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Contrary to popular belief, not all knickers are created equal, and when it comes to choosing the right undergarment, you should not get your panties in a bunch. It's time to go undercover to find out about the bare essentials.

While participating in rigorous activities or exercise, it is recommended to wear undergarments that support the body.

High-cut briefs - The high-cut brief should meet the abdomen and give coverage and support at back. Its features offer a bit of tummy shaping and influence firming in the areas you most want it.

Hipster briefs - "When I wear hipster briefs, not only am I comfortable but I support the bottom, where I want to be the firmest area."

Showy underwear (heavily patterned, lace etc.) distracts the audience if they are seen under leotards and also take away from the costumes that most dancers wear during performances.

Seamless high-cut - These support the waist, and once they are the right fit, they stay above the pelvic bone. Therefore, the audience most likely won't be able to see the style of underwear.

Neutrals - "No matter what style of underwear you have on during a dance performance, once it is a neutral and seamless, it won't be obvious to the audience. It's just up to you how well you match the neutral to your complexion."

The weekend wedgies

On weekends, or days when we are free from physical activity and we just want to dress up in a pair of jeans, we can wear any underwear we feel comfortable in.

Writer's choice:

Lace tanga/silk low cut - narrower than a bikini but provides moderate to minimal coverage that is more than you would get from a thong.

Reader's choice:

Thong - "Most weekends I'm out with friends and my go-to outfit is a pair of jeans and a tee. Thongs work best for me with jeans."

- Linda Wong, 18

The school skivvies

Some schools emphasise the style of underwear that should be worn under uniforms. Since we're in school for about seven hours, it all comes down to what is appropriate and comfortable.

Writer's choice:

Modest-rise seamless

"These straddle the line between a high-cut and a low-rise underwear design. They provide great coverage and are suitable for any uniform since the design does not show - everything is kept uniformed.

Reader's choice:

Boy shorts or low-rise?

"I prefer these underwear styles (especially in cotton) to wear under my uniform since they are comfortable. They also don't ride up against my skin and won't print through my uniform."

- Melissa Chin, 17

The 'late bloomers'

At night, we want to give our bodies rest from tight-fitting clothing; the same should apply to the underwear we choose. The best bedtime undergarments should always be made from cotton.

Writer's choice:

Cotton full briefs or 'bingos', as many of us call them, are best for bedtime. The cotton allows space to breathe and comfort throughout the night. Spandex may cause chafing/abrasions of the sensitive skin along the thighs.

Reader's choice:

Boxers - "Only one word can describe boxers - comfortable. That's why I choose these as my sleepwear."

Mikayla Irons, 19