, “They almost feel like I'm wearing nothing."
One reviewer wrote: "Hands down my favorite shorts. I got these to wear around at home and to sleep in as well as under dresses to feel better covered. They haven't disappointed in the least and over time I've gotten several sets to have more colors.”
Made from 95% cotton with 5% spandex for stretch, these cotton briefs are soft, skin-friendly, and breathable. They also have a high, double-layer waistband to prevent rolling and offer more coverage, and the legs are hemmed in a subtle lace that reviewers have called “beautiful.” Get the multi-pack in neutral colors or pastel ones.
One reviewer wrote: "These are PERFECT! They don't ride up in the front. They don't ride up in the back. They are breathable. They fit as expected (ordered my usual underwear size). [...] the confidence I gained by knowing the wind can blow my dresses up without exposing my entire behind to the world makes them worth every penny.”
For full protection that looks like part of the outfit, there are these seamless lace boyshorts. The top has a streamlined design so it doesn’t show underneath your skirts and dresses, but the bottom features a lacy trim that’s pretty and provides complete coverage. Best of all, it comes in a budget-friendly six-pack with a mix of black, white, and gray pairs. (According to reviewers, they run small, so order a size up.)
One reviewer wrote: "Absolutely love these they don’t roll up when putting on my pants and it feels like I’m not wearing underwear at all which is an amazing feeling as well!”
This Ilusion bloomer slip is especially great for hot summer days, as it’s made out of a lightweight anti-cling satin material. The bottom has a lace panel trim that blends in with the hem of your typical skater dress, and it helps with dresses that tend to cling, according to reviewers. Also, it comes in your choice of black, beige, or white.
One reviewer wrote: "Fits comfortably under skirts and dresses. Material doesn't cling to fabrics, so I don't have to worry about my skirts riding up while walking.”
These running shorts have built-in underwear, so you get comfort and coverage at the same time — and they have a zippered pocket to hold your phone, house key, or cash. Since they’re technically for workouts, they’re quick-drying and breathable, but it’s these same qualities that make them especially great for wear underneath your dresses. You can also get them in just about any color.
One reviewer wrote: “I have thicker legs and a bum so I have trouble finding shorts that are suffocating my thighs or exposing my bottom. These shorts give full coverage and are very comfortable. I feel confident working out in the gym with the worries of flashing people.”
I’m all for fabric made from bamboo because it’s super breathable, eco-friendly, sweat-wicking, and soft. These HOEREV bamboo briefs provide a good amount of protection during a Marilyn Monroe moment, as the waist is high and the butt is covered, but they’re so lightweight and comfortable that you’ll forget you’re wearing them. On top of all that, it comes in an efficient three-pack with a variety of color options.
One reviewer wrote: "Why isn't more underwear made of bamboo fiber. It's the most breathable and most comfortable. [...] On very hot days, these undies make things more bearable; if things do get sweaty, they dry very quickly. The material is silky smooth comfortable. This is the second set I bought.”
Other Great Full-Coverage Panties From Around The Web
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This article was originally published on July 20, 2016
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