I know many of you love a high waist brief.  The retro aesthetic and comfort fit can be hard to resist, and I must admit, right now I’m all about big knickers.  Although normally I tend to prefer a lower cut brief, especially a high leg or shortie, pregnancy has certainly changed it for me.  I’m not ashamed to say I’m much preferring a big pair of pants as my bump grows, simply because they’re down right comfy.

So you wouldn’t believe how silly-excited I got when I spotted Kinky Knickers had expanded their knicker range to include the high waist style.  I was gutted to have missed out on the mesh cheetah print design, but thankfully there were other options still available.  I was keen to give them a try so I was uber grateful to have some posted out to me.

Kinky Knickers sent me two variations of the Norma Jeane High Waist Knicker
in Lace and Stretch Fabric both Ebony & Oyster / £15

As I’m now well into the third trimester of my pregnancy I’m sporting a tidy bump that’s way overgrown my usual knickers.  I’m now sizing up slightly from my usual 14 to a 14-16 to allow for a roomier fit in regular non-maternity briefs, and I’m mostly choosing a midi or full brief cut.  The high waist Norma Jeane knickers looked ideal for me even though they’re not maternity knickers, and so I had both versions sent out in two sizes, the medium (fits 14-16) and the large (18-20).

Having tried many Kinky Knickers and Ella and Me garments before (both Headen and Quarmby brands) I knew the medium size would be the place to start.  The large size, although sounding far too big on paper, were intended for me to grow into.

The buttery soft knickers are an opaque polyester mix fabric trimmed with lace around the legs.  They’re super stretchy offering the perfect fluid fit and feel gorgeously slinky and sensual to the touch.  Available in a choice of three colours, this is a fun and super comfy option for those who like a touch of lace but prefer a smoother style.

The lace knickers are a classic Kinky Knickers style; a fully stretch lace design, trimmed with contrasting lace, and with a subtle sheer look.  The exquisite British made lace has a superior quality that keeps its shape well and wears beautifully.

Both knickers fit high up on the waist around the belly button which is a great shape of brief for me to wear right now.  The cut around the bottom, however, is probably not as broad as I’d prefer them.  They are cut deep around the hip but could do with being a little more generous on the bottom, as it doesn’t feel as widely full coverage around the butt.  If I’m wearing a big pair of pants I want my tummy and my bottom all snuggly wrapped up!

Interestingly I found the lace knickers came up slightly smaller compared to the buttery soft knicker.  The medium size does fit me and doesn’t dig in, but I prefer a fit that feels like there’s more to give.  So, I actually prefer the large size which is the 18-20, as it offers that extra bit of space.  This doesn’t surprise me all that much since I am carrying a big bump now, so I couldn’t expect to necessarily fit into my usual 14-16 as before.

I do love the aesthetic of the lace knickers though.  They have a degree of transparency that exposes without baring too much, so they’re as modest lace knickers as they are a sexy see through brief.

Photos taken at 27 weeks pregnancy

The buttery soft knickers are so easy to wear and my favourite of the two styles.  The fabric is super smooth and soft akin to microfibre, so it feels unrestrictive and ultra body conforming.  Easy to dress, the gorgeous fluidity just glides over my curves, making them an easy choice to wear over sensitive skins.

The medium size of the buttery soft knickers are the best fit, since they’re so stretchy with plenty give.  The large 18-20, unlike the lace knickers, are visibly too large for me at the moment, but should my bump develop much bigger over the next eight weeks then I’ll have the next size up to wear.

In conclusion, the soft polyester mix briefs are definitely more generously fitting than the lace knickers, likely due to the difference in nature of the fabrics.  The buttery soft briefs would fit larger sizes more comfortably, and since they’re a fully opaque, plain style, are more wearable for everyday.  The lace brief is a more sensual option that’s best worn in a size larger for the most malleable fit.

The Norma Jeane high waist knickers are a fab style of brief whichever fabric you opt for.  They’re not maternity briefs but I’ve found in this instance that pregnant ladies can absolutely wear them. The high cut is generously proportioned and effortlessly glides over curves of all kinds, perfect if you’re curvy – or bumpy! – like me.

Have you tried Kinky Knickers briefs yet?  What’s your favourite knicker style?  Do you like a full brief or do you prefer a slimmer cut for everyday wear?  I’d love to hear your thoughts on knickers!