I remember shortly after the turn of the new century, everyone began buying things "smaller". Televisions had to be small so you could take the TV with you so you could watch your favorite program wherever you went. Cell phones were so thin and small they were being compared to credit cards and packs of chewing gum. Nobody wanted anything that resembled a "crossover vehicle" -- a Smart Car was the thing to drive.

But "smaller is better" didn't stop at technology and automobiles. Even women were faced with the problems of going "smaller" -- from accessories and even clothing.

Women's purses were so small they were often overlooked as part of a great outfit. But, when all it was carrying was a credit card sized phone, an ID and a little cash, the purse didn't have to be that large. Even women's clothing was trending "smaller is better". Perfect example: women's underpants. Don't blush, but there was a time, not that long ago, that every woman HAD to wear a thong. Blame it on not wanting panty lines or simply falling into the "smaller is better" phase, thongs were the underpants of choice.

However, times change. Crossover vehicles outnumber Smart Cars, televisions are so big they take up most of your living room wall, cell phones are portable computers, purses are more like duffel bags and the granny panties are making a comeback!

Trends in the sales of women's underwear are showing more ladies are preferring hipsters and high-waisted briefs to the once-popular, no panty-line showing thong underpants.

Bikini cut underpants for the ladies is still the most popular style, bringing in about $708 million in sales. And yes, thongs still make up a large section of the $3 billion women's underwear industry with about $559 million in sales. But as trends start to swing toward "bigger is better", ladies hipster-cut underpants are now selling better, bringing in about $618 million in sales.

But the real success story, according to market researchers, is the popularity of the high-cut brief. Often referred to as the "granny panty", the numbers actually doubled over a two year span, from $79 million to $197 million in sales.

Retailers are confirming these numbers saying,

Fuller coverage panties seem more fresh, modern and young. Innovation also plays a part—better fabrics decrease any visible panty lines and are more comfortable.

As for the idea that granny panties are not as sexy as a thong, that's just nonsense! More women are saying granny panties can be totally sexy, as long as you feel sexy in them. Because after all, the least sexy thing is being uncomfortable!

Don't worry, however. Thong underpants will probably always be an option for those who are daring enough. But it's comforting to know, that along with giant TVs, big cell phones and purses that can double as a piece of carry-on luggage, granny panties are now getting the recognition they deserve!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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