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Is panties and underwear the same?

Update:13 Feb 2026

No. Panties and underwear are closely related, but they are not exactly the same. Underwear is a broad category covering garments worn next to the skin under clothing, while panties refer specifically to women’s lower-body underwear. Understanding this distinction helps consumers choose the right product for comfort, function, and daily use.

Define underwear and what are underwear for

To define underwear, it includes all garments worn beneath outer clothing, such as briefs, boxers, panties, bras, and undershirts. The primary purpose of underwear is practical rather than decorative.

  • Provide a hygienic barrier between skin and outer clothing
  • Absorb moisture and body oils to protect garments
  • Improve comfort by reducing friction
  • Offer light support depending on design

In short, when people ask what are underwear for, the answer is comfort, hygiene, and daily functionality.

What is a panty and how it fits under underwear

A common question is what is a panty. Panties are a specific type of underwear designed for women and worn on the lower body. They vary widely in cut, coverage, and material.

Because panties fall under the broader underwear category, it explains why people often confuse the two terms. However, not all underwear are panties.

What’s the difference between panties and underwear

Comparison between underwear as a category and panties as a specific type
Aspect Underwear Panties
Scope General term for inner garments Specific to women’s lower underwear
Gender Men, women, and children Women
Examples Briefs, boxers, bras, panties Bikini, hipster, high-waist

This table answers both is panties and underwear the same and what’s the difference between panties and underwear in a clear, practical way.

What kind of underwear is best for women

When considering what kind of underwear is best for women, material choice plays a major role. Many manufacturers, including Nantong Tianhong Textile Technology Co., Ltd., focus on bamboo viscose underwear for daily wear.

Why bamboo viscose is widely used

  • Smooth fiber structure offers a soft skin feel
  • Good moisture absorption compared with standard cotton blends
  • Stable fabric performance suitable for everyday underwear

At Nantong Tianhong Textile Technology Co., Ltd., bamboo viscose is produced from organically grown bamboo through a controlled chemical process to convert bamboo cellulose into viscose fiber. This method allows consistent yarn quality and uniform fabric texture, which are important for well-fitting underwear.

It is important to note that this bamboo viscose is not a natural fiber in its final form and does not rely on mechanical processing. The focus is on comfort, breathability, and reliable manufacturing standards rather than special functional claims.

Key takeaways for buyers

  1. Underwear is a broad category; panties are a specific type within it
  2. Understanding definitions helps avoid confusion when shopping
  3. Material selection, such as bamboo viscose, directly affects comfort

By clearly distinguishing terms and materials, consumers can make more informed choices and select underwear that truly fits their daily needs.