Introducing Stoma Knickers Exclusively at Marks and Spencer

09 August, 2024

This is a press release by M&S.

This summer, we are extremely excited to announce the introduction of stoma knickers to our comprehensive lingerie offering at M&S. Available from the 10th of August, the launch of this inclusive knicker range will be a first for the British high street, meaning women across the UK will no longer be restricted to shopping via specialist online retailers. Providing customers with stylish, comfortable knicker options to accommodate single or multiple stoma bags, alongside co-ordinating bra’s, available in selected stores and at M&S.com.

As an inclusive retailer we strive to provide our customers with credible lingerie options that satisfy their everyday needs and with approximately 100,000 women living with stomas in the UK, the lingerie team identified the need to introduce this specialist product to our diverse lingerie offering. Our in-house lingerie team have created a product which is considered, supportive and most importantly accessible. During this journey, a trial group of 20 women was formed, putting the knickers through their paces and providing pivotal feedback that could be incorporated into the product development. Finally, with the support of Colostomy UK*, the lingerie team gained insight from experts and volunteers, to deliver a Stoma knicker range which we are extremely proud of and expect our customers to love.

Comprising super soft cotton with light control stretch and elastic at the pocket opening for all day support – keeping the stoma bag in place throughout the day and night. Available in affordable three packs including classic black and a mixed colour pack in rose quartz, pink and magenta, the stoma knickers co-ordinating back to bestselling bras styles within the main lingerie collections, offering co-ordinated sets to our customers. Priced at £18 for the classic High Leg and Brazilian styles with lace designs at £20 (3packs) and as with our post-surgery bra’s, all stoma knickers will be VAT exempt.

Soozie Jenkinson, Head of Lingerie Design at M&S says ‘We are incredibly proud to be launching our first range of Stoma Knickers this August. We have worked very closely with Colostomy UK and women living with stomas and by listening and responding to their needs, we have developed a range of knickers that are designed to provide comfort, support and all-day confidence. We have included styles with lace design details, all incorporating super soft BCI cotton and elastics and a wide waist band for extra comfort’.

Libby Herbert CEO of Colostomy UK said on the new collection ‘with over 200,000 individuals estimated to be living with Stoma’s in the UK, as a charity, we were thrilled when the M&S lingerie team approached us regarding the development of their first stoma knicker range for Women. The launch of this inclusive product signifies a significant step forward in addressing the need for accessible underwear options for those living with stoma’s and will enable them to shop with confidence and ease for the first time on the British Highstreet. M&S brings over 95 years of lingerie innovation, design and expertise to the stoma knicker market with the introduction of this range, providing a choice of stylish and affordable stoma knickers. Feedback from our volunteer who has two stoma’s trialling the knickers has been incredibly positive, and we can’t wait to hear feedback from our wider community when the collection launches to the general public this month.”

Available online at www.marksandspencer.com and in selected stores from the 10th of August.