MOST middle-aged women like to keep up with the Joneses when it comes to wearing big knickers, according to a survey. Eight out of ten said they were more comfortable in a large pair of pants — like rom-com hero Bridget. The poll also found more than three quarters (79 per cent) of women aged 40 to 65 would opt for comfy undies on a first date. More than half (56 per cent) said control pants improve how their outfit looks, while 44 per cent say they enhance body shape.
![[Renee Zellweger in a still from *Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy*.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/c-univeral-films-romantic-comedy-966594079_f92184.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
And 45 per cent said so-called granny pants actually make them feel more confident. The poll was commissioned by fashion brand JD Williams to mark the release of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, starring Renée Zellweger. Thongs were voted the least favourite style of knickers (ten per cent), followed by Brazilian (11) and shorts (23). Celebrity fashion stylist Gok Wan said: “What was once viewed as an ugly piece of underwear women were almost embarrassed about — fast-forward to today, and big knickers are now a core piece to building an outfit, an essential in helping women feel sexy and to embrace and support their shape.
![[Still from Bridget Jones's Diary; a woman holds a pair of panties in front of her face.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NINTCHDBPICT000883572144_6ada7e.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
