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Original poster

I really need some proper big knickers.

122 replies

PickAChew · 29/10/2019 16:56

OK, so very little style or beauty involved but I currently have a drawer full of ageing M&S midi, a sort of halfway house and, apart from them getting shabby, I'm tired of them falling down. I have no arse and a bit of a belly, not overweight but a typical menopausal apple. I've tentatively ordered myself some sloggi briefs, but they're pretty expensive and, from what I've read, not as good as they used to be.

So, hit me with your less extortionate recommendations for some good cotton belly warmers! (please :))

OP posts:
BuntyCollocks · 30/10/2019 08:15

I’ve got a link saved from a last mumsnet recommends for John Lewis pima knickers. They look fab.

LunaTheCat · 30/10/2019 08:16

In New Zealand so also a thunder pants fan but have just discovered Nisa - great comfy organic cotton. Made by refugees. Started by a brilliant former corporate lawyer who wanted to make jobs available refugee women. Expensive but am thinking they are going to last forever!

GhoulieBat · 30/10/2019 09:16

starlight I think the holy grail we’re seeking is big, comfy, smoothing knicks that don’t add bulk and are stretchy and fitting. For me, my generous arse holds them up at the back :) but lower-cut knickers can be uncomfortable at the front because they kind of lodge in my c-section scar/“shelf”. I need them to come up near the bellybutton to smooth that area down. And As op said if you’re apple shaped thEy can be more comfy too.

3rdNamechange · 30/10/2019 10:32

Primark Trouser knickers. Really comfortable

Original poster
PickAChew · 30/10/2019 16:52

What on earth are people doing that have knix that don’t stay up? I’ve never encountered that, ever.

Just moving. Normally. Less of a problem if I'm wearing jeans but I've been doing a fair bit of spring leaning, this week, wearing joggers, and I've been stopping to adjust myself every few minutes because the tops of my knickers start rolling down. Unlike the 20 year old models, that part of my body is not smooth, flat and gently tapered.

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Original poster
PickAChew · 30/10/2019 17:04

Those John Lewis Pima knickers are definitely on my must grab some list. The elastic looks lovely and smooth.

I tried to look up the primark ones but didn't find much on the website. Another one to look at, next time I'm passing.

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grownup2 · 30/10/2019 17:04

Yes, yes, yes @jennylindinha. Those Cotton/Modal ones from M&S are soft, simple, invisible and hoik-free for an apple-shaped mid-50s woman like me.

blodynmawr · 30/10/2019 17:43

M&S full briefs here too but the 'no VPL' microfibre ones rather than 100% cotton.

There is no going back to cotton once you've had these babies. Blissfully comfortable on the first wear but they relax a bit with washing and can be pulled up almost armpit high if so desired Grin.

Sockworkshop · 30/10/2019 18:03

They are 96%polyester blodyn
Not a chance Im wearing those or Modal (the feel makes me recoil)
Cotton all the way !

blodynmawr · 30/10/2019 18:15

See @sockworkshop I remember the horrors that were full nylon navy knickers when I went to grammar school in the early 80s and having an almost lifelong hate of non-cotton knicks as a result. But I got over all that once I tried the microfibre ones in early middle age Grin. Each to their own!

Sockworkshop · 30/10/2019 18:28

Dont they feel sweaty?
You are calling them microfibre,great bit of marketing btw, no one would go for polyester and nylon !

Dowser · 30/10/2019 18:39

American muffin tops are so comfy
I think you can get them on amazon

StarlightLady · 30/10/2019 19:06

Another microfibre or soft stretch lace fan here; stretch lace does breathe, it’s full of holes.

And please allow a little synthetic myth busting. Modal is natural, it’s made from Beech trees, likewise Viscose is a fancy name for Bamboo.

blodynmawr · 30/10/2019 19:37

@Sockworkshop no not sweaty. The gusset part is normal cotton.
On the single June day per year in Wales when the temp creeps above 30oC I will give in and don a white 100% cotton pair ( plus matching cotton bra). But the other 364 days of the year microfibre all the way...

Sockworkshop · 30/10/2019 19:58

Starlight
Yep
Its the feel of it I dont like ,makes my teeth go funny.

Wakeupalready · 30/10/2019 20:18

@LunaTheCat Thunderpants give me the giggles ever time I wear them, but I love them. Will look for Nisa. I'm trying to move away from all kinds of 'fast' mass produced clothing for our family, and into ethical, eco, sustainable items including second hand. It costs a bit more( not the second hand stuff) but items last for ages.
I've even found bras and knickers that are compostable once they wear out.

Fstar · 30/10/2019 22:07

Sloggis are fab, they last forever even though expensive
Hanes are the best but have to ship from usa, hit and miss on quality these days

Original poster
PickAChew · 30/10/2019 23:13

Well, my sloggis arrived and they look like they might be snug. I'm 12-14and ordered 14. I shall report back on them tomorrow afternoon, as that tends to be the point when I start adjusting myself and swearing.

I refuse to buy polyester/microfibre anything unless it's genuinely the best fabric for the job. I'm very much a fan of natural fibres. Microplastics and heat rashes aren't really my bag. (the kids are the same. End up with sweat rashes and eczema if they even wear polycotton next to their skin)

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Original poster
PickAChew · 30/10/2019 23:19

And please allow a little synthetic myth busting. Modal is natural, it’s made from Beech trees, likewise Viscose is a fancy name for Bamboo

Those natural products are heavily processed to produce the textiles in question, though they do have some good qualities.

Microfiber is plastic all the way, though. Usually polyester or acrylic. I can't knit with it because I end up with cracked skin all over my hands.

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TildaKauskumholm · 30/10/2019 23:22

Tu at Sainsbury's multi pack big pants, good quality.

StarlightLady · 31/10/2019 05:27

@PickAChew - Some cottons are heavilly processed too. To the extent that dangerous levels of pesticides have been used.

This whole conversation reminds me that the best knickers are no knickers! Not with trousers obviously and it’s very much a summer sport! Grin

PhasersTaeMalky · 31/10/2019 05:54

M&S have a pack of 2 full control briefs in cotton for £10. They are really excellent and very comfortable. Wouldn't go past them myself now.

Kyvia · 31/10/2019 06:11

Another vote for the Sainsbury’s Tu full brief - I order them for click & collect as well to save having to hunt through. I used love M&S ‘boyshorts’ (stupid name) until my tummy got bigger. Their full briefs are a bit bulky and I had fabric riding up the back, the Tu ones are a revelation though, sooooo comfy, feel secure, no bulk at all. And I do think look quite nice in a 50s style kinda way, I don’t feel unattractive in them.

All plain black ones though, I really don’t get adults wearing flowery patterns and bows on everyday underwear! Obvs each to their own though Smile

Greyhound22 · 31/10/2019 06:44

Again the Playtex ones that are a Sloggi copy. They are amazing.

GimmeBread · 31/10/2019 06:51

Weirdly I purchased my first full brief this week! My god they're comfy! I've always liked a "big pant" ie not g strings or thongs. However I've developed a wee apron of fat which has been pushing my small pants down to around crotch level so big pants all the way for me! But they're not the most attractive are they? 🤔