Cotton panties

Fabrics and comfort

In practice most styles are a cotton blend with a small amount of elastane - a few per cent is enough for the knickers to hold their shape after washing and not go slack in the drawer.

Before buying, check the composition on the label and the width of the waistband elastic. Elastic sewn into a casing lasts longer than elastic stitched on top, and a wider one digs in less. The gusset should be full cotton, including in styles that are finished with lace on the outside.

The collection includes full briefs, high-waisted versions, Brazilian briefs and larger sizes. Cotton shrinks when washed hot, so wash at 40°C or lower and keep it out of the tumble dryer if you want to keep the size.

Choose your size by your hip measurement. Dispatch in 1-2 working days, orders over PLN 199 ship free, returns within 14 days.

Cotton knickers are the most frequently bought piece of underwear and also the easiest to be disappointed by - the wrong proportion of elastane or badly placed elastic is all it takes for a pair to roll at the waist after an hour of wear.

Composition is the second filter. Plain cotton jersey is breathable but stretches over time; a few per cent of elastane brings the shape back. A dense, heavier fabric is less see-through and survives washing for longer.

What to watch out for? Elastic stitched on top creates a visible line - if you want an invisible finish, look for knickers with covered elastic in a casing or with a laser-cut edge. Check as well that the gusset is lined with cotton across its full width. If you plan to buy several pairs of one style, take one first and check the fit after the first wash, because cotton can shrink slightly.

Which style to choose

Start with the style. Full briefs cover the bottom completely and feel the most secure under trousers. Bikini briefs have a lower rise and narrower sides, so they sit well under low-rise jeans. Hipster briefs and women's shorts have a longer leg, so they do not ride up under a dress or during exercise. High-waisted knickers hug the tummy and work well in pregnancy, after giving birth and in winter under high-rise trousers. Brazilian briefs leave the bottom partly bare at the back while keeping full sides.

What to look out for

Neutral colours close to your skin tone show less under pale clothes than white, which reflects the light under a fine blouse.