Let’s be honest. For a long time, the term "granny panties" was basically a playground insult or a punchline in a rom-com where the lead actress is having a "relatable" crisis. It conjured images of beige, oversized, industrial-strength cotton that reached the ribs. Not exactly the height of fashion, right?
Wrong.
The world of intimates has shifted. Hard. We’ve collectively decided that getting a wedgie from a lace string at 10:00 AM while trying to buy groceries is no longer a requirement for being a modern human. Whether you call them full briefs, high-waist knickers, or the classic granny panties, these garments are having a massive cultural moment that has nothing to do with age and everything to do with a radical shift toward body autonomy and actual, literal physical comfort.
It’s about time.
The Surprising Comeback of the Full Brief
If you look at market data from firms like Edited or Grand View Research, you’ll see a steady decline in the sales of thongs and "skimpy" styles over the last decade. It isn't just a fluke. In 2015, the New York Times famously reported on the rise of the "granny panty" among Millennials, noting a 17% drop in thong sales while fuller styles surged. That trend didn't stop. It accelerated.
Why? Because the "sexy" aesthetic defined by brands like Victoria’s Secret in the early 2000s felt increasingly performative. Today’s consumer—whether they are 22 or 72—is looking for fabric technology. We want moisture-wicking cotton, seamless edges that don't dig into our hips, and a waistband that stays put.
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Comfort is a Power Move
There’s a specific kind of confidence that comes from not thinking about your underwear. When you wear granny panties, you aren't tugging at your clothes. You aren't worried about visible panty lines (VPL) as much as you’d think, because modern laser-cut edges have solved that.
The "granny" moniker is actually becoming a badge of honor. It signals a rejection of the male gaze in favor of personal comfort. It’s practical. It’s soft. Honestly, it’s just better for your skin. Dermatologists often recommend 100% cotton full-coverage underwear because it allows for better airflow, reducing the risk of irritation or infections that can be exacerbated by synthetic materials and tight friction.
Fabric Science: It’s Not Just Your Grandma’s Cotton
When we talk about this style today, we aren't just talking about the 10-pack of heavy-duty briefs from a big-box store. Though, let’s be fair, those have their place. The "new" version of this classic involves some pretty serious textile engineering.
- Micro-Modal and Tencel: These fabrics are derived from beech trees and eucalyptus. They are significantly softer than traditional cotton and hold their shape better after fifty washes.
- The "Core" Support: Many high-waist styles now include light compression. It’s not a corset. It’s just a gentle "hug" for the lower abdomen that many women find soothing, especially during menstruation or postpartum recovery.
- Seamless Tech: The biggest complaint about old-school briefs was the thick elastic around the legs. Modern versions use heat-bonded seams. They disappear under leggings.
Beyond the Beige
The color palette has evolved too. You can get full-coverage briefs in neon, deep jewel tones, and sophisticated mesh panels. Designers like Rihanna with Savage X Fenty or Lizzo with Yitty have leaned heavily into high-waist silhouettes. They’ve proven that "big" doesn't mean "boring." It can be architectural. It can be high-fashion.
Why the "Granny" Label Still Exists
Language is sticky. We keep calling them granny panties because it’s a shorthand for "not a thong." But if you talk to actual grandmothers—women in their 60s, 70s, and 80s—you’ll find a demographic that has been right about this all along. They prioritized utility. They prioritized the health of their skin.
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There is a certain irony in the fact that Gen Z is now "discovering" the benefits of a high-waisted cotton brief. It’s part of a larger trend of "Grandmacore" or "Coastal Grandmother" aesthetics. We are looking at the generations before us and realizing they had the right idea about a lot of things: linen shirts, gardening, and comfortable underwear.
Breaking the Stigma
The stigma was always rooted in ageism. The idea was that once a woman reached a certain age, she stopped being "attractive" and therefore started wearing "ugly" underwear. By reclaiming the term, we’re dismantling that. If a 25-year-old model wears a high-waist brief in a photoshoot, it’s "retro chic." If a 70-year-old wears it, it’s "just a granny panty."
That double standard is dying. Comfort doesn't have an expiration date.
The Practical Side: What to Look For
If you’re looking to upgrade your drawer and lean into the full-coverage lifestyle, don't just grab the first thing you see. Quality varies wildly.
- Check the Gusset: It should be 100% cotton. Even if the rest of the panty is a nylon blend for stretch, that inner lining needs to breathe.
- Rise Height: Not all "high waist" is the same. Measure from your crotch to your navel. Some brands sit right at the belly button; others go higher. Know what feels best on your frame.
- Elastic Longevity: Look for encased elastic. If the elastic is exposed, it tends to fray and become "scratchy" after a few months of heavy rotation.
The Cultural Impact of Visibility
Think about the "Bridget Jones" moment. That movie came out in 2001. The scene where she’s wearing huge tummy-control knickers was played for laughs. It was a moment of "shame."
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Fast forward to today. Influencers post selfies in high-waist briefs as a statement of body positivity. They show the rolls, the bloating, and the reality of a human torso. The granny panties act as a frame for the body rather than a way to hide it. It’s a shift from "hiding the flaws" to "supporting the reality."
It’s also worth noting the inclusivity aspect. Full briefs are much more accommodating for different body shapes, including those who use feminine hygiene products or incontinence pads. Having more fabric isn't just a style choice; for many, it's a functional necessity that provides security.
Making the Switch Without Regret
If you've spent years wearing skimpy styles, switching to a full brief can feel... weird. It’s a lot of fabric. You might feel "frumpy" for the first twenty minutes. But then you go about your day. You sit down at your desk and the waistband doesn't roll down. You walk five miles and you don't have chafing.
Suddenly, you realize that the "sexy" underwear was actually a source of low-level physical stress you’d been ignoring for a decade.
Actionable Steps for a Better Top Drawer
If you're ready to embrace the comfort, start small. Don't throw everything away yet.
- The Trial Run: Buy one pair of high-end modal full briefs. Wear them on your most active day. See if you notice the difference in your stress levels.
- Assess Your Wardrobe: High-waist styles work best with high-waisted jeans and skirts. If you still wear low-rise pants, you’ll need a "mid-rise" brief to avoid the waistband popping out—unless you want to lean into that look, which is also a vibe right now.
- Wash with Care: To keep the "stretch" in your comfortable underwear, avoid the high-heat setting on your dryer. Heat kills spandex. Air drying or low-tumble will keep your favorite pairs from becoming baggy.
The reality is that "granny panties" were never actually about grandmas. They were about the freedom to exist in a body without being pinched, poked, or prodded by your own clothes. Whether you’re 19 or 90, that’s a luxury everyone deserves. The trend isn't going anywhere because comfort is the one thing that never actually goes out of style. It’s time to stop apologizing for wanting to feel good in your own skin—and your own clothes.