Women’s undies: What the gusset is for

All these years, women’s underpants have been hiding a secret – but it has a very specific and necessary purpose.

Ever noticed that there is an extra piece of fabric inside women’s underpants creating what looks like a tiny pocket and wondered what it is for?

No – it’s not for storing cash (now that would be an awkward checkout encounter) – it is actually for hygiene purposes.

The extra piece of fabric is in fact called a gusset, The Sun reports.

The purpose of a gusset is to reduce stress from tight-fitting clothing and, in the case of women’s undies, provide an extra layer of fabric where it is needed most.

Women didn’t start wearing what we today consider underpants until the 1930s. Picture: Mark Calleja

They are generally made from a natural fibre, breathable fabric like cotton.

They also are highly absorbent and prevent friction as well as reducing the risk of infection.

This can be especially important if the rest of the underwear is made from a synthetic material which doesn’t allow as much air flow.

Last year, UK woman Stacey Solomon was left baffled over the pockets she discovered in all of her underwear.

Taking to her Instagram story, the mum-of-three posted a video of her swimming costume, pointing out the small insert in the lining of her pants.

This story was originally on The Sun and is reproduced here with permission

Originally published as Women’s undies: What the gusset is for