Choosing the Right Briefs for Every Occasion

Choosing the Right Brief for Every Occasion

Let’s be honest, briefs might not always be the most exciting part of your outfit, but get the right pair and you’ll notice the difference all day long. From everyday comfort and smoothing styles to pretty lace and shaping briefs, the right underwear can make your clothes sit better and help you feel more comfortable and confident.

With so many different styles, rises, fabrics and levels of coverage to choose from, finding your perfect pair can feel a little overwhelming. So, whether you're getting dressed for work, heading out for a special occasion or simply having a comfort first kind of day, we've put together our guide to choosing the right briefs for every occasion.

Everyday Comfort

For everyday wear, comfort is king. Or queen. Or, frankly, whoever is wearing the briefs!

A good everyday brief should feel comfortable enough that you barely notice you're wearing it. Look for soft, breathable fabrics, a comfortable waistband and a cut that gives you the coverage you prefer without digging in or riding up.

High-waisted briefs are a popular choice if you prefer more coverage around the tummy, while full briefs offer a little more coverage around the bottom and hips. If you prefer something with less coverage, midi and low rise styles can be a great alternative.

For busy days, comfort doesn't have to mean boring either. There are plenty of colours, prints and pretty details available, so your everyday underwear can still have a little personality.

Product Pick: Everyday Brief

Sloggi Maxi Basic 4Pk

For an everyday brief that puts comfort first, the Sloggi Maxi Basic 4PK is a classic for a reason. Made from soft 95% cotton and 5% elastane, these high waisted maxi briefs offer full coverage with a comfortable fit that makes them ideal for everyday wear.

The low leg, soft seams and centre back seam help create a comfortable, contouring fit, while the high waist provides extra coverage around the tummy. And because you get four pairs in a pack, they're a practical addition to your everyday underwear drawer — perfect for those days when you want your underwear to simply feel comfortable, stay put and get on with the job!

Available in sizes 10–30, they're a particularly useful choice if you prefer a fuller coverage brief and want the softness of cotton against your skin.

Briefs for Under Trousers

Trousers, leggings and fitted clothing call for underwear that works quietly behind the scenes. Nobody wants their knicker line stealing the show!

If you're wearing close fitting trousers, look for briefs with smooth edges or a discreet finish to help reduce visible lines. A well fitting pair should sit comfortably against the body without bunching or digging in.

For extra tummy smoothing, consider a high waisted brief or a shaping style. These can help create a smoother foundation underneath fitted clothing without necessarily opting for full body shapewear.

Product Pick: Smooth/Seamless Brief

Elomi Smooth Full Brief

Wearing something fitted? The last thing you want is your underwear making an appearance of its own! The Elomi Smooth Full Briefs are designed to sit discreetly beneath trousers, leggings and figure hugging clothing, with flat seams that help minimise show through for a smoother finish.

Made from soft and stretchy Tencel modal fabric, these full coverage briefs feel comfortable against the skin while offering plenty of coverage across the tummy and bottom. Available in sizes 10–22, they're an everyday essential when you want comfort and coverage without visible lines. Pair them with your favourite Elomi or Fantasie bra for a coordinated look that stays smooth under your outfit.

Perfect Under Dresses

A great dress deserves great foundations. Whether you're slipping into a fitted midi dress, a flowing summer number or something special for an evening out, choosing the right brief can make all the difference.

For close fitting dresses, seamless or smooth briefs can help create a streamlined look underneath your clothing. High waisted styles can also provide additional tummy coverage, while briefs with longer legs can help smooth the upper thigh.

If you're wearing a particularly fitted or lightweight dress, it's worth thinking about the colour too. A nude or skin tone shade can be a useful choice when you want your underwear to remain discreet.

Product Pick: Dress Friendly Brief

Fantasie Illsuion High Waist Briefs

When you're wearing a fitted dress, the last thing you want is your underwear making an unexpected appearance! The Fantasie Illusion High Waist Briefs are designed with a clean, stitch free finish to create a smooth, second skin feel and help minimise visible panty lines (VPL).

The high waisted design provides full coverage, while the powernet lined front panel offers light tummy control and gentle smoothing across the tummy. And because practical doesn't have to mean plain, the soft touch lace front adds a feminine finishing touch. Available in sizes 8–18, they're a great choice under fitted dresses, skirts and trousers when you want a smooth silhouette without going for firm shapewear.

When You Want a Little Extra Shaping

Sometimes you don't need a full shapewear wardrobe — you just want a little smoothing in the right places.

Shaping briefs are ideal for targeting the tummy, waist and hips while still feeling more like everyday underwear. Depending on the style, you can find everything from gentle smoothing to firmer control.

High waisted shaping briefs are particularly useful underneath fitted dresses, skirts and trousers, helping to create a smoother silhouette from the waist down.

The key is choosing the right level of control for you. If you want something you'll happily wear all day, a lighter or medium control style may be the better option. For special occasions, you might prefer something with firmer control.

Product Pick: Shaping Brief

Janira Perfect Curves Silueta Forte Queen Shaping Briefs

When you want a little more control, the Janira Perfect Curves Silueta Forte Queen Shaping Briefs mean business! Designed specifically with fuller figures in mind, these high waisted briefs provide firm shaping to the front and back, helping to smooth and streamline your silhouette.

The firm front panel provides strong tummy control, while the high waisted design helps smooth the waist and tummy area. The low cut leg has a clean cut, no elastic finish, helping to keep the briefs discreet beneath clothing and reduce visible panty lines. Despite the strong shaping, the fabric is designed to be soft and lightweight for a more comfortable fit.

Available in sizes 24–26, this is a great option when you want firm tummy and waist control with fuller coverage, without stepping all the way up to full body shapewear. In other words: strong enough to smooth, but still recognisably a pair of briefs!

Pretty Lace & Feminine Styles

Who says practical can't be pretty?

Lace briefs are perfect when you want your underwear to feel a little more special. Whether it's delicate floral lace, embroidery or a beautiful colour, a pretty pair can be an easy way to add something extra to your lingerie drawer.

Look for styles with soft lace and comfortable elastics if you want something that combines a feminine look with all day wearability. And, of course, you don't need a special occasion to wear something pretty — sometimes buying nice underwear simply because you like it is reason enough!

Product Pick: Lace Brief

Empreinte Cassiopée Brief

Sometimes your briefs deserve to be just as beautiful as your bra! The Empreinte Cassiopée Brief is the perfect example, combining elegant lace with comfortable everyday coverage for a beautifully coordinated lingerie look.

Designed to complement the Cassiopée bra collection, these briefs feature delicate lace detailing and a feminine finish that makes them feel a little more special. The comfortable cut provides good coverage across the tummy and bottom, while the beautifully detailed fabric adds that luxurious Empreinte touch.

Why not complete the set? Matching your briefs to your favourite bra is one of those little things that can make getting dressed feel that bit more special — even if nobody else gets to see it!

High Waisted Briefs for More Coverage

If you prefer your briefs to sit higher on the waist, high waisted styles provide extra coverage across the tummy and waist.

They're particularly useful underneath high waisted trousers, skirts and dresses, as they sit higher on the body and can help create a smoother line between your underwear and outerwear.

High waisted doesn't automatically mean shaping, either. There are plenty of everyday high waisted briefs designed primarily for comfort and coverage, as well as firmer control styles when you want a little more smoothing.

Product Pick: High Waisted Brief

Anita Comfort Leni High Waist Full Briefs

If you prefer your briefs to sit a little higher, the Anita Comfort Leni High Waist Full Briefs are a comfortable choice for everyday wear. The high waisted design sits neatly over the tummy, providing full coverage and gentle smoothing while the soft, stretchy fabric keeps things comfortable throughout the day.

The full brief cut offers plenty of coverage across the tummy, hips and bottom, making these a great option beneath higher waisted trousers, skirts or dresses — or simply whenever you prefer a little more coverage from your underwear. The wide waistband sits comfortably against the body, helping to keep the briefs securely in place without feeling restrictive.

Available in an extended size range, the Leni is a great example of how high waisted doesn't have to mean heavy duty shaping. Sometimes you just want a comfortable brief that comes up where you want it, stays put and gets on with the job!

Fuller Coverage for Everyday Confidence

Sometimes you simply want a brief that stays where it should and covers what you want covered. No fuss, no faffing and definitely no constant adjusting!

Full briefs are a great option if you prefer more coverage across the tummy, hips and bottom. They're particularly popular for everyday wear and can be a comfortable choice when you're looking for reliable coverage under workwear or casual outfits.

Choose a fabric and cut that feels good against your skin, and you'll have an everyday staple you can reach for again and again.

Product Pick: Full Coverage 

Sculptresse Body Deep Brief

For everyday comfort with a little extra coverage, the Sculptresse Body Deep Brief is a brilliant choice. Made from soft recycled stretch fabric, these fuller coverage briefs gently smooth the silhouette while the double layer construction provides a comfortable, supportive feel that moves with you.

The clever V-shaped wrap waist adds a flattering touch around the tummy, while seamless edges help minimise visible lines beneath clothing. Available in sizes 12–24, they’re an easy everyday option when you want your briefs to feel comfortable, smooth and beautifully secure.

Perfect under everything from everyday outfits to more fitted styles, these are the kind of briefs you can put on and forget about – exactly what good underwear should do!

Briefs for Different Body Shapes 

There's no single brief style that's perfect for everyone. Your body shape, personal preference and the clothes you're wearing can all influence which style feels best.

If you prefer more coverage around the tummy, try a high-waisted brief. If you want fuller coverage across the bottom, a full brief may be your perfect match. For a smoother look underneath fitted clothing, seamless or shaping styles are worth considering.

And remember: your underwear should fit you, not the other way around. If a waistband digs in, the legs ride up or the fabric feels uncomfortable, it may simply be a case of trying a different size or style.

Product Pick: A good allrounder 

Janira Greta Slip Form Control Briefs

The Janira Greta Slip Form Control Briefs are a great all-rounder when you want everyday comfort with a little extra shaping. Designed with clever shaping panels to help smooth the tummy, these control briefs create a sleek silhouette without losing their feminine appeal.

Pretty floral lace detailing adds a touch of elegance, while the no-VPL leg finish helps them sit discreetly beneath clothing. They’re versatile enough for everyday wear but polished enough to reach for when you want a smoother finish under a favourite outfit.

A lovely combination of comfortable everyday briefs, gentle tummy control and feminine style, the Greta briefs prove that shapewear doesn’t have to be all business!

The Right Brief Starts With the Right Fit

Even the most beautiful pair of briefs won't feel great if they're the wrong size. Your briefs should sit comfortably against your body without digging in, slipping down or riding up.

Pay attention to the waistband and leg openings. If they're leaving marks or feeling restrictive, don't automatically assume you need to put up with it — another style or size could give you a much better fit.

And if you're unsure which size to choose, always check the brand's individual size guide, as sizing can vary between brands and styles.

So, Which Brief is Right for you? 

The perfect pair of briefs depends on the day, the outfit and, most importantly, what makes you feel comfortable.

Need an everyday essential? Go for a soft, comfortable full or high-waisted brief. Wearing something fitted? Try a smooth or seamless style. Want a little extra confidence under your favourite dress? A shaping brief could be just the ticket. And if you simply fancy something pretty, well... that's reason enough!

At AmpleBosom.com, we have a wide selection of briefs in different styles, sizes and fits, so you can find the underwear that works for your body and your wardrobe.

Because the right brief might be hidden under your outfit, but feeling comfortable and confident never goes unnoticed.

Ready to find your perfect pair?

Shop our full range of briefs at AmpleBosom.com

We have a great range of briefs and knickers so take a look today at our underwear collection online or give us a call on 01439 798388 and one of our friendly team of specialists will be happy to help.

New In Briefs

Take a look at the new Sculptresse Body Deep Briefs tried and tested by our AmpleBosom Team just for you!

Our team recently tried the Sculptresse Body Deep Briefs, available in black, cameo rose and honey and in sizes 12 to 24, and these got a definite thumbs up for comfort. They feel really comfortable to wear and our clothes sat nicely over them. They give a smooth finish without feeling restrictive, which makes them a great everyday option. The team found they washed well and we felt the price was really good too.

The perfect everyday briefs for comfort.