Panties are divided into various types based on such criteria as amount of rear coverage, width at the sides, and height at which they are worn. These categories are not necessarily distinct and usage may vary somewhat among brands. Briefs rise to the waist or just below the navel and have full coverage in the rear. In the classic panties (or full) , the sides extend below the hip. In the high-cut panties (French cut) panties, they are somewhat narrower. Boyleg panties (or boyshorts) are styled after men's briefs and may have short legs extending below the crotch. Control panties (or control briefs) are a special type of pantie designed to offer support and give a slimmer appearance; these usually contain a stretch material such as spandex and may extend above the waist. Hipsters are similar to classic pantie, but are worn lower with the waistband around the hips. Bikinis are also worn at the hips, but the fabric at the sides is narrower. In the string bikini, it disappears altogether to leave the waistband as a "string". The rear coverage of the bikini is not as full as with the classic pantie. Tangas have somewhat full rear coverage, but the waistband is reduced to a narrow strip at the sides. Thongs have a waistband similar to tangas, but the rear coverage is not as full. The crotch is extended to the back with a narrow strip of fabric fitting between the buttocks, which becomes wider toward the top. The G-String is a thong with virtually no rear coverage, the narrow strip in the back extending from the crotch all the way to the waistband. It may also have a minimal front panel that barely covers the pubic region.
