The history of the development of women's panties was greatly influenced by the revolutions of gender politics in the 20th century. Today's women can choose from a number of different styles of underwear. The underwear with the largest coverage area is known as a girdle. This piece stretches along the lower abdomen, around the waist, and around the thighs. While girdles are no longer popular among young women, some people prefer them because of the comforting constriction they deliver. Briefs are panties worn around the waist and thighs. These pieces tend to mirror men's boxer briefs in size, functionality, material composition, and style. They are worn with casual business outfits, around-the-house clothes, jeans, and practically every other overgarment. Bikini briefs are slightly more revealing. They feature a tapered waist section. So-called string bikini briefs go even further. A string of elastic fabric connects the front and back underwear pieces. Finally, there is the thong, which rides up between the buttocks to essentially yield a quasi-naked appearance. Thongs are popular choices for women who want to wear pants or dressy outfits without showing any panty lines. Variations on the aforementioned styles of women's panties abound, and a host of clothing manufacturers produce high-quality underwear apparel. Conservative, preppy clothiers, such as the Gap, Banana Republic, and J. Crew feature a number of colors and panty styles. Lingerie companies, like Frederick's of Hollywood and Victoria's Secret, market both functional and fashionable panties for women.
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