3 Xhilaration, Cotton Stretch hipster, $6 at Target (locations around the city, target.com)
We’re fans of the adorable stripe pattern, hardy cotton-spandex fabric and invisible seams, but disappointed to find these unmentionables saggy in the butt after a day. The low price, though, is hard to beat. —Madeline Nusser

THONG

4 Stella McCartney, Daily Snogging thong, $64; similar styles at Neiman Marcus (737 N Michigan Ave between Superior St and Chicago Ave, 312-642-5900)
Word of the designer’s recently released lingerie line had us salivating, and the thong didn’t disappoint in both comfort and class. It fits more like a bikini cut, with full coverage in front, and the lace and tulle floral fabric offers just enough “information” to be both titillating and tasteful.

5 Hanky Panky, $18 at G Boutique (2131 N Damen Ave at Charleston Ave, 773-235-1234)
These low-rise thongs have established a cultish following, and with good reason. The forgiving stretch-factor make them universally flattering, the thick strip down the bum feels barely-there and the lacy fabric goes unnoticed underneath tight garments.

6 GapBody, Ultra Low, Ultra Smooth thong, $12 at Gap (locations around the city, gap.com)
Similar in feel to VS’s Body by Victoria, minus the clingy elastic waistband, these no-frills knickers are so comfy they feel like going commando. Buy in bulk, as we imagine they won’t endure too many wears before freefalling around your ankles. —Jessica Herman

BOY SHORT

7 Delirious French Brief, $28 at Eberjay (eberjay.com)
We’re completely smitten with this mesh and nylon design, which comes in 15 different hues. It looks lacy and delicate in your drawer, but the sturdy waistband stands up to machine washing. And the hip-hitting, totally flattering fit looks awesome under tight pants—in other words, no panty lines.

8 Lulu Hot Shorts, $14 at lululemon (2104 N Halsted St, 773-883-8860, lululemon.com)
This cotton and lycra blend is snug in all the right places without cutting off circulation. The variety of cute patterns and colors they come in makes these undies even more covet-worthy. We couldn’t detect a tightness difference in the waistband between the small and medium sizes, but go bigger if you’re looking for more bum coverage.

9 Cotton Hipster, $8 at H&M (locations around the city)
In our experience, shopping at H&M can be hit or miss. But this no-frills cotton version we found in a sale bin was so comfy (absolutely zero wedgie-action) that we wished we’d snapped up more pairs. One caveat: They will shrink, so either buy a size up, or air dry them to preserve the fit. —Liz Plosser