Women’s underwear has been a source of mystery from the beginning of time, and people are just now beginning to understand why they have an extra layer of cloth in their drawer.

Finally, we’ve got answers. I’ve been wearing knickers since I was a baby, and I don’t think I’m the only one who has never understood why underwear has an extra pouch sewn into the crotch.

Is it to be opened to store tampons and lipstick? Is there a bit more padding to keep us comfy as we sit?

Until today, it was a riddle that only the underwear gods could solve—and many people turned to social media to get their queries answered.

Someone on X said, “I’ve always wondered why underwear has these holes???”

Meanwhile, another remarked, “Don’t listen to the folks who say it’s for ‘reinforcement’ or whatever.

However, nobody could have predicted the underlying cause.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a thong, G-string, Brazilian, panties, or briefs—they all have that small pocket sewn in. It’s supposedly known as a gusset (ugh).

Aside from the name, which sounds like a drainpipe, its gusset is often made of cotton and is intended to promote cleanliness.

This internet user provided an accurate explanation: “The extra piece of fabric is called a gusset, and it’s there to reinforce the crotch area.”

“It increases the piece’s durability and prevents moisture from leaking through. You might topstitch to prevent a hole, although this is unnecessary and can cause discomfort.”

According to Cheeky Wipes, it also has a few uses.

They claim that a gusset is meant to keep a person cool, avoid perspiration, and prevent vaginal discharge from harming their pants.

It also allows the vulva to breathe.

Underwear firm Leonisa also stated that, while men’s underwear may contain this function, it is ‘much more frequent’ in women’s trousers.

“Gussets can be found in just about every type of underwear for women, from boy shorts to bikini panties to thongs.”

“The panty gusset serves several uses. For starters, the additional layer of fabric strengthens the underwear at the crotch area, which is frequently the smallest section of the underwear,” according to their website.

“This increases the life of the underwear and allows it to last longer.

The extra layer of cloth also helps to capture discharge, sweat, and other things, keeping you comfortable and dry throughout the day.

The more you know, right?