Panties are women's form-fitting underpants. Typical components include an elastic waistband, a crotch panel to cover the genitalia (usually lined with absorbent material such as cotton), and a pair of leg openings that, like the waistband, are often made of elastomer. Various materials are used, but are usually chosen to be breathable. Panties are made of a variety of materials, including cotton, lace, latex, leather, lycra, mesh, nylon, PVC, polyester, rawhide, satin, and silk. Construction typically consists of two pieces (front and rear) that are joined by seams at the crotch and sides; an additional gusset is often in the crotch, with the waistband and leg-openings made from elastomer.

History

The earliest known use of underwear that resembles modern panties dates back to 4,400 B.C. during the Badari period in Egypt.

Terminology

In the United States and Canada, "panties" is the preferred term to refer to female undergarments. In the United Kingdom and occasionally in other Commonwealth countries such as Australia, and New Zealand, as well as in Ireland, panties may be referred to as "knickers", "undies", or simply "underwear". The last two of these are gender-neutral terms and can be used for either male or female styles of underwear bottoms, the American English equivalent being underpants. In Australia, male underpants are often referred to as "undies", although the word can also refer to panties.

Styles

Panties are classified into various styles based on criteria such as the amount of rear coverage, width at the sides and height at which they are worn. These categories are not necessarily distinct and usage may vary somewhat among brands: