You don’t realise how deep the relationship goes until it’s gone – or in this case, been hacked. For as long as I can remember, M&S has been my reliable source for everyday knickers. Cotton high-legs with lace trim – quick click, done. But when I tried to restock online yesterday, I was met not with my usual multipack fix, but the 100th reminder that M&S is still in the grip of its now-infamous hacking incident.
Although I truly sympathise with the business and its teams, my tired-out knicker drawer says otherwise. And while I’m notoriously choosy about buying new clothes, the items I wear closest to my skin sit in lane one: replenish as needed.
But how to replace my go-to pair when the brand’s been hacked? This required a ‘who else does what M&S do’ moment, and a proper refresh on my good-knicker criteria.
Here’s what I remembered. My everyday knicker needs are simple: they must be cotton or Tencel (wood-based, biodegradable and soft) – no oil-based fibres next to my skin, and absolutely no VPL.
The mood-lifting ones
So what did I do when M&S wasn’t an option? Enter Stripe & Stare, a brand I’ve admired for years that’s run by two women, Katie Lopes and Nicola Piercy, who are Good Housekeeping heroes. Founded in 2019 and based in Devon, Katie and Nicola’s brand has carved out a cult following (Oprah’s a fan) with its pyjamas, lingerie and, above all, its VPL-free knickers made from super-soft, sustainable Tencel and in every colour combination and print under the sun. As soon as I saw its new ‘summer garden’ four-pack for £50, I was sold.
The sexy-ish ones
For a sexy-ish pair that channels my beloved M&S high-leg lace-trimmed style, Next came through with its version – at £10 a pair, not quite a bargain but a very satisfying match.
The value ones
Cotton bikini knickers 5 pack, from Anyday range
For a practical, budget-friendly everyday multipack, I turned to John Lewis Anyday: five cotton briefs for £12 – or £2.40 each.
So is it goodbye M&S? Not quite. But when the drawer runs low again, I have a new trio of contenders in the mix. And let’s be honest – competition looks good on everyone, even knickers.
