8 Ways to Avoid Panty Lines Without Going Commando

No matter how incredible an outfit looks, it can be ruined by the dreaded Visible Panty Line (aka VPL). Yes, it's true that going commando is an option to avoid any indentations, but—as freeing as that may be—it may not be the most comfortable (or sanitary) thing to do, especially while wearing a breezy lil dress.

Thankfully, there are ton of seamless solutions below. And, believe it or not, thongs aren't the only option for you, friend. Ever heard of Commando's Minimalist boyshort? Or how about Third Love's Comfort Stretch brief? Smooth as silky buttah and not a line in sight! With the right undergarments and a few style tricks up your sleeve, VPL can be a thing of the past (unless you like it, in which case, yas, girl—do you!). Scroll on for the deets.

1. Wear thick or textured fabrics.

I love a silky, slinky dress as much as anybody else. But, sometimes they are not your friend when it comes to hiding panty lines. The material is just too smooth and clingy. Reaching for thicker, more textured fabrics can help mask any outlines you'd rather not have.

Madewell Frisco Denim Skirt

Missguided Ruched Dress

Wrangler Denim Skirtall

Now 30% Off

Amanda Uprichard Brooklyn Skirt

2. Camouflage with a print.

When in doubt, opt for an item with a bold pattern—the busier the print, the better it will be at hiding VPL.

REFORMATION Bea Skirt

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TOPSHOP IDOL Dress

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Urban Outfitters Patchwork Skirt

re:named Catalina Dress

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Larry Busacca//Getty Images

3. Layer tights or pantyhose over your underwear.

Obviously not ideal for the summertime, but when the weather starts to get cooler, a pair of tights or pantyhose can smooth out any unwanted lines so they don't show on your outermost layer.

FALKE 'Pure Matt 50'

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Woldford Individual 10

Oroblu Tricot Fishnet Tights

PRETTY POLLY Flower Tights

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4. Try an old-school slip.

It's retro but it works. Pro tip: run both the skirt and the slip through a wire hanger a few times before you put them on to prevent any annoying static electricity.

Commando Strapless Slip

Maidenform Lifting Slip

Spanx Open-Bust Full Slip

Commando Un-Fitted

5. Use what the professionals use.

Fine. There's a reason professional stylists use thongs and G-strings exclusively. They might not be as comfy as your high-waisted, cheeky, or full-coverage pairs, but they *do* eliminate pesky lines.

Chantelle Seamless Underwear

Cossabella Low-Rise Thong

SKIMS T-String Thong

HANKY PANKY 'Retro' Thong

6. Stick-on thongs are also A Thing.

If you need to go even further than thongs (hi to that previously mentioned slinky, slip dress!), these underwear stickers exist—and some styles are even washable and reusable. Since these don't have a waistband, they come in handy if you're wearing a super tight-fitting dress that also happens to have major side slits (à la Bella Hadid, here).

Just be sure the one you get has great reviews and won't slip off halfway through your event.

Bella Hadid at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival in France.

Boux Stick-on thong

Silicone Valley The Ultimate Thong

Fashion Forms Strapless Panty

Zurci Heart Shaped Underwear

7. If you just can't deal with thongs, try boyshorts.

Boyshorts are great because they go right under the curve of the butt cheek instead of cutting across it. A little lace hem is also good for making the line less abrupt and, thus, less noticeable.

Maidenform Stretchy Two-Toned

Hanky Panky Classic Cotton

HANRO Boyleg Briefs

HANKY PANKY Leopard Boyshorts

Now 25% Off

8. Test out some shapewear.

Shapewear can be great for creating a smooth line under your clothes, but this option would prob only work for big events. Ain't nobody trying to wear shapewear everyday. Also, don't torture yourself with anything too tight. It's seriously not worth it.

SKIMS Sculpting Bodysuit

Spanx Hipster Panties

Spanx Open Bust

Yummie Thong Bodysuit

I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago. 

Alexis Bennett is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan. She lives for a good sale. You can follow her shopping obsession here and on Instagram.

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