Expert shares why ‘knicker pockets’ exist after people claim it is for tidying

An underwear expert has shared the real reason why ‘knicker pockets’ exist, as she warned against a viral ‘hack’ that has appeared on TikTok

Every day on TikTok a new hack appears for people to test out but some tips and tricks are less effective than others. One viral hack seemingly revealed the reason women’s underwear has a little pocket in the crotch – but it was wasn’t quite correct.

In her video, TikTok user @aniezabay1 showed how she uses the pants pocket to help keep her underwear tidy in her drawer. She begins to roll and fold her underwear, while the words “What’s the purpose of the pocket on your underwear?” appear on screen.

She wrote: “Watch this video and you’ll learn today” as she folds her underwear smaller and smaller before tucking the folded pants into the knicker pocket.

She then says: “I actually just figured this out not too long ago, I love how my underwear is organised”.

Comments flooded the TikTok, which has over 2.7 million views, with users divided. Some asked “Why didn’t they teach us this at school” but most criticised the hack for being too time consuming. One user wrote: “Never in my life I would do that”, while another said: “Ain’t nobody got time for that!!!”

People jokingly chimed in their suggestions for the pocket including a place to keep cash, credit cards, tampon strings or even snacks.

The resounding answer from the comments was that this hack simply wasn’t true and the cotton liner which makes the pocket was there for a much more unspoken but hygienic reason. Underwear expert Emily Blount has weighed in on the debate and explained what exactly that little pocket is for.

The Head of Product at Lounge Underwear said: “Many underwear fabrics aren’t great for vaginal health so this ‘mini pocket’ actually creates a protective layer, helping to prevent sweat which can lead to unwanted bacteria which can cause a range of problems including irritation and itchiness, which can be uncomfortable and take time to recover from.

“Cotton is natural fibre and absorbent of moisture (sweat, fluids etc) but most importantly breathable so sustainable fabrics like what we use at Lounge for the gusset are designed to protect you.

“We also feel that the extra coverage is great to add a layer for modesty, especially if wearing something that’s sheer.

“Although this hack appears effective for storing your underwear, we recommend not doing this as it could stretch out or affect the fabric of your favourite knickers if consistently bundled together. Your lingerie will stay high quality for longer if you lay it out in a single layer in your underwear drawer.”