M&S shoppers are ‘clutching their pearls’ as explicit fashion item goes on sale

M&S is known for its sturdy, practical clothing, but it’s ruffled feathers (Picture: Getty Images) Once upon a time, M&S was the type of place you’d go to for granny pants and other sturdy, reliable items of clothing. Now, though, the beloved British brand has ditched its tendency to be a little, well, vanilla in the underwear department. Not only is it now selling pants designed by Ann Summers, but also completely crotchless thongs. They might not sound very practical, but they are sexy. At £20 for a three-pack, these garments look like any other g-string, until you look a little bit closer and notice that the crotch has a little slit in the middle, right where your, ahem, lady parts would sit. The design comes in three colours: black, red and black, and blue and black, all adorned with floral details. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. In case you’re wondering, these pants aren’t really meant for everyday wear, as you’d probably be up to your eyeballs in thrush. Save them for a saucy evening. Some people are clutching their pearls, but we’re here for it (Picture: M&S) Naturally, the launch has caught the attention of countless M&S shoppers. One Mumsnetter encountered an advert for the pants while they were doomscrolling on Facebook, and was rather shocked. The user, by the name of @Dutchhouse14, wrote: ‘Have I actually fallen asleep and am dreaming? WTAF is M&S thinking?! They appear to be stocking Ann Summers. Talk about rebrand of underwear department!’ The post received 189 comments from other confused M&S loyalists. ‘M&S underwear department is the home of stout, solid granny pants and comfy bras. Not porn knickers, ffs,’ @Pineapplesonpizza wrote. ‘It’s where my mum bought my first bra many years ago, and where I got my daughter’s first bras. Just wouldn’t expect to see underwear aimed at foreplay in M&S.’ Meanwhile, @ALovelyPinkUnicorn joked: ‘I’m too busy clutching my pearls.’ They come in three colours, including red and blue (Picture: M&S) Times are changing at Marks & Spencer Over the past few years, M&S has consciously been trying to attract a slightly younger audience. I’m 28, but I now own multiple items from M&S, mainly because I’ve noticed it’s really upped its fashion game. Some might say I’m simply nearing 30, but there’s another, more compelling reason: the brand has actively overhauled its strategy. Walking through the aisles, now, you’ll see more colour and pattern than some other high street names, and it’s constantly on top of trends. Remember those leopard print jeans everyone was wearing a few years ago? And then the striped blue and white linen trousers? That was M&S. The current item of the moment is a powder blue jacket that influencers are urging shoppers to buy now ahead of September weather. Back in 2019, the-then CEO confessed the clothing section had a slight reputation for ‘frumpiness.’ At the time, it’d just recruited Maddy Evans as director of M&S Woman, who previously made waves working at Topshop and Topman (AKA, the Millennial home of Joni jeans and frilly coloured socks). Still in her M&S role, Maddy also oversees lingerie, so we can thank her for signing off the Ann Summers partnership. Someone has called these ‘porn knickers’ (Picture: M&S) We’re all for a bit of fun in the knicker ailse and some on social media have also applauded the bold move. @BauhausOfEliott said: ‘Doesn’t seem like any kind of big deal to me. They’re just knickers. It’s not like they’re stocking whips and dildos.’ EBearHug pointed out: ‘There’s not much to thongs anyway, so what’s left if they’re crotchless? I do think of M&S as the home of sensible cotton undies, even though I have bought silk knickers here.’ For all those wondering whether you’ll still be able to buy regular knickers from M&S, don’t worry: they still proudly stock a full brief. But honestly? We’re here for this new raunchy era. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: Olivia Attwood’s new River Island collection is perfect for anyone not ready to give up summer Arrow MORE: The noisy turn-on women love but men find ’embarrassing’ Arrow MORE: M&S launches ‘luxurious’ new £3 chocolate bar that’s dividing shoppers