Don't ruin a perfectly good white 'fit by wearing the wrong color undergarments. (Getty)(Getty)
It's happened to the best of us. You're walking on a gorgeous summer day, and you spot a woman wearing a lovely white dress or a guy wearing stylish white pants. As you get closer, ready to drop a compliment, you catch sight of, oh... What's that? Their underwear? Yikes. Better to keep moving and not say anything at all, right?
When the warm weather arrives, lots of people put white clothing and lightweight linen into their outfit rotations. And understandably so. Who wants to be sweating in black leggings or heavy jeans on a sweltering day? But slipping into these summer staples requires some preparation... in the unmentionables department.
It would be natural to believe that white undies are the best choice when wearing white or semi-sheer clothing, but that couldn't be more wrong. "White undergarments show through white fabric because of the stark contrast in color between your skin and the white undergarment," explains Dr. Sapna Palep, co-CEO of luxury lingerie brand Journelle. Instead, she explains that flesh-colored undies are the better choice. "If you are wearing form-fitting white jeans or a summery linen option, and you want your undergarments to be undetectable, it's best to wear nude underwear. Look for a color similar to your skin tone that will blend with your natural complexion, enabling your undergarments to disappear underneath white or more sheer clothes," Palep says.
Choosing the right color bloomers is step one, but you'll also want to consider materials and silhouettes. "Microfiber is my favorite to wear under tight clothes or sheer fabrics. It's ultra smooth, very thin and clings to the skin, making it undetectable," Palep shares. She adds that modal and cotton are also good options.
What about cuts?"Thongs and hipsters are the best two silhouettes for anyone who wants to ensure their undergarments are unseen," Palep says, adding: "Regardless of what style you choose, I recommend looking for a seamless pair. No seams ensure that the undergarment lies flat against the skin."
So there you have it. If you're planning on rocking white jeans or breezy linen pants this summer, you'll want to stock your top drawer with a few of the top-rated nude underwear styles for both women and men below.
These classic bikinis have been my favorite for years. I own multiples, and I can attest that they are comfortable, don't ride up and are completely invisible under white clothing. Whenever they go on sale, I buy a bunch because I wear them so often and love them so much.
And I'm not alone. Macy's shoppers give them high marks too, with one shopper raving, "This underwear style is attractive and extremely comfortable. No elastic bands that leave marks. Just seamless comfort all day long!"
More than 1,500 Kohl's shoppers rate these seamless briefs five out of five stars. People who've purchased them say they're a "perfect fit" and "very comfy." The sexiest undies out there? Probably not. But perfectly hidden under light-colored clothing. You bet!
The sizing is a bit non-traditional, but don't let that deter you. Size 5 is equivalent to a small, 6 a medium, 7 and large and 8 an extra-large.
These bestselling undies are available in a whopping seven nude shades. The smooth, seamless design makes them a perfect option for more fitted fashion picks like body-hugging dresses or skinny jeans.
"The most comfortable, soft, form-fitting panties!" one fan declared, while another gushed, "These are my favorite panties. They fit beautifully, launder well and don’t show lines."
Shoppers tend to stock up on this top-rated style whenever it's in stock, so you'd be wise to follow suit.
"[This is] the only brand and style that I have worn for many years. Not too high, not granny panties, they feel wonderful, especially with the higher cut legs, [and] the elastic never digs into your thighs. The beige seems to sell out fast, so I buy a pair whenever I see them in stock, even if they're not on sale," one loyal shopper shared.
Looking for an expert-approved pick? Palep says this hipster (or the thong version) is ideal for linen clothes or white jeans because of the laser-cut edges and the "sheer Victoire mesh that lays against your rear for no VPL" — that's "visible panty line" for the acronymically challenged.
Choose from three different nude shades in sizes XS-XL.
This ridiculously comfy thong has been my everyday underwear style for the last year or so. Even if you think thongs aren't for you, this one is worth a shot. I'd tried so many before, and they were all horribly uncomfortable. Not this one — I can wear it all day and most days I even forget I have it on. It's available in several different nude shades, and over 1,800 shoppers have given it a perfect five-star rating.
"This is the best underwear in the world," one fan gushed. "So comfortable and doesn't diminish in quality after washing. I have probably two dozen pairs of this underwear now. It is the only kind I buy now ... Worth the price by a mile!"
We didn't forget about the guys! You too can rock your summer whites in confidence when you wear these skin-colored boxer briefs that come in a set that also includes black and white pairs. They're made from cotton with a bit of stretch for comfort and flexibility.
Men who prefer a longer cut can grab these that won't show through light-colored pants. They're designed not to ride up the leg and have an "athletic comfort fit" (translation: not too tight).
One guy who owns them confirms this, saying they're "surprisingly good and priced very well! The fit is spot on and the material is exactly right. They do not ride up like almost every other brand does."
If you're looking for a little luxury, snag these nude-colored briefs from Italian intimates brand Intimissimi. They're under $20, but dudes say the craftsmanship is unmatched.
"Easy to wear and maintain. Well worth the money. I only buy this brand now since discovering them in Milan two years ago," one wearer wrote in his review. Another revealed, "Very comfortable and my better half can’t keep her hands off of me when I wear these." Cheeky!
Guys who like a shorter fit should go with this popular pair that features a 3-inch inseam. The material is designed to feel luxe like silk, while also being breathable and moisture-wicking.
"Sleek and comfy" one shopper declared. "My husband loves these. Perfect under his white pants on our cruises!"
"I bought these for my husband to wear with a pair of white linen pants so that the underwear doesn't show. It works and the underwear is comfy," one person wrote in their review. Others agree: These boxers have more than 200 five-star ratings.
Important to note: The Luft trunks are made from linen, which wrinkles. If you want a smooth fit, be prepared to bust out the iron or steamer if these aren't pulled out of the dryer right away.
Don't want a white tee or tank to show underneath your white work shirts? This form-fitting, flesh-colored undershirt is the solution. It's made from a fine gauge jersey knit that feels smooth, and the extra-low neckline means it won't show even if the top buttons of your shirt are undone.
These classic bikinis have been my favorite for years. I own multiples, and I can attest that they are comfortable, don't ride up and are completely invisible under white clothing. Whenever they go on sale, I buy a bunch because I wear them so often and love them so much.
And I'm not alone. Macy's shoppers give them high marks too, with one shopper raving, "This underwear style is attractive and extremely comfortable. No elastic bands that leave marks. Just seamless comfort all day long!"
P.S. My favorite nude bra is also by Calvin Klein. It's completely invisible even under sheer white tees!
These bestselling undies are available in a whopping seven nude shades. The smooth, seamless design makes them a perfect option for more fitted fashion picks like body-hugging dresses or skinny jeans.
"The most comfortable, soft, form-fitting panties!" one fan declared, while another gushed, "These are my favorite panties. They fit beautifully, launder well and don’t show lines."
We didn't forget about the guys! You too can rock your summer whites in confidence when you wear these skin-colored boxer briefs that come in a set that also includes black and white pairs. They're made from cotton with a bit of stretch for comfort and flexibility.
Don't want a white tee or tank to show underneath your white work shirts? This form-fitting, flesh-colored undershirt is the solution. It's made from a fine gauge jersey knit that feels smooth, and the extra-low neckline means it won't show even if the top buttons of your shirt are undone.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
