As Thongs Fade, Briefs Are Back

In women's undergarments, the seemingly ubiquitous thong may be overextended. Full-bottom panties, says Victoria's Secret spokeswoman Monica Mitro, "are on the uptick." J. Lo sported a pair in the video Jenny from the Block, and Halle Berry donned a sporty wide-side, low-hip brief in Die Another Day. "The shape is fresh and functional," says Sarah Easley, co-owner of the hip Manhattan clothing store Kirna Zabete, which, along with specialty lingerie shops like Agent Provocateur, is selling a lot of panties. The trend takes its cue from sports, especially surfing--hence the low-sitting bikini-cut look. After all, as Easley points out, "it's just more comfortable to play Frisbee in briefs than in a thong." --By Isabel C. Gonzalez