French knickers

French knickers are a type of women's underwear or lingerie and are called "tap pants" in the U.S. The term is predominantly used in the UK and Australia to describe a type of style of underpant worn between the waist and the thigh. They sometimes cover the waist, always cover the hip, some of the upper thigh and all of the buttocks, and feature an 'open leg' style, or loose fitting leg opening without elastic leg cuffs, allow a more comfortable fit. The style may have straight cut leg cuffs with or without trimming. The fabric is often bias cut.

They are not to be confused with other underpant styles like "hipsters", "briefs", "bikini bottoms" and "boyshorts", all of which feature elasticated leg openings and much snugger fit to the body.

French knickers are best suited to be worn with full, flared and A-Line skirts, trousers and dresses, as they can add bulk and produce a visible panty line (VPL). They are an elegant, comfortable and healthier alternative to more fitted forms of underwear and are often made of luxury fabrics like silk.

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. During the 1920s and 1930s French knickers were almost the standard for British women but during the '40s they were overtaken by more fitted styles.

During the nostalgia revival of the 1970s, French knickers returned to fashion through the designs of Janet Reger and others, and were especially popular in the 1980s for a specialty market.