By: Daisy Hemmen
There are so many different types of underwear for women. Each day, you carefully plan your outfit to maximize fashion and comfort. Your top and pants coordinate perfectly and they’re made out of buttery smooth fabrics that feel amazing on your skin. You often finish your look with soft, warm socks and comfy flats.
But, as you get into your car to drive to work, you realize that something isn’t right. Despite the high-quality, comfortable clothing you picked out, you neglected to pay close attention to your underwear, and now you're stuck in an itchy pair that bunches up uncomfortably.
Ugh. We’ve all been there. Luckily, this guide to hipster vs bikini underwear will help you understand the differences between the cuts of the two styles and when to wear each type. You’ll never have a bad underwear day again.
What is the Difference Between Hipster and Bikini Underwear?

The biggest difference between hipster and bikini underwear is the cut. Hipsters have a wide waistband that covers your hips — hence the name. In contrast, bikini underwear has a narrow waistband and high-cut leg holes. Let’s examine the construction and situations in which you’d wear each style in more detail so you can clearly understand what’s the difference between bikini and hipster underwear.
Hipster Underwear 101
Hipsters have become increasingly popular and have grabbed a large share of the underwear market. They have many features women look for in quality panties, including:
- A flattering fit – The hipster sits on your hips and covers your stomach. This prevents your undies from squeezing your middle and producing the dreaded muffin top. They also provide good coverage of your backside for a smooth look. And the hipster is one of the few styles that can fit any body type. They also come in various styles, such as hipster bikini underwear. Knowing how to measure your hips and waist will be key in finding the perfect fit.
- Flexibility – Hipsters can be worn under clothing pieces that have a low waistband without peeking over the top. They’re equally comfy under your high-waisted shorts or jeans.
- Hip coverage – The wide waistband of the hipster gives you a sleek silhouette under just about any outfit. If you opt for the seamless variety, you won’t have to worry about visible panty lines, even under a tighter skirt or pair of pants.
When Should You Wear Hipsters?
Hipsters are a wonderful, all-purpose style of underwear. They’re ideal for wear with many of your favorite outfits, including:
- Form-fitting pants
- Low-rise jeans or shorts
- Sporty and comfortable loungewear
- Short-hemmed skirts or dresses
You’ll love the hip coverage and no-bunch fit of your hipsters — especially if you prefer the look and feel of hipster underwear vs bikini styles.
Bikini Underwear 101
Bikini underwear represents a more traditional look that many women still love to wear. Some of the key features of bikinis include:
- Material variety – You can find bikini underwear made from just about any fabric imaginable, including cotton, lace, polyester, bamboo, and more. Whatever your favorite color, pattern, or material is, there is probably a pair of bikini underwear out there to match.
- Full to moderate coverage – Bikini bottoms come in a variety of cuts as well. They can be full with good backside coverage or moderate with thin sides and less coverage for your rear.
- High-cut legs – High-cut leg holes are what differentiates bikinis from hipsters. Both sit low on your hips, but bikinis show your hips instead of covering them. Because of this feature, your panty lines will be more visible with bikinis than they will with hipsters.
When Should You Wear Bikinis?
You’ll want to dig around your underwear drawer and pull out your favorite bikini underwear when you’re wearing:
- Clothing with a low-rise waist
- Loose-fitting bottoms
- Exercise gear
- Dresses with flared skirts
Which is Best: Hipster vs Bikini?
Both hipsters and bikinis are solid underwear options in the right situation. The best choice for you depends on:
- Which you’re most comfortable wearing
- The style of clothing you’re pairing them with
- Your activities for that day
However, your best bet for all undies is to select high-quality products. When you shop, you should look for undergarments that:
- Fit comfortably around your legs, hips, and waist
- Don’t ride up, sag, or bunch when you move
- Are made from soft, moisture-wicking materials like bamboo viscose
- Use sustainable fabrics to protect the environment
- Have a seamless construction for a smooth silhouette
- Flatters your shape
Shopping for these features will ensure a comfy fit. But if you still can’t make up your mind between the two, you can always get hipster bikini underwear — the perfect hybrid for anyone curious about hipster vs bikini styles.
Find Your Perfect Fit with Boody Eco Wear
Your perfect outfit won’t be complete without the right underwear. Hipsters are best worn with low-rise pants and skirts. They’re also an excellent choice when wearing low-rise pants since the waistband won’t show. Bikinis come in several varieties and are a solid multi-purpose style. Women’s briefs are also comfortable, but let’s tackle the hipsters vs briefs debate in a separate article.
If new bamboo viscoe underwear is on your to-do list, you’ll find everything you need at Boody. Our hipsters and bikinis are made from sustainable bamboo viscose. They come in several colors and styles, so you’ll always have the right pair to wear with your favorite outfit. Shop our collection today.
About the Author:
Daisy Hemmen is a San Diego State University Fowler College of Business alumni. Based in Encinitas, California, Daisy is a part of the marketing team at Boody North America. She is passionate about learning the ins and outs of living a happy and healthy lifestyle that benefits both people and the planet, and enjoys sharing her bountiful findings with the community.
Sources:
- Adhav, Lauren. "A Breakdown of All the Types of Underwear You Might Need in Your Lingerie Drawer." Cosmopolitan. 28 June 2019, https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a28194554/underwear-types-styles-women/
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Why Do Women's Underwear Have Pockets?
Wearing underwear is part of your everyday routine. You hop out of the shower and pull on your panties, bra, socks, and outfit; usually without overthinking the finer details. You might notice a stray thread on your favorite sweater, or a little fluff on your black pants. But what about the finer details of your undergarments? Chances are, you don’t pay much attention to them. You wear them every day - so no surprises, right? Maybe not. Have you ever wondered what the little pocket piece inside your panties is for? It’s a small detail many people overlook, which is why questions like “why do women’s panties have a pocket?” come up so often. That small piece of fabric is called a gusset and it’s there to keep your intimate area comfortable and protected.1 Let’s explore what a gusset does and why it’s an important feature in underwear. Why Gussets Exist in Women’s Undergarments (and What That Little “Pocket” Really Does) Now that we’ve drawn your attention there, you may be thinking about that small square of fabric at the bottom of your panties.2 It’s easy to wonder what the pocket in women’s underwear is used for when you first notice it, but this tiny panel plays a big role in comfort and hygiene. Without a proper gusset - especially in underwear made from synthetic materials - your underwear could be far less comfortable. In fact, the state of the gusset often indicates when it’s time to replace underwear. You don’t only find gussets in panties. This extra piece of fabric is also common in: Tights Pantyhose Leggings Workout pants and shorts In all of these garments, the gusset helps keep your genitals protected and reduces the risk of irritation or infection. Protection & Hygiene: The Real Function Behind the Pocket-like Gusset So… what is the pocket in panties for? The main answer is protection. Many undergarments are made with fabrics that feel soft but aren’t breathable or moisture-wicking. That’s why the gusset is generally made from a soft, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, often similar to the bamboo-viscose blend used in many comfy underwear designs. This is ultimately the reason why panties have a pocket built into the design. Your body naturally produces moisture in the form of vaginal discharge, - this is normal and healthy.3 However, when you wear underwear that traps moisture and doesn’t allow airflow, you may be increasing the risk of: Yeast infections Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Bacterial vaginosis A well-designed gusset helps keep the genital area dry, ventilated, and hygienic. That said, choosing underwear with the right fabric isn’t enough - how you wash your underwear, especially around the gusset area, also matters for maintaining hygiene. You can read more about proper care in our guide on how to wash underwear. Comfort & Fit: How the Gusset Works Like a Soft Pocket Layer Aside from hygiene, comfort is another major reason why panties have a pocket. Sensitive skin around the vulva can easily be irritated by rough fabrics or seams. If your underwear is made from materials like satin, silk, polyester, lace, nylon, lycra, or spandex, those fabrics can bunch up or chafe - especially without a gusset to provide a soft, protective layer. Without it, the answer to why there is a pocket in panties becomes clear… it acts as a soft barrier against irritating fabrics. Imagine going commando in a pair of jeans: the friction from seams rubbing against skin can be painful. A gusset gives you a soft cushion between your skin and potentially irritating fabric making underwear wearable all day long. For breathable comfort and secure fit, you might also consider underwear crafted from natural fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo viscose and designed to allow airflow around your genitals. Browse some of our options in the women’s underwear collection, or explore specialised designs like period & leak-proof underwear or maternity-friendly underwear. Do All Women’s Undies Have That Pocket-Style Gusset? Here’s What to Know Most do. Because the gusset offers both comfort and protection, it’s rarely left out. You’ll see it across everything from everyday panties to period & leak-proof underwear, where the gusset adds a soft, breathable layer for comfort. As for how the gusset is constructed: often it’s sewn on three sides, creating a pocket-like section that is open on the fourth side. This design choice is less about function and more about efficiency - it’s faster and more cost-effective to sew only three sides. Buying New Underwear? Here’s Why the Pocket-Like Gusset Should Be on Your Checklist Leaving the gusset open isn’t the only cost-cutting shortcut some underwear makers use. Cheap fabrics, poor stitching, rough seams, and uncomfortable adornments also signal lower-quality underwear - which can compromise comfort and hygiene. For best results, choose underwear that: Uses natural, breathable fabrics such as organic cotton or bamboo viscose Fits well around your waist, hips, and legs (not too tight or too loose) Lets your skin and genitals breathe and stay dry Do Men’s Underwear Include a Gusset, Similar to the Pocket in Women’s Panties? Yes! Men’s underwear typically includes a gusset,4 often located around or along the inseams. So the reason as to “why does underwear have a pocket?” Is that the gusset reduces the number of seams that rub against the skin, which decreases chafing and improves overall comfort. Whether you prefer boxers or briefs, the presence of a gusset helps the underwear conform better to the body. You can read more about design differences in our boxers vs briefs guide. The Bottom Line: What That Little ‘Pocket’ in Women’s Underwear Actually Does When someone asks "what is the little pocket in women’s underwear for?" now you know. The gusset provides comfort, moisture-management, and protection for sensitive skin. For optimal comfort and hygiene, choose underwear made from high-quality, breathable, moisture-wickling materials like bamboo or organic cotton. If you’re interested, many of our styles deliver just that. About the Author: Daisy Hemmen is a San Diego State University Fowler College of Business alumni. Based in Encinitas, California, Daisy is a part of the marketing team at Boody North America. She is passionate about learning the ins and outs of living a happy and healthy lifestyle that benefits both people and the planet, and enjoys sharing her bountiful findings with the community. Sources: Health. 6 Underwear Rules Every Woman Should Live By. https://www.health.com/condition/yeast-infection/6-underwear-rules-every-woman-should-live-by Business of Fashion. Gusset. https://www.businessoffashion.com/education/fashion-az/gusset MedlinePlus. Vaginal Itching and Discharge: Adult and Adolescent. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003158.htm Textile School. Anatomy of Men’s Underwear. https://www.textileschool.com/308/anatomy-of-mens-underwear-briefs/#:~:text=In%20men's%20underwear%2C%20the%20gusset,thus%20formed%20%E2%80%93%20fitting%20and%20comfortable































