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

The French knicker style evolved from bloomers, the baggy long-legged underwear of the Victorian era and may have derived their name from the frilly underwear associated with Parisienne Can-Can dancers in late 1800s to early 1900s. The French however, do not use this term for this style. During the 1920s and 1930s French knickers were very popular but during the 1940s they were overtaken by more fitted styles, perhaps because of fabric shortages and the scarcity of silk.

During the nostalgia revival of the 1970s, French knickers returned to fashion through the designs of Janet Reger and other designers, and were especially popular in the 1980s for a specialty market. They are still available today, especially through vintage reproduction and specialty retailers.