Our underwear drawers are as complicated and varied as we are, and lingerie shops are filled with everything from laundry day briefs to sexpot Brazilians. So what's your panty style?

Boy Short Panties

The Boy Short gives you a full-coverage option with a whole lot of cute. The waist band falls at the hips and the leg openings hug the bottom of your toosh (with an inch or two of skin peaking out). Result: girl-next-door sex appeal.

• Comfort: The boy shorts are the ultimate in comfort with leg openings that stay in place. You'll usually find this panty in soft cotton or microfiber meaning you'll be as comfortable as you are covered.
• Sex Factor: The glimpse of derrière that peeks out from the bottom of these panties gives this look a touch of innocent sexiness.
• Practicality: The boy short stays in place, cutting down on those unsightly adjustments (which should never be done in public). But the low leg openings means you'll be able to see your panty line through clingy fabrics or fitted dress pants.
• Change it up: With a higher cut to the leg openings and a lower rise, the boy short can get hot fast. Look for this style in a soft, weightless fabric for a flirtier look, or go lace and find yourself in the land of Brazilians.

Brief Underwear

The Brief is a timeless classic screaming to be left in the past. This full-coverage panty sits below the waist with leg openings that expose the outer upper thigh. The result: accentuated thighs and diminished backside (eww).

• Comfort: As much as this style is praised for its top-notch comfort, we tend to disagree. The maximum coverage in the back results in minimal (and awkward) coverage by the end of the day.
• Sex Factor: How to put this... the brief won't be starting any fires in the bedroom, to say the least.
• Practicality: The brief has one big problem: panty-lines. You just can't get away from those inexcusable lines peeking through everything from your jeans to your dresses. There are only two acceptable occasions for this panty to be worn: "that time of the month" and laundry day.
• Change it up: If you're trying to revive the brief, choose low-rise styles with minimal back coverage.

Classic Thong Panties

The Classic Thong is the ultimate in practicality and sex appeal. The thong sits low on the waist with full-coverage in the front and barely-there coverage in the back. The result: a comfortable look that requires one fabulous derrière.

• Comfort: With its thick band, the classic thong stays put and doesn't gather or pull. If you don't mind a little extra fabric in places that might not be used to it, then this panty is the choice for you.
• Sex Factor: This sporty-sexy look requires confidence; your bottom will be on full display, so make sure you're comfortable with so much exposure.
• Practicality: This is the category that the classic thong shines. In a seamless microfiber, this panty will disappear under light fabrics and body-hugging garments.
• Change it up: By dropping the waist line the thong will soar up the sexometre. Steer clear of plain and ribbed cotton, and chose more flattering fabrics like mesh or microfiber. A hybrid design between the thong and the Brazilian is another hot option; this design has the Brazilian look in the front and tapers into a thinner band in the back.

G-String Panties

The G-String takes the classic thong and sexes it up. The band is replaced with three strings that meet at a "T" in the back. The result: the tiniest of all panty designs that's only a few square inches away from your birthday suit.

• Comfort: Since it's hardly there you can hardly feel it! Our only gripe with the g-string is its tendency to ride around your nether region.
• Sex Factor: This panty is the perfect pair for a flirty baby doll or sexy corset. And a black mesh g-string is the ultimate in bad-girl sex appeal.
• Practicality: The g-string is great under form-fitting jeans and other body-hugging, thicker fabrics. But under thin or filmy materials, the strings on this panty will be visible resulting in a not-so-classy look.
• Change it up: G-strings can be purchased with adjustable straps to expand or tighten according to your body type.

Brazilian Band (or Tanga) Panties

The Brazilian Band is our top pick for sexiness while remaining surprisingly comfortable. The Brazilian band, usually in sensual lace, sits ultra-low on the waist with leg openings one-quarter to one-half down your derriere. The result: hot damn.

• Comfort: Since the Brazilian feels like an elasticized band that wraps around your hips, you couldn't ask for a panty more comfortable. The leg openings stay in place and the waist band doesn't cut in.
• Sex Factor: The cut in the back of this panty makes any toosh look impeccable. From barely-there to a perky bubble, the Brazilian will give you a top-notch behind.
• Practicality: Depending on the thickness of the fabric, the Brazilian band usually looks invisible under thicker clothing. In thinner fabrics or pants without back pockets, you do risk seeing the hem of the leg opening across your toosh. Under silks and satins, this panty's lacey texture tends to peek through, so you might want to choose a microfiber or mesh option.
• Change it up: Add a bit of length and you've got yourself...

Full Brazilian Panties

The Full Brazilian gives you a few inches more coverage than its skimpier cousin — but with just as much sex appeal. The full Brazilian sits low on the waist and the leg openings cut three-quarters down your behind. The result: slims the thighs while drawing focus to your derrière.

• Comfort: Much like the Brazilian band, this panty is a sure bet for comfort. The extended fabric is also less likely to bunch and leaves you less exposed.
• Sex Factor: This panty will leave you feeling (and looking) sensual and saucy while remaining comfortably covered up.
• Practicality: This Brazilian is even more successful in disappearing under clingy fabrics because the leg opening seam sits below the fullest part of your bottom.

Frou-Frou Panties

The made-to-be-taken-off panty is anything from a ruffled pink number tied together with satin bows, or a racy mesh thong embellished with feathers and rhinestones. These impractical delights are decorated with bobbles, ribbons, ruffles and jewels and can't be worn under anything. The result: one hell of a costume with nowhere to go (but your bedroom).

• Comfort: Decorate a g-string with a strip of peek-a-boo pearls and tell me how comfortable that feels.
• Sex Factor: These panties top the charts when it comes to sex appeal. They won't work under clothing but conveniently these panties won't be staying on long.
• Practicality: There is none.
• Change it up: The sky's the limit when it comes to spicing up your intimates drawer. Add color, texture and embellishments and don't forget to pick up the matching impractical bra.