AIBU to solve the mystery of the flappy gusset?

[Sockbogies]

So I noticed that some of my knickers from M&S have a rather strange gusset feature, in that it is not sewn in around all four edges leaving a rather odd pocket at the front. This troubled me greatly as my life is fairly dull and empty, so I decided to have a knicker gusset comparison study with my other underwear purchased from other companies. Most of the other pantage from other vendors had the gusset sewn in properly. What is the mystery pocket that M&S has kindly added actually for? AIBU for wanting to know the purpose of this odd little flap (pun intended)?

Is it to avoid seams/VPL type thing?

Interesting...I noticed this with the last lot I got from M&S...I thought it might be for ventilation?

A handy pocket to carry sanitiser gel for when you are unable to maintain social distancing?

It’s cheaper to manufacture them that way and that is most likely the reason. I make my own knickers and leave them open (or ‘flappy’) as the polyester thread going across the gusset pisses me off - probably not the reason m&s do it that way!

@Frariedeamin that’s impressive, homemade knickers!

It's probably quicker to sew if you don't enclose the front part of the gusset

@Rainycloudyday it’s easy when you know how! I recommend looking up ‘bunzies’ if you ever fancy giving it a go!

Answer at 4.29 minutes

I’m rather upset that I don’t own any knickers with a flap in them...

To enable you to carry a Top Secret Document safely whilst working as a spy. I thought everyone knew that!

My Great Aunt used to knit her own knickers when they stopped making "proper" ones.
(ie knee length heavy-weight knit)

All my underwear are like that...

To slide a folded up tenner in for emergencies

An emergency £10

@dancemom snap !

It's simply easier to sew them that way than sew up the final seam. Money saving exercise.

A bit of a vent for fanny farts

Cosy and there was me being polite

@mrsbyers clearly you and I are well prepared 🙌🏼

It's an aesthetic design apparently. I felt so strongly about the issue I messaged them. Initially Darren from Customer Services said he was sorry to hear about the issue and could I return the knickers and associated gusset to a store for further examination.

I had already worn the undercrackers so didn't fancy a gusset inspection, even after washing. So I messaged them again to say it wasn't a fault but obviously an intentional flap.

This was their reply: Hi Rachael, I've had a reply from our knicker-expert! I'll just pop it here

'A number of our knickers have this grown on ‘floating’ gusset due to design aesthetic. We have used this gusset construction for many years and offer both fixed and ‘floating’ gussets. All our knicker packs are generally fixed and our single selling garments with more design detail can sometimes have the floating gusset depending on styling.

Online, we show the knicker on the person and also as a flat shot, so the customer can see which style has a grown on floating gusset. Where there is a gusset seam, you can see this on the flat photo shot on line – I’ve just had a look and it is clear. If you cannot see a seam online where the front gusset goes, this will be a floating gusset.

I will bear this customer feedback in mind'

I hope this helps answer your question! - Conor

A lot of my knickers have a sort of tunnel gusset, they’re all cheap brands though. As a young teen I wondered if it was to hold a sanitary device

I've noticed this but can't remember the brand. Must admit I'm not keen, it feels like they haven't been properly finished. Surprised m and s do this.

I've noticed that before.
I've never really wondered why it was there.

Goodness OP, how embarrassing that would have been with a phone call!