When it comes to buying panties that fit amazing, a certain saying by none other than Hannah Montana comes into play – “Nobody’s Perfect”, but the good news is, almost every issue with your knickers can be identified and solved after a few attempts. Let’s just say, it takes a while to become a pro, but it’ll all be worth it in the end! Here’s a list of most common panty problems – with solutions!
Muffin Top / Tight Waistband
Problem
If the waistband on your panties fits skin tight around your body, it can leave you with marks on your hips at the end of the day, and in some cases, a muffin top (and not the good kind!). With these kinds of problems, chances are, you’re buying knickers with an overly-snug fit. To combat this, go for a size up from your usual, or switch to a high-waisted style with more coverage.
To put things into perspective, with a thicker side band, a pair of hipster cut knickers will give you more waist coverage than a pair of Brazilian cut knickers, while still offering an alluring fit.
Panties are made from a wide array of different fabrics, and some are stretchier than others.
Solution
- To combat a muffin top, go for a size up from your usual
- Choose panties with a high-waisted fit, as they provide more coverage and reduce the risk of muffin tops.
- Panties are made from a wide array of different fabrics, and some are stretchier than others. It goes without saying that stretchy panties minimise the occurrence of the dreaded muffin top
- Opt for waistbands made from a stretchy material, such as elastic or a blend of cotton and spandex, which will provide a more comfortable fit.
- Avoid underwear with thick waistbands, as they tend to roll and cause muffin tops.
- Wide waistbands, on the other hand, are ideal, as long as they have enough stretch in them
Styling Tips
To put things into perspective, with a thicker side band, a pair of hipster cut knickers will give you more waist coverage than a pair of panty briefs, while still offering an alluring fit.
Loose Waistband
Problem
On the other end of the spectrum, a panty waistband that is too loose can cause the panties to slip down and create discomfort throughout the day.
A loose waistband will oftentimes mean it’s time to say ‘out with the old, and in with the new’; be sure to update your underwear drawer roughly twice a year to ensure that your knickers are giving you the best in terms of elasticity and strength.
If your panties were too loose to begin with, buy a smaller size next time.
Solution
- Choose the right size and fit for your body type. If the waistband is too loose, size down for a better fit.
- Opt for waistbands with a snug fit, made from a stretchy material, such as elastic or a blend of cotton and spandex. This will help keep the waistband in place and prevent slipping.
- If your panties tend to become more loose overtime, consider washing them at lower temperatures, and never tumble dry lingerie. Heat is your underwear’s worst enemy – it ruins the elastic over time.
Styling Tips
Avoid panties with a low-rise fit, as they tend to be looser in the waist area and are more likely to slip down.
Ride Up and Bunching
Problem
Ever been caught pulling at your panty in public? Many women experience panties riding up and bunching throughout the day, which can cause discomfort and even visible panty lines.
Panties ride up your bum for a number of different reasons. If they’re too small for you, there isn’t enough fabric in back to cover your booty. If they’re too big, the leg opening may be too large and doesn’t have enough tension to hold the undies in place. The cut of the undies can also be the culprit. High rise panties and panties that sit high on your bum are the worst offenders.
Solution
- Choose panties made from a stretchy, smooth fabric such as nylon or spandex.
- Look for panties with a low-rise fit and minimal seams to reduce bulk.
- Avoid underwear with thick waistbands, as they tend to roll and cause bunching.
Styling Tips
Rule of thumb: the more coverage your panties give you at the rear, the less likely it is that they will ride up. Low rise, low leg panties are less likely to rise up.
Poor Fit in the Crotch Area
Problem
Panties that don’t fit well in the crotch area can cause irritation and chafing. Bear in mind that oftentimes this isn’t a fit issue at all. If your panties are made from scratchy, uncomfortable fabrics, or if the elastic isn’t soft enough, irritation is almost inevitable.
Also, if your panties are made from synthetic fabrics, it might be an excessive sweating issue. Switch to cotton or bamboo underwear and see if that helps, or get one of our panties – they have an organic bamboo gusset that wicks away the sweat and helps to keep you fresh down there.
Solution
- Make sure to choose the right size and fit for your body type.
- Avoid panties with seams or tags in the crotch area.
- Look for panties with a cotton crotch lining, which is breathable and helps prevent irritation.
Styling Tips
Although no one is immune from panties digging into the sensitive crotch area, women+ with thicker thighs tend to get this problem more often. Our top styling tip here is to go for the softest comfiest underwear you can find. And you know the best part – comfy underwear doesn’t have to be boring. Our shop section is the living proof.
Visible Panty Lines
Problem
Oh, the dreaded VPL! Visible panty lines can ruin a killer outfit, and can also indicate that the panties don’t fit properly.
Solution
- Choose seamless panties made from a stretchy fabric, such as nylon or spandex.
- Opt for a thong or g-string that’s undetectable no matter what you wear over it.
- If thongs aren’t your thing, don’t worry, there is an alternative. Full coverage high-waisted knickers do the trick just as well, with the added benefit being some extra support around your hips and tummy.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing. Problem solved.
- Go commando! If you feel ok with this, skip the panties altogether.
Styling Tips
Here at Rock & Lola, we’re members of the #freethenip gang, and we aren’t too bothered by visible panty lines either. Why should we have to disguise the fact that we’re wearing panties under our clothes? There are more important things to worry about, but if you’d rather avoid visible panty lines, that’s cool too! You do you, girl.
Camel Toe
Problem
Camel toe, when the panty fabric outlines the shape of a woman’s down there, can be uncomfortable and a little embarrassing. Of all the panty fit issues one could face, visible camel toe can be one of the most uncomfortable. It hinders breathability, causing irritation and increasing the risk of bacterial growth.
Seamless panties and panties with a centre front seam are the worst offenders when it comes to your camel toe woes.
Solution
- Choose a panty that’s made from a thicker fabric. This will provide more coverage and reduce the likelihood of camel toe.
- Don’t wear panties that have a centre front seam as this can make the problem worse.
- Consider wearing a panty liner to reduce friction and provide additional coverage.
- Avoid tight-fitting trousers, yoga pants and skirts, as they are more likely to create the appearance of camel toe.
- Don’t wear seamless panties. Tight fit + thin fabric = camel toe.
Styling Tips
Wearing underwear and clothing that may cause visible camel toe is not that big of a deal in our humble opinion. If you find yourself in a situation when your camel toe is showing, and there is nothing you can do about it in the moment, the only thing that matters is that you feel comfortable wearing it. So don’t sweat it! Chances are it’s not that noticeable anyway.
Leg Holes too big/small
Problem
Of all the elements that make up a pair of panties, the leg holes are possibly the most important. With underwear leg seams that fit too snugly and dig into the thighs, manoeuvrability becomes more and more uncomfortable as the day goes on. If you’re not comfortable with going commando, this can take your whole day from “I’ve got this” to “I’ve got to go home” real quick.
When it comes to buying knickers that fit amazing, a certain saying by none other than Hannah Montana comes into play – “Nobody’s Perfect”, but the good news is, almost every issue with your knickers can be identified and solved after a few attempts. Let’s just say, it takes a while to become a pro, but it’ll all be worth it in the end!
Solution
- Luckily, this is an easy fix: just size up or down depending on whether you want the panties to fit more or less snuggly around your hips and legs
- Opt for styles with less coverage, such as a thong or a cheeky cut pair of panties often means being able to move more freely, with minimal leg restriction.
Styling Tips
Don’t confine the offending panties to the back of your underwear drawer just yet. Experiment with pulling the waistband higher or lower – this might help with the fit.
So there you have it. We hope you found this useful. Comfortable and well-fitting panties are essential for women+. By understanding and addressing common fit and comfort issues, women+ can find panties that feel good and look great all day long.
