M&S forced to backtrack on re-design of 'granny pants' after shoppers get their knickers in a twist

Marks & Spencer has admitted a massive bloomer and backtracked on a redesign of its beloved ‘granny pants’ – after a backlash from angry customers.

The retail giant made some small alterations on its best-selling five pack of ladies cotton briefs, including moving the seam from the side to the front.

But angry shoppers got their knickers in a twist, complaining the new pairs were smaller and not half as comfy.

The M&S website features reviews from loyal shoppers complaining the redesign was a “downgrade” and the “fit was not as good”.

Reviewers who had bought the pants for years begged the retail chain to ditch the new design and bring back their “old much-loved knickers”.

One review said: “They were perfect fit before and so comfortable! Please could M&S go back to the seam and the front!

“I think it would make some happy customers as quite a few of us are rather disappointed with the new version.”

Another added: “Old version was great, these are awful.

“The old version with the front seams was very comfortable, however this version now has seams at the side which make the fit much worse.

“Bought several packs as I expected them to be like the old ones and I will be returning all unopened packs.

“I agree with many other reviewers, please go back to the old front seam version, they are were great.”

And after a BBC radio consumer affairs programme featured a plea from one disgruntled customer, M&S bosses promised to ditch the new design and bring back the old undies.

The popular M&S Collection five pack of Supima Cotton & Modal No VPL pants come in a ‘full brief’ and ‘high leg’ design and cost £12 in black, or white and nude.

The flat seams on the front of the pants were scrapped and replaced with more typical raised ones on the sides.

Shoppers also claim the overall size of the pants was increased, but the material over the hip was made smaller.

The photograph on the website initially remained the same – as did the product code for the pants – prompting shoppers to unknowingly buy the altered design.

Bosses responded by looking at reviews and speaking to suppliers, before promising to bring back the old knickers later this year.

A spokeswoman said: “Our loyal customers are very important to us. We looked into this and decided to change the knickers back to the original style lines following her valuable feedback.”

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