What is French Cut Underwear?

Of all the garments you wear, underwear is arguably one of the most important. It’s the foundation of your wardrobe; the first thing you put on prior to getting dressed in the morning, afternoon, evening - or whatever time of the day it is that you get dressed. Not only does it protect your sensitive lady bits from making direct contact with the fabrics that your pants, shorts, skirts, or dresses are made of (helping to stave off painful irritation and chafing), but it also helps to prevent sweat and fluids from collecting on your clothing (that might sound gross, but it’s absolutely true). Add to that the fact that it makes you feel more confident, as it can enhance the appearance of your bum, and it’s easy to see why underwear is so important. In other words, while underwear might be tiny, it sure is mighty!

Like any other garment, undies need to be replaced from time to time. Every time they make a trip around the washing machine, the fabric is stressed and strained. While hand washing and air drying can help to extend the life expectancy, the materials still do experience stress and strain. Of course, each time you wear them, the materials are stretched out. Over time, even the highest quality underpants will fall to the pressure of constant wear and tear, and they’re going to end up becoming misshapen and threadbare. When that happens, your bloomers will fail to offer the protection that they’re designed to provide, but they can also become pretty uncomfortable.

What is French Cut Underwear?

If the panties in your underwear drawer are looking worse for the wear and threadbare, they’re faded and deformed, they constantly ride up your crack or pinch your cheeks and legs, it’s time to clear out the old rags and stock up on some fresh pairs.

When you’re shopping for underwear, you’re going to find that there are so many different styles to choose from. It goes without saying that you want to be sure that the style you choose offers the protection that you need, but that it’s also as comfortable as possible; a second skin, so to speak. Whether you’re shopping online, through a catalog, a department store, or a lingerie retailer, French cut is one of the most popular styles of ladies underwear that you’re going to find. But what exactly is French cut underwear? What differentiates it from other underwear styles? Why is it so popular?

To find the answers to the above-mentioned questions – and to determine whether or not French cut underwear is the right choice for you – keep on reading.

What is French Cut Underwear?

What is French Cut Underwear, Anyway?

So, what is French cut underwear? Basically, it’s a style of ladies underwear that sits on the waistline, has a high cut leg, and offers a moderate to full coverage silhouette. They provide full coverage on the front and the back, and high cut leg openings are flattering and lend a sexy look, as they create the illusion of longer, leaner legs. The French cut style of women’s underwear sits on the natural waistline.

Due to the high cut leg openings and the high waistline, French cut underwear is triangular in shape. The leg openings are kind of slanted from the gusset (the crotch) to the hips. Since the silhouette is cut high on the legs, this style of underwear clearly delineates the thigh from the hip, creating a feminine look. Also referred to as French cut briefs or French cut panties, many refer to this style of underwear as “granny panties” because of their high waist design; however, don’t let that moniker fool you, as they can be quite sexy.

What is French Cut Underwear?

What are the Benefits of French Cut Underwear?

Now that you have a basic understanding of French cut underwear, you’re probably wondering what type of benefits this style offers. Here’s a look at some of the reasons why French cut panties have been the go-to choice among women of all ages for years.

  • Comfort. First and foremost, French cut panties are super-comfortable. The comfort they provide is undeniably one of the biggest benefits of this style, and the reason why so many women love them. The high waist design sits at the natural waistline, and they offer full coverage along the front and back. These factors are why they are commonly referred to as “granny panties”; however, we consider that a compliment, as they’re super-comfortable and comfort is one of the most essential components of a good pair of undies. The high leg openings also add to the comfort that these panties provide, as they move seamlessly with the hips and thighs.
  • Aesthetically pleasing. While the term “granny panty” might make you dismiss these undies as big, oversized bloomers that would be the very antithesis of sexy, as we already mentioned, you should definitely ignore that moniker, as they’re definitely sexy. In fact, they offer a classic sex appeal that is associated with the likes of Marilyn Monroe and 1940s, 1950s pin-up girls. In our opinion, you’re bound to feel more confident and sexy in a pair of French cut panties.
  • Protection. French cut undies also provide great protection. Since the front and back of these undies provide full coverage, you won’t have to worry about anything slipping and falling out. That means that they’ll thoroughly protect your most sensitive bits and pieces from making contact with the fabrics that your clothing is made of, such as denim or wool, which can create chafing and cause scratches, cuts, and abrasions. Talk about painful! The full coverage these undies provide also means that you won’t have to worry as much about sweat or fluids making contact with your clothing and showing through on the seat of your pants, skirts, or dresses, and the embarrassment that can cause.

Summing It Up

Thanks to their style and design, and the comfort and protection that they provide, it’s easy to see why French cut panties are one of the most popular styles of women’s underwear. If you’re shopping for new undies, we totally recommend investing in a few pairs.

About the author

Kelsey Summers

Kelsey is the lead editor of Undywear.com. She's a fashionista who's written for Glamour, GQ and others. She enjoys breaking the stigma and taboo around underwear and writing about all things fashion.