Dear LPG readers,

A bedroom drawer brought my thoughts and this message to the surface, but I felt the need to share…

When we start in life, our parents aren’t very important to us, but our parents, particularly our mums, though more recently our dads, are responsible for ensuring that leakage is not a problem.  

 
When I think back, perhaps not too far, to a time when my now grown-up children were babies, one of the most important lessons I learned was how to use a square of white cotton towelling, two safety pins, and plastic pants to manage any little bouts of baby bodily leakage. I suspect that, although Velcro has taken the place of those safety pins, not much has changed. While I can’t recall my relationship with underwear in my youth, being without them has never felt natural.  

I recall the navy blue ones that often served as P.E. attire in primary school. For us young girls, these garments featured an extra pocket, whereas the boys' version had a design that provided an alternative convenience.  

Before long, secondary school would come to an end, and the realms of university or employment would demand something rather more striking during those formative years when attracting a partner is frequently one of a young person’s aspirations.  

I don’t know about any of my female contemporaries, but in my experience, the cost of underwear seemed to affect value for money disproportionately. In those days, the more a young lady paid, the less material she would expect in the garment. And let’s not forget the invention of the thong in 1974.   

Much like everything else, the men’s version of this essential clothing item has also undergone numerous changes, resulting in a wide array of options now available. We have boxers, briefs, bikini cuts, and trunks, to name but a few.

The commando option has always been a topic of discussion. Perhaps it all began with the Scots kilt. However, if some of the information I have encountered in the media during the 21st century is to be believed, it is gradually becoming a trend that both genders are beginning to adopt. I examined what online experts say about the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.  

But age comes to us all, and it is only when you look at those pairs that need to be replaced as the older frame shifts shape that you realise just how much. I recently discovered a few pairs I hadn't worn for some time, including those frilly hipsters that used to fit well when my waist was considerably smaller than my hips. They had not seen the light of day for a while. 

I can’t speak for the gentlemen, but I wonder if, for us ladies, this general change in shape and the use of more material, sadly dictates a need to return to pants with less colour and flair as we age.  The frills and prettiness are exchanged for the more sensible and practical, and it seems that colour and frills are only available in smaller sizes. 

Perhaps I am trying to express that, as I become a lady of a certain age and return to black, colourless, lace-less, and more functional, practical options, it may be time for a clearout of my knicker drawer. 

FE, Catford 

FE shares her research…

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