You know that moment where you step out feeling and looking absolutely incredible only for your friend (in my case, my sister) to tell you to turn back around because your panty line is showing? You literally have no time left, but you run to your room to find underwear that works anyway because a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do? No matter how amazing an outfit looks, it can be ruined by the dreaded Visible Panty Line (aka VPL). Yes, it's true that going commando is an option to avoid any indentations, but—as freeing as that may be—it may not be the most comfortable (or sanitary) thing to do, especially while wearing a lil dress.
Thankfully, there are ton of seamless solutions below. And, believe it or not, thongs aren't the only option for you, friend. Ever heard of Commando's Classic Boyshort? Or how about Third Love's Comfort Stretch brief? Smooth as butter and not a line in sight! With the right undergarments and a few style tricks up your sleeve, VPL can be a thing of the past. We'll keep things transparent with you, heh. Scroll on for the deets!
1. Wear thick or textured fabrics.
I love a silky, slinky dress as much as anybody else. But, sometimes they are not your friend when hiding panty lines. The material is just too smooth and clingy. Reaching for thicker, more textured fabrics can help mask any outlines you'd rather not have.
2. Camouflage with a print.
When in doubt, opt for an item with a bold pattern—the busier the print, the better it will be at hiding VPL.
3. Layer tights or pantyhose over your underwear.
Okay, so this solution is not ideal for the summertime, but when the weather starts to get cooler, a pair of tights or pantyhose can smooth out any unwanted lines so they don't show on your outermost layer. These viral TikTok ones will also keep you warm!
4. Try an old-school slip.
It's retro but it works (thanks for the tip, mom). Pro tip: run both the skirt and the slip through a wire hanger a few times before you put them on to prevent any annoying static electricity.
5. Use what the professionals use.
Fine. There's a reason professional stylists use thongs and G-strings exclusively. They might not be as comfy as your high-waisted, cheeky, or full-coverage pairs, but they *do* eliminate pesky lines.
6. Stick-on thongs exist.
If you need to go even further than thongs (hi to that previously mentioned slinky, slip dress!), these underwear stickers exist—and some styles are even washable and reusable. Since these don't have a waistband, they come in handy if you're wearing a super tight-fitting dress that also happens to have major side slits (à la Bella Hadid, here).
Just be sure the one you get has great reviews and won't slip off halfway through your event.
7. If you can't deal with thongs, try boyshorts.
Boyshorts are great because they go right under the curve of the butt cheek instead of cutting across it. A little lace hem is also good for making the line less abrupt and, thus, less noticeable.
8. Test out some shapewear.
Shapewear can be great for creating a smooth line under your clothes, but this option would prob only work for big events. There are some comfy versions nowadays, but still, who wants to wear one daily?! Also, don't torture yourself with anything too tight. It's seriously not worth it.
To get specific about when to wear which type of underwear...
- If you're wearing something skin-tight, then thongs and seamless panties are your best bet.
- For high-waisted anything, high-rise underwear (remember, keep it seamless) won't let you down.
- Heading out for a special occasion? Go for some trusty shapewear.
- Wearing a dress or a skirt? A slip dress or a slip skirt will keep you from worrying about any lines!
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle about 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is Miss Supranational Haiti 2024, a Syracuse Masters graduate, and the author of three books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok: @iamtarahlynn.
