I grew up seeing that high-leg look in old ads and mom’s laundry basket. Now it’s back. So I bought a bunch of French cut panties and wore them through real days—school drop-off, long walks, work, even a summer date night. Did they win me over? Mostly. Let me explain.
Quick note: what “French cut” means to me
High leg holes, up on the hip. A higher rise in front. A full or near-full back. Kinda 80s. Kinda fun. And yes, it makes legs look longer. You know what? I like that. If you want another ultra-candid breakdown of the style, the first-person review in I Tried French Cut Panties: Here’s My Honest Take is well worth a skim.
French cut panties, also known as high-cut briefs, are designed with higher leg openings that extend towards the hip, providing ample coverage and support while offering a sleek and elongated look. This style is particularly flattering as it elongates the legs and enhances natural curves, creating a streamlined silhouette.
The pairs I actually wore
- Jockey Elance French Cut (100% cotton, size M)
- Hanes ComfortFlex Fit French Cut (cotton blend, size M)
- Fruit of the Loom Eversoft High Cut Briefs (cotton blend, size M)
- Soma Vanishing Edge High-Leg Brief (smooth microfiber, size M)
On a side note, for authentic French-made high-leg briefs, the curated collection at La Petite France is absolutely worth browsing.
For reference, I wear a size 8 in jeans. Hips are around 40 inches. On period days, I size up to L for comfort.
Real days, real tests
- School run + grocery: Jockey and Fruit of the Loom felt soft and easy. No fuss. No digging.
- Long walk at lunch: Soma stayed put thanks to the grippy edges. No ride-up in my leggings.
- Desk day with high-waist jeans: Hanes sat flat and didn’t roll. The leg line didn’t show.
- Yoga (lots of bends): Jockey did ride a tiny bit, but not enough to bug me.
- Date night slip dress: Soma won. No lines. Smooth under that thin fabric.
Curious about how their looser cousin fares over an even longer trial? Check out the month-long diary in I Wore French Knickers for a Month—Here’s the Real Tea.
How they actually feel
Cotton (Jockey, Fruit of the Loom, Hanes) feels calm on skin. It breathes. Great for hot days. The leg opening sits higher, so it clears the crease where you bend. Weird detail, I know—but it helps. Less rub.
The Soma pair feels sleek. Like a light swim fabric, but thinner. The back has those little stay-put edges. They don’t pinch. They just…stay.
The shape magic
Here’s the weird joy: French cut changes how pants hang. The higher leg makes everything feel longer. Shorts look nicer on me when the leg isn’t cut straight across the thigh. Under jeans, that high curve keeps seams from hitting the groin. It’s subtle, but I notice.
What I loved
- Comfort: Jockey Elance is cloud-soft after two washes. No scratchy tags. The seams are flat.
- Stay-put feel: Soma didn’t budge under yoga pants. I forgot I had them on.
- No muffin lines: The high leg clears the hip crease, so jeans lie smooth.
- Confidence: That leg line feels bold. Not loud. Just…sure of itself.
- Summer friendly: Cotton pairs didn’t trap heat. I wore them on a 90-degree day. No sweat patches.
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What bugged me
- Waist roll: Hanes rolled once under a very tight waistband. It didn’t stay rolled, but still.
- Shrink risk: The cotton pairs got a hair smaller after the dryer. Not huge, but I noticed.
- Color fade: Fruit of the Loom brights faded faster than I hoped. The black held better.
- Cheek peek: A few cuts showed a tiny bit of cheek when I bent a lot. Not full wedgies, but a nudge.
- Lace itch: A lace-trim French cut I tried (not on this list) looked cute, but rubbed the hip line. Hard pass for long wear.
Fit notes I wish I knew sooner
- If you’re between sizes, consider the bigger one for French cut. The high leg should sit flat, not squeeze.
- Check the gusset width. Jockey’s is generous, so it stays comfortable all day.
- For leggings, go smooth fabric or cotton with flat seams. Soma wins here.
- For period days, I size up or wear them over a thin period brief. Comfy and secure.
Outfit pairings that worked
- High-waist jeans: All four worked. Hanes and Jockey were the most “forget-it’s-there.”
- Linen pants: Soma looked best since linen shows seams. Microfiber hides lines.
- Bike shorts: Cotton pairs were fine, but Soma was again the star for no lines.
- Midi dress: Soma or Jockey. Fruit of the Loom was okay, but the seam showed a bit in bright light.
Wash and care (so they last)
- Wash cold, gentle cycle.
- Air dry, or low heat if you must.
- If they feel snug out of the wash, give the waistband a gentle stretch. It helps them settle.
- Dark colors stay nicer. My black pairs still look new.
My small gripe with the style
French cut looks classic, but on very low-rise pants it can peek. I don’t mind. But if you wear low-rise a lot, you may want a lower brief too. Also, if you love a tight leg opening that holds the lower hip, this cut won’t do that. It sits higher, so the lower hip feels freer.
Side note: if the higher leg has you thinking about beach prep, this honest (and hilarious) rundown of a real-life French bikini wax experience offers both warnings and wisdom.
Who will love them
- Folks who run warm and want airflow.
- Anyone who hates leg holes that cut across the thigh.
- People who want fewer panty lines without wearing a thong.
- Fans of high-waist everything. This cut was made for you.
My final picks
- Best everyday cotton: Jockey Elance French Cut
- Best for no lines: Soma Vanishing Edge High-Leg Brief
- Best budget set: Fruit of the Loom Eversoft High Cut Briefs
- Most easygoing waistband: Hanes ComfortFlex Fit French Cut
Final word
Did French cut win me over? Yes. Not perfect, but real close. They’re comfy, a bit bold, and they make outfits hang better. I reach for Jockey on busy days, Soma when I need smooth lines, and Fruit of the Loom for backup pairs that still feel good.
One last thing—try them with your softest tee and high socks on a lazy Sunday. Sounds silly. Feels great.