100% cotton underwear: shopping resources

The threads on refreshing basics and what we hate buying made me realize that there are more than a few of us who want 100% cotton underwear. I thought I'd start a thread where people could post brands they've had good luck with, if anyone's interested.

Also, Gap used to sell these flimsy lace bikinis with a cotton gusset. I realized I could cut the lace out of the crotch, leaving the cotton, and they were the perfect underpants. But they don't seem to make them anymore. Ideas for similar things would also be appreciated.

Gap cotton lace-trim V hipster
I have an old one in XS that is too small (and I'm a 0 or 2 in pants). Sounds like the sizes have changed so I guess I'll order another XS and S and hope one works.
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....;cid=83560

Fine Lines pure cotton bikini
They seem to be Australian. Anyone know how the sizing runs?
http://www.herroom.com/fine-li.....ties.shtml

Hanes cotton bikini
Huge downside: only come in random color assortments. Also, fairly bad VPL.
http://www.target.com/p/hanes-.....s/-/A-1435

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I wear Gap low rise hipsters. They are not 100% cotton though - they have a percentage (6% generally) of spandex but it doesn't bother me and doesn't seem to affect breathability, which is what i care about. The cut is perfect for me - low rise, lots of room in the back but not baggy in front (no wedgies and no baggy crotch), true to size or maybe a little big. They are not as durable as they used to be though, which is annoying, so I try to buy them on sale. Selection is much better in store than online.

http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=617212452

elpgal

I like these briefs from Hanes. Target has hem in a three pack. They are a substantial fabric, low in rise and work well for me without bagging out. I have wide hips, non-prominent butt and do not like sharp elastic edges on undies.

http://www.amazon.com/Hanes-Co.....roduct_top

Gigi

I love Jockey underwear! They have various styles and fabrications, but they do have quite a bit of 100% cotton types: string bikini, regular bikini, hipster (I think), French cut, and granny briefs. I used to wear Hanes but got too irritated at the poor quality. They would literally be falling apart after only a few washes. All the Jockey underwear I've worn has held up extremely well. They don't ride up on me either. But they do give me panty lines if I'm wearing something extremely tight.

lyn*

(website)

I love American Eagle (Aerie) underwear. I know they're for kids, but man, they have the cutest cuts and all cotton to boot! And they fit nicely!

Anonymous

This is hardly off the beaten path, but I like the basic Victoria's Secret cotton briefs.

ironkurtin

For very little VPL I have turned to cotton-rich (as opposed to all cotton). These are spendy but IMO worth it: On Gossamer and Commando bikinis and boy shorts.

minimalist

Maybe worth considering sourcing ...

http://www.greenamerica.org/pu.....erwear.cfm
Some of these links are out of date. Cottonfields' proprietor retired last year, for example.

I've found that high-quality synthetics are fine as long as the crotch is lined in good cotton. Wonder if Van de Velde (maker of Prima Donna, among others) would consider lining crotches in organic cotton ...

ATLynn

I'll second Aerie panties, and can vouch that they're not sized for little girls. Not the best for VPL, but a they are are bargain when you can buy 7 pair for under $30.

Parsley

Hanro makes wonderful 100% cotton underwear and bras. They're not inexpensive, but they're excellent quality.

http://www.zappos.com/hanro-co.....1624-black?

browser issues, delayed double post :-/

Thistle

I like GAP hi-cut in 100% cotton. I just bought Hanes in 100% this weekend, so I can't yet attest to fit or comfort. But they are 100% cotton. It is getting harder and harder to find. Which I find odd as many ladies seem to need them for female reasons. Yet, I have NO problem finding DH 100% cotton and he has no such issues.

Greyscale

Thistle, I'm actually considering getting the same cotton boxer briefs my guy wears. I suspect they'd fit comfortably (despite, er, anatomical differences!) with no VPL.

And yes, I do really prefer 100% cotton, zero spandex. I should do a scientific comparison but like you said, some of us are just extremely prone to female problems. It obviously varies a lot from person to person.

All of my current underpants are the old Vicky's Secret cotton hipsters or Target bikinis, but they both switched to including some spandex.

April

Thanks to Lyn for pointing out that American Eagle sells cotton underwear! I would never have looked there, and have been frustrated trying to find my "next" go-to underwear (because you know the reality of underwear is that as soon as you find the brand that works for you and realize you've worn them all out, you discover that they were discontinued.)

I sometimes also feel, based on the offerings I see out there, that I must be the only woman in American who doesn't like crazy patterns and colors on my underwear. Plain black and nude-for-me, please.

Exciting update: I noticed that H&M had exactly what I was looking for. 100% cotton bikinis with soft lace edging for minimal underpants lines. They run small (I got what they call a US 6, and I normally wear a 2) and they may not hold up well, but at 5 for $10 I won't complain. At that price, though, I do feel guilty because they must have been made at the absolute lowest wages by a kid in Bangladesh...

http://www.hm.com/us/product/12243?article=12243-B

April, I got some aerie underwear last year & have been very disappointed by their quality: they already look quite wornout, although I only wash them in cold and air dry. (Not to insult Lyn's suggestion! Perhaps I got a lower quality batch?) Some gap underwear that I bought around the same time look much, much better; even my gap undies that are older look newer. Gap has better labour standards than AE too, so I'd planned to refresh with a purchase from there. But now I'm ] frustrated that they don't carry my favourites anymore so it's make to square one. Maybe I'll just get some organic cotton and sew my own!

shemarie

Active Member

I was frustrated and on the exact same quest last year and finally tried the Soma vanishing edge in 100% cotton and they've been so wonderful. Not cheap, but they are very much worth it, and they have frequent sales which help some. Cotton, great for vpl, and they wear/last incredibly well...so in the long run the cost factor has become a non-issue. I won't wear anything else now.

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