[Opinion. I think there’s a very good meal to be had at the Y which you’ll both enjoy, something to savor. These knickers make it oh-so convenient! Yum!]

Knickers in a twist: why M&S selling crotchless underwear isn’t as outrageous as it seems

Some have called it ‘S&M’, but partnership with Ann Summers is less a scandal than another step in a century of evolving underwear trends, experts say

Lauren Cochrane

The Guardian: 1 Aug 2026

SOURCE: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/01/marks-and-spencers-ann-summers-lingerie

The news that Marks & Spencer is selling Ann Summers crotchless knickers on their website has been greeted – as might be expected – with outrage online, being described as everything from “tawdry” to “S & M”.

But it could be this is just the latest evolution in what the UK’s biggest underwear retailer has available for the smalls drawer. In recent years, the store has sold vastly different options through its own products, ranging from full-brief knickers to thongs, period knickers and those that can be used by women who wear stomas. The introduction of other brands in clothing came five years ago, with underwear included. Ann Summers – which is selling bras and chemises as well as knickers on the M&S website – lines up alongside lingerie brands including Pour Moi and Calvin Klein.

Catherine Shuttleworth, the chief executive of retail consultancy Savvy, sees it as part of wider strategy. “They’ve started introducing brands to bring them into sectors that probably isn’t their core,” she says. “And this is another one. It’s just a little bit more eye-catching.”

Under Where ?

Yaaaaaa I can see her lips in the pic provided. Hardly family friendly...

2 hours ago, Jim Blue said:

Under Where ?

I can hide out under there...

Stoma?

T.M.I. 🤗

Semper ubi sub ubi

I know, it's an old joke. I'll show myself out.

Yikes.

I hope Dawn French, notoriously unfunny comedian and angry leftist isn't continuing her collaboration with M&S by starring in THIS advert.

On 8/4/2026 at 8:27 AM, JonnyF said:

Yikes.

I hope Dawn French, notoriously unfunny comedian and angry leftist isn't continuing her collaboration with M&S by starring in THIS advert.

Just another example of Jonny’s women’s problem, and once again derogatory remarks accompanied by an unflattering photo.

4 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Just another example of Jonny’s women’s problem, and once again derogatory remarks accompanied by an unflattering photo.

I find the young lady in photo to be quite quite stunning.

46 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

I find the young lady in photo to be quite quite stunning.

It does remind one of the blow-up dolls for lonely men from a long time ago, doesn't it?

models with huge labias are wanted

4 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

I find the young lady in photo to be quite quite stunning.

You mean the bits you can see, right?