How to Prevent Visible Panty Lines with the Right Shapewear & Underwear

Visible panty lines: a problem so persistent, so sneaky, it deserves its own true crime documentary. One minute, your outfit is flawless. The next, you're catching your reflection in an elevator mirror and realizing your underwear is announcing itself to the world in ways you did not approve.

Sure, there are standard solutions—but they don’t always cut it. Thongs aren’t for everyone (some of us prefer our clothes not to double as floss), and seamless underwear can still roll, bunch, or betray you when you least expect it. The real move? Finding the best shapewear and underwear that actually stays invisible, no matter what you’re wearing.

What Causes Visible Panty Lines?

Before we solve a problem, we have to understand it. Why does VPL happen in the first place? A few culprits:

1. Fabric thickness and fit – Leggings, silk, and body-hugging dresses are basically VPL enablers. Thicker fabrics can help disguise lines, but anything clingy or lightweight will show every seam.

2. Elastic and seams – Standard underwear has, well, standard seams, which can dig into your skin and create lines where there were none before.

3. Movement – Clothes shift as you walk, sit, and exist. Even if your underwear looked smooth in the mirror before you left the house, it might not be behaving the same way by the time you arrive at brunch.

The Best Underwear Choices to Prevent Panty Lines

So, what should you wear instead? Here are a few smart, no-nonsense options that actually work:

Seamless Shapewear Underwear

Traditional underwear relies on elastic edges, which are the enemy of smooth lines. Instead, look for raw-cut edges, which lay flat against your skin without digging in. Our SPANX® Undie-tectable® collection does exactly this—seam-free and designed to disappear under clothes.

Thongs vs. Full-Coverage: Do You Have to Wear a Thong?

Good news: no. While thongs eliminate the risk of VPL, they’re not the only answer. Seamless boyshorts, cheeky briefs, and smoothing shorts can do the job without requiring you to sacrifice comfort.

If you love a thong, great—just make sure it’s seamless and stretchy so it doesn’t dig in. If you don’t, something like the Undie-tectable Brief gives full coverage without creating telltale lines.

Fabric Choice: The Underwear That Disappears

Heavy cotton and lace are nice in theory, but they tend to show through tight clothing. Instead, look for lightweight, stretchy materials that mold to your body and won’t create bulk. Think microfibers, modal, and smoothing blends like those in SPANX® smoothing briefs and shaping panties.

How Shapewear Eliminates VPL

Underwear is only half the battle. If you want to go full stealth mode, shapewear is your best friend.

Shapewear Shorts

If you’re tired of underwear lines ruining your outfit, shapewear shorts solve the problem entirely. They give full coverage while smoothing your silhouette, so nothing digs in or shows through. SPANXshape Invisible Mid-Thigh Short is a great example—it’s featherlight, breathable, and won’t roll up or down.

Mid-Thigh & High-Waisted Styles: Extra Smoothing, No Lines

For outfits that require a little more sculpting (think bodycon dresses), high-waisted shapewear is the way to go. It smooths out everything—VPL included—so you don’t have to worry about lines, lumps, or bumps.

Shapewear Bodysuits & Briefs

Sometimes, a shapewear bodysuit is the easiest way to keep things sleek. It eliminates the need for separate underwear altogether while giving a seamless look under fitted tops and dresses. Our Suit Your Fancy Bodysuit is a solid choice—super smooth, comfortable, and designed to disappear under clothes.

How to Choose the Right Solution for Your Outfit

Different outfits call for different undergarment strategies. Here’s how to pick wisely:

• Leggings & Bodycon Dresses: Stick with seamless shaping shorts or lightweight thongs. A high-waisted shaping short will ensure everything stays smooth from waist to thigh.

• Jeans & Workwear: Jeans are more forgiving, but if you’re wearing fitted trousers or skirts, go with a seamless brief or shaping panty.

• Occasion Dressing: Formalwear often involves delicate fabrics, so seamless, smoothing options are key. A bodysuit or shaping slip can work wonders under structured dresses.

Common Mistakes That Lead to VPL (Even with the Right Pieces)

Even the best underwear won’t save you if you’re making these mistakes:

1. Wearing the wrong size – If your underwear or shapewear is too tight, it will dig in and create lines. Too loose? It will bunch and show. Get your right size, and don’t be afraid to go seamless.

2. Ignoring fabric composition – Some fabrics cling to underwear more than others. If you’re noticing VPL despite wearing seamless styles, the fabric of your clothing might be working against you.

3. Forgetting to test under different lighting – What looks smooth in your bedroom mirror might be a different story under office fluorescents. Check your outfit in multiple lighting situations before heading out.

Say Goodbye to VPL with SPANX

Preventing VPL isn’t just about one magic fix—it’s about choosing the best shapewear and underwear for the job. Whether it’s seamless briefs, shaping shorts, or a smoothing bodysuit, SPANX has the pieces that keep your outfit looking polished (without making you sacrifice comfort). So go forth, wear that bodycon dress with confidence, and never worry about panty lines again.