The renowned lingerie department at Harrods, a bastion of opulent silks and intricate lace, traditionally showcases the most exquisite intimate apparel available. However, a recent addition has introduced a starkly contrasting item: a pair of high-waisted black jersey briefs, retailing at an extraordinary £890. This premium price tag is accompanied by a dry-clean only care instruction, adding approximately £2 per cleaning to the ongoing cost of ownership.
Design and Composition of the Luxury Briefs
Crafted from a blend of viscose, wool, and elastane, these briefs were designed by Sarah Burton, the creative director of Givenchy. Burton is celebrated for creating Kate Middleton's wedding dress in 2011 during her tenure at Alexander McQueen. The briefs feature a Givenchy Paris signature embroidered on the back and boast a composition of 36% wool, 43% viscose, 15% polyamide, 5% polyester, and 1% elastane. They are also available in white, maintaining the same luxurious standards.
Marketing and Fashion Context
Harrods markets these briefs as transcending traditional underwear roles, describing them on its website as "a bold statement of confidence and refined rebellion." The retailer highlights how sleek bra tops, corset-inspired structures, and sheer layering pieces blur the lines between sensuality and empowerment, with these high-rise jersey briefs serving as a prime example.
This luxury item aligns with current fashion trends, where some style-conscious shoppers might pair such underwear with transparent dresses and skirts. For those seeking a complete ensemble, Givenchy offers a matching bullet bra jersey top for £2,250, and for the exceptionally affluent, a satin bra top adorned with embroidered pearls is available at £9,050.
Celebrity Endorsements and Cultural References
Actress Kristen Stewart has been photographed wearing these briefs, lending them celebrity appeal. Additionally, actress Sienna Miller recently paired a white net cutaway empire dress with substantial knickers at the 2025 Fashion Awards in London, while supermodel Cindy Crawford's daughter, Kaia Gerber, wore a black sequinned lace dress with large pants at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Although it is unconfirmed if these were Givenchy pieces, both Miller and Gerber are known admirers of Sarah Burton's designs.
The briefs have even drawn humorous comparisons to pop culture, with references to Bridget Jones's "granny pants," famously mocked by Hugh Grant's character in film adaptations. Such contrasts underscore the divisive nature of high-fashion underwear.
Affordable Alternatives and Consumer Reactions
In stark contrast, high-street retailers like Marks & Spencer offer full briefs at significantly lower prices. A five-pack of pure cotton briefs costs £8, equating to £1.60 per pair. This means that for the price of one pair of Givenchy briefs, consumers could purchase approximately 556 similar items from M&S. Moreover, these affordable alternatives are machine-washable, eliminating the dry-cleaning expenses associated with the luxury version.
The introduction of such high-priced underwear at Harrods has sparked discussions about value, sustainability, and the evolving definitions of luxury in fashion. While some may view it as an investment in designer craftsmanship, others see it as an extravagant indulgence compared to practical, everyday options.
Harrods and Givenchy were approached for comment on this product, but no statements have been provided at this time. The debate continues as consumers weigh the allure of high-fashion statements against the practicality of budget-friendly choices in the intimate apparel market.
