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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:
KimberleyClark · 01/02/2026 11:26

TheGrimSqueakersFlea · 01/02/2026 11:21

You wouldn't try socks on. That's just 🤢

But some people think it’s fine to try footwear on in bare feet. That is no different IMO.

ChequerToRed · 01/02/2026 11:25

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 01/02/2026 11:11

Yes that’s me too. Life’s too short for assessing the look of knickers.

Show quote history

I’m a big fan of practical grundies. As long as they wash well, aren’t scratchy (no lace!) and keep everything in, I’m all good.

AwfullyGood · 01/02/2026 11:25

Ffs, some people just have no hygeine or common decency.

The pyjamas in public brigade.

Coffeeishot · 01/02/2026 11:25

busyd4y · 01/02/2026 11:21

This intrigues me, how do you know the knicker buying habits of everyone you know?

Is it a question you ask your co workers, family, friends? Dont they think you're a bit of a weirdo? 😂

Show quote history

Well tbf i don't maybe everyone is doing it in secret and it is an unspoken thing😳

Windowseleventy · 01/02/2026 11:24

That is actually disgusting. I don’t want your thrush thanks.

menopausalmare · 01/02/2026 11:23

Please use the changing rooms, rather than the shop. 😬

JacknDiane · 01/02/2026 11:21

Trying knickers on over your own knickers is absolutely fine. Shops wont let you return knickers, due to hygiene reasons (same for stick on bras, pierced earrings and personal care beauty items).
So trying them on in the shop is the best thing to do.

busyd4y · 01/02/2026 11:21

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

This intrigues me, how do you know the knicker buying habits of everyone you know?

Is it a question you ask your co workers, family, friends? Dont they think you're a bit of a weirdo? 😂

TheGrimSqueakersFlea · 01/02/2026 11:21

You wouldn't try socks on. That's just 🤢

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 01/02/2026 11:14

Surely you don’t need to try on knickers, even expensive ones? I just go by how they look on the hanger. The assistant usually brings them to me too and asks what style I want.

I personally think it’s a bit gross to try on knickers over your underwear as it’s not like with swimwear that there’s a plastic protective piece there.

WaitingfortheThingtoHappen · 01/02/2026 11:12

I usually buy packaged multipacks pants.

Now I know there are people like OP and her manky friends out there, I will only buy packaged pants

Bjorkdidit · 01/02/2026 11:11

I do the same as you OP as shops change their sizing so you can't rely on 'your' size fitting.

If it's over underwear it's no different to trousers, leggings, swimwear etc.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 01/02/2026 11:11

ChequerToRed · 01/02/2026 11:04

Why?!
I buy them in bumper packs, just grab my size and go. I’ve had fit issues maybe twice in twenty years of knicker shopping. As for how they look, I don’t care, it’s just knickers. As long as they do the job I’m good.

Yes that’s me too. Life’s too short for assessing the look of knickers.

AllFours · 01/02/2026 11:11

Gross.

Boomer55 · 01/02/2026 11:09

I’ve never done it, and I wash new (unpackaged) knickers before I wear them.

HashtagShitShop · 01/02/2026 11:08

I get it's not great and not hygienic, even tried on over pants, but also surely people wash them before wearing them anyway?

Fleur405 · 01/02/2026 11:08

Note to self: always wash new pants before wearing them.

MrTwisterHasABlister · 01/02/2026 11:08

This is why I wash underwear before wearing it (unless packed in plastic etc).

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.

Lennonjingles · 01/02/2026 11:08

I don’t but thinking about our local M&S there’s hardly any staff around so you can take what you want into changing rooms.

Itiswhysofew · 01/02/2026 11:07

Hearing that, I'm so glad I buy pants in the plastic packs.

Mrstawnyowl · 01/02/2026 11:05

Swimwear yes but knickers, no. Swimwear has the protective thing on it for hygiene reasons. I just take a chance with knickers and buy them with judgement.

EBearhug · 01/02/2026 11:05

A multipack of knickers is one thing. £30 on expensive lingerie is another though.

ChequerToRed · 01/02/2026 11:04

Why?!
I buy them in bumper packs, just grab my size and go. I’ve had fit issues maybe twice in twenty years of knicker shopping. As for how they look, I don’t care, it’s just knickers. As long as they do the job I’m good.

DollopOfFun · 01/02/2026 11:04

I don't care.