What comes to mind when someone says granny panty? Possibly a baggy, unsexy undergarment that sits high up on the waist, digging in where the tight elastic grabs on.
So the style has a bad rep, but I’m here to defend the Granny Panty. A full-coverage, high-waist panty can play a solid role in your fashion rotation, as long as the fit and the occasion are right. Here’s what you need to know.
Read next: Best women’s underwear brands for wherever life takes you
Four advantages of granny panties
Let’s start with four reasons to consider wearing granny panties.
Granny panties smooth and conceal.
A seamless pair of granny panties provides support, smooths bulges, and sits nicely on top of your figure at the edges. You can find options made of lightweight, breathable fabrics, so that you barely feel them — even on hot days.
If you’re not worried about overheating and you want extra smoothing power, opt for shapewear granny panties. Assets by Spanx, available at Target, is a reliable brand to shop.
Granny panties can offer support for your back.
This is a personal preference and not a medical opinion or evidence-based advice. When I started wearing granny panties to ballet class under my leotard, my back felt better. Less strain, better ab support, improved balance.
You might try a form-fitting pair and then do some light yoga to see if you have a similar experience.
Granny panties create the illusion of an hourglass figure.
Some of us crave a curvy figure, while others try to minimize what our mother gave us. Whatever your shape is, well-fitting granny panties can encourage the look of a smooth hourglass figure.
Granny panties are not outdated.
Yes, poorly fitting high-waist panties are unflattering and outdated. But there are more women wearing well-fitting granny panties than you may think. The entire shapewear industry is built on the granny panty style. Plus, many of our favorite celebs, including Jennifer Garner, Tyra Banks, and Kim Kardashian are crazy about body shapers.
Read next: A smoother you — fab shapewear brands we love
How to find the right granny panties
Fit is the key to wearing granny panties successfully. The right panty — the one that flatters and feels comfortable — hugs your shape, provides support, but never digs in or gaps. These shopping tips can help you identify that perfect full-coverage panty.
- Prioritize rise and coverage. High‑waist panties should sit comfortably at or just above your natural waist without rolling down or digging in.
- Check the leg openings. The elastic around the thighs should lie flat against your skin without pinching, gaping, or cutting in. If it leaves marks, try a different size or cut.
- Opt for wider waistbands. A wide, soft waistband distributes pressure better than a thin elastic strip and helps prevent rolling.
- Choose breathable fabrics. Cotton or cotton blends with a bit of stretch offer comfort and airflow, especially for all‑day wear.
- Test the stretch recovery. Quality briefs should snap back into shape after you tug on them.
- Mind the seam placement. Flat seams reduce visible panty lines and prevent irritation under fitted clothing.
- Buy a single pair first. Before committing to a multi-pack, test one pair to see how it feels after washing and wearing for a full day.
Read next: 5 types of panties and how to wear them
When to wear granny panties
You probably don’t want to wear full-coverage panties on Valentine’s Day or with low-rise pants. But you could wear them for:
- Long travel days. Full‑coverage briefs are ideal for flights or road trips when comfort matters more than aesthetics.
- Workdays or long events. If you’ll be sitting, standing, and moving for hours, high‑waist cotton briefs can prevent digging and shifting.
- Under high‑rise bottoms. They pair especially well with high‑waist jeans, trousers, and midi skirts.
- During your period. The extra coverage offers security and works well with pads or period products.
- At home or for sleep. Breathable, full‑coverage styles are comfortable for lounging or overnight wear.
- Postpartum or recovery periods. Soft, supportive briefs can feel gentler and more stable than minimal cuts.
- Cold weather layering. A little extra fabric provides warmth under tights or pants in winter.
- Any occasion that puts you in a slinky dress. Nothing beats granny-style body-shaping panties when you need a smooth silhouette. Just don’t plan to undress in front of anyone.
Granny panties are no joke
In my mind, it’s time to retire the punchline. Granny panties are a function-forward staple that smooths and supports your body, while simplifying your wardrobe.
Like any undergarment, success with this style comes down to fit, fabric, and context. Worn intentionally, full‑coverage briefs are practical, versatile, and quietly powerful. Turns out, comfort and confidence can share the same waistband.