Fashion: French Knickers
French Knickers are a type of lingerie and are sometimes called the ‘Cami knickers‘ too. The term is predominantly used in the UK to describe a type of underwear worn from the hip. They cover the hip, most of the upper thigh and all of the buttocks, and are denominated by the ‘open leg’ style, or loose fitting leg. They do not have elasticated leg cuffs, but allow a pleated, more comfortable fit. The style may have straight cut leg cuffs with or without trimming, or the leg cuffs may be bias cut to a degree.
They are not to be confused with “hipsters’ or “briefs”, or “bikini bottoms” and “boyshorts”, all of which feature elasticated leg openings and much snugger fit to the body.
The french knickers should only be worn with A-Line type skirts and free-flowing dresses, which require freedom of movement without the visible panty line (VPL) showing, due to the fact that the french knickers would give a smooth appearance underneath the fabric of the clothing aforementioned, therefore suitable for day wear or evening outfits for this reason.
History
French knickers may have been so called since they were mimicry of the ‘visible’ underwear associated with Parisienne dancing, notably the Can-Can. The French themselves do not use this term for this style. The English began to associate the term with naughty or risque activity due to the connection to Montmartre and Pigalle, but in reality these knickers evolved into their final form from bloomers, the baggy, shapeless long-legged underwear of the Victorian era. By the 1950’s French knickers were almost the standard for British women and by the sixties this style was mass-produced in the ‘new’ nylon and other synthetic fabrics. A more practical design of French knickers had arrived, and proved very popular.
In the mid to late 1970s French Knickers, designed by Janet Reger and others, brought erotic and exotic style to lingerie. Of course major manufacturers through the 1980s to present day latched on to the trends.
Since the nineties, this style of lingerie has given ground in the marketplace to more aggressive styles for younger consumers. It becomes harder for major manufacturers to justify annual production, so they do not appear in shops at all often. They continue to hold the affection and attention of the generation who grew up with them, and as a result have transitioned back into the ‘naughty’ side of lingerie.
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Di Murini Ivory Silk and Black Lace French KnickersDi Murini Lingerie French Knickers. Be enchanted by the 100% silk Ivory French Knickers by Di Murini. With stunning back detailing in Chantilly lace. Made in England. |
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Elle Macpherson Intimates Titania french knickerThe Tap pant from Elle Macpherson’s Titania collection are styled in soft, smooth fabric and cut high on the leg. The pretty frill details on the waist and at the side add a flirty touch. |
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HOTmilk She Craved A Little Decadence French KnickersTo complete the ‘She Craved a Little Decadence’ set there is a Frenchknicker with a low profile and centre back rouching to create aflattering shape. Once again the contrast between the navy and vividblue fabrics is striking and defines this item as part of a luxuriousset. |
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Huit, It’s You! Liberty Print ShortyA colourful Liberty trend inspired print covers the Hipster shortystyle knickers, which features a back of midnight blue polka dot meshwhich is gathered to flatter the bottom and a trim of midnight bluelace, completes this cute Autumn Winter set. |
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Mimi Holliday PomPom De Paris Floral Print Chiffon French KnickerMimi Holliday PomPom De Paris Floral Print Chiffon French Knicker.The element of cute, the salmon pink trimming lays delicately on thebody for that extra feminine touch as well as tiny bows and lace thatdecorate the front of the knicker and have built in cotton section forextra comfort. Mimi Holliday PomPom De Paris Floral Print Chiffon French Knicker |
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Ritratti Karma Couture CulotteA beautifully made brief in luxurious fabrics. The tie black waistbandsits above the delicate black and bronze lace body which is instunningly intricate detail. |
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HOTmilk She Blushes In Delight French Knickers |
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Huit Salon Prive Je Reviens Midnight Blue BriefThis stunning Huit Brief has a main body of Midnight blue lace and plumscalloped lace edge detailing around the legs. This beautiful brief isfinished off with a plum bow on the centre of the waistband. |
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Elle Macpherson Intimates Dentelle boyshortThe Dentelle boyshort from Elle Macpherson Intimates is cut in a full sided style. The layered lace front is paneled to have a stomach-flattening effect and a slinky gauze covers the bottom completely. |
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Heartthrob Crotchless Knickers PlusWide floral lace hugs your hips and flatters your lower half. The deep “V front and back accentuates your good parts. A rhinestone heart in front and a rhinestone circle in the back pull it all together. The soft mesh open-crotch is split all the way around. MADE IN THE USA |
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Crotchless French Knickers PlusCan you say Ooh la la? These French inspired boy-style “knickers? are just the cutest panties ever. The delicate wide lace yoke rides low on the body and is joined at the back by sexy pink ribbon lacing. The big surprise is the split crotch that offers ultimate freedom and comfort. Order item 20-30030 for regular size |
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Crotchless French Knickers Panties in Plus Sizes 1X/2X 3X/4X White/Pink Black/PinkLace open crotch shorts with contrast lace up detail in back Crotchless French Knickers Panties in Plus Sizes 1X/2X 3X/4X White/Pink Black/Pink |
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Crotchless French Knickers.Can you say Ooh la la. These French inspired boy-style knickers are just the cutest panties ever. The delicate wide lace yoke rides low on the body and is joined at the back by sexy pink ribbon lacing. The big surprise is the split crotch that offers ultimate freedom and comfort. |
