Women Are Just Discovering What The 'Pockets' In Your Knickers Are For

Have you ever noticed, when you’re pulling on your favourite pair of knickers, that there’s a strange “pocket” inside the crotch?

Well, it’s certainly not designed for extra storage, as this secret ‘compartment’ actually has a vital role to play when it comes to comfort and hygiene.

Alamy)

Yes, this small square of cotton is known as the gusset, and it’s super important when it comes to protecting your intimate areas.

More often than not, women’s underwear tends to be made from synthetic materials such as lace, and while that can certainly look pretty, it’s not the most breathable fabric for your bits. Wearing them over extended periods of time can cause a build up of bacteria and sweat, and can get trapped in your underwear.

However, gussets tend to be made out of cotton or another, non-synthetic material, which helps your intimate area keep dry and more ventilated. By including this small piece of fabric, your gusset helps cut the risk of contracting uncomfortable conditions, such as urinary tract infections and yeast infections as it just helps your genitals to breathe.

Alamy)

The softer material of a gusset also provides a softer, more comfortable place for your intimate areas to rest, and helps prevent friction.

So, they’re actually of vital importance! Who knew?

We’re learning a lot more about our underwear in more recent months.

Recently, Tyla explained why so many pairs of knickers still feature a cute little bow at the front.

In a Reddit thread, one person explained: “It comes from pre-elastic days, when your underthings were held in place by a bit of ribbon threaded through the eyelet lace at the tops. The little bow is where you tied that ribbon, and of course it's in the front because that's the easiest place to do something like that."

Unsplash)

Nowadays, the bows seem to have stuck around for decorative reasons.

You can read more about it here.

Topics: Health, Life, Style, Fashion

Kimberley Bond

Kim is a journalist at Tyla, and has previously worked at the Evening Standard, Radio Times as well as several national newspapers. A showbiz obsessive and a television fanatic, Kim is particularly interested in celebrity gossip, A-list events and the latest releases on either the big or small screen. Contact her at [email protected]

@0xKimberley