Styles Various styles of panties (thong and G-string: back view). In Australia, male underpants are often referred to as 'undies', although the word can also refer to panties. The last two of these are gender-neutral terms and can be used for either male or female styles of underwear bottom, the American English equivalent being underpants. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore and occasionally in other Commonwealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand, panties may be referred to as 'knickers', 'undies', or simply 'underwear'. The earliest known use of underwear that resembles modern panties dates back to 4,400 B.C. Construction typically consists of two pieces (front and rear) that are joined by seams at the crotch and sides an additional gusset is often in the crotch, with the waistband and leg-openings made from elastomer. Panties are made of a variety of materials, including cotton, lace, latex, leather, lycra, mesh, nylon, PVC, polyester, rawhide, satin, and silk. Various materials are used, but are usually chosen to be breathable.
Typical components include an elastic waistband, a crotch panel to cover the genitalia (usually lined with absorbent material such as cotton), and a pair of leg openings that, like the waistband, are often made of elastomer. Panties ( AmE) or knickers ( BrE) are a form of underpants worn by women.
