most luxurious-yet-sensible underwear

August 28, 2022 7:06 PM

what are the most luxurious womens underwear that are still machine-washable and not a hundred dollars?

on a whim i did a search for "most luxurious panties" and found some amazing looking stuff but hardly sane at over $100 per and certainly not something you'd just toss in the hamper and forget about.

so what would those be? the most luxurious panties you could toss in the hamper and forget about?

for a low-end example, i used to have some nice Vassarette bikinis with 2 strings on the side and a "silky" feel but they were nothing crazy, just nice and comfortable and practical. they don't make those anymore but i'd like to have something even nicer.

mostly interested in thongs and bikinis but willing to entertain all kinds. matching bras not required but welcome.

posted by glonous keming to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (17 answers total)

Clarification: what does “luxurious” mean to you?
posted by sevensnowflakes at 7:21 PM on August 28, 2022

Carole Hochman -- I got those at Costco and they were pretty luxurious to me! (Underpaid grad student who lives on Hanes and AmazonBasics underwear)
posted by yueliang at 7:29 PM on August 28, 2022

Response by poster: i suppose i mean comfortable, high-quality fabric. like being pampered in a way more special-feeling than a 5-pack of from Target, which is what i wear much of the time.
posted by glonous keming at 7:46 PM on August 28, 2022 [2 favorites]

I love Hanky Panky underwear and you can get good deals through Nordstrom Rack. Not silky, but nice stretchy lace that is very comfortable and seems to always fit just right.
posted by lovableiago at 8:21 PM on August 28, 2022 [1 favorite]

This is kind of an incomplete recommendation, but I have a few bras from True & Co. and the fabric they use is amazingly soft and comfortable. And they sell underwear.
posted by neushoorn at 8:38 PM on August 28, 2022

I love Gap's breathe collection, especially the thongs--no tight lining and soft cotton. Their lace ones are soft too.
posted by buttonedup at 9:06 PM on August 28, 2022

I'm a fan of the FeelFree bikinis from MeUndies
posted by kbuxton at 9:20 PM on August 28, 2022

Hanro was the first that came to mind as relatively basic but very nice (and expensive).
posted by jeweled accumulation at 9:21 PM on August 28, 2022

There's a store here that sells bamboo underwear. They aren't fancy lingerie, they are day to day wear, but the bamboo is thick and cocooning and feels expensive even though the undies aren't that expensive at all. My only tip: buy at least two sizes smaller than you think you should.
posted by jacquilynne at 9:36 PM on August 28, 2022 [3 favorites]

I really love the feel of Parade's underwear, specifically the 'Ultra Soft Re:Play' fabric. They come in tons of styles! they do just fine in the washer and dryer, though I usually hang dry them out of habit.
posted by rachaelfaith at 9:36 PM on August 28, 2022

Aerie has some nice fabrics and details, without veering into care/cost lunacy: thong, thongs, bikini, bikinis, coordinating bras
posted by Iris Gambol at 9:37 PM on August 28, 2022 [2 favorites]

I am a big fan of the Negative Underwear Cotton Brief. Like yes, it's a plain cotton brief, but it's the nicest, softest, most comfortable and flattering version of a cotton brief. The material is very thin and stretchy and has no elastic, just fabric bands, which adds to the comfort IMO as well as meaning that it holds up better to washing/drying.

They also have a number of other fancier styles which also look lovely, but cost more than I want to pay for underwear so I haven't tried them personally. But still, much less than $100 and I think all can be washed/dried, at least gently. Some of those might also work well for you?
posted by sparkling at 10:36 PM on August 28, 2022 [3 favorites]

Natori and Thistle and Spire have beautiful designs
posted by music for skeletons at 10:38 PM on August 28, 2022 [1 favorite]

I like Arq. It’s a very particular look (giant granny undies, although they have just launched a thong style) but the cotton is so soft and stretchy, the colors are so good, I feel great when I wear them.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 4:31 AM on August 29, 2022 [1 favorite]

Underwear handmade to my measurements our of cotton jersey is luxurious to me, and it's also the only stuff I wear. They do bralettes as well.
posted by telophase at 11:54 AM on August 29, 2022 [1 favorite]

Seconding Arq, they're very nice plain cotton jersey in pretty colors made in the US. I like the "giant granny undies" myself but yes, be aware they are extremely high waisted. They've added several new styles recently; I haven't tried any because I'm waiting for the Black Friday sale.
posted by doift at 7:47 PM on August 29, 2022

Response by poster: thanks for the great resources everyone! you are all a treasure.
posted by glonous keming at 12:58 PM on September 2, 2022