01/08/2026 13:51 - Entretenimiento
On August 1, 2026, iconic British department store Marks & Spencer (M&S) made headlines by listing a pack of three crotchless lace knickers from the brand Ann Summers on its website, priced at £20. The product, described as 'knickerless knickers,' immediately sparked a heated debate on social media, with some users calling it 'vulgar' or comparing it to BDSM gear, while others defended the retailer's right to cater to diverse tastes.
According to The Guardian, retail consultant Catherine Shuttleworth of Savvy called the move a 'masterstroke': 'It doesn't matter if they sell a single pair – everyone is talking about it. People will go to the website to see, and end up thinking they need to restock their underwear drawer.'
Shuttleworth explained that M&S, a 'national obsession' in the UK, has been working to rejuvenate its customer base. In 2024, the retailer reported that people under 30 accounted for one-third of its underwear sales, double the figure from 2023. Partnering with Ann Summers – a brand synonymous with eroticism in Britain – is seen as a way to keep that younger demographic engaged, as they no longer view M&S as a stodgy, traditional store.
Despite the uproar, Good Housekeeping magazine published a study on July 31, 2026 revealing what women actually prioritize in underwear. In their historic test, the top-rated brand was Stripe & Stare (90/100), praised for its 7cm gusset that ensures comfort. Interestingly, M&S's own high-waisted cotton shorts scored a solid 86/100 and cost just £8 for a pack of three. The takeaway: women value comfort and roominess over fleeting fashion fads.
Lorraine Topper, a researcher at the Underpinnings Museum, downplayed the controversy, noting that open-crotch underwear was the norm before the 1920s, and M&S has always followed trends – from pre-shrunk fabrics in 1965 to the rise of the thong in the 2000s.
Beyond the buzz, M&S has shown a strong commitment to inclusive and functional fashion. In August 2024, the store became the first British high-street retailer to sell knickers designed for people with stoma bags. Featuring internal pockets and supportive wide waistbands, these garments (created by M&S employee Jiggy Sohi, who lives with a stoma) cost £18 for a pack of three – far less than specialist options (around £14 for a single pair) – and help thousands regain their dignity and style.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
