In addition to fabric, Alaimo says to look for simple designs that still feel sexy. She recommends something that boasts “a sleek front with a high-cut leg” or a touch of mesh “for a peak of skin.” First and foremost, you want to look at the underwear fabric to ensure maximum comfort. “I never want any stiff or restrictive materials for my underwear, so I opt for super soft and lightweight, yet durable, high-waisted underwear,” says Alaimo. “Cotton is always a great option because it’s super breathable and natural.” In addition to cotton, she recommends looking for styles in bamboo or modal because they have “just the right amount of slink and stretch without bagging out.” Jessie Quinn has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Journalism from the Academy of Art University. When researching the best high-waisted underwear for Byrdie, she researched items that seemed well-constructed, stylish, and above all else, comfortable. The carefree feeling you have when you have an assurance that you won’t leak through a pair of underwear is almost indescribable, but if you’re reading this, chances are you know it. Or at least, if you still haven’t found that perfect pair, you can imagine what it would feel like. Either way, we raise this option in the high-waisted category. Thinx’s Hi-Waist is designed to gently hug the stomach and absorb up to five tampons worth of menses. Although we haven’t tested this pair specifically, we feel confident in it because Byrdie editors have tried and approved several other styles from Thinx, having rated them for comfort, durability, efficacy, and pricing.

Krystin Polin is a Bra Fit Expert at Bare Necessities, an online lingerie retailer that carries brands such as Calvin Klein, Cosabella, Simone Perele, and more. According to Alaimo, high-waisted underwear is usually very comfortable “as long as it is underwear and not shapewear,” which is, by nature, more restrictive. To be comfortable in high-waisted underwear, you should ensure that a style fits well and doesn’t dig into your body or slide around too much. It should feel supportive, breathable, and barely there.