PRETTY KNICKERS TO FLATTER YOUR FIGURE

KnicKers that fit well smooth the body and make your clothes look better. They require two measurements, hip and waist, and you should be able to fit a fingertip between your body and the tape measure.

When trying on pants, bend to the side and to the front, sit, stand and walk around. Problems tend to reveal themselves quickly with a bit of movement.

Understanding the different styles will help you find the right pair.

BIKINI

£23, Calvin Klein at johnlewis.com

FRENCH KNICKERS

LOOSE-CUT shorts covering the upper thigh, hips and bottom. May also be called tap pants. They’re perfect for comfort, but not to be worn under tight-fitting clothes. £38, intimissi.com CHARACTERISED by a low rise several inches below the belly button, with narrower sides. Good for petite figures with shorter legs.

THONG

DESIGNED to leave the bottom uncovered, with a bikini front and narrow strip at the back. They suit pear shapes, as they make legs look longer. £5, topshop.com

BRIEFS

USUALLY have a high-waist front and a full back, with low or high leg openings. They’re good for apple shapes, as the full coverage emphasises your waist. £6, marksandspencer.com

HIPSTER

A HYBRID style with a lower rise than a brief and the back of a bikini fit. You get more coverage, without the bulk of shorts. May suit bigger bottoms. £15, stories.com

BOY SHORTS

CUT in the style of a more masculine boxer brief, but tailored to a female shape. Good for mature figures, as they push up the bottom. £35, Hanky Panky at harveynichols.com

BRAZILIAN

A CROSS between a bikini and a thong, with a lowrise front and narrow, high leg openings. These can look great on an hourglass figure. £6.99, hm.com