What is a tai

Short answer: A tai is the knicker style in the middle. The waist sits higher than on a hipster and lower than on a maxi, and the leg opening is moderate. That is why it suits most trousers and is the style many people keep coming back to.

In the middle at the waist

The waist of a tai sits around navel height, which suits most trousers and skirts. The waistband sits neither so low that it slips nor so high that you feel it over your stomach. That makes the style easy to wear from morning to night without thinking about it. See the bamboo panties.

A moderate leg opening

The leg opening is neither high nor low, so it rarely digs into the thigh. A high leg opening can feel free but may ride up when you move. A low opening covers more but can bunch. The tai sits in between, which keeps it calm when you walk, sit or cycle. See the bamboo tops for women.

The most common style

The tai is the style most people choose, precisely because it is not extreme in any direction. It covers more than a hipster and less than a maxi. That makes it a safe starting point if you are unsure which style suits you. Many start with a tai and then try another to feel the difference.

Compared with hipster and maxi

Knicker styles are often grouped by waist height. The hipster sits clearly below the navel and has wide sides. The maxi sits above the navel and covers the most. The tai sits in between. None is more correct than the others. The choice comes down to your trousers and how much coverage you prefer.

Under trousers and skirts

Because the waist sits at the navel, the tai works under ordinary jeans, chinos and mid rise skirts. It does not ride up over the waistband of your trousers, and it does not disappear below it. Under very low rise trousers a hipster may be better, and under very high waisted trousers a maxi may suit you better.

Choose the right size

A tai that is too small pulls at the leg and waist and can leave a visible edge under your clothes. A size too large folds and slips. Choose your usual size and use the size chart if you are between two. The waistband should lie flat, and the leg edge should follow the skin.

From top to toe

Underwear is only part of what you wear next to the skin. A soft top and comfortable socks belong too, especially on days when you are dressed from early morning to late evening. Choose pieces in the same soft quality so everything feels the same against the skin. See the bamboo socks for men and women.

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. Let the knickers dry flat or on a rack. That way they keep their shape and stretch, and the waistband lies flat after many washes.

Frequently asked questions

What is a tai

A knicker style with the waist around navel height and a moderate leg opening, in the middle between hipster and maxi. It suits most everyday trousers and skirts.

Why is the tai so popular

Because it is not extreme in any direction. It suits most trousers and most body types, which makes it a safe choice if you are unsure.

How do you choose between a tai and a hipster

By how high you want the waist. The tai sits around the navel, the hipster clearly below. If you often wear low rise trousers, the hipster suits best.