Victoria's Secret Knickers: Styles, Sizes and How to Choose

What Are Victoria’s Secret Knickers?

Victoria’s Secret knickers, known as panties in the United States, are the brand’s range of women’s underwear. They sit alongside the company’s bras, sleepwear and loungewear, and they are one of its best-known product lines. The range covers everyday basics, seamless styles, lace designs and seasonal collections, and it is sold in a wide spread of sizes and colours.

Contents

The word “knickers” is mainly used in the UK, while Victoria’s Secret, as an American brand, uses the word “panties” on its own website and in its stores. Shoppers in the UK searching for Victoria’s Secret knickers are generally looking for the same products, just under the British name. This article uses “knickers” throughout, but if you are shopping on the brand’s website you will see them listed as panties.

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Victoria’s Secret has been selling underwear since the late 1970s, and its knickers have gone through many changes over the years, from the heavily padded and lacy styles of the 1990s and 2000s to the simpler, comfort-focused designs that dominate the range today. The brand has also expanded its sizing in recent years, and its current range covers a much broader set of body types than it once did.

Victoria’s Secret Knicker Styles Explained

The most important decision when buying knickers is the style, because the cut affects both how they look and how they feel. Victoria’s Secret offers most of the standard cuts, and each one suits different outfits and preferences. Here is what each style actually means.

Briefs

Briefs are the classic full-coverage style. They sit at or just below the natural waistline and cover the full seat, with a leg opening that sits high on the thigh. They are the most traditional cut in the range, and they are a good choice for everyday wear, for outfits where visible lines do not matter, and for anyone who simply wants comfort and coverage.

Victoria’s Secret sells briefs in cotton, microfibre and lace versions. The cotton briefs are the workhorse of the range: breathable, washable and comfortable for all-day wear. The lace briefs are dressier, and they work well when you want something that feels a little more special without giving up coverage.

Thongs

Thongs have minimal coverage at the back, with a narrow strip of fabric that sits between the cheeks. They are designed to be invisible under tight clothing, and they are the go-to choice for fitted dresses, leggings and slim trousers where a visible panty line would show.

Victoria’s Secret thongs come in several versions, including lace thongs, seamless thongs and cotton thongs. The seamless styles are the most practical for avoiding lines under clothes, while the lace ones are more decorative. Thongs take some getting used to if you have never worn them, and they are not everyone’s idea of comfortable, but for the right outfit they are hard to beat.

Hipsters

Hipsters, sometimes called hip-huggers, sit low on the hips rather than at the waist, and they offer moderate coverage. They are a middle ground between a brief and a bikini cut: more coverage than a bikini, less than a full brief, and a lower rise that works well under low-rise jeans and trousers.

This is one of the most popular styles in the Victoria’s Secret range, and it comes in the widest variety of fabrics and patterns. If you are unsure which style to start with, a hipster is a safe choice, because it suits most body shapes and most outfits.

Boyshorts

Boyshorts are cut like a short pair of shorts, with a straight leg that covers more of the thigh and a low rise at the waist. They offer full coverage and a sporty, comfortable feel, and they are popular for lounging, sleeping and wearing under skirts and dresses where you want extra coverage.

Victoria’s Secret boyshorts are often made from soft cotton or modal blends, and they are one of the most comfortable styles in the range. They are less suited to very tight clothing, because the leg opening can show through, but for relaxed outfits they are excellent.

Bikinis

Bikini-cut knickers sit between a brief and a thong in coverage. They have a lower rise than a brief, a narrower side, and moderate coverage at the back. They are a versatile, classic cut that works under most outfits and suits most body shapes.

Cheekies

Cheekies are a relatively recent addition to the range. They offer more coverage than a thong but less than a bikini, with a cut that leaves the lower part of the cheek exposed. They are designed to be flirty and comfortable at the same time, and they come in lace, cotton and seamless versions. They are a good option if you find thongs uncomfortable but want less coverage than a bikini.

High-Leg and High-Waist Styles

Victoria’s Secret also sells high-leg knickers, where the leg opening is cut higher on the thigh, and high-waist styles, where the waistband sits at or above the natural waist. High-leg styles can make legs look longer and work well under high-cut outfits, while high-waist styles offer tummy coverage and a vintage-inspired look. Both are less common in the everyday range but appear regularly in seasonal collections.

Fabrics and Materials

The fabric of a pair of knickers matters as much as the cut. It affects comfort, breathability, durability and how the knickers look and feel against the skin. Victoria’s Secret uses several main fabrics across its range.

Cotton

Cotton is the most common fabric for everyday knickers, and for good reason. It is breathable, soft, absorbent and easy to wash. Cotton knickers are the best choice for all-day wear, for sensitive skin, and for anyone who prioritises comfort over appearance. Victoria’s Secret cotton knickers usually have a small percentage of elastane mixed in, which gives them stretch and helps them hold their shape.

Microfibre

Microfibre is a synthetic fabric, usually a blend of nylon and elastane, that feels smooth and silky. It is the fabric used for most seamless knickers, because it lies flat against the skin and does not create lines under clothing. It is also quick-drying and lightweight, which makes it a good choice for travel and exercise.

Lace

Lace knickers are the dressiest option in the range. The lace used by Victoria’s Secret is usually a stretch lace, which means it has some give and moves with the body rather than feeling stiff. Lace is more delicate than cotton or microfibre, and it needs gentler washing, but it is the fabric to choose when appearance matters most.

Modal is a semi-synthetic fabric made from beech tree pulp. It is exceptionally soft, smooth and breathable, and it holds its colour well after washing. Victoria’s Secret uses modal in some of its premium and loungewear-adjacent styles, and it is a good choice for anyone who finds cotton a little rough or microfibre a little slippery.

Mesh and Satin

Mesh and satin appear mainly in the brand’s more decorative and seasonal collections. Mesh is sheer and lightweight, while satin is smooth and glossy. Both are more about appearance than everyday practicality, and they are best kept for occasions rather than daily wear.

Victoria’s Secret Knicker Sizing Guide

Getting the size right is the single most important thing when buying knickers, and it is also the thing people get wrong most often. Knickers that are too small dig in, create lines and feel uncomfortable. Knickers that are too big bunch up, shift around and offer no support. Here is how to find your size.

How Victoria’s Secret Sizes Work

Victoria’s Secret knickers are sized XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL, with some styles also available in extended sizes. The brand publishes a size chart based on hip measurement, which is the most reliable way to choose. To measure your hips, stand with your feet together and wrap a soft measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, keeping the tape level. That number is your hip measurement.

As a general guide, the brand’s size chart roughly corresponds to the following hip measurements, though this varies slightly by style and fabric:

XS: hips up to about 34 inches (86 cm)
S: hips about 35 to 36 inches (89 to 91 cm)
M: hips about 37 to 38 inches (94 to 97 cm)
L: hips about 39 to 41 inches (99 to 104 cm)
XL: hips about 42 to 44 inches (107 to 112 cm)
XXL: hips about 45 inches and above (114 cm and above)

These are approximate figures, and the exact numbers on the brand’s current size chart should always be checked before ordering. If you are between sizes, the usual advice is to size up for comfort, particularly with lace or non-stretch fabrics, and to size down only if you prefer a very snug fit in a stretchy seamless style.

UK vs US Sizing

Because Victoria’s Secret is an American brand, its clothing sizes follow US conventions, but its knickers are sold by letter size (XS to XXL) rather than by number, which makes the UK to US conversion simpler than it is for bras. The letter sizes are the same in both countries, and the size chart on the UK website gives measurements in both inches and centimetres. If you are buying from the UK site, you can use your hip measurement directly against the chart without converting anything.

When to Reconsider Your Size

A few signs suggest your knickers are the wrong size. If the waistband leaves red marks or digs in, they are too small. If the leg openings ride up or the fabric bunches, they may be too big or the wrong cut for your body shape. If the gusset, the cotton-lined panel at the crotch, does not sit flat, the size or style is wrong. Knickers should feel like they are barely there. If you are aware of them all day, something is off.

How to Choose the Right Pair

With so many styles, fabrics and sizes available, choosing can feel overwhelming. The simplest approach is to work backwards from what you need them for.

For Everyday Wear

For daily wear, comfort comes first. Cotton or microfibre hipsters, briefs or bikinis in your correct size are the best choice. Choose a neutral colour that will not show through light clothing, and keep a few pairs in black and nude for versatility. Everyday knickers should be easy to wash, durable and comfortable enough to forget about.

For Tight or Fitted Clothing

When you are wearing leggings, a bodycon dress or slim trousers, the priority is invisibility. Seamless thongs or seamless hipsters in microfibre are the best option, because they have no seams or lace edges to show through. Choose a colour close to your skin tone for the most invisible result, and avoid white under white clothing, which actually shows more than nude.

For Special Occasions

For occasions where appearance matters, lace thongs, cheekies or high-waist lace briefs are the natural choice. Pick a style that makes you feel good rather than one that follows a trend, and make sure you have tried it on before the day itself. A style that looks beautiful but feels uncomfortable will distract you all evening.

For Exercise

For workouts, look for moisture-wicking microfibre styles with a comfortable waistband that will not roll or dig in. Seamless hipsters or boyshorts work well for most exercise, and cotton is best avoided for intense workouts because it holds sweat and takes longer to dry.

For Sleeping and Lounging

For sleep, comfort is everything. Soft cotton or modal boyshorts or briefs in a relaxed fit are ideal. Avoid anything with tight elastic, scratchy lace or a waistband that digs in, because you will feel it all night.

Multipacks and Value

Victoria’s Secret frequently sells its knickers in multipacks, often with a deal such as five pairs for a set price. These multipacks are usually the best value in the range, particularly for everyday cotton and microfibre styles. The brand also runs regular promotions and sales, especially around holidays and seasonal events, when prices can drop significantly.

A few practical points about multipacks are worth knowing. First, the pairs in a multipack are usually the same style in different colours or patterns, so check that you actually like the style before buying five of them. Second, the multipack price is often only available when you buy the full set, so buying a single pair from the same style will cost more per pair. Third, the brand’s sales are frequent enough that there is rarely a reason to pay full price for everyday knickers if you can wait a week or two.

Caring for Your Victoria’s Secret Knickers

Knickers last longer and stay comfortable when they are cared for properly. A few simple habits make a real difference.

Wash them in cold or warm water, not hot, because heat breaks down elastic over time. Use a gentle cycle or a mesh laundry bag, particularly for lace and delicate styles. Avoid fabric softener, which coats the fibres and reduces absorbency, especially on cotton. Air-dry them when you can, because tumble drying is the fastest way to wear out elastic. If you do use a dryer, use a low heat setting.

Replace your everyday knickers regularly. As a rough guide, cotton knickers that are worn and washed frequently will start to lose their elasticity and shape after a year or so of regular use. If the waistband no longer springs back, the fabric has thinned, or the fit has changed, it is time for a new pair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few mistakes come up again and again when people buy knickers, and most of them are easy to avoid.

The first is buying the wrong size, usually by guessing rather than measuring. Hip measurements change over time, so it is worth re-measuring every year or so, particularly after weight changes.

The second is choosing style over comfort for everyday wear. A lace thong might look great, but if you are going to be sitting at a desk for eight hours, a comfortable cotton hipster is the better choice.

The third is wearing the wrong fabric for the situation. Cotton is best for everyday wear and sensitive skin, microfibre is best for invisibility under tight clothes, and lace is best kept for occasions. Using the wrong fabric for the job is the fastest way to be uncomfortable.

The fourth is keeping knickers for too long. Worn-out elastic, thinned fabric and a poor fit are signs that a pair has reached the end of its life, and holding on to them just means another day of discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size knickers should I buy from Victoria’s Secret?

Measure your hips at the fullest point and compare the result to the brand’s size chart. If you are between sizes, size up for lace or non-stretch styles and consider sizing down only for very stretchy seamless styles.

Are Victoria’s Secret knickers true to size?

Most shoppers find them broadly true to size when using the brand’s hip-measurement chart, though the fit can vary between styles. Seamless and stretchy fabrics are more forgiving, while lace and rigid fabrics are less so.

What is the difference between a hipster and a bikini cut?

A hipster sits lower on the hips with a wider side and moderate coverage, while a bikini has a slightly higher rise and a narrower side. Hipsters tend to feel more relaxed, while bikinis are a more classic cut.

Are thongs or briefs better for everyday wear?

It depends on what you are wearing and what you find comfortable. Briefs offer more coverage and are generally more comfortable for all-day wear, while thongs are better for avoiding visible lines under tight clothing.

How many pairs of knickers should I own?

A practical wardrobe is usually around ten to fourteen pairs: enough for a week plus spares, with a mix of everyday cotton styles, a few seamless pairs for fitted outfits, and one or two dressier lace pairs.

Can I wash Victoria’s Secret knickers in the washing machine?

Yes, most styles are machine washable on a gentle cycle in cold or warm water. Lace and delicate styles last longer in a mesh laundry bag, and air-drying is better than tumble drying for all styles.

Do Victoria’s Secret knickers come in extended sizes?

The brand has expanded its size range in recent years, and many styles are now available up to XXL, with some collections offering additional sizes. Availability varies by style, so it is worth checking the size options on each product page.

What does the gusset in knickers do?

The gusset is the cotton-lined panel at the crotch. It provides an extra layer of breathable fabric, improves comfort, and helps with hygiene by keeping the area dry and allowing airflow.

Conclusion

Victoria’s Secret knickers cover a wide range of styles, from everyday cotton briefs to lace thongs and seamless hipsters, and the right choice depends on three things: the cut, the fabric and the size. Get the size right by measuring your hips and checking the brand’s chart, choose the cut that suits your outfit, and pick a fabric that matches what you will actually be doing in them.

For most people, a wardrobe of comfortable cotton or microfibre hipsters and briefs, plus a few seamless styles for fitted clothing and one or two lace pairs for special occasions, covers everything. Buy multipacks when they are on offer, wash them gently, and replace them when the elastic gives out. That is really all there is to it: the best pair of knickers is the one you forget you are wearing.