You spend a lot of time deciding what you wear every day. Do you give that same amount of consideration to your underwear? What goes beneath our clothes can be easy to overlook, but a comfy pair of panties could make or break your day.

What you wear underneath your clothes can be just as important as the adorable outfits everyone sees. Nothing is worse than spending a day in uncomfortable underwear. Panties that are too tight can cause rashes or chafing. Loose-fitting undergarments can create unseemly panty lines.

It’s awkward enough that ill-fitting bottoms have you constantly adjusting your nether regions all day. But, certain materials can even cause yeast infections or UTIs. Talk about uncomfortable.

The right underwear will have you feeling comfortable and confident in your body and help your lady bits maintain a healthy pH. But what makes underwear comfortable?

Breathable Fabric

When shopping for new underwear, you want to look for soft, breathable fabric. Yeast and bacteria thrive in dark, moist environments. To avoid this, stay away from synthetic nonbreathable materials like lycra and spandex since they can increase the likelihood of irritation.

OBGYNs suggest choosing breathable cotton underwear. Cotton is naturally moisture-wicking, which can be especially beneficial if you are prone to developing UTIs or yeast infections. Look for OEKO-TEX-certified organic cotton to ensure there aren’t any toxic chemicals that could irritate sensitive areas.

If you prefer stretchier options, like spandex, choose panties with an organic cotton lining. This way, you’ll have breathability where it matters and stay comfortable and dry all day long.

Find Your Fit

It may seem strange to try underwear on before you buy it, but this can be an essential step in finding the right size for your body. Not only do you want the material to be breathable, but you want the elastic around your hips and thighs to sit comfortably on your curves.

If your panties are too tight, it could cause a rash or chafing. When your underwear is too loose, it may be baggy or constantly sliding down. Either way, you’ll frequently want to adjust underwear that doesn’t fit, which can be extremely awkward in public situations.

Choose panties that gently hug your curves and help you feel good in your skin. The elastic shouldn’t be digging in in any way. Not only will this help you feel more comfortable, but it will help your underwear lay flat underneath your clothes: no more adjusting and no more ugly pantie lines.

Try Different Cuts and Styles

The right style can be just as important as finding the right size. Try different cuts and styles to help you find what makes you feel the most confident in your body and clothes.

Do you love the way a high-cut pantie elongates your legs? Maybe some days you want a higher-waisted brief to smooth out your tummy. You might need a thong under the tight dress you wear out on Saturday but prefer comfy boy shorts to hang around on a lazy Sunday.

Well-fitting panties will show off all your best assets and help you fall in love with your curves. Good underwear should feel like a second skin and can help you feel more confident in the clothes you wear.

Replace Your Underwear

Clean underwear is comfortable underwear. These garments are the barrier between the more intimate parts of your body and other clothing. If you’ve had some of the same panties in your drawer for a few years, it’s probably time to replace them.

Even with regular washing, your undergarments can still harbor bacteria. Most “clean underwear” still contains up to 10,000 bacteria – and there's a chance a little fecal matter may be hiding in there as well. Yuck.

If you have a few old pairs of underwear taking up space in the back of your drawer, it’s probably time to let them go. Make sure to wash your intimates in hot water and tumble dry them for at least thirty minutes. The heat can help kill off the bacteria and help your new panties stay fresh for longer.

Be Playful

Comfortable undies don’t have to be boring. Be playful when you pick out panties.

Boost your mood in the morning by popping on a pair of printed undies. Sure, some outfits require a neutral tone, but if you aren’t wearing white, why not have a little fun? Feel dreamy with some sky blue briefs featuring puffy clouds. Get funky with a stylish rainbow thong under your dress.

Shopping for new underwear doesn’t have to be stressful. You are allowed to have fun with your undergarments, even if they are just for you. A fun pair of panties or stylish briefs can be enough to put a smile on your face.