Underwear sales to hit £1.2bn

Sales of bras and pants are expected to hit£1.2 billion this year, as British women increasingly opt for Bridget Jones-style 'big pants' over thongs.

Spending on the latter has fallen by 14 per cent since 2003, with sales of£89 million this year against a rise in big pant sales of more than£100 million.

James McCoy, consumer analyst at Mintel, which produced the research, said: 'The growth in bra sales has outperformed the pant sector, increasing by 36 per cent since 2000. Undoubtedly, the growth in the average British bust size over the past 10 years, from 34B to 36C or D has played a significant part in the popularity of under-wired bras.'

Larger-sized 'boy shorts' or 'French knickers' are back in vogue, accounting for 26 per cent of the market.

McCoy added: 'There has been a backlash against the thong, which is now often seen as uncomfortable, unflattering and, for some, a bit on the brash side.'