Sorry if I'm telling something that is already known, but having failed to get suitable underwear in my usual place (primark) I ventured to my nearest M&S Outlet and was amazed to find multi packs of various types (thongs, high legs, full, etc) in actual sizes ! That is, specifically size 12, not 10-12, etc.

The cross size options rarely work for me, I either end up furtling about trying to get them comfortably positioned, or they leave lines where one doesn't want them.

I'm guessing that all other Gransnetters new this, but were keeping it a secret until shown the secret sign!

I certainly didn't know it, phoenix! I gave up on M&S when they stopped doing 12/14 knickers and there was a lot of disgruntlement, and I haven't looked since. Thanks!

Sloggies for me!

M&S now has an online outlet. If you click on 'outlet' at the top right hand corner of the home page, you may find some bargains - including and apart from undies.
I have found very acceptable knickers in Sainsbury's. Like Sloggies but without those annoying seams.

Knickers from Tesco are terrible, one wash and they have grown in size, but you will not discover this until you have put them on and get half way down the street and you get a sort of "somethings not right " feeling

Mine just come in either "big knickers", "huge knickers" and "hold you in knickers"!

Thanks Annobel for that information about the M&S online outlet. I've ordered a couple of things already - things that I didn't know I needed

I still by M & S but always to match a bra- quality is not what it was though and nothing realy pretty and lacy anymore.

Knickers are pretty bewildering aren't they, when they are "on the shelf" and trying them on seems, somehow, wrong. So many different shapes, and so many of them uncomfortable. The most bewildering one of all is the thong! On what shape of backside is that a comfortable thing to walk around in?
Unfortunately mens knickers had gone the same way with about ten different shapes available. Most of them the wrong one.

I agree Jess. I have tried thongs, and found it like wearing a cheese grater up your backside. I like my size not the cross sized ones, and the most comfortable knickers Ihave, are my Mary Portas Kinky Knickers,expensive at ten pounds,and also difficult to find as they fly off the shelves. John Lewis knickers are the next best.

I find knicker buying a trial too low they cut my scar,midway they roll down my pouch from surgery,too high under my boobs as I have a short body lately have changed shape even more and have gained weight which always goes to my tummy,bras are uncomfortable as well and with DGD requiring lots of changes to her support as she is a 38DD already finances are not up to paying a lot for both our bras and knickers

Sloggis are definitely the answer; worn them for years and they last a long time before losing their efficacy (elasticity too!). They come in all shapes and sizes -do try them

wIll look at them Gally...nothing worse than having to keep ferreting down your jeans to retrieve retreating underwear...not lady like and hard to be discreet.

Tried them all but always go back to M&S full briefs. I never need to adjust them when wearing and they show minimal VPL. I was amused when my last 5-pack contained a rogue giant pair - they reach my armpits! I wear them though and they are comfortable!

I just buy large stretchy thongs from wherever I can find them. They are so comfy.

Another Sloggis fan here. No ferreting required nellie.

I have a pair of silky knicks that if I wear with a certain pair of trousers the materials fight each other and the knicks keep sliding down my leg, and every time I wear them I say I am going to bin them and then drop them in the wash and forget until the next time I have the same combination on and then have to keep hoiking them up... very attractive!

I've got several pairs that have got a bit ancient now and the elastic has given out, and like Glass I keep forgetting to throw them in the bin. Wearing them with trousers is just uncomfortable, but if I ever forget and wear them with a skirt, things could get disastrous!

have just thrown caution to the wind have gone commando under my jeans today....Nellie is liberated

Hope you are wearing a belt nellie just in case

nellie, I've always thought that would be rather uncomfortable, given the unyielding nature of denim!

No danger of them falling down just have to make sure zip is done up glass
Annobel not uncomfortable at all....no chafing ...more uncomfortable having to keep ferreting xx

Advice please girls on Sloggis - what size do you buy for comfort, I bought the same size (not telling!) as my M and S knickers, and found the Sloggis too tight. Do you buy the next size? I have a big tum so dont want to be too pressed in as makes me feel faint!!

14 M&S =M sloggies for me!

Surely Sloggis come in proper sizes, nanaej? I find size 14 is perfect for me - used to be 12.....(sigh)

Mind you, I buy the Maxis - perhaps sizing's different in the others.

Yes Sloggis come in sizes i.e. 8, 10 12, 14 etc. I take a 14 maxi and find them very comfy - used to be a 16 but my bum has suddenly diminished in size . Can't stand the midi ones that don't come up to the waist - everything overhangs - I do like a bit of Bridget Jones

Same here Gally!

Hallelulia! Finally my order of 'Kinky Knickers has arrived (had to order them from Liberty - so arrived in posh bag) they are beautifully made and feel wonderful on.....and the packaging is a hoot. Well done Mary Portas I just hope this enterprise keeps going because I had to wait months for my order!

I always thought I bought M! just hoiked them out of my jeans to see that they are indeed 42 /14!! Last lot bought before hols Easter 2011 so memory failure! Checked some M&S knickers daughter bought me for Mothers Day..also 14 & comfortable!

Its got to be sloggies for everyday wear they are so comfortable and don't slip down,otherwise its John lewis own brand which fit well I buy 12/14 in those I can't feel comfortable in high leg pants and always buy full briefs.My mum used to always buy Ethel Austin "Double Gusset" knickers when she was alive she swore by them and the couple of pairs I had when I was expecting my DCs where very comfortable they would look like massive bloomers on me now.

M & S briefs of various colours and patterns. Bikini style just end up bunched at the top of my thighs. At a secret Santa I was given a throng - thought might as well try them. Felt very much like a permanent wedgie. Must look into sloggies though. Gosh the things one can talk about on this web site - its grand isn't it?

sorry just looked - Imeant thong not throng - that would give a very odd situation

Yes. Well. Shoooo!

I always think that "sloggi" sounds like something that you might find in your knickers!

I do like thongs, but it is important to get the right size and comfortable ones (the pack of 5 for £6 bought in the M&S outlet are brill, I'm off to get another pack)

Although talking of thongs, I believe I did post a while back about an unfortunate day that I spent with my thong on sideways.......

phoenix . I am trying very hard - and failing - to imagine that scenario!

Yes I do remember and it was v. funny. Resonated with anyone who has ever tried climbing into the wrong leg hole of some garment or other.

I buy my knickers at Bonmarche, in packs of five, I buy a size larger than my clothes, and they`re very comfy. I couldn`t afford to kit myself out in Mary Portas knicks, no way!

They sound like the kind of thing DH might by for my Christmas pressie. Note to self, get out the rather nice JL silk underwear set from last year and wear it you miserable old so and so.... But not this weekend as he is away and it would be wasted.

Annobel , the thread is probably still findable somehow, if you wanted the details!

Searched it, phoenix and nearly had an accident of the lavatorial variety reading it and your other thong-related post. Have you ever thought of becoming a writer? You do have a way with words.

I remember that post of phoenix's, Annobel! It was very, very funny!

Sloggi's for me, too. They wear so well, and are very comfortable, reaching to my waist and not cutting me across my navel. In an economy drive I tried a pack from Tesco: fitted well but the elastic was very rough to the touch, and material felt "funny". Do wear them, can't afford not to, but prefer my Sloggi's to which I have returned - so a false economy there!

I'm a Sloggi fan too! Although I'd love to luxuriate in lacey scraps of fabric they just wouldn't work on my size of bum. Sadly comfort now takes priority and I've given up worrying what the doctor would say if I was run over by a bus and he saw my overlarge pants - can't even call them 'panties' that sounds too dainty.

goldengirl - I agree! I'd much rather I was decently covered in the bum area if run over by a bus than look ridiculous!

I love Sloggis and find it best to go up one size for comfort. M&S doing single sizes! Whatever next! They'll be stocking my size if they're not careful!

knickers are very interesting. the Tudors didn't wear them at all. In Italy at that time knickers were only worn by prostitutes and were thought to be very titillating. There were even inspectors who were allowed to check whether or not a lady was wearing knickers. If upon inspection the lady was found to be falsely accused then the inspector would lose his hand. Not many applications for that job ,then!

It's M&S 'Brazilians' for me. I do get frustrated though, at the limited lines individual stores seem to stock. I think it's a lovely style, and fits perfectly.

M & S knickers which seem to go on for ever but the cotton gets hard and loses it's stretch. Just now wondering whether to chuck out 2 year old knickers and buy lovely new ones.

Might try Sloggie. I already buy their sports type bras.

Thats the problem petallus that I have that the elastic becomes hard and scratchy in bras and knickers and am having a problem in sourcing some that are the right shape,size,etc as. We are in the sticks and if I buy on line they maybe wrong am going to invest in some some sloggis to try,I like sports bras with the racer backs which are good for wearing under vest tops also,and they give good support as well with no digging in underwires.

I wonder - if the elastic is going hard and scratchy, are you using too hot a wash? I don't seem to have that problem and I always use as cool a wash as I can get away with.

I am not at the 'Apple catchers' stage as yet and buy my knickers to match my bras. I always buy two pairs so I can wear the bra two days. I get most of my underwear in Debenhams as they have good range and I am a size 14 at the moment (would prefer to be a size 10!) and they fit me well.

Yes that is probably the reason annobel I do tend to put in with like colours and wash on a forty,should probably hand wash,but have enough trouble keeping up with the laundry as it is

petallus Throwing out M&S knicks that are only two years old! I've got some much older than that!

Use fabric softener.

You can buy new ones as well though.

Get a good collection.

I will try fabric softener. I never usually use it as I read years ago that it rots things. But if it rots the knickers, well problem solved and I can buy new ones without feeling guilty

May I just say that from this male's viewpoint 'things' (meaning underwear and not 'flip-flops') are bloody hideous...?

Thank you.

No! You can't!

skeddadle!

Well I am - and it's 'thOngs', not 'things' of course... sorry about that.

jingle, why should feetlebaum not express an opinion on lingerie? I wouldn't mind betting you'd have something to say about y-fronts versus boxers!

feetlebaum I know you can get thongs for men. Is that what you mean, that you find them uncomfortable?

Thongs are most certainly not my thing. The very idea of wearing one makes me cringe. Hey ho, we're all different...each to her own.

Wasn't David Beckham once said to have tried out Victoria's underwear? They didn't say where he actually put the thong....

I have sloggis but the control ones as the thought of me ' out of control' doesn't warrant thinking about?

Annobel - I was quite obviously joking.

I'm not 100% sure I would have anything to say on the subject of boxers versus y-fronts.

In fact I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to summon up the slightest bit of interest.

But if you Annobel wish to discuss men's pants, do go ahead. I quite understand.

Those slim fitting thigh hugging contour showing butt fitting boxers are quite fetching,not for me the sloppy old man y fronts.....ugh.....[lascivous grin ]

Ne
Lie!

I was advised at the bra shop NOT to use fabric conditioner when you wash your undies as it makes the elastic grey!
I find Triumph bras and knickers fit best at the moment.Used to but Vanity Fair, but that no longer exists! Usually buy them in the sales. I also buy knickers to match bras.
You can find some nice stuff in Asda though you have to be there when a new lot arrives otherwise it's gone. Got a nice bra and some shorties a couple of months ago which fit well and are comfortable.

Why bother wearing anything if one wears Brazilians? Just go commando

Wears Brazilians...?

As I said on a thread recently, my G.String is a yard of string and a tea towel. Not a pretty sight.

Not easy to imagine, either, POGS!
A yard of string...?

Is the weather suitable for Commando?
Bit cold, not?

I don't fancy my " factory " , albeit closed many years ago , freezing off.

Yikes! These euphemisms are getting stranger and stranger.....

All this is getting way beyond me.

Sorry ana
Should have said: baby factory. Nothing untoward.

Nelliedeane I bet you are thinking David Beckham in his well publicised pants!

Generally I think it's true that men get off thinking/talking about women's underwear and women don't thinking about men's underwear.

I mean, how many women make anonymous phone calls to men asking them what colour they are wearing today?

Teehee! Their socks would be more interesting

Oh, I see, johanna!

Am I the only one who doesn't fancy David Beckham at all? With or without his well-publicised pants?

No I don't fancy Beckham - all those tattoos! Yuk!

No, ana
You are not the only one not to fancy David Beckham.
He seems as sexy as the bottom of an old tea pot . Pfffttt....

David who? [bored] emoticon!

jeni , Indeed, David who?
At least, our generation had Real Icons, all the more special because we never knew..........

Who? winston Churchill , the Queen mum,?

Oh, jeni
Winston Churchill indeed.
Maybe this is hard to explain,but for the generation of my parents he was a hero!

dorsetpennt ... not sure what you're envisaging if you are equating a Brazilian-style knicker with 'going commando' ?
Perhaps you're thinking of a Brazilian wax?
Anyway, I thought I'd Google the style for you ...

www.marksandspencer.com/Cut-Out-Lace-Trim-Brazilian-Knickers/dp/B004BIINOW

I think it's a very pretty style.

Hmmm ... one above wasn't actually the one I copied and basted ... Will try again

www.marksandspencer.com/Wide-Lace-Trim-Brazilian-Knickers/dp/B0020P0Q8E?pos=PDP_ymal_2/12_text&rrClickthru=PDP

Wasn't actually thinking of David Beckham....but closer to homexxx[ blush]

OMG nelliedeane are you saying you've got a toyboy?

I don't actually fancy David Beckham but I do admire him, coming from a humble background as he does and being so successful through his own efforts (my socialist leanings coming out again I'm afraid)!

on holiday in April I ran out of pants and got o pk of 3 from Marks for a tenner-best Iv'e had. Can't wear thongs-as my daughter says 'eating cloth'. Can't stand Beckham either-think he looks awful in new hairdo and beard. Thank God he wasn't knighted.

But that would suggest a requirement for being knighted was not having an awful chavvy hairdo and tattoo etc.

I'ved just noticed that the Style section of the Sunday Times mag comments very favourably on that beard

Shows how much they know!

Looked at your link NannaAnna and I think they look really good, think I'll give them a try.
I was very amused, on reading the reviews for these knickers, to find one that said "The best part though, my wife thinks my bum looks good in them and she can’t keep her hands off me!"

Was it signed D. Beckham, by any chance yogagran?

NanaAnna I had no idea that those are called Brazilian knickers. I wear those and find them really comfortable.

BASTED ?????

Annobel , going back to page 3, I think I might be going senile, but what other thong related post??????

phoenix, This one: January 22nd

www.gransnet.com/forums/chat/1190786-I-have-been-to-school/AllOnOnePage#m24807512

Oh, that one, I'd somehow managed to erase it from my memory!

Well done Annobel - worth sharing with newer members that one!

I certainly appreciated it, phoenix!
At least you weren't walking down the road in your hastily-put-on jeans when suddenly yesterday's knickers emerged from the bottom of one leg....

Cast your mind back to the 60s, when the combination of cheap package holidays, disposable paper knickers and mini skirts lead to the undoing of a gormless young colleague of mine. In Spain for the first time, in the broiling heat of August, she signed up with her friends for a donkey trek into the mountains, dressed in a micro mini over paper knickers. By the time of the descent, a lethal combination of heat and friction caused the pants to completely disintegrate and her skirt was too short to tug down to cover her embarrassment - not to mention the donkey's! No wonder those things never caught on.

I often wondered what had happened to those disposable pants. Had no idea that donkeys had contributed to their disappearance!

petallus Yes

I can't believe this has reached over 100 posts- its enough to make you wet your.............knickers

nanaej I love my sloggies! I cannot find any knickers anywhere that fit like sloggies, high cut so I don't feel my blood is being cut off at the top of my legs!

I can get them here in France but they tend to be the cutting the blood off type so when in the UK I stock up.

I also find that Sloggis are too tight around the top of my legs. I did try the high cut ones, but found they needed frequent adjustment for comfort. Went back to good old M&S full briefs.

Sloggis for me too, but i think quality has declined recently and have discovered something similar in Matalan.

M&S - no other choice.

Thanks granknit I will pay a visit to Matalan when I am over in August. Will also check out M&S again although I haven't been too pleased with knickers from there in the past but will be fitted for bras in August because I adore M&S bras the only ones that fit properly.

Just a little addition, the secret to a comfortable thong style knicker, is to go one size up. Also, look at the depth of the sort of waist section, the deeper, the more comfortable.

Just been back to the local M&S outlet for second pack of their no vpl, 5 pairs for £6 thongs!

Sainsbury's knickers are very good value for money but absolutely HUGE compared with Sloggies - you need to get at least one size smaller!

grannieannie ...that sounds right up my street [as my Nana used to say.] With Sloggies, I buy two sizes larger. Nothing worse than having your nether bits and bobs nipped and tucked!

I buy everything several sizes larger, does that mean I'm not really a size zero anymore?

Ugh! I hate the feel of baggy pants. I buy stretchy ones from Sainsbury's - medium size fits me perfectly and I hardly know they're there - I just hope they are .

soop, I thought the whole point of Sloggis was that they 'hold you in'? Two sizes larger would leave me with visible knicker wrinkles!

Usually M & S multi pack high leg. Sloggie sports bra though.

Matalan have knickers very similar to sloggies.but they have a thicker waistband and very comfy round the leg.they are I think £2...come in nude/lemon/white/black/and a sort or deep coral..I find them very comfy and don't cut into the legs.. they are normaly on them little hangers..

Ana Truth is, I think that I'm size 12...fact is, I order two sizes larger [just in case] and yes, they fit like a glove, not at all wrinkly or baggy. Conclusion...I tell myself fibs...

Oh, soop! Sorry to have 'outed' you!

soop I would suggest that you exaggerate. If you are in size 16 Sloggis then I should, in all verite, be in size 20 ..However, they would be doon tae ma knees and wrinkled in the bum crease department. I am a size 16 in everything below the waist except Sloggis where I take a 14 - they fit neat as a glove. We will have to compare notes knickers, in October

Ana...Yep, my sloggis are "well out" of the closet

Gally Can't wait! Shall I deliver the Charlie portrait at the same time, or would you like it through the post when you return home?