M&S knickers - what’s happened?

[gillefc82]

I’m in my 40s and for most of my life I’ve bought my everyday wear knickers (thongs to be precise) from M&S. They’ve always washed well and lasted but I’ve found that the ones I’ve purchased during the last year or two have fallen off a cliff in terms of quality, e.g. holes appearing around the stitching after only a couple of washes.

Is it just me or are others having this issue? And can anyone recommend somewhere else where I can buy quality, comfortable cotton thongs that will last more than a few months?

The Flexifit bras I used to get from m&s have now been discontinued. I was so cross and none of the others for quite as well.

I thought she meant customer, not job title? If the latter, I would also find that interesting!

I have a thread on here about their thongs 😢 they were my go to for as long as I can remember, but they've definitely lost their way (and 1 tiny, insignificant customer).

I'm another convert to Sainsburys TU midi pants after being let down by M&S. ASDA do a midi style as well but the quality of theirs are poor, the Sainsburys' ones last much longer.

They have cut away so much fabric (presumably to reduce costs) that they're really uncomfortable now. Up yer bum, up yer woo-woo; M&S, I won't be buying again!

Agreed. Poor quality. I bought three new pairs about 6 weeks ago and there’s a hole in the lace on one pair already

I can only agree with everyone else, and also that TU are a good alternative. I may try some of the more expensive brands listed here too.

I'd love any recommendations for some with a slightly thicker and wider cotton gusset. I've found lots of places are doing ever shrinking gussets.

Same

Uniqlo are good if you’re looking for an alternative. Good quality cotton and last really well.

I’m relieved it isn’t just me!!

As it’s coming up to my usual knicker shopping time for my holidays, I will have a look at TU and British Boxers.

Thanks for the recommendations!

I have just purchased new knickers from Stripe and Stare. They are very comfortable (wide gusset),have options for different styles depending on preference and wash beautifully.
https://stripeandstare.com

omg yes. I was literally in M&S lingerie section yesterday looking for a good quality black cotton pair of pants. I wandered round for ages and they had literally everything but that. Every single frigging permutation of colour, shape, lace etc except a robust pair of normal black cotton pants. The ones in the packets were flimsy and rubbish. I came away empty handed and sad arsed.

I bought some labelled as shorts (as elastic at the legs irritates me) and they were not shorts. They had that horrible zig zag elastic. Who thought that was a good idea on pamts

I used to love Uniqlo’s 95% cotton ones but now they seem to have gone the same way as lots of the other retailers and it’s all modal! So disappointing.

I wrote to M and S and complained last year I go some high leg knickers and the gusset was dire literally far too narrow I was a geek and measured it with a ruler and then compared it with other brands. The pants also ripped round the waist band dreadful and some other brand weren’t any better to be honest John Lewis etc . I went to Sainsbury’s in the end but I won’t buy from m and s again.

Sainsbury's cotton midis (I haven't worn a thong since about 2003 so can't help there).

Stripe and Stare look great, but they're SO expensive. Surely no-one pays that much for everyday knickers? £50 for four?!

Im another one mourning the loss of M&S midis. I didn't get on at all with stripe and stare, expensive, went grey after 1 wash and they slide off me! I did buy emergency knickers in Next recently though (day trip turned into a 3 day stay) and they were much better.

Waitrose for me - cotton and a proper shape. I think only come in white and beige but last for ever.

Oh they look interesting. Some pretty designs. What's the sizing like? I'd say I'm a 12 but depending on shops that's either a 10-12 or a 12-14 🙈 nothing worse than baggy knickers

Interesting, yes I’ve had issues (thought it was me!), some waste band cut in and stitching has given way at the edges of others.

Same! These are easily the best I’ve had in years. Wash so well. Keep shape and really comfy. I’ve rebought and I’m still wearing the same from two years ago.

https://amzn.eu/d/0dV03qnA

I don't think any of them are cotton though are they?

If anyone is looking for midi knickers, these John Lewis ones are nice

www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-cotton-blend-full-briefs-pack-of-5/black/p4907648

I agree they're really poor quality now, skimpy gussets, tear easily, not nearly as pretty as they used to be... I've ordered some from Tu and will report back.