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AIBU?

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Original poster

I try knickers on in shops.

206 replies

Nevershoppingagaininjohnlewis · 01/02/2026 11:01

My other thread got derailed by this issue.

I, and the friends I saw last night, all try knickers on in shops. We do this over our pants.

We sometimes buy the knickers. We sometimes don't.

We agreed we don't have money to burn on buying knickers that don't fit or don't look lovely or cut your bum up. We try them on as most shops don't allow you to return them for a refund. (Although you can return online)

To clarify from my other thread, the JL shop assistant told me to try on the matching knickers to a bra I was purchasing, as she didn't want me to waste my money.

AWBU in trying knickers on in shops and sometimes returning them to the rail?

(And yes, this is one of those threads where my behaviour will not change as a result of your opinions)

OP posts:
OttersMayHaveShifted · 01/02/2026 12:06

Windowseleventy · 01/02/2026 11:36

trousers aren’t up in your crack like knickers. I’ve never tried on or worn a pair of leggings in my life.

Knickers over other knickers wouldn't be 'up your crack'. Also, you may not wear leggings, but an awful lot of people do. I wear sports leggings. Also, I doubt there would br much difference in contact with your nether regions between tight trousers/jeans and a pair of knickers over the top of a pair of knickers!

SatsumaDog · 01/02/2026 12:05

Not sure why you feel the need to share. Some people will find your behaviour revolting and others not. You don’t seem to give a shit either way.

Original poster
Nevershoppingagaininjohnlewis · 01/02/2026 12:05

MuddyPawsIndoors · 01/02/2026 11:41

Hmm lets see.

Random comes along.

Name changes.

Starts not one, but two threads about knickers.

No, not dodgy at all 🙄

The first thread was my disgust at a man in a changing room whilst I'm having a bra fitting.

It got derailed by trying on knicker talk.

I wish I hadn't mentioned trying on the matching knickers in the previous thread, as it meant people didn't hear how vulnerable I felt knowing that my breasts were repeatedly exposed a metre away from an unknown man with only a badly fitting curtain for protection.

OP posts:
CarefullyCuratedFurniture · 01/02/2026 12:04

Absolutely minging behaviour. Surely you can't even be certain of the fit if you're "trying them on over jeans" (yeah, course you are)?

usedtobeaylis · 01/02/2026 12:03

Coffeeishot · 01/02/2026 11:04

You seem overly keen to share your pant behaviour, couldn't you have not said this on your man outside changing room thread, i don't know anybody who tries on pants i buy them and wear them

Every single person I know could do this, I have no idea about their habits.

Windowseleventy · 01/02/2026 12:03

Nevershoppingagaininjohnlewis · 01/02/2026 12:01

When in the shop looking to purchase new underwear? We didn't talk periods and trying on new underwear.

I can't recall if I've tried on knickers (or swimwear, or trousers, or leggings) when on my period, as it's such a non issue to me.

I probably have though.

Show quote history

Seriously?

youalright · 01/02/2026 12:03

I don't do it but I'm aware others do so I always wash anything I buy.

BeanQuisine · 01/02/2026 12:03

I thought this was going be: "I try knickers on in shops, ask me anything."

Windowseleventy · 01/02/2026 12:02

StrawberryJamAndRaspberryPie · 01/02/2026 12:01

Maybe you just make a lot more residue than other people? I’ve certainly never had any transfer to the other side of the gusset

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Lucky you

5128gap · 01/02/2026 12:02

No I don't. But objectively there is no difference between trying them on over pants and trying on swimwear, or tight shorts, jeans, trousers over pants. One layer of fabric between the crotch of a garment someone else may end up buying, and your bits. Underwear normally has the hygiene strip so arguably it's better than the other garments.

Original poster
Nevershoppingagaininjohnlewis · 01/02/2026 12:01

UncannyFanny · 01/02/2026 11:35

So let’s go a little further here. When exactly are you and your friends all doing this? Obviously there is a certain time of the month where you already know that even over your pants that’s a bit gross especially if you’re going to put them back for someone else to take home and wear. Personally I wouldn’t want to pay full price for knickers someone else has already opened then tried on over their own pants regardless when they did it because they will now be second hand and no longer unworn.

When in the shop looking to purchase new underwear? We didn't talk periods and trying on new underwear.

I can't recall if I've tried on knickers (or swimwear, or trousers, or leggings) when on my period, as it's such a non issue to me.

I probably have though.

OP posts:
DeanElderberry · 01/02/2026 12:01

This thread is the best motivator I have ever read for buying 5-packs of basic underpants. And using my eyes to do the complicated checks on size and shape.

StrawberryJamAndRaspberryPie · 01/02/2026 12:01

LiveToTell · 01/02/2026 11:54

OP, it’s disgusting.

There could be “residue” in your underwear. And yes it could then transfer to the new (eeewww, returned) underwear.

Just utterly gross OP. Your friends too. Have a word with yourselves for fucks sake.

Maybe you just make a lot more residue than other people? I’ve certainly never had any transfer to the other side of the gusset

nomas · 01/02/2026 12:00

StopWindingBobStopWinding · 01/02/2026 11:59

Do you get a thrill from that thought? Is that what this is about?

Show quote history

Yep, probably a secret sniffer too.

nomas · 01/02/2026 12:00

YABU. Once you open a pack or remove tags, they are unsellable, so you are effectively stealing money from the company.

Shame on you, OP.

StopWindingBobStopWinding · 01/02/2026 11:59

Nevershoppingagaininjohnlewis · 01/02/2026 11:56

You certainly were.

I've tried knickers on in different M&S stores across the country for the last 30 or so years.

Maybe you bought a pair of them?

Show quote history

Do you get a thrill from that thought? Is that what this is about?

500mileslong · 01/02/2026 11:58

I cannot be arsed to try on knickers- I know my size and I know the style I prefer (I also don’t buy fancy knickers which helps).

Toddlerteaplease · 01/02/2026 11:57

As long as it’s got the plastic strip I don’t see the issue

Original poster
Nevershoppingagaininjohnlewis · 01/02/2026 11:56

StopWindingBobStopWinding · 01/02/2026 11:08

They are not refundable because it’s not hygienic to sell them after someone has tried them on. It doesn’t matter whether that’s happened in someone’s home or in a shop. Before I’d moved to almost exclusively buying things on line, I used always to buy my pants at M&S, and you certainly weren’t allowed to try them on there.

Swimwear is different, you are allowed to try that on as it is supplied with a protective plastic shield in the gusset. Knickers aren’t, which is a good indication you aren’t supposed to be testing them out.

Manky behaviour like yours is why I wash every new piece of clothing I buy before wearing it.

You certainly were.

I've tried knickers on in different M&S stores across the country for the last 30 or so years.

Maybe you bought a pair of them?

OP posts:
Runnersandtoms · 01/02/2026 11:56

Damnd · 01/02/2026 11:29

No this is grotty and can't believe people think this okay, discharge can leak through knickers, smells can transfer. Pls don't do this

How is it different from trying on leggings or trousers or shorts?

Alittlefrustrated · 01/02/2026 11:55

I never have and never will, but looking at it sensibly, if tried on over your knickers, it is exactly the same "risk to others" as trying on trousers, shorts, leggings, jumpsuits etc.
I wouldn't trust that everyone does keep their pants on though, if they really want to see what they look like 😕

Original poster
Nevershoppingagaininjohnlewis · 01/02/2026 11:54

Coffeeishot · 01/02/2026 11:04

You seem overly keen to share your pant behaviour, couldn't you have not said this on your man outside changing room thread, i don't know anybody who tries on pants i buy them and wear them

Maybe read the first line of my first post?

OP posts:
Peacefullbliss · 01/02/2026 11:54

I personally wouldn't do it but it doesn't me if others do it.
Everything i buy goes in the wash as soon as I get home .

PlumDeNomNomNom · 01/02/2026 11:54

Having worked in well known clothes shop in my youth I can tell you trying knickers on over your own underwear isn’t even the most disgusting thing to happen.

LiveToTell · 01/02/2026 11:54

OP, it’s disgusting.

There could be “residue” in your underwear. And yes it could then transfer to the new (eeewww, returned) underwear.

Just utterly gross OP. Your friends too. Have a word with yourselves for fucks sake.