Women's briefs: the classic cut that never goes out of style

A women's brief fully covers the back and is cut away at the sides, without going down the thigh like a shorty would. It's the reference cut, the one from which all others are defined, and it remains the best seller because it combines coverage and freedom of movement without any particular compromise.

Low-rise, classic or high-rise women's briefs

The rise height is the real variable of this cut. The low-rise women's brief stops below the navel and is worn under low-rise trousers, but it can easily roll if the elastic is thin. The classic model sits at the navel, making it the most versatile. The high-rise version goes above, visually slims the waist and doesn't dig in to the belly, which explains its comeback and adoption after pregnancy.

The cotton women's brief for everyday wear

The cotton women's brief dominates this segment for good reasons: it breathes, can withstand high-temperature washing, and is inexpensive, allowing for regular replacements. Look for combed cotton rather than ordinary cotton, which is softer and less fluffy over washes, and an addition of a few percent of elastane to prevent deformation. Buying packs of multiple pieces is the most practical for this cut, and it's on the 100% cotton women's brief that the price difference per pack is the most noticeable.

How many briefs should you have

This is the cut you buy in packs, which justifies a different logic than buying single pieces. A reasonable drawer stock holds about fifteen briefs, allowing you to space out washes without wearing the same pieces. Replacement is judged by three signs: an elastic that has lost its tension and rolls, a fabric that has become translucent at the crotch, and seams that pucker. These three issues generally appear between one and two years of regular use.