The Great Underwear Debate

In a world of so many choices, it can be difficult to feel as though you’re making the right decisions all the time, especially in regards to your own health. From the foods you eat to the exercises you do, the options to choose from are truly endless.

One thing that you shouldn’t have to worry about is the type of underwear to wear, but the struggle is understandably real. Valley is here to clarify everything about “The Great Underwear Debate” to help make every girl’s decision so much easier.

To start, different materials matter in certain situations. Cotton is very comfortable and breathable and is less likely to ride up, but it can become irritating when going to the gym or during any periods of excessive sweating. In these cases, wearing underwear made from nylon can be more preferable because it wicks away moisture, especially from such a sensitive area.

After choosing the material that is best suited for you and your day ahead, it’s time to pick the style and amount of coverage you prefer.

More Coverage

If you’re someone who prefers to have your butt fully to near fully covered, Valley recommends trying either the bikini or boybrief/boyshort style.

Although the cuts differ slightly between different stores and brands, the gist is the same.

If you want complete and absolute coverage, the boybrief and boyshort styles provide exactly this. Aerie even has a style called, “no cheek peek,” and many lingerie stores carry styles made of cotton, lace and nylon. Some stores even carry a high-waisted boybrief/fuller-coverage option, if you’re looking for a more retro option.

If you’re the type of person who’s looking for a pair of underwear with a more “moderate coverage,” the bikini style is definitely for you, which can be found at Victoria’s Secret.

Tess McNamara, a freshman, says, “I like bikinis mostly because they don’t peek out over my jeans when I sit, but also because they allow for more cheek.”

You’ll still receive some coverage with the added benefits of being able to show a little more skin than you could when wearing boybriefs or boyshorts.

Less Coverage

On the flip side, if you’re someone who prefers to feel more exposed and free while wearing underwear, cheekies and thongs are your best bet!

Cheekies allow you to still be slightly covered while also revealing a bit of cheek, hence the name, and are available in so many cute colors, patterns and materials. While you won’t be as bare as you would be with a thong, you can still give your behind a little room to breathe.

If you’re ready to bare it all and never look back, then thongs are definitely for you! They provide full coverage in the front and no coverage in the back. They’re especially great if you’d like to avoid underwear lines under skinny jeans and leggings.

Freshman Brook Grove says, “Thongs are personally my underwear of choice because they’re the most convenient, and I don’t ever have to be conscious of panty lines. Plus, thongs always look super cute and are very minimal, so they always feel comfortable.”

Just be wary of when you decide to wear thongs. According to Tom Ryan from Livestrong.com, you should try to avoid wearing thongs to bed and to the gym because they “make it easier for bacteria to travel from your anus to your vagina, which can lead to conditions like a urinary tract infection.”

No matter which cut and material you ultimately decide to wear, make sure that they are comfortable and work for you and your lifestyle!