Panties are the first thing we wear every morning and the last thing we take off. Yet, how often do we talk about the small (and sometimes big) problems they bring into our lives?
From the working woman in a busy city to the young girl in a college hostel, from new moms to grandmothers, each of us has faced those tiny, nagging issues that no one told us about. Today, we’re opening up the conversation. Let’s talk panty problems – the real ones. And most importantly, let’s talk about solutions.
1. Visible Panty Lines (VPL)
You’ve put on your favourite kurti and leggings, or a sleek office dress, and feel all confident. But as you pass a mirror or get a quick snap taken, suddenly your eyes go straight to it – that awkward panty line showing through.
Why Does It Happen?
It’s not just about wearing the “wrong panty”. VPL usually creeps in when you wear panties with thick seams, raised stitches, tight fits or non-seamless designs.
The Fix
Seamless panties are the perfect solution for this problem. You can also look for:
- Laser-cut edges that don’t leave a trace under clothing
- Nude tones that disappear under whites and pastels
- High-rise seamless briefs that hug your body without bunching
These designs cause you no rolling and no peeking lines.
Expert Tip
Always do a full-length mirror check in natural daylight before heading out – natural light shows what indoor light hides!
2. Panty That Rides Up
You’re at your desk, travelling in a bus or simply walking in your colony – and suddenly, you’re adjusting your panty for the third time. Annoying? Embarrassing? We know.
Why Does It Happen?
Most of the time, it comes down to a mismatch — either the size is off, or the style isn’t made for your body shape. Slippery fabrics like satin or some synthetics don’t grip the skin well, especially when moving. A too-tight fit will bunch and creep, while a too-loose fit will sag and fold.
The Fix
Switch to styles that stay where they’re meant to stay. Here’s what really works:
- Boyshorts and hipsters give better side coverage and reduce movement
- Cotton-mix fabrics offer gentle friction that keeps the panty in place
- Soft, snug waistbands prevent sliding without digging in
These designs move with your body instead of working against it.
Expert Tip
Try wearing a new style at home first — lounge, walk, sit, stretch. See how it feels after a couple of hours. You deserve a trial run before a public debut!
3. Elastic Marks & Skin Irritation
Ever removed your panty at night only to see angry red marks on your waist or thighs? Sometimes it’s just a temporary imprint, but other times, it turns into rashes or itching that lasts through the night.
Why Does It Happen?
This problem is usually due to tight elastics, rough seams, or abrasive fabrics. Daily repetition of the same type of panty, especially in hot weather, can cause skin irritation or even discolouration over time.
The Fix
It’s time to treat your skin with the gentleness it deserves:
- Opt for panties with covered or soft elastic bands that don’t dig in
- Look for modal or microfibre fabrics — buttery smooth and feather-light
- Avoid synthetic lace if you’re sensitive, especially on inner thighs or waistband
These fabrics softly distribute the pressure evenly.
Expert Tip
Rotate your styles. Don’t wear the same tight style every day. Let your skin breathe with a mix of looser fits, especially on weekends or at bedtime.
4. Chafing & Sweating in the Heat
From house chores to long bus rides, sweating and chafing are a real experience, especially in Indian summers and humid monsoons.
Why Does It Happen?
In India’s hot and humid weather, wearing non-breathable or too-tight panties can trap sweat, increase rubbing, and cause redness or soreness. It’s even worse if you’re moving around all day.
The Fix
Keep it cool, airy, and dry:
- Choose 100% cotton panties for daily wear — they absorb sweat and allow airflow
- Try moisture-wicking panties or those with mesh panels for breathability
- Longer styles like boyshorts or biker shorts protect the thighs from rubbing
These solutions reduce moisture build-up and minimise skin-on-skin friction.
Expert Tip
A little coconut oil or an anti-chafe cream between your thighs goes a long way. It’s an age-old home remedy that genuinely works wonders in our climate!
5. Hygiene Woes
Feeling itchy, noticing a weird smell, or having discharge? Many women silently go through these without ever talking about them.
Why Does It Happen?
Wearing synthetic panties all day, not changing after sweating, washing panties with harsh soaps or not drying them properly adds to the issue.
The Fix
Let hygiene be your first love:
- Wear breathable cotton panties for regular, everyday use
- Change your panty after sweating, not just your outerwear
- Use mild, pH-balanced detergent and dry panties in full sunlight (natural disinfectant)
You can also look for panties with anti-bacterial finishes or neem-infused fabrics for an extra layer of protection.
Expert Tip
Change your panties every 10–12 hours, and yes, even your nightwear panty needs to be fresh.
6. Period Leaks & Insecurity
Whether you’re on a crowded train or teaching a class, that feeling of doubt creeps in: “Did I just leak?” It’s more common than we admit.
Why Does It Happen?
Standard panties are thin and don’t provide any backup for leaks. A sudden flow spike, pad misalignment, or extended wear without changing can cause stains. And most panties don’t offer the coverage or support needed during heavy flow days or overnight.
The Fix
Turn protection into peace of mind:
- Invest in period panties — they absorb light leaks and act as a backup for pads
- Go for high-rise, full-coverage briefs with thicker fabric for secure pad hold
- Pair with overnight pads or menstrual cups for all-night confidence
These options are designed to handle surprise leaks while keeping you comfortable.
Expert Tip
Keep a small pouch in your bag with a spare panty, pad, and wipe. You’ll never regret being prepared!
7. Muffin Tops & Bulging Waistbands
Even if no one else notices, we do. That band cutting into your waist, showing under a saree blouse or a tight kurti? You tug, you adjust — but it’s still visible and uncomfortable.
Why Does It Happen?
Panties that are too tight or have narrow waistbands compress the soft waist area, especially when sitting or bending. Hormonal bloating, body changes, or weight fluctuations can make even your “usual” size feel off.
The Fix
Give your waist a break:
- Switch to high-waist panties with broad, smooth waistbands that gently contour
- Avoid ultra-low-rise styles if they keep slipping or folding down
- Try seamless shapewear panties for a smoother look under fitted clothing
These styles hug without squeezing, and give your body room to breathe and move.
Expert Tip
Your body changes, and your panties should keep up. Don’t feel guilty about sizing up — it’s not about weight, it’s about fit and comfort. Don’t hesitate to re-measure and re-buy.
Dear Reader,
You are not alone in your panty problems. We’ve all been there. Choosing the right panties is a part of self-care. So, next time you’re buying one, don’t go by looks alone. Go by how it makes you feel at the end of a long day.
Now, let’s move forward in comfort and confidence – one good panty at a time.
Love, Shyaway Team
FAQs
- Difficulty going commando… discharge shows on clothes?
You should always wear breathable cotton underwear to absorb natural discharge. If you prefer going commando at home, use a soft panty liner and change it every few hours to feel fresh and protect your clothes. - Can panty liners clean out the ‘HS smell’ from new underwear?
You must wash new underwear before wearing it for the first time. Always use a mild, fragrance-free detergent and air-dry them in sunlight to remove factory chemicals and prevent that initial “plasticky” odour. - My underwear causing me irritation, will it affect vaginal health?
Yes, underwear that irritates can affect your vaginal health—especially over time. Always choose 100% cotton or breathable fabrics if your skin is sensitive, and change your underwear daily to maintain hygiene and airflow.