Birmingham musician Becky Baldwin had her profile manipulated using deepfake technology to impersonate her and trick a Texan man in his 50s called Carl into an AI romance scam.

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This is probably TMI, but I’ve never been a fan of a thong. 

I don’t care what anyone says, they’re just not comfortable. And don’t even get me started on G-strings.

But it seems to me that these days, it’s not just the fabric version of dental floss that appears to be designed to ride up where the sun don’t shine — I’m certain that all women’s underwear is getting smaller and flimsier.

And I’m not the only one feeling bitter about this.

A revolution of sorts has begun online, with thousands of women demanding the return of ‘proper’ knickers. 

What’s happening to our knickers?

It all started when a social media user known as Jennifer took to the r/AskUK forum on Reddit to pose a serious question to women of the UK: What’s happening to knickers?

In her post, she explained that underwear at the likes of M&S was ‘driving her crazy’.

‘In recent years I’ve noticed underwear no longer has proper elastic around the edges (not including the waistband). I cannot understand the logic here. Is it cheaper?

‘Because the elastic was there for a reason, now my knickers are just moving around left, right and centre,’ she writes.

‘Even the ones that look like they have elastic in have no elasticity on the edges.’ 

Thousands have upvoted and commented on the post, with many quick to bring their own underwear gripes to light. And the most common was to do with the gusset, or rather the lack there of…

Redditor u/Kim_Catiko replied, saying: ‘I have also noticed that the undercarriage bit (the bit that has a cotton lining) seems to not even sit under my f*nny. 

‘It goes up my a*se, which then means my discharge goes through the thinner part of the knickers rather than catching on the cotton lining. It also means pads sit weird too. It is so f**king annoying.’

And u/MrsCosmopilite agreed, writing: ‘Yes! The gusset has started to be about two inches further back than it should be.’

While u/tiny-brit commented: ‘I’ve been noticing this for a while, and it seems to go hand-in-hand with underwear now often being designed ridiculously high waisted, and/or the gusset area being weirdly long and narrow.

‘I personally just want an appropriate amount of coverage of the important areas, without my underwear having to be adjusted every time I move.’

Several women on the thread were thrilled the topic was being brought to light and admitted they’d come across the issue so many times they’d convinced themselves something had to be wrong with the shape or size of their vagina. 

‘I thought my flaps were getting bigger or something. Amazing how much we’ll gaslight ourselves about our bodies when something changes,’ u/AtLeastOneCat confessed. 

‘Gussets have truly evolved’

The general consensus was that underwear had changed drastically over the last few years, but is this actually the case? 

Michael Thomson, the CEO and founder of lingerie and swimwear retailer, Pour Moi, has confirmed we’re not imagining things — gussets are shrinking. 

‘Women’s underwear and gussets have truly evolved and changed over the years, to adapt to evolving clothing trends and advances in new technologies,’ he tells Metro.

He credits the ‘surge’ in a need for smaller gussets to women wearing more leggings and athleisure wear, post-lockdown. This, he says, has triggered a requirement for shops to stock more seamless briefs, with no VPL, to be worn under tight-fitting gym clothing.

M&S has been doing just this, and it’s paid off for them. The retailer, which sells around 60 million pairs of knickers annually, has seen sales of its High Waist Thong soaring by over 160% this year, versus last year, again likely due to the trend towards wearing leggings a gym gear day-to-day.

Charlotte Davies, director of M&S lingerie says that customers havehad an appetite for ‘invisible’ underwear of late, but they still want it to have a little spice.

‘What’s particularly exciting is the growth in cheekier, more sculpted shapes. The High Waist Thong and High Waist High-Leg are leading the way,’ she says.

‘These silhouettes are redefining everyday lingerie, offering flattering fits that are comfortable and invisible under clothes, featuring innovative no VPL, with 360 degree stretch for all day comfort.

‘Its proof women are looking for lingerie that balances both style and practicality in equal measure.’

Less elastic doesn’t mean more wedgies

To create that seamless look designers are getting rid of traditional cotton and woven elastic – which is what often causes a visible panty line. Instead, brands are using elastane to create stretch, which is more commonly known as Lycra or Spandex. 

But, the issue with elastane is that over time it can lose its shape and elasticity. This is especially the case if it’s regularly exposed to heat, such as in the washing machine or tumble dryer, which explains why gradually your underwear might start to move around and become uncomfortable. 

Despite this, Katie Lopes, the founder of underwear brand, Stripe & Stare, claims less elastic in our knickers isn’t actually a bad thing.

‘I spent six years making small production runs and selling to thousands of women, and the very first thing I did was remove any heavy elastic seams, replacing them with lace and a flat-lock stitch.’

Katie explains that this is because ‘heavy elastic is actually what causes wedgies’, so instead they use TENCEL, a natural cellulose fibre she says is ‘more moisture-wicking and antibacterial’ than cotton or bamboo.

Knickers are getting smarter not smaller

Some brands are also taking this one step further, with WUKA creating the world’s first multi-size period pants. These are made entirely from an ‘innovative stretch technology’ to fit bodies across different sizes.

‘It’s not so much that knickers are getting smaller, they’re getting smarter,’ says WUKA founder and CEO, Ruby Raut. ‘Fabrics today are engineered to stretch, flex and adapt. We moved from offering 11 individual sizes to just three multi-size options that still cover the same range.’

Offering multi-sizes has reportedly helped WUKA customers find a better fit, which hopefully means they’re more comfort too.

Ruby adds: ‘Fit and fabric have become top concerns, but since launching our multi-size range, we’ve seen our return rate drop from 6% to 3%.

‘In fact, our multi-size underwear now makes up 60% of our total underwear sales – that says a lot.’

And these aren’t the only underwear changes you can expect to see in shops these days, as the types of fabric being used are also evolving.

At M&S, Charlotte claims delicate lace knickers are out and microfibre briefs are in, which is a much more ‘lightweight’ fabric.

Shoppers are also said to be looking for ‘pops of colour’ to bring energy to the everyday knicker draw, so expect to see more bold shades on the horizon.

Personally though, I’d still prefer a pair of proper knickers over a hot pink stringy thing any day…

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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Our Place is serving up some of the most delicious deals this Black Friday and we’re here to bring you the very best of what’s on offer. 

Just in time for the biggest shopping event of the year, the brand is serving up its biggest savings yet, with discounts of up to 45% off its most-loved kitchen essentials.

From cult-favourite cookware, like TikTok’s favourite Always Pan to the coveted Wonder oven, now’s the perfect time to refresh your kitchen or finally snag that piece you’ve been eyeing.

With prices this good, don’t wait too long because stock is already flying off the shelves as shoppers rush to snap up Our Place’s best-selling cookware before the Black Friday sale ends.

Ready to trade your old non-stick frying pan that doesn’t actually work or upgrade your tableware for something way more stylish? We thought so.

Here’s the best deals we’re eyeing up this Black Friday…

Our Place Always Pan 2.0

The Always Pan 2.0 is the updated version of Our Place’s best-selling all-in-one pan, designed to replace up to ten pieces of traditional cookware. It features a durable, non-toxic ceramic non-stick coating that’s free from PFAS, it’s oven-safe up to 230°C and suitable for all hobs, including induction. The modular lid and built-in steamer basket make it a practical choice for everyday cooking.

BUY NOW FOR £99 (WAS £125) – SAVE £26

Our Place Wonder Oven

The Wonder Oven is Our Place’s compact six-in-one appliance that air fries, bakes, roasts, toasts, reheats and broils. Featuring rapid heat technology and steam infusion for crisp, tender food, it gives powerful performance in a sleek, space-saving design that looks as good as it cooks.

BUY NOW FOR £155 (WAS £195) – SAVE £40

Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro

The Titanium Always Pan Pro is made from durable, oven-safe titanium for precise heat control and lasting performance. It features a non-toxic, PFAS-free ceramic non-stick coating and is suitable for all hobs, including induction. It’s available in mini, standard and large sizes to suit your needs.

BUY NOW FOR £135 (WAS £170) – SAVE £35

Ready, steady, cook…

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Mike McAdam had always enjoyed good mental health until, at the age of 32, a sudden and all-consuming flood of depression hit him like a tsunami. 

‘I had no history of mental health struggles and to this day I still don’t know why it happened. I had everything you could have wanted; I was married, I had a really good job, I owned a house, had a dog. But I just felt heavy,’ Londoner Mike explains. 

It began in January 2017 when, on what was supposed to be a life-changing three-week trip to Australia and Thailand, Mike inexplicably felt incredibly sad.

He didn’t tell his then-wife, as he himself didn’t understand what was happening. Instead, Mike brushed it off, expecting the gloom to disperse.

However, when he got back to the UK, his mental health deteriorated further. 

‘I was going through the motions of being a human being, but wasn’t responsive. I was just despondent. Like an empty shell,’ Mike tells Metro over Zoom. 

In a bid to fill the gnawing hole inside, the local government worker began spending money on things he couldn’t afford and didn’t need – buying a car, redecorating the house, filling his closet with clothes and photography equipment – which in total cost £50,000 more than he had. Still, he felt nothing.

At work, Mike struggled to concentrate, while at home he lost his appetite and could barely sleep.

‘I couldn’t get out of bed. I felt lost and heavy. As the days went on I got lower and lower. I felt chained down, like I was at the bottom of an ocean. It was confusing, because I didn’t know where these feelings came from,’ he remembers.

Initially, Mike was reluctant to see a doctor. He felt guilt and shame at feeling so bad for no apparent reason. ‘If I didn’t know why I was feeling like this, how could anyone help me?’ he reasoned. 

However, his wife, friends and family pressed him to get support, and after four months, Mike saw his GP, who prescribed sleeping pills and anti-depressant sertraline. The medication – while effective for many – seemed to have no effect. 

Feeling desperate, Mike was advised by his doctor to sign up with the NHS local talking therapies. After a call where he told the assessor he was feeling suicidal, he was advised that his case was too serious for their help. However, when Mike went back to his GP he was told his case was not serious enough for secondary care psychological intervention. 

Fearing he was falling through the gaps, he went to his local A&E and was eventually transferred to a psychiatric ward for a week.

‘It was the worst experience of my life,’ Mike remembers. ‘The ward was a horrific place. There wasn’t enough staff, you have to sleep with a light on, you can’t close the bathroom door and you have people checking on you every hour.

‘You are surrounded by people who are really unwell. But for me; it was the lesser of two evils; it keeps you there.’ 

Six months after he initially fell ill, Mike felt like he could no longer cope with living and wrote a suicide letter to his family. Written in the past tense, he explained that he was sorry he had to end his life, that he wasn’t strong enough to hold on, and it wasn’t their fault.

What Mike didn’t realise was that by writing that letter, it helped him understand how bad he was feeling – and, more importantly, that he actually wanted to live. 

‘I didn’t want to die by suicide. So I told my mum and wife I had written it. It made us all realise how desperate a position I was in,’ he explains. 

To help him with his recovery, Mike’s mum paid for him to go to a private psychiatric hospital. Amid the nerves at signing in, Mike at last felt some hope.  

‘I can’t thank my mum enough, because the inpatient care there was completely different to the NHS,’ he remembers. ‘The rooms were like a hotel, with en suites, really nice beds and 24-hour care.’ Mike was also finally able to see a psychiatrist- something that hadn’t happened previously – who diagnosed him with bipolar disorder type 2. 

After four weeks he was ready to leave the hospital and started on the bumpy road to recovery. 

‘Looking back, I believe that if I got the right help sooner – and equally as importantly – if I reached out for help sooner, I may not have ended up where I was,’ he says, adding that he feels ‘one thousand times better’ than he did – but also makes sure he takes care to manage his mental health.

Sadly, his marriage didn’t survive his breakdown, but he credits his former wife for giving him ‘amazing support’, which along with the love and care of his friends and family, kept him alive. 

‘I feel so much better now. I have been back to work full time for years and I managed to keep the house,’ Mike adds. ‘I’m paying off my debt and there will still be times when I have crashes and times over the past few years where I have needed help, but overall I am doing really well.’ 

Mike also helps other people now, facilitating free one-to-one therapy from accredited psychotherapists, psychologists, and counsellors. In 2021, he founded the mental health charity Blink to provide accessible, personal, and timely support.

The charity sets up pop-up clinics at festivals such as Wilderness and Download, and this year’s Camp Wildfire, an immersive weekend event near London that blends community and connection through shared group experiences.

Nestled among the trees, Blink offered festival-goers a space to unwind in the chill-out tent or take part in a free, private therapy session in a separate tent.

‘When I set up Blink, I didn’t realise the power of single-session talking therapy. People give us amazing feedback. It’s really changing lives,’ Mike explains. 

Mike, who now stays well with exercise, sleep, rock climbing, photography and board game clubs, says he wants to share his story as a message of hope; so that people can understand that no matter how desperate you feel, you can find happiness again.

‘There is so much stigma around suicide, and I want to be open and honest about how I felt,’ he says.

‘There were times when I didn’t see a way out. But I never ever imagined in a million years that I would feel how I am now, and that I would get better, and feel okay. That’s why I really want to encourage people who are struggling to ask for help and to keep fighting.’ 

Birmingham musician Becky Baldwin had her profile manipulated using deepfake technology to impersonate her and trick a Texan man in his 50s called Carl into an AI romance scam.

Amal Clooney looked so stylish in this fashion throwback from 2023 in which George Clooney’s wife dazzled in a Christian Dior slip dress that was see-through and therefore of the ‘naked’ variety

From ingrown hairs, uncomfortable underwear and downright terrible sex, our private parts go through a lot.

And of course, there’s also some pretty nasty STIs we have to be aware of, including common infections like chlamydia, and lesser-known ailments such as shigella.

But there’s one infection we’re betting you haven’t heard of which is sweeping the UK, and it affects your groin and bottom.

It’s called trichophyton indotineae, described as a ‘turbocharged’ fungus.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is trichophyton indotineae?

‘It’s essentially a more stubborn and aggressive version of ringworm,’ Dr Chun Tang, GMC registered GP at Pall Mall Medical, tells Metro.

‘It’s a fungal infection that can form on your skin, hair or nails, but unlike the typical strains this one doesn’t always clear up with antifungal medicines.

‘That’s why it has caught the attention of doctors internationally. It behaves like a turbocharged form of the same fungus.’

It was first seen in South Asia, particularly in India, where it’s warm and humid. ‘Crowded living spaces and the widespread use of steroid creams have helped it to spread,’ Dr Tang adds.

‘As so many people travel it has naturally begun appearing in other countries, including over here.’

In fact, Professor Darius Armstrong-James, a fungal expert at Imperial College London told The Sun cases in the UK have surged 500% in the past three years.

‘The important point is that dermatologists are seeing far more infections,’ Dr Tang explains.

What are the symptoms?

If you happen to contract this infection, there will be signs.

‘People usually develop itchy, red, inflamed patches of skin that can crack or become sore,’ Dr Tang says. ‘The rash is sometimes circular, but not always, and it often looks more severe and widespread than typical ringworm.’

It can affect many areas of the body, scalp, nails, feet or groin and bottom area – really no place is off limits. On your feet the doctor explains it can look like a more serious form of athlete’s foot.

While unpleasant, for most healthy adults, these symptoms aren’t dangerous.

‘It can be very uncomfortable and disruptive,’ Dr Tang adds. ‘The itching can make it hard to sleep and get through daily life and scratching can damage the skin and sometimes cause secondary infections.’

Once the infection clears up, the area may look a bit lighter or darker than usual for a while, but this typically fades, and scarring is rare unless the skin has been badly scratched or infected.

How contagious is it?

For Dr Tang, the bigger concern is how easily the virus spreads, rather than the symptoms.

‘If one person in a household becomes infected, it can quickly pass to others unless it is treated promptly,’ he says. ‘It spreads through direct contact with infected skin, which can include hugging, sharing a bed, or other close household contact.’

And yes, while it’s not classed as an STI, it can be passed on if you’re having sex – so you’ll want to avoid doing the deed if you suspect you’re infected.

It can also be passed on through shared towels, clothing, bedding or gym equipment. This is unlike chlamydia, despite gym goers concerns last year.

Trichophyton indotineae spreads in this environment because it’s especially warm, sweaty and damp, so make sure you’re fully wiping the equipment you use.

‘Contaminated surfaces such as exercise mats, gym showers and changing rooms can carry it too,’ Dr Tang says. ‘Unlike some other fungal infections that come from animals, this strain is mainly passed from person to person.’

Can it be treated?

Now don’t be alarmed, but some infected with this fungus have found it to be drug-resistant. This doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the symptoms, though.

‘We tend to use oral antifungal medication to treat trichophyton indotineae because creams alone aren’t enough for this strain,’ Dr Tang says.

‘Normally, terbinafine is our first-line treatment for ringworm, but this strain is showing increasing resistance to it. When that happens, we switch to alternatives such as itraconazole, and most people respond well.

‘It’s important that people don’t self-treat as getting the right diagnosis is essential to help clear it up.’

If it’s not responding to medication, the doctor says you simply need to tell your doctor and choose a different medication or a longer course of treatment.

Unfortunately, just because you’ve had it once, doesn’t mean you won’t get it again. ‘Fungal infections don’t give you immunity, so you can catch it again if you are exposed,’ Dr Tang says.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Lady Helen Taylor, daughter of the late Duchess of Kent, who died in September 2025, revealed to Tatler that her mother used to sell her clothes at the end of each season to pay for new outfits.

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Black Friday is a jammy time to snap up a good deal, and if you’re looking to save hundreds on a fab piece of tech, the Garmin epix™ Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition is now 50% off at £449.99 at Ernest Jones. 

Yes, we know it’s a pricey splurge but this isn’t just a smartwatch. It’s a true game-changer for an active lifestyle, whether you’re commuting back and forth to work, hanging out with your mates, hitting the gym for a sweat session or getting outdoors for a tough hike.

Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition 51mm Black Strap Smartwatch

The Garmin epix™ Pro is a powerhouse smartwatch with a stunning 51mm AMOLED display, weeks-long battery life, and 24/7 health tracking. It offers advanced sleep insights, a handy LED flashlight, and comes with a sleek black fabric strap for everyday style.

Buy Now for £449.99 (was £899.99)

One of the best features of this watch is its long-lasting battery, offering up to 31 days in smartwatch mode and 58 hours in GPS mode. So from lengthy workouts to weekends in the great outdoors, you’re covered.

The 1.4-inch AMOLED screen also has a light and crisp display, and it’s even easy to read in direct sunlight. The new sapphire crystal lens not only looks sleek, but it’s also scratch-resistant, while the fibre-reinforced polymer case is durable without feeling too bulky. Ernest Jones even has a feature to try the watch on your own wrist to see if you like the style!

If you’re big on that health and fitness hype, this watch can measure a ton of impressive metrics. We’re talking VO2 max to look at your cardiovascular fitness, while the PacePro™ guidance offers insights and helps you plan your workout to best improve your performance. 

The ECG app can detect irregular heart rhythms, while the Pulse Ox measures oxygen saturation, with low levels potentially signalling respiratory problems. The HRV status can help gauge your recovery time, and you can use the Body Battery™ energy monitoring for stress and sleep coaching, ensuring your health is at its peak, whether you’re up and active during the day or trying to rest at night.

For natural explorers, the epix™ Pro is built for adventure. It comes with built-in GPS, maps, ABC sensors and an LED flashlight.

You can also download music to create the perfect playlist for your workouts, and get smart notifications so you stay connected. And if you’re short on pocket space, leave your purse or wallet at home and use the Garmin Pay™ when you’re out and about. 

Heading out alone can be scary, especially in winter with the short days and dark nights. But this watch also has incident detection, which uses built-in motion sensors and GPS to detect any unusual movements during an outdoor workout, whether that’s a fall while running or a crash during a cycle. It can even send your real-time location to a pre-selected emergency contact in an instant, and you can also trigger it manually if you feel unsafe while you’re out on your own.

And look, we know that this is still a pricey splurge, but with its extensive health tracking, advanced performance features, and 50% off, it’s certainly an investment that’s hard to pass up…

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