Last Updated on 8 minutes ago by Kasey Lynch
Underwear is one of those things you don’t think about until you’re thinking about it all day.
A waistband that rolls, a thong that shifts, fabric that traps heat and makes you painfully aware of its existence. If you’ve ever ended the day feeling like your underwear was working against you, it probably was.
Subset promises the opposite: breathable organic cotton, better fits, and underwear you forget you’re wearing.
So if you’ve been wondering, “Is Subset underwear worth it?” — I tested it so you don’t have to gamble $20 a pair.
I bought the Mid-Rise Thong, Boyshort Mid-Rise Shorties, and Briefs and wore them through full days, workouts, sleep, and plenty of wash cycles.
This is my honest Subset organic cotton underwear review, covering fit, comfort, breathability, durability, and whether they’re actually worth your money.
P.S. Follow me on TikTok to see my Conscious Closet Review series, where I try organic cotton underwear so you don’t have to.
Table of Contents:
- About Subset
- What I Look For in Underwear (Before Spending My Money)
- Subset Mid-Rise Thong Review
- Subset Mid-Rise Boyshort Shorties Review
- Subset Briefs Review
- Material, Quality & Sustainability
- How It Compares to Other Organic Underwear Brands
- Pros & Cons — Overall Subset Underwear Review Summary
- Who Should Buy Subset Underwear?
- Care Tips
- Subset Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts & Rating
About Subset
Subset (formerly Knickey) rebranded with a focus on elevated organic basics. Their whole thing? Clean, simple essentials made with organic cotton and sustainable practices.
Here’s what sets Subset organic underwear apart:
- 95% organic cotton + 5% elastane
- Fair trade factories
- GOTS certified sustainable materials
- Minimalist, everyday styles
- Size range XS–3XL (yes, inclusive)
They don’t do lacey, frilly, overly designed underwear. This is “I want breathable cotton on my body” energy.
What I Look For in Underwear (Before Spending My Money)
Before we dive into each style, here’s how I evaluate underwear. I’ve created a scorecard-based system to review organic cotton underwear consistently and at scale just for you! The main categories I cover focus on:
- Fit & Comfort – Does it dig? Roll? Shift?
- Seams & Movement
- Gusset & Coverage
- Waistband
- Fabric Quality – Does it feel substantial or flimsy?
- Everyday Wearability – Can I forget I’m wearing it?
- Odor & Breathability – How they perform during a long day?
- Durability – How does it hold up after washing?
- Style & Coverage – Does it do what it promises?
- Pros & Cons – Highlights and any minor issues
Now let’s get into the details.
Subset Mid-Rise Thong Review
Price: $20
Cotton %: 95% cotton, 5% elastane
Waistband: 91% nylon, 9% elastane
Size Range: XS–3XL
Date Tested: Feb 9, 2026
My Subset mid rise thong review is one of the main reasons I kicked off my Conscious Closet Review series. It served as the inspiration to help you, and other shoppers like you, determine “Is Subset underwear worth it,” or should you spend your hard-earned cash somewhere else.
That being said, this is hands-down the most comfortable thong I’ve ever worn! And I do not say that lightly.
Fit & Comfort
It sits at a true mid-rise — not low-slung, not high-waisted. The waistband is slim but does not roll or dig. That alone earns respect.
No excessive elastane in the seams, which is huge if you have sensitive skin. The leg openings are smooth, and there’s no weird tension pulling at the hips.
Gusset & Coverage — 21/25
- Protective 4.5 inches in gusset length
- 1 inch 5/8ths at the narrowest width (which is wider than most)
- Double-layered organic cotton
- Proper placement (not awkwardly far back)
Functional, not decorative. Which is exactly what I want.
Odor & Breathability — 11/15
This is where organic cotton earns its reputation and where synthetics quietly reveal their worst quality. Synthetic blends trap heat, moisture, and odor, forcing you live with it for the rest of the day. Organic cotton breathes in a way that lets your body actually regulate itself, which sounds basic but makes a significant difference by hour six.
After a full day followed by a workout, here’s what I noticed:
- End-of-day odor: mild. Noticeable up close, but nothing that announced itself
- Slight warmth post-workout, though it dissipated faster than I expected
- No swampy, damp feeling! If you’ve worn the wrong underwear through a workout, you know exactly why this one matters
Organic cotton consistently outperforms synthetics here, and Subset is no exception. It’s not magic — you’ll still sweat, you’ll still feel a workout — but the fabric works with your body instead of against it, and by the end of the day, that difference is hard to ignore.
Seams & Movement — 19/20
For a thong, this is the category that makes or breaks it, and Subset mostly nails it. Here’s what stood out:
- Nearly invisible lines under clothing
- No chafing, even after a full day
- Stays put without constant readjusting
- Excellent stretch recovery after washing
A lot of cotton thongs shift, bunch, and migrate by midday. This one doesn’t. It comes out of the wash looking and fitting exactly like it did on day one!
Note: If you regularly dry this underwear in a dryer instead of letting it air-dry, the fibers will stretch out over time, resulting in looser wear.
Fabric Quality — 17/20
Before anything else, the fabric has to deliver — and with organic cotton at this price point, that’s not a given. Subset holds up:
- Medium-substantial weight — not flimsy, not stiff
- Still soft after multiple washes, no stiffening or pilling
- Fully opaque, no sheerness issues
- Certified sustainable cotton
It feels considered rather than cheap, which matters when you’re paying a premium for the material itself. The weight hits a sweet spot — substantial enough to feel quality, light enough to stay comfortable all day.
Waistband — 15/15
Flat all day. No rolling. No digging. No red lines.
Final Score: 84/100
Who it’s best for:
- Thong lovers
- Minimal panty-line wearers
- Sensitive skin
- Everyday comfort seekers
If you want cotton but hate bulky thongs, the Mid-Rise Thong by Subset is your ride-or-die bestie.
Subset Mid-Rise Boyshort Shorties Review
These are in constant rotation for me, especially for sleeping. With about a 3-inch inseam and fuller coverage, they lean comfy over sexy, though they are a little cheeky in the back. If you’re someone who finds thongs uncomfortable and briefs too structured, these sit in a sweet spot that’s hard to find.
Fit & Comfort
These feel like a hug without being tight, which sounds like marketing copy until you actually put them on. The waistband is soft and slim, lying flat without rolling or digging in, and the self-edge leg openings skip the elastic entirely, so there’s no imprint by the end of the day.
They’re ideal under:
- Flowy dresses
- Loose pants
- Lounge sets
- Pajamas
Seams & Movement
No digging, no riding up. For a shortie style, which can have a tendency to bunch or creep, they stay put surprisingly well — even after a full day of moving around.
Gusset & Coverage
Full coverage with a properly sized gusset. Zero complaints here.
Breathability
These are genuinely great for sleep. The organic cotton keeps things breathable overnight without overheating, which is more than I can say for most loungewear-adjacent underwear styles.
Durability
They maintain their shape and softness after washing, which is the real test for any cotton underwear. I do recommend hang drying to preserve the elasticity and keep them lasting longer.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable, all-day and overnight
- Ideal for sleeping
- No seam or elastic digging
- Sensitive-skin friendly fabric
Cons
- Not ideal under tight leggings — too much fabric for a smooth line
- Not shapewear, so don’t expect any compression or smoothing
Best for: Lounge lovers, sleep comfort, and anyone who wants fuller coverage without sacrificing softness.
Subset Briefs Review
Now onto my Subset briefs review. If the thong is minimal and the boyshort is lounge-core, the briefs are the middle ground. I’m not a huge fan of briefs, but these are nice to have around when it’s laundry day or shark week (aka my period). The one main differentiating factor is that you will see the seams of these underneath your clothes.
Fit & Comfort
Classic coverage. Sits comfortably at mid-rise. The waistband performs exactly like the thong — slim, secure, no rolling. However, there’s a tighter fit around the legs than the thong.
Movement
Stays in place throughout the day without constant readjusting, which sounds like the bare minimum but is genuinely harder to find than it should be. The fit is secure without feeling restrictive.
Breathability
You get the same organic cotton softness as the other styles — breathable, gentle, no synthetic stuffiness. It does run slightly warmer than the thong by nature of the coverage, but nothing uncomfortable. Just worth noting if you run hot.
Durability
Holds up well after washing, with both shape and softness remaining intact. That said, like most cotton pieces, longevity comes down to how you care for them. Hang drying over machine drying will go a long way.
Pros
- Full coverage without bulk, though seam lines will show under fitted clothing
- Sensitive skin approved thanks to the organic cotton
Cons
- Slightly higher price point than multi-pack competitors, which is worth weighing if you’re stocking up
Best for: Anyone wanting a straightforward, well-made everyday brief that prioritizes comfort and fabric quality over bells and whistles.
Material, Quality & Sustainability
The 95% organic cotton blend is where Subset organic underwear shines.
Why organic cotton matters:
- Gentler on skin
- Less irritation
- More breathable
- Better for the environment
There’s no aggressive elastic stitched into the seams, which makes these ideal for anyone who reacts to synthetic blends.
I’ve had zero irritation issues. That statement alone is worth its weight in gold as someone who frequently struggles with ingrown hairs, irritation, and eczema.
How It Compares to Other Organic Underwear Brands
Compared to other organic brands like Pact or Organic Basics:
Where Subset stands out:
- Superior comfort
- Thoughtful waistband design
- True everyday functionality
- Sensitive skin friendly
Where it may fall short:
- Price point
- Some online mentions refer to elastic longevity over long-term use
That said, in my experience so far, performance has been strong.
Overall, I reach for the Mid-Rise Thong constantly! It’s my go-to for travel days and the one pair of underwear that’s changed how I look at my lingerie drawer.
Pros & Cons — Overall Subset Underwear Review Summary
Pros
- Soft, breathable organic cotton
- Extremely comfortable fit
- Clear style differences
- Inclusive sizing
- No digging seams
Cons
- $20 per pair adds up, but they do offer discounted bundles
- Not decorative or sexy
- Cotton always requires gentler care
Who Should Buy Subset Underwear?
Subset isn’t trying to be everything, and that focus is actually what makes it good at what it does. If your priorities align with what they’re offering, it’s an easy recommendation.
Buy if you want:
- Eco-friendly basics made with certified sustainable materials
- Comfortable, low-maintenance everyday underwear that doesn’t require thinking about
- Natural fibers against your skin, especially if you’re sensitive or prone to irritation
- A clean, no-dig fit without fussy seams or aggressive elastic
Skip if you want:
- Lace or anything with a more elevated, lingerie-adjacent aesthetic
- Compression or smoothing — this is not that
- High-impact athletic support for intense training or high-sweat workouts
If you’re making the switch from synthetic blends and just want underwear that feels good, stays put, and is better for the planet, Subset is absolutely worth the investment.
If you need performance or polish, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Care Tips
Subset underwear is low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way toward keeping them in rotation longer. Organic cotton is durable, but like any natural fiber, how you wash it determines how long it actually lasts.
- Wash cold — hot water breaks down fibers faster and can cause shrinkage over time
- Use a gentle detergent — nothing harsh or heavily fragranced, especially if you have sensitive skin
- Skip fabric softener — it coats the cotton fibers and actually reduces breathability over time, which defeats the whole point
- Hang dry when possible — the dryer is where elastic goes to die slowly
Cotton genuinely loves air drying, and your waistbands will thank you for it. It takes more patience than throwing everything in the dryer, but if you’re spending $20 a pair, it’s worth the extra step.
Related: Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents & Cleaning Supplies You Can Count On
Subset Frequently Asked Questions
Is Subset underwear worth it?
For most people, yes. If you’re prioritizing natural fibers, sustainable materials, and everyday comfort, the price per pair makes sense — especially compared to cheaper synthetic options that wear out faster and feel worse against your skin. If you need lace, compression, or athletic performance, it’s not the right fit.
How does Subset underwear sizing run?
Subset sizing runs true to size in my experience. If you’re between sizes and prefer a looser fit, I’d size up. If you prefer a more snug fit, size down! One thing to keep in mind is that organic cotton will naturally loosen over time compared to synthetics. For a longer-lasting fit, sizing down will likely be your better option.
Is Subset organic cotton underwear actually certified?
Yes — Subset uses GOTS certified organic cotton, which means the sustainability claims aren’t just marketing. It’s one of the more rigorous textile certifications available.
How does the Subset mid-rise thong fit?
The mid-rise thong sits comfortably at the natural waist without digging. It stays put better than most cotton thongs, which tend to shift throughout the day, and the seams are nearly invisible under clothing. Check out this video for a real-time look at seams under maroon leggings.
How do the Subset boyshort shorties fit?
The boyshort shorties have about a 3-inch inseam with fuller coverage and soft self-edge leg openings that don’t dig or leave marks. They run comfortable and relaxed, making them great for sleep and lounging, but less ideal under tight leggings.
How do Subset briefs compare to other organic cotton underwear?
Subset briefs hold up well against competitors at a similar price point. The fabric quality and fit are consistent, though seam lines are visible under fitted clothing. The main tradeoff is price — you’re paying more per pair than you would with a multi-pack brand, but the material and durability justify it with proper care.
How do you wash Subset underwear?
Cold wash, gentle detergent, no fabric softener, and hang dry when possible. The organic cotton and elastic both last significantly longer with air drying over machine drying.
Final Thoughts & Rating
Final Score: 84/100
Mid-Rise Thong: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Boyshort Shorties: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 for sleep)
Briefs: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Brand Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Is Subset underwear worth it?
If comfort is your top priority — hell yes!
If you’re looking for cheap multipacks — not so much.
The thong alone changed my standards for cotton underwear. The boyshorts live in my sleep drawer. The briefs are not my favorite cut.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Would I tell my friend not to waste her money if they were bad? Also yes.
If you’ve tried Subset organic cotton underwear, I’d love to hear your experience, especially long-term durability.
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