What are hotpants

Short answer: Hotpants are a knicker style with legs. The legs are short and sit close, and the style is mainly worn to prevent chafing between the thighs. It also gives a smooth line with no visible edge under close fitting clothes.

Short legs against chafing

The short legs place a smooth layer between the thighs and stop skin rubbing directly against skin. You notice it most on warm days, on long walks and under dresses and skirts. A soft fabric that sits close without pulling helps the most. See the bamboo underwear for women to find a style that suits you.

No visible edge

Because the leg edge lies flat on the thigh rather than across the bottom, no line shows under close fitting clothes. Ordinary knickers often have an edge that shows through thin trousers or a fitted dress. With hotpants, the edge moves down to the thigh, where it lies calmly and is usually hidden.

Practical under short clothes

The style is also worn as a discreet layer under shorter skirts and dresses, so you can move freely without thinking about it. It covers more than ordinary knickers and feels secure when you cycle, sit down or bend over. See the bamboo sweatshirts for women if you want a soft top for the day.

How they differ from ordinary knickers

Ordinary knickers end at the groin, while hotpants continue a little way down the thigh. The waist usually sits at about the same height as a tai, but the legs add coverage and a different purpose. Hotpants are not meant to replace all your underwear, but to be a choice for days with chafing.

All year round

In summer, hotpants are worn against chafing in the heat when you wear a dress or skirt. In winter they work as an extra thin layer under trousers and add a little warmth around the hips. Many wear them all year for that reason, because one style covers two needs.

Choose the right size

The legs should sit close without pulling. If the size is too small, the leg edge digs into the thigh and can roll up. If it is too large, the legs ride up and bunch, and the protection against chafing is lost. Choose your usual size and use the size chart if you are between two.

Together with the rest of your outfit

Hotpants are part of the innermost layer and work best with other soft pieces next to the skin. On a cool day, warm socks and a soft top belong naturally, so the whole outfit feels the same against the skin from morning to night. See the bamboo socks.

Washing and care

Wash at a low temperature, ideally in a laundry bag, and skip fabric softener. Avoid the tumble dryer, because the heat strains the elastic in the waistband and leg edges, and the legs may start to roll up. Let them dry flat or on a rack so the leg edges stay flat after many washes.

Frequently asked questions

What are hotpants

A knicker style with short legs that places a smooth layer between the thighs and prevents chafing. It also gives a smooth line with no visible edge under clothes.

When should you choose hotpants

When your thighs rub together, or when you want to avoid a visible edge under close fitting clothes. They are also practical under short skirts and dresses.

Can hotpants be worn all year

Yes. In summer against chafing in the heat, in winter as an extra thin layer under trousers. Many wear them all year round for exactly that reason.