The Ultimate Guide to Matching Knickers Styles to Your Body Shape

There’s nothing quite like slipping on a pair of knickers that just work. The kind you forget you’re wearing because they fit like a second skin. And then there’s the other kind… the ones that dig in, ride up, or roll down the moment you move. Those are the ones you can’t peel off fast enough.

When underwear doesn’t fit properly, it’s certainly annoying, but it can also affect your posture, your mood, and even how confident you feel walking out the door. But here’s the good news: finding the best knickers for your body shape will help you rid the ill-fitting annoyances from your life for good. 

Ahead, you’ll find style suggestions tailored to different body shapes, easy fixes for common fit issues, and fabric favourites that put comfort first. 

Understanding Different Body Shapes

Body shape can be a helpful starting point when searching for the perfectly-fitting knickers, but it’s not the whole story. We’re all built differently, and that’s what makes shopping for knickers both challenging and personal. That said, many people fall loosely into one of five common shapes:

• Apple (fuller through the middle)
  
• Pear (wider hips, smaller waist)
  
• Hourglass (balanced top and bottom with a defined waist)
  
• Inverted triangle (broader shoulders, narrower hips)
  
• Rectangle (straighter lines and fewer curves)

These are just general outlines that can help guide you towards what might feel best on your body. Perhaps you’re looking for gentle tummy support. Maybe it’s a pair of knickers that don’t constantly ride up, or breathable fabrics that stay comfy all day. Whatever the goal, the best approach is to try a few styles, see how they sit, and trust how your body feels in them. 

Best Knickers for Your Body Shape

When it comes to finding the best underwear for your body shape, choose styles that complement your natural silhouette. Here are some style suggestions based on the five body shapes we outlined above.

Apple Shape: High-Waisted Styles That Stay Put

If you carry more around the middle, you’ve likely had a few run-ins with knickers that roll down the moment you sit or move. High-rise briefs are a brilliant fix, as they provide gentle tummy support without feeling restrictive. 

Pear Shape: Styles That Move with Your Curves

With wider hips and a smaller waist, pear-shaped bodies need underwear that stays in place and flatters the silhouette without digging in. Mid-rise hipsters and soft-legged briefs are great for this. 

Hourglass Shape: Accentuate the Waist, Avoid Digging In

For hourglass figures, it’s all about highlighting your natural curves without anything cutting in. Cheeky briefs, high-leg cuts, or seamless designs work particularly well. 

The Sunbleached Floral Brief is both flattering and functional, with a low-rise fit that sits perfectly across the hips and a silk-lined gusset for breathable comfort. Its soft, lace-free finish and feminine print add a little beauty to your everyday wear. Plus, you can pair these knickers with a matching bra!

Inverted Triangle: Flexible Fit Without Excess Fabric

If your shoulders are broader than your hips, you may find some underwear styles leave too much fabric at the back or sides. The trick is to choose streamlined cuts that offer stretch without bunching. JulieMay’s cotton, silk-lined briefs are a solid choice here, as they are lightweight, low-profile, and thoughtfully designed with sensitive skin in mind. They stay put and feel exactly how you want them to when your shape calls for a snug, secure fit.

Rectangle Shape: Add Subtle Shape & Comfort

A straighter figure benefits from underwear that adds softness and a touch of contour. Sculpted styles can help create shape without bulk. The Passion Red Brief, with its silk-cotton blend and gently curved cut, flatters the hips and elongates the legs. The bold hue adds a little extra confidence boost, too. 

How to Fix Common Fit Issues 

We’ve all been there: adjusting our knickers in the middle of the day, wondering why they felt fine this morning and awful by lunch. Even the most flattering underwear won’t feel quite right if the fit isn’t spot on. Thankfully, a few small tweaks can solve the most common problems.

• Waistbands that roll: It could be that your knickers are too tight or the waistband is too narrow to stay in place. High-waisted styles with a wide, flexible band tend to offer a more secure, comfortable fit.
  
• Constant wedgies: That’s often a sign the size or cut isn’t right for your shape. If you’ve got a curvier bottom, opt for full-coverage hipsters that offer better hold and don’t shift as you move.
  
• Pinching or red marks: That usually means the fabric is too stiff or the fit’s too snug. Try breathable, stretchy materials like cotton blends to keep your skin happy.

When you can go about your day without thinking about your undergarments, that’s when you know you’ve found the best knickers for your body shape.

Choose Knickers Made from Soft, Breathable, Supportive Fabrics

The fabric your knickers are made from matters, too. 

• Organic Cotton: It’s breathable, gentle, and ideal for those with sensitive skin. For something even softer, Pima cotton is a premium version that’s noticeably smoother and more breathable than standard cotton. 
  
• Silk: It’s naturally cooling, antibacterial, and beautifully luxurious. It’s also an excellent fabric choice if you tend to overheat or struggle with irritation.
  
• Lace: It can be a lovely detail, but if comfort is your priority, make sure you choose styles that use soft cotton lace to avoid scratchy irritation.

Find the Best Underwear for Your Body Shape and Feel Confident Every Day

The right pair of knickers can offer comfort, support, and a quiet boost of confidence that carries you through your day. Try a few different styles to see what feels best for your skin and lifestyle. Your perfect match might surprise you!

At JulieMay, our UK community comprises women of all shapes, ages, and experiences, each with their own unique preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking for soft support, breathable fabric, or simply something that makes you feel a little more like you, there’s a style for that. 

Explore our collection of briefs and high-waisted knickers and find your feel-good fit today!