A Transfeminine Guide to Panty Types and When To Use Them

Panty types can feel like a whole new language when you’re just starting out. For transfeminine folks, it’s not just about fashion—it’s about comfort, affirmation, and sometimes even gender euphoria.

For many of us, panties are one of the first things that just feel right. They’re soft, feminine, and deeply personal. Sometimes it starts as a thrill or a secret curiosity. Other times, it’s the first piece of clothing that makes your whole body go, “Wait, this feels different…”

But baby, there are so many panty types. And each one can serve a different purpose—comfort, shape, confidence, or just helping you feel a little more like yourself.

This post is for anyone figuring it out—myself included. I’m still learning, so I’m sharing what I know (and what I’m learning as I go). Let’s dive into the details and find what works for you.

The Main Panty Types (and When to Wear Them)

Hipster Panty Types

These are my everyday go-to. Hipsters sit low on the hips but offer more side and butt coverage than a bikini cut. They’re comfy, easy to find, and they don’t ride up the way some cuts do. Many hipster panty types also come in cute fabrics and seamless options.

Best for: Everyday wear, light activity, lounging.

What to know: The wider sides mean less digging into love handles or hip pads. They also tend to stay put, which I love. Super cute under jeans, skirts, and even leggings if you’re not super worried about lines.

Bikini Panty Types

A little flirty, a little fun. Bikini panties have a lower rise than briefs and thinner sides than hipsters, with moderate butt coverage. They’re feminine without being flashy. Bikini panty types are often what you’ll find in multipacks and fun prints.

Best for: Casual wear, when you want to feel cute without sacrificing comfort.

What to know: Depending on the cut and fabric, they can be a little skimpy in front for AMAB bodies. If you’re not tucking, you might find yourself readjusting more than you’d like.

Brief Panty Types

The classic full-coverage cut. These usually sit at or just below the belly button and offer a ton of front and back coverage. Some call them granny panties—I call them underrated. Modern brief panty types often come in high-cut legs or shaping designs.

Best for: Days you want full comfort, or you’re feeling bloated or dysphoric.

What to know: They’re usually super forgiving and soft. A great starter panty if you’re just beginning your collection or still figuring out what you like.

Control Briefs / Shapewear Panty Types

These are high-waisted panties with built-in smoothing or shaping. Some are designed specifically for tucking, while others just help smooth out your silhouette. Many control panty types offer light to firm compression.

Best for: Tight dresses, dysphoria days, or when you want everything tucked and smoothed.

What to know: Fit matters a lot here. Too tight, and it’ll dig or feel like a gaff gone wrong. Too loose, and it won’t hold anything. Great for a more structured, secure feeling—but not always comfy for long wear.

Boyshort Panty Types

A boxier cut with full front and back coverage. Usually sits low on the waist and covers part of the thighs. Some versions feel like shorts, while others are more cheeky.

Best for: Full coverage comfort, no-tuck days, lounging.

What to know: These can feel more gender-neutral or masc, which isn’t always affirming for transfemmes. But they are functional and some girls swear by them—especially if they have curves.

Thong Panty Types

Minimal butt coverage, often just a strip of fabric or string. Usually low-rise with a small front panel. They’re designed to eliminate panty lines.

Best for: Tight outfits, no panty lines, feeling sexy.

What to know: Fit is everything. And honestly? Most thongs aren’t designed with transfem bodies in mind. If you’ve got testes and aren’t tucking, these can be a challenge.

G-String and C-String Panty Types

G-strings are like ultra-thongs—just enough fabric to call it a panty. C-strings don’t even have a waistband—just a wire frame that cups your parts.

Best for: Bold outfits, lingerie, kinkwear.

What to know: These are novelty items more than daily wear. Not great for support. But fun if you’re feeling bold and bratty.

Panty Fabric Types

Fabric changes everything. Here’s what to know:

Cotton – Breathable, comfy, great for everyday. Not always sexy, but super practical. Good for sensitive skin.

Micro-mesh / Modal – Lightweight, stretchy, soft. These are my current faves (especially the cheap Fruit of the Loom ones). Great for warm days or layering.

Lace – Sexy and sheer. Feels feminine and fun, but can be irritating or delicate. Better for special moments than daily wear.

Nylon / Polyester Blends – Smooth, sleek, often used in seamless panties or shaping cuts. Holds color well.

Satin / Silk – Luxurious and soft, but more expensive. Great for dysphoria relief or lingerie days.

Spandex / Elastane – Usually blended in. Adds stretch and helps with hold or tucking.

Special Considerations for Transfeminine Bodies

Finding panties that fit right when you’ve got a body that wasn’t designed for them? It’s a journey.

Tucking (or Not)

Some girls tuck. Some don’t. Either way, you want a panty that works with your comfort.

• For tucking: Look for snug fits, stretchy fabric (spandex blends), and a secure crotch panel. Control briefs and some seamless panty types can help.
• For no-tuck days: Hipsters, briefs, and boyshorts often offer enough front coverage to hold things gently without digging or smashing.

Waistband Rise

Rise matters. A lot.

• Low-rise styles can emphasize a lack of waist definition.
• High-rise briefs or shapewear can help smooth out the tummy area and create a more “hourglass” vibe—even without padding.

Butt Fit

Some styles are made for rounder butts, and can feel saggy or loose if you’re flatter in the back. Others ride up constantly if you’re curvy. It’s trial and error, honestly.

Finding Your Favorites

Let yourself experiment. Seriously.

Start cheap. Grab a few styles in different fabrics and cuts. Try them at home. Walk around. Sit. Move. Stretch. Try them with jeans, skirts, dresses—whatever you like to wear. Learn what feels good on you.

I still mostly wear basic Fruit of the Loom micro-mesh hipsters from Walmart. They’re not fancy. But they’re comfy. And they make me feel cute. That matters more than the brand name or price tag.

You can always upgrade later. Once you know what you love? Then you can treat yourself to something special.

My Personal Thoughts (So Far)

I’m still figuring out what I like. And honestly? That changes day to day.

• Boyshorts feel too masculine on me. I want to like them. I get why people do. But something about the cut gives me dysphoria.
• Thongs sound amazing in theory. But I haven’t found one that comfortably fits my body—especially not with the “egg situation.”
• G/C-Strings I’ve never tried them. They seem fun, but also a little intimidating. I’m not really looking to showcase everything down there, if you know what I mean. So for now, g-strings and c-strings feel a bit too revealing for me. Maybe someday, if I’m feeling bold.
• Gaffs are something I haven’t experimented with yet, but I absolutely want to. If you’ve got recs, please let me know!

Quick Panty Match Guide

Situation	Recommended Panty Type
Everyday wear	Hipsters or briefs
Feeling dysphoric	Control briefs, shapewear
Tight dress/skirt	Thong, seamless bikini
Loungewear/comfy day	Briefs or boyshorts
Feeling flirty or sexy	Lace bikini or cheeky cut
Tucking securely	Control briefs, shapewear

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to know everything. You don’t have to wear what’s sexy or fashionable or popular. You just have to find what makes you feel a little more feminine, a little more comfortable, and a little more yourself.

And if that’s a $2 pair of Walmart panties? Babe, that’s perfect.

Let me know what styles you love. I want to hear everything.