The 30 best plus size underwear of 2024, according to experts

Body Neutral content creator Lindsey Baker started wearing these Amazon undies after her search for an affordable (and better fit) alternative to major brands on the market.

"[Wirarpa's] high-waisted briefs give me the best coverage for my apron belly and stay put no matter what activity I'm doing," says Baker. The extra thick stretch band fits snugly on the stomach to avoid fabric rolling down, and the cotton fabric is breathable and comfortable for a full-coverage fit that moves with your body.

Inclusive adaptive-wear brand Slick Chicks proves that the industry could use more underwear innovation like theirs. The breathable cotton lining of these bottoms protects you from leaks, and the Velcro fasteners make self-dressing or dressing with assistance easier. 

Long live the granny panty — after all, many of the plus-size shoppers we interviewed for this guide agreed that full-coverage briefs are the way to go. These stretchy, silky bottoms from Goddess offer the comfort of a granny panty without the loose fit. Its ultra-soft microfiber material moves with you and absorbs moisture. With a vintage-inspired silhouette, you can embrace this traditional style with its matching Goddess Keira Satin Side Support Bra.

After putting on these cheeky undies, I instantly felt sexier with the smooth sheer look of mesh and the subtle booty moment from the mid-rise cut in the back. The lace applique in the front covers your private bits and the velvet trim is a flattering soft detail. A gusseted cotton panel is added for better protection and ventilation. If you have a wide-set stomach or larger bottom, consider sizing up for the best coverage and fit.

You can wear any underwear regardless of your gender. However, if you're looking for a brief that takes into consideration transitioning and multiple genitalia at once, TomboyX should be on your radar. Each product from the brand is fit-tested on diverse bodies that inform their tailoring. These briefs are designed for breathable movement and offer extra space in the gusset.

Read more about this inclusive brand (including the fit on different body types) in our full TomboyX review.

Whenever in doubt, Hanes cotton underwear gets the job done. This bundle is one of my favorites that I've been wearing (and repurchasing) for over 10 years. On my first day of college, I awkwardly realized that I didn't pack enough underwear and quickly ordered a pack of these from Amazon. Thankfully, they arrived before I even started classes. Make sure you order your true size to keep the band from rolling down. 

Love them or hate them, thongs are a style of underwear that almost every woman has worn at least once (though I'm a big proponent for the thongs on all genders). This seamless thong from Target's brand Auden is comfortably stretchy and affordable to boot. Your cheeks will be on full display, but you don't have to fear thin material digging into your body with the full-coverage design in the waistband.

Stylist Monet Maxwell recommends Curvy Couture underwear for its comfort and fit. The soft lace on this thong is semi-sheer for modest coverage in the right places, with glimpses of skin throughout. Cotton lines the gusset for the health of your privates and the breathable material offers a seamless look for a smooth base. I wore this thong under my Gia/IRL Gabrielle Maxi in Black during NYFW for that "no underwear" look without actually going commando, and they stayed up all day.

Both fat fashion digital creator Hannah Ogilvie and Lindsey Baker recommend Snag Tights' underwear for its inclusive size range and their focus on body positivity among fat and differently abled people. This thong offers ample coverage in the front with a snug high-waisted fit to minimize fabric rolling down the stomach. Consider sizing yourself based on waist and hip measurements to find the best fit.

Being fat in the summertime usually means sweaty body parts, folds, and chafing — it's the reality of having a big body. That's why you need undies that can keep up with you and curb moisture without irritating your private areas. This thong is able to stretch to fit around large stomachs and behinds without bunching up, and its cotton-lined gusset offers more moisture-wicking breathability.

Move over lace — mesh is taking over as the sexiest lingerie option. The stretchy fabric on this thong keeps it secured on your hips without rubbing uncomfortably against the skin. Consider sizing down, as the fit skews slightly larger with the 4X fitting a 28W in bottoms.

For more romantic pairs like this one, see our guide to the best places to buy plus-size lingerie.

As a skeptic of plus-size fashion on Amazon, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort and coverage of these soft and stretchy no-show thongs from the Amazon Essential collection. Its buttery material is cut to rest on the low hip for ample coverage in the gusset area. If you have a wide-set stomach or apron belly, consider sizing up to avoid material rolling down the stomach.

Parade entered the underwear scene in 2019 (under the tutelage of founder and former CEO Cami Téllez) to fill a gap in the size exclusive intimates market, and it's become a staple in many fat folks' underwear drawer ever since. I keep these high-rise cheeky panties in heavy rotation and always pick up a pair during sales because they offer decent coverage in the gusset area and give the illusion of a bigger bottom.

Granted, I've found Parade can be hit or miss for its vanity sizing and slow-to-develop size extensions. Ultimately though, their comfortable materials, cute styles, and low prices keep plus size shoppers like content creator Emmy Zorbitz and myself coming back for more.

Knix is known for its super absorbent period panties. These ultra leakproof bikini undies have become my favorite around "that" time of the month when blood and sweat become a non-stop issue. Its material molds comfortably on the body and the waistband rests above the hip for a secure seamless base.

Fat Body Pro Tip: Whether you have hyperhidrosis or you're sweaty from humid weather, content creator Abby Bible advises that period panties are ideal for any time you need extra moisture control in the crotch area.

Author Laura Delarato sings the praise of inclusive fashion brand Universal Standard, highlighting their Derjon Trench Coat and the UltimateS Full Coverage High Rise Briefs.

Taking a page from her book, I tried these mid-rise bikini panties for a more cheeky cut that still offered ample coverage in the gusset while stretching with every move of my body. The modal material is extra soft and comfortable combined with the cotton and elastane blend for the best stretchy plus size underwear that's both breathable and moisture-wicking.

MeUndies makes it easy to have a regular influx of your favorite characters in your top drawer with its subscription model and bundle offers. The cotton stretch bikini bottoms are designed with a no-roll elastic waistband that stays secure yet flexible to rest on large stomachs and bottoms. Each pair is made with MicroModal and elastane for a soft and breathable texture. If you have excess skin and fat around the lower abdomen, otherwise known as a panniculus or "FUPA," consider sizing up for proper coverage.

SKIMS still has work to do regarding extended-size offerings and gusset coverage. However, many fat shoppers and size influencers that we spoke to (including Bible) agreed that they gravitate towards this brand for a trendy luxurious option. 

This mesh bikini brief fits true to size and offers medium coverage with a 100% cotton gusset for the security and health of your private parts. Complete the sexy sheer look with the plus size-friendly  Ultra Fine Mesh Scoop Bra.

Another win for Amazon plus size underwear. These bikini briefs have a classic fit and inexpensive price. I like how the elastic doesn't dig into my skin and the cotton material lasts with each wash — no matter how long I keep these durable undies in rotation.

Over a dozen people in a Reddit thread discussion for plus-size shoppers called out these seamless boy shorts from Target's brand, Auden. This comfortable and affordable pair are easily the best budget plus-size underwear for their stretchy material that doesn't roll down your stomach. If you prefer a snug fit, I recommend sizing down since the 4X were slightly large on a US 28-30 bottom. 

Whether you're looking for a simple pair of boyshorts for lounging around the house or you need a durable pair of undies for a 6X+ body, this multipack is for you. Each pack features three 100% cotton boyshorts with 3-inch inseams — so you don't have to worry about thigh chafing or tight material constricting your stomach. Its waistband is made with Spandex for a stretchy and secure fit.

Zorbitz says some of her favorite plus size underwear comes from Parade. In particular, she likes their high-rise boyshorts the best. They fit snugly like a pair of biker shorts with the breathability of mesh and cotton.

"They're the perfect combo of coverage and comfort — I have both the 3X and 4X and don't see a huge difference in the sizing," says Zorbitz. However, if you have a wide-set stomach and a large butt, you should size up to avoid the band rolling down.

Hanky Panky is a popular intimate brand that celebrities like Rihanna and Cameron Diaz swear by, but it's often forgotten in the plus size community. The largest size is a bit oversized and fits a 24W-26W bottom, so there's wiggle room for any fat shoppers who usually shop a 4XL. And yes, this is me officially begging Hanky Panky to expand their sizing more so I can wear these lacy options even when I'm bloating or in between sizes. Its lacy material stays up on the body while creating a confidence-boosting effect.

Boyshorts are often described as a "women's boxer," but their long inseams can suit anyone dressing for the gym. These temperature regulating boxer briefs from American Eagle have an interior pouch that offers space for additional jockstrap packing.

Lauren Herndon reaches for these as their everyday boxer brief with a cooling material that feels like a second skin. "Besides the comfort aspect, these boxer briefs also have an anti-roll waistband which keeps them from sliding down and in place while sitting & standing," says Herndon. 

Woxer designed these boxer briefs for women with a shorter inseam than traditional male boxers to eliminate gapping in the gusset. The ultra-soft modal gives a soft, silk-like feel without chafing or digging into the skin. While the bottoms are snug for a secure fit, the waistband is loose-fitting to support a lot of movement — whether you're working out, sleeping, or running errands.

Bible says that she mostly shops at Lane Bryant for underwear. "I know that their underwear is going to fit me comfortably and cover all the things I want to be covered," she says, despite the plain designs leaving something to be desired. These hipster panties offer full coverage while keeping the sexy look of a high-leg cut. 

Similarly to her Snag Tights collection, content creator Ogilvie has an underwear drawer filled with plus size Calvin Klein underwear. "I was honestly so surprised to see Calvin Klein catered to plus sizes with their iconic underwear, and I knew I had to try it to feel like a proper 'It Girl'," she says. These panties protect private areas with a full gusset and rear coverage. 

Emma Zac, founder of size-inclusive vintage boutique Berriez, goes hard for her underwear and swears by these hi-cut panties from Wacoal, which she's been wearing for eight years. After trying them for myself, I can confirm that these seamless undies fit securely, and they don't show when paired with tight clothing. Consider sizing up if you have a wide-set stomach or apron-belly that needs extra coverage.

In 2022, AdoreMe was purchased by Victoria's Secret & Co, proving that plus-size bodies are a valuable demographic for lingerie. Lace appliques adorn the front of this hipster underwear for a traditional sexy look upgraded with cheeky mesh paneling. Its thin lightweight material rests on the lower hip with minimal coverage in the gusset, however, those with large FUPAs should consider sizing up to avoid over-revealing.

Whether you're a sweaty sleeper or prone to waking up with a surprise period, you'll want to pick up a few pairs of these leakproof hipster panties for bedtime. The mid-rise and medium-coverage bottoms are made from naturally absorbent cotton. You can twist and turn all night and they'll stay put.

This multipack of plus size hipsters have a chic, seamless look that's perfect for any outfit that calls for a smooth base. They're soft and stretchy with a cotton-lined gusset added for protection of your private areas.

How do I choose the right size?

As a fat person, shopping is already a challenge with availability issues, but another main concern is the discrepancy in size guides. Knowing your exact waist and hip size measurements will make it easier to translate your needs to brands' size guides. If you don't have your exact measurements, you can base your "proper fit" on the underwear you currently own that fits the best.

Another way to choose the right fit is by selecting underwear from brands that cater to fat bodies. "It is key to fit on a live model who is representative of the body type that the product is aimed at," says Liesl Goodman, Elomi and Goddess designer. 

What are the best materials for underwear?

Vaginal hygiene and genitalia health should always be front of mind when selecting underwear regardless of size. One key way to keep your body health in mind is with underwear made from cotton, specific to the gusset lining where your private parts rest. Krista Molinaro, Senior Merchant at Bare Necessities recommends cotton above all. "It's breathable and good for your downstairs health because it keeps you comfortable and cool," says Molinaro.

Nylon, spandex, and Modal are other commonly used fabrics for underwear that many plus size underwear brands gravitate towards for softness and stretch. "Nylon is a breathable, super soft, second-skin synthetic. It comfortably molds to your body while offering a bit of stretch," adds Molinaro.

What's the best plus size underwear that won't roll down?

Every fat person knows the struggle of feeling their underwear slowly roll down the stomach, only to bunch up and fall into whatever bottoms you're wearing.  Certain styles with less material around the waistband like hipsters, thongs, and bikinis are usually prone to rolling down the stomach. Instead choose high-rise underwear that's true to size or slightly sized up to guarantee a secure fit.

What underwear cut is best for a big stomach?

If you have a wide-set stomach that usually calls for more material, look towards high-cut or high-waisted underwear that keep in mind your body rolls, folds, and crevices. The Cacique Velvet-Trim Cheeky Brief Panty and Parade Silky Mesh High Rise Cheeky are two prime examples from this list designed to fit across big stomachs and large backsides.