Culottes

What are culottes?

Culottes are a full-cut garment that works as everyday wear or as lingerie to show off. Sexy culottes aim to look good without giving up comfort: you'll find them in lace, tulle, silk and sheer fabrics, with bows, ribbons, embroidery, openings or straps. To complete the set, pair them with garter belts and suspenders and stockings.

Types of culottes

What changes from one to another is the cut, and with it how much they cover and how they fit.

• Brazilian: medium coverage at the back, shows part of the buttocks and enhances them; it's the most flattering cut on most body shapes.
• Shorty: short boxer style, comfortable and modern-looking.
• High-waisted: holds in the tummy and defines the waist, with a retro look.
• Open: with an opening at the crotch, so you don't have to take them off.
• With built-in garter belt: culottes and straps for stockings in a single piece.

How to choose

• Cut: Brazilian if you want to show off your buttocks; shorty or high-waisted if you prefer more coverage.
• Size: check the size on the product page and, if there is a size chart, compare it with your hip measurement. If you need a bigger size, also see plus sizes.
• Fabric: the product page gives the composition; nylon with elastane stretches and moulds to the body.
• Single piece or set: the product page says whether it comes with a matching top or bra.

Culottes: frequently asked questions

What is the difference between culottes, knickers and a thong?

The amount of fabric at the back. Culottes cover from the hip to the top of the thigh, knickers cover the hip with less fabric at the back, and a thong leaves it as a single strip. Culottes are the most comfortable, a thong is the sexiest and knickers sit in between.

Do sexy culottes show under clothes?

Lace and tulle ones can show under tight clothing. If you're wearing them underneath, choose a microfibre pair with no side seams. If you want them as lingerie to show off, thickness doesn't matter and the more detail, the better.

Are there thong culottes?

Not as such. The closest thing is the Brazilian cut, which covers like culottes at the front and has less fabric at the back. If it's the back strip you're after, you'll find it in knickers and thongs.

How do I wash lace culottes?

By hand in cold water, or in the machine inside a laundry bag on a delicate cycle. Always follow the care label and leave them to air dry.