Call ’em VPLs (visible panty lines), panty lines, panties line, or panties lines — whatever the name, they’re the indentations caused by underwear that show through your clothes. These lines show onlookers the outline of your undergarments. And depending on the fit and construction of your undies and the pants over them, that panty outline might be the first thing someone sees when you turn around.
Fun fact. According to Wikipedia — which may or may not be a reliable source for fashion history — the phrase “panty lines” became a thing after a reference in the 1977 Woody Allen film Annie Hall.
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What causes panty lines?
Panty lines are caused by poor-fitting or poorly constructed undies combined with lightweight or tight clothes. Heavy seams on panties are the most common culprit. Those seams sit on top of a woman’s rump, creating a ridge line. Or they dig into the backside, leaving an indentation. Either way, anyone standing behind you will have full knowledge of the shape of your underwear.
The balloon imagery
To get a feel for the role your clothes play in VPLs, think about a rubber band placed over an inflated balloon. The tight band indents the balloon’s smooth surface. Now, lay a flimsy cotton t-shirt over the top. You’ll likely still see the shape of the rubber band underneath. Pull that cotton t-shirt tight around the balloon and the indentation is even more pronounced. If you put two layers of heavier weight fabric over the top, the indentation will be less visible.
6 ways to prevent panty lines
Try these strategies to prevent a full display of your panty’s seam lines.
Wear the right size
Too-tight panties that are taut over your backside will show a bulge where the panty ends and your backside begins. It’s like muffin-top, but on your buns. You can sidestep the issue entirely by finding panties that sit on your skin, but don’t dig in.
Of course, that is easier said than done. Panty makers don’t do a great job of producing underwear that actually fits women’s bodies. Worse, the fit problem can be exacerbated by our own expectations. For example, we might avoid trying on a larger size simply because we’d prefer to wear the smaller one.
Well, here’s some tough love: That’s complete rubbish. The number or letter of a size is irrelevant and says nothing about your character, beauty, or lifestyle. Don’t let a number prevent you from wearing something that fits and feels good.
So, try on those panties. Test-drive different brands, styles, bigger sizes, and smaller sizes. Keep at it until you find a style, size, and brand that fits you. I was in my 40s before I realized that Calvin Klein undies fit me and now I won’t buy anything else.
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So no to cotton
OK, so cotton panties are better for you. They are breathable and absorbent, and those qualities help prevent yeast infections. But cotton panties also have thick seams. And thick seams, well, they can make themselves known under your clothes.
If you want to wear cotton panties, go ahead and do it. But wear them underneath lined trousers, jeans, denim shorts, or loose-fitting dresses. On the days when you wear leggings with a waist-length top, leave the cotton undies in the drawer.
Nvp or seamless underwear
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Back in the day, panty brands were all over the NVP — no visible panty line — messaging. Bali, Jockey, Wacaol, and even Target brands were proudly displaying “no visible panty lines” on their panty labels.
These days, those manufacturers are all producing “seamless panties,” which is the same thing. Look for styles that have laser-cut edges with no stitching.
Commando
There’s no shame in wearing no underwear. Especially when the occasion demands a slinky LBD that hugs every curve. If a certain dress or pant looks better without panties, then go for it — as long as the dress has enough length to keep you from putting your lady parts on public surfaces, that is.
Thongs
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Seamless thongs won’t show through your clothes unless your bottoms are really tight. In fact, if you wear seamless thongs and you still have panty lines, you might consider wearing a larger sized pant or dress.
Power panties
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If you’re in love with the idea of a smooth surface under your clothes, try power panties by Spanx or some other compression-style panty that’s cut like a short. These will give you a smooth backside. The risk is that whatever you hold in will bulge out above your panties, like a muffin-top, or below, leaving a weird ridge on your thigh.
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Panty lines FAQs
How do you hide panty lines?
Preventing panty lines and hiding them are two different things. If you like your cotton undies, but you don’t want the seams to show, then wear lined or denim clothes that aren’t skin-tight.
How do you show panty lines?
In some circles, panty lines are desirable. And to that, we say: Be you. If you want to show off the shape of your underwear to the world, find yourself some cotton panties in one size too small. Then, slip into a lightweight and clingy bodycon dress. Now grab a small mirror to look at your own reflection from behind. You will see panty lines, guaranteed.
Are panty lines good or bad?
Panty lines are neither good or bad, though some folks have very strong opinions about them. Generally, we head out the door thinking our undergarments are actually under our clothes, and therefore not visible to the naked eye. For that reason, you may not love the idea of telling the world you wear granny panties or that you have a wedgie.
As well, you might feel like panty lines are unflattering, because it seems like the indentations accentuate a loose booty. But that’s not really the case, as even the firmest of butts can show panty lines if your clothes don’t fit right.