As if life wasn't complicated enough, I need to shop for panties.  I could go to the department store and pick up the same old thing that I've always worn.  Safe.  Boring. Predictable.  I could, but I won't.  I've read those articles about how lingerie influences your mood.  In fact, I wrote a couple of them, myself. 

Now, operating under the "panties make or break your mood" theory, I navigate to the website of my favorite lingerie retailer.  I am much more comfortable shopping with the anonymity of the internet, than in person, in a department store, where there is a chance of public commentary on my selections.  Now, however, I am faced with the challenge of choosing from an ever-lengthening list of panty options.  In an effort to de-mystify this process, I thought a discussion of types of panties might be in order. 

If you are considering buying panties for your spouse or girlfriend, there are a couple of things you really need to keep in mind. Don't base your choice solely on what you have seen her wear for you during intimate moments, if you want to buy panties that she will wear often. We women are notorious for choosing "special" lingerie for those occasions, and comfort may have nothing to do with those decisions. Gentlemen, if you want to buy her panties, go shopping with her. That is the only way you will know if she only wears panties that come in sets with a matching bra, or if she considers some styles to be right for everyday, but not for dress up occasions.

Listed here, are the basic styles of ladies panties, and a brief description:

Briefs:  Briefs are "full coverage" panties.  They are high-waisted, with leg openings at the natural crease between thigh and torso.  Often sold in both nylon and cotton knit fabrics, briefs are those undergarments most famously known as "granny panties".  While they are not particularly glamorous, they are comfortable, and are still preferred by some women for casual wear and for certain times of the month.  As a sexier alternative, briefs also come in a "High Cut" or "French Cut" style, which has a larger leg opening that is cut much higher on the sides.  These may also have a slightly lower waist, still above the hips, but closer to the natural waist.

Hiphuggers or Hipsters:  These panties are like the briefs, except they are lower rise, resting on the hips.  The sides are wider than the high cut briefs, giving more coverage on the sides and back.  Boyshorts are a variation of this type of panty, but have more coverage and wider sides. 

Tanga Pants or "Cheekies":  Like the Hiphugger, Tanga panties are usually low-rise, but are cut high on the leg and back, to show more of the cheek.  Tangas are increasingly popular because they combine the comfort of a brief with a sexy attitude.  Add rows of lace or fabric ruffles on the back of the Tanga Panty, and they become Rhumba Pants, those fun panties with a latin flair that make you want to dance! 

Bikini:  As a rule a bikini panty has full to medium coverage in the back, a narrow front, and sides that sit on the hips, and may vary from thin, to string width.  Bikini was the most popular choice in ladies panties for many years, before the even skimpier panties, gained acceptance.

Thongs, G-Strings:  These are the very popular, tiny, sexy panties that consist of a low, thin front, with very thin sides, and an even thinner back, leaving the entire rear end exposed.  The configuration of the back may differ, making the panty a G-String, V-String, T-Back or plain thong.  The term "whale tail" refers to the visual that is presented when the back of a woman's thong is visible above the waistline of her jeans.  This was once considered provocative, but has currently been relegated to the category of wardrobe errors.

The panties you prefer will depend entirely on what you think is sexy and comfortable. And again, for the men, when choosing panties for your significant other, keep in mind her preferences, unless you are buying something specifically for your intimate moments together, in which case, armed with this list, it's ok to shop for something that is appealing to you.