“Slip into a pair of elegantly simple underwear each day of the week. ”
Underwear, by nature, possesses an elusive duality. Though often hidden from view, it carries considerable social and discursive importance, embodying the ever-changing ideals and aesthetics of femininity. No longer dictated by antiquated sizing and the patriarchal gaze, today's underwear is a symbol of modernity, sensuality, inclusivity, and of course, comfort. Our underwear speaks to the most intimate parts of ourselves, and when it does, there's a secret romance to be found in reaching for your favorite pair. Whether it's for a leisurely day at home or a night of indulgences, the women of passerby recommend some of the best basic underwear to fit the heterogeneity of our lives.
CUUP
Recommended by Ly Ngo, Lynette Nylander, Beverly Nguyen, and Jenna Saraco
While CUUP is widely known for its iconic unlined bras, their underwear is equally sought after for the everyday silhouettes and sensual versatility they offer. Their Highwaist underwear — with a vintage curve-hugging design — is elevated by a smooth seamed waistband and rich tones of espresso, clay, and vine. This fit wears perfectly under a slip dress or your WFH knitwear for when you want to feel particularly luxe when lounging on Zoom. Knowing that art director Ly Ngo owns ten pairs is all the incentive you need to get your own.
ODDOBODY
Recommended by Natalie Guevara, Kerrilynn Pamer, and Molly Surno
Created as a nod to folk wisdom, whisper networks, and motherly advice, ODDOBODY's organic pima cotton underwear speaks to our desire to take control of the health and wellness of our bodies. Custom produced by a women-owned factory in Peru, ODDOBODY is committed to sustainable production. Moreover, every purchase is accompanied by ODDOBODY's biannual manual — a beautifully curated pamphlet with detailed information on vaginal health. Effortlessly summarized by entrepreneur Kerrilynn Pamer who says, "I love ODDO, simple, organic, and they fit perfectly. Also made by the two sweetest women."
Parade
Recommended by Abby Pucker, Marina Sulmona, and Caitlin McMullen
Parade's ethos of sexiness as a multidimensional feeling is embodied in their garments that use soft, breathable, and recycled fabric. Their underwear, which ranges in styles and sizes (XS-3XL), champion playful self-expression while coming in colors for every day of the week.
Arq
Recommended by Molly Surno and Maria Geyman
First founded as a children's line, Arq grew into a functional, organic cotton underwear brand that extends to adult wearers. Taking inspiration from playful yet matured nursery colors, their underwear and unisex briefs fit like a loved one's hug.
Marieyat
Recommended by Puno Dostres and Marina Sulmona
Marieyat’s classic styles blur the line between elevated lingerie and everyday underwear. Abstract designs such as the Sade Brief reinvent everyday shapes with graphic asymmetrical cuts. Their ribbed cotton styles complement the negative space between your waist and hip, and are styled best with mid-waist tailored trousers or jeans.
Calvin Klein
Recommended by Ariel Roman and Natalie Guevara
An underwear namesake, Calvin Klein delivers 100% cotton androgynous classics, which celebrate sensuality as genderless. Natalie Guevara, an audience partner manager at Spotify, remarks, "You can't go wrong with classic Calvin Klein's briefs in black and dove grey." There's a reason the hashtag #mycalvins has become as classic as the underwear itself.
Hanky Panky
Recommended by Sukey Novogratz and Tina Bhojwani
"Boy panties only in black and creme," says author and philanthropist Sukey Novogratz. Originally crafted out of embroidered handkerchiefs by designer Gale Epstein in 1977, Hanky Panky continues to pay homage to traditional lace trims while revolutionizing comfort as something that can be timeless and sexy too.
Muji
Recommended by Molly Surno and Lindsey Tramuta
Following their minimalist design philosophy, Muji offers understated underwear that is modest in price and style. Their women's organic cotton underwear is an everyday staple that complements any lifestyle.
Pansy
Recommended by Christina Crawford and Fran Miller
Inspired by a summer drive from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, Pansy underwear embodies the dreamy Californian style that we all yearn for. Their organic, elemental colours, which range from shades avocado to rust, will romance you with every wear.
Other options to cozy up in include On Gossamer (recommended by Karolyn Pho and Kristi Garced), Baserange (recommended by Bambou Roger-Kwong), Knickey (recommended by Eva Goicochea), The Period Company (recommended by Natalie Guevara), Cosabella (recommended by Karolyn Pho), Negative Underwear (recommended by Lyndsey Butler), The Great Eros (recommended by Rachel Nguyen), ysé (recommended by Claire Dauge-Roth), Kye Intimates (recommended by Fran Miller), Sleepy Jones (recommended by Rachel Nguyen), Honeydew Intimates (recommended by Carolina Santos-Neves), Skims (recommended by Rachel Nguyen), and The Big Favorite (recommended by Georgie Greville Jasper).
Words by Alexa Fahlman