Choosing the right underwear for your child is important whether you are at the beginning of your toilet training journey or have already passed the “dry all day” milestone.
It’s not just a case of buying a multipack and hoping for the best. There are several points you’ll need to consider:
- Material.
- Cut and comfort.
- How well they hold up.
- Your child’s preferences.
We’ve made it easy for you by analyzing and testing all of the latest brands and favorite old-school brands, taking the above features and more into consideration. Check out our top picks for the best underwear for kids.
- Soft fabric
- Cute and fun patterns
- Fast-drying fabric
- 100% organic
- Washes well
- Doesn’t shrink when washed
What Types of Kids Underwear Are Available?
Children’s underwear is available in a wide range of cuts and styles, almost as many as are available for adults.
Briefs
These are the most common cut of children’s underwear, as they are suitable for boys or girls.
Briefs usually sit just below the belly button, are pretty snug to the body, and have leg openings that sit at the crease at the top of the legs.
Boxers
Boxers are shaped like shorts and are generally made with lightweight fabric and comfortable waist elastic. They are loose at the legs.
Boxer Briefs
These are the same shape as boxers but fit snugly to the body like briefs.
Pull-Ups
The term “pull-ups” covers both disposable training underpants designed to be worn once and brief-style toddler underwear with absorbent padding to catch accidents. The latter is not disposable and is designed to be worn repeatedly like regular underwear.
When Should Toddlers Wear Underwear?
When your child begins to wear underwear will depend on how you intend to toilet train them (1).
Once your child shows readiness for toilet training, you can choose between regular underwear and disposable pull-ups. Your choice will depend on your child, your potty training journey, and your lifestyle.
Things to Consider
Material
Cotton is one of the best materials for kids underwear, with many parents opting for organic cotton. Using organic cotton will minimize the number of potentially toxic chemicals your children are exposed to.
Durability
How well your children’s underwear stands up to the rigors of the washing machine and dryer is a significant consideration when choosing. This is especially important when you are potty training, as your child may go through multiple changes of underwear in a day.
You don’t want to be throwing away multiple pairs of underwear and going to the expense of replacing them every few weeks. You can avoid that issue by ensuring the children’s underwear you buy washes well, keeping its shape, color, and feel.
Comfort
Some children don’t like snug-fitting underwear, while others may find loose underwear uncomfortable. Find the right size for your child’s weight to get the best fit.
You can never go wrong if you choose underwear without seams. Seams can potentially irritate sensitive skin or bother children with sensory issues.
Appearance
This might not be a big issue for most parents, but it may be the deciding factor on whether your child will wear the underwear you buy. Choose a range of underwear you would be happy to buy, and allow your child to make their own pick from this limited selection.
Your Kid’s Age
If your child is still potty training, you might want to buy underwear with a padded area to catch accidents. These are not designed to act as training pants or catch a full bladder. Instead, they catch those little “starter dribbles” that may begin before your little one gets to the washroom.
Consider how well your child can pull their underwear up and down unaided. Younger children may struggle to dress and undress, so underwear with a looser waist or grip holes may be your best bet.
Product Reviews
After analyzing dozens of pairs, we found that these underwear for kids stood out far above the rest.
Boboking Baby Soft Cotton Underwear
Best Girls Underwear
This soft cotton underwear from Boboking comes in a wide range of colors and patterns your kids will love. We like that the style sits a little higher in the front, preventing the continual slip-down effect so many other brands seem to have.
The fabric is 100% cotton, and the elastic is stitched into a cloth pocket so your child does not experience any pinching or discomfort. The crotch area has a double layer of cotton for extra sanitation.
Pros
- We found the sizing accurate, so there’s no guesswork and no having to size up or down.
- The fabric stands up well to multiple washes.
Cons
- The leg openings are larger than in some underwear.
Product Specs
| Style | Girls briefs |
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Sizes Available | 2T to 12 years |
| Number In Pack | Six |
| Colors/patterns available | 24 multipacks available from brights to pastels. |
Our Ratings
EZ Undeez Boys
Best Boys Underwear
This adorable underwear brand was designed and created by parents for their own toddlers. The soft, wide waistband makes them especially comfortable to wear.
The waistband also has a reinforced, embroidered hole at each hip, making it easier for your child to pull them up.
There are no tags or uncomfortable seams, and the legs don’t have tight elastic around the openings.
Pros
- Also available in toddler briefs style.
- A slightly padded area at the front catches tiny accidents before they can soak through to outer clothes.
- This underwear washes well and lasts long enough for kids to grow out of them.
Cons
- The sizing fits a little small, so you should check the sizing charts or order a size larger than you think you’ll need.
Product Specs
| Style | Boxers or briefs. |
| Material | Cotton |
| Sizes Available | 2T/3T and 4T/5T |
| Number In Pack | Four |
| Colors/patterns available | Six different theme packs are available. |
Our Ratings
Rocky Thermal Underwear/PJs
Best Thermal Kids Underwear
Rocky fleece thermal underwear is so soft yet wonderfully warm. That makes this thermal underwear exceptionally non-irritating.
The natural elasticity of the fabric makes the fit snug but comfortable while allowing your child flexibility of movement.
This two-piece set is made of polyester. It can be machine washed, which means it is practical as well as comfortable. Plus, it’s warm, making it an excellent pick for winter.
Pros
- The fabric holds heat when wet, so if your child has an accident when wearing them, they should remain warm.
- Lightweight and snug fit.
- Can also be worn as PJs.
Cons
- At the upper end of the children’s underwear price range.
Product Specs
| Style | Long underwear with matching long-sleeved vest. |
| Material | 92% polyester, 8% spandex |
| Sizes Available | 2T to 7 |
| Number In Pack | One pair of long underwear and one long-sleeved vest per pack |
| Colors/patterns available | 23 colors and prints available. |
Our Ratings
VieGreenleaf Potty Training Skirt
Best Quick-Dry Kids Underwear
When planning to start potty training your little one, these undie-skirts from VieGreenleaf are good helpers. They are made of three different layers to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep, free from wetness.
The first layer is soft, breathable cotton. The middle layer consists of TPU waterproof fabric. And the inner layer is extra-soft, fast-drying bamboo.
Pros
- Exceptionally soft fabric.
- Cute and fun children’s patterns but no character-driven designs.
Cons
- Tendency to leak if your child is a heavy wetter.
Product Specs
| Style | Skirt |
| Material | Cotton, TPU waterproof, bamboo |
| Sizes Available | For babies 2 to 6 years of age |
| Number In Pack | Two pairs per pack |
| Colors/patterns available | Two different patterns per pack. |
Our Ratings
City Threads Boys Certified Organic Cotton Underwear
Best Kids Underwear For Sensitive Skin
City Threads underwear is made with the most sensitive kids in mind. These cozy briefs are made from 100% certified organic cotton.
They are also dyed with non-toxic coloring and are pesticide-free, insecticide-free, and free of fire retardants.
Some organic clothes can be scratchy or take a few washes to soften up, but not these. The City Threads certified organic cotton briefs are made of super soft fabric that is comfortable from the first wear.
Pros
- They are 100% organic and chemical-free, so you know you are dressing your child in the safest clothes.
- This underwear washes well, doesn’t shrink, and lasts long enough for kids to grow out of them.
Cons
- The leg holes are relatively small, so if your kid doesn’t have skinny thighs, you’ll want to go up a size.
Product Specs
| Style | Briefs |
| Material | 100% certified organic cotton |
| Sizes Available | 2T to 16 |
| Number In Pack | Three pairs per pack |
| Colors/patterns available | Six different packs available for boys and five for girls. |
Our Ratings
SmartKnitKids Seamless Undies
Best Seamless Underwear For Kids
Created by the same company that produces patented seamless socks, the SmartKnitKids seamless undies are truly seamless.
Unlike other “seamless” underwear for kids, the leg openings and waistband are woven into the main body of the underwear, so even the openings are seam-free. In addition, there are no tags, and no elastic is used.
These super-soft, solid-colored boy-cut briefs are latex-free and stay in place throughout the day’s activities.
Pros
- Incredibly soft cotton is suitable for even the most sensitive children.
- The fabric is firm enough to slightly “hug” your child and does not feel constrictive.
- Designed and made in the U.S.
Cons
- There is currently a limited range of styles and colors available.
Product Specs
| Style | Available in boxer briefs and “boy cut” briefs for girls |
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Sizes Available | 4 to 12 years |
| Number In Pack | Three |
| Colors/patterns available | One mixed pack for boxer briefs and one mixed pack for girls’ briefs. |
Our Ratings
Hudson Baby Kids Unisex Pants
Best Gender-Neutral Kids Underwear
Hudson Baby gender-neutral underwear for kids makes toilet training easier for both parents and children.
These unisex toddler training pants have an absorbent layer that stretches from the front to the back of the underwear. This ensures that any small leaks will not spread far and makes it easier to leave the house in the early days of potty training.
Pros
- The underwear is 100% cotton with polyester and PEVA padding, making it easy to machine wash and dry.
- This underwear lasts well and maintains its size and shape after multiple washes.
- Light elastic around the legs and belly is firm enough to hold the underwear in place but not so tight as to be uncomfortable.
Cons
- Sizing runs on the small side. You may have to buy a couple of different sizes before you get the right fit for your child.
Product Specs
| Style | Briefs with padding |
| Material | 100% cotton with polyester & PEVA padding |
| Sizes Available | 12 months to 4T |
| Number In Pack | Four per pack |
| Colors/patterns available | 3 different packs available with a total of 10 designs. |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Style | Material | Sizes Available |
| Boboking Baby Cotton Underwear | Girls | Girls briefs | 100% cotton | 2T-12 years |
| EZ Undeez Boys | Boys | Boxers, briefs. | Cotton | 2-3 years & 4-5 years |
| Rocky Thermal Underwear/PJs | Thermal | Long johns | 92% polyester, 8% spandex | 2T to 7 |
| VieGreenleaf Training Skirt | Quick-Dry | Skirt | TPU, cotton, bamboo | 2 to 6 years |
| City Threads Organic Cotton Underwear | Sensitive Skin | Briefs | 100% organic cotton | 2T to 16 years |
| SmartKnitKids Seamless Undies | Seamless | Boxer briefs | 100% cotton | 4 to 12 years |
| Hudson Baby Unisex Pants | Gender-Neutral | Briefs | 100% Cotton | 12 months to 4T |
