For many transfeminine people, gender-affirming underwear and swimwear are an important part of daily comfort, self-expression, and confidence. Today there are two major categories of MTF panties and swimsuits:

1. Tucking garments – designed to flatten and smooth the groin area
    
2. No-tuck feminizing designs – designed to create a feminine appearance without requiring a tuck
    

Both options can help you express your identity and wear the styles you love, whether that’s everyday panties, lingerie, or swimwear at the beach or pool.

Tucking is a technique used to reduce or hide the appearance of the penis and testicles to create a smoother, flatter front profile under clothing or swimwear. 

Typically, tucking involves gently positioning the genitals and holding them in place with tight underwear, shapewear, or specialized garments like a gaff. 

A gaff is a type of compression underwear designed specifically to smooth the groin and reduce bulge, helping the wearer achieve a more traditionally feminine silhouette. 

Tucking is not required to be valid or feminine—but for many, it can:

• Reduce dysphoria
   
• Improve comfort in tight clothing or swimwear
   
• Increase safety and confidence in public settings
   

There are several popular types of tucking underwear and panties available today:

• Made with strong elastic or compression panels
   
• Pull everything flat against the body
   
• Can be worn with or without a full tuck
   
• Often styled like briefs, hipsters, or thongs
   

These are the most common everyday solution because they are reusable, washable, and comfortable for extended wear. 

• Similar to shapewear or athletic compression gear
   
• Provide moderate flattening without extreme pressure
   
• Good for beginners or light tucking
   

Some people layer two pairs of tight underwear to achieve a mild tuck with less pressure. 

• Use medical or specialty body tape
   
• Often used for swimwear, stage performance, or tight outfits
   
• Provides the smoothest, most secure look
   

However, tape is typically single-use and requires care to avoid skin irritation. 

Many brands now design swim-specific gaffs or bikini bottoms with:

• Reinforced front panels
   
• Wider gussets
   
• Double-layer compression fabric
   

These are designed to hold a tuck in water while maintaining a feminine bikini silhouette.

Not everyone wants to tuck—and fortunately, modern designs now allow for a feminine look without repositioning anatomy.

These designs fall into several categories:

Some panties include:

• Foam or fabric padding
   
• Sculpted shaping panels
   
• Layered gussets
   

These create a soft, rounded front contour that mimics feminine anatomy even without a tuck.

Instead of flattening, these designs:

• Gently position anatomy downward or inward
   
• Use structured seams or fabric tension to reduce projection
   
• Smooth the outline into a more subtle, feminine shape
   

These are especially popular for comfort and daily wear.

Some swimwear is specifically cut to create the visual illusion of a vulva shape or flat front appearance using:

• Strategic seams
   
• Center ruching
   
• Stretch tension panels
   

These are often called:

• “feminizing bikinis”
   
• “illusion front suits”
   
• “no-tuck MTF swimwear”
   

Some people prefer:

• Skirted bikini bottoms
   
• High-waisted briefs
   
• Swim shorts with feminine styling
   

These don’t hide anatomy through compression—but instead through coverage and styling.

MTF panties and swimwear often use special materials to create the desired effect:

• Spandex / Lycra blends (stretch + compression)
   
• Power mesh (firm flattening)
   
• Double-layer nylon or polyester
   
• Cotton gussets for comfort and hygiene
   

• Reinforced front panel
   
• Wide gusset (prevents slipping)
   
• Elastic shaping seams
   
• Breathable lining
   

Some modern designs even use multi-layer shaping systems to combine comfort and strong flattening without excessive pressure.

When using tucking garments or shapewear:

• Tucking should never be painful
   
• Take breaks and allow circulation to return
   
• Avoid excessive tightness or long-term pressure
   
• Keep garments clean and dry to avoid irritation
   

If you experience discomfort, it’s best to switch to lighter compression or no-tuck designs. 

Every body is different, so choosing the right MTF underwear or swimwear comes down to:

• Completely flat look
   
• Soft, subtle shaping
   
• Feminine styling without compression
   

• Full tuck
   
• Light tuck
   
• No tuck at all
   

• Daily wear
   
• Active use (gym, swimming)
   
• Special occasions or fashion
   

There is no “one correct option”—the best choice is what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and authentically yourself.

Over the past decade, there has been a huge expansion in brands offering:

• Dedicated MTF underwear lines
   
• Inclusive sizing
   
• Tucking and non-tucking swimwear
   
• Gender-affirming shapewear
   

Many companies now design specifically for transfeminine bodies, offering both practical function and aesthetic style so you can enjoy everything from everyday panties to micro bikinis and fashion swimwear.

MTF panties and swimwear have evolved into a wide range of options—from strong tucking gaffs to innovative no-tuck feminizing designs. Whether your goal is a completely flat silhouette or simply a softer, more feminine look, there are styles available to match your body, comfort level, and identity.

Ultimately, the purpose of these garments isn’t just appearance—it’s about feeling aligned, confident, and free to express yourself in the way that feels right for you.