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.
More than half (56 per cent) said control pants improve how their outfit looks, while 44 per cent say they enhance body shape.
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.
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).
