Yahoo Lifestyle Apparently, Most Women's Underwear Doesn't Cover Our Vulvas, So This Woman Is Going Viral For Creating Her Own
A few years ago, then-23-year-old Gabriella Scaringe went viral for discussing the difference between "innies" and "outies" — and no, we're not talking about belly buttons.
"It's hard to separate the cooter into only two categories, but we will be categorizing them as 'innies' and 'outies' today," Gabriella said in the video.
Scaringe, now 27, was describing different labia shapes. In a half-joking anatomy lesson, she compared "innies" to what we often see on Barbie dolls and seashells — an outer labia that protrudes more than the inner labia. But she identified herself as an "outie," a characterization that often gets a bad rap for its comparison to Arby's sandwiches, where the inner labia protrudes more than the outer labia.
@gabygabss / Via tiktok.com
The video, which has been viewed over 9 million times since 2021, sparked a sort-of viral reckoning of women's own experiences feeling confusion and even shame because their labia didn't look like Barbie's nearly invisible cooch.
In a comment on the video, Gabriella wrote, "There isn't one way your [vulva] is supposed to look or a way that is most 'attractive.' Don't let anyone make you feel bad for how you naturally are!"
While "innies" and "outies" aren't scientific terms, one study did find that 56% of people with vulvas have visible labia minora (aka, an "outie," under Gabriella's characterization). This means, despite the crude memes and resulting insecurities, having an "outie" is entirely normal.
However, according to Gabriella and many in the comments, underwear companies perpetuate the stigma by creating underwear that doesn't properly fit. Since her videos about "innies" and "outies" went viral, she has fully crafted her own underwear brand, Cherri, which aims to fit all sizes.
In a new video seen by over 2.6 million people, Gabriella showed a standard thong lined up against a Cherri thong. She asked, "Would you believe me if I told you that the average coochie is 2.5 inches wide, but the average underwear width is 1.8 inches wide?"
Holding up a measuring tape, Gabriella showed the difference .7 inches makes, visually.
"The math isn't mathing," she said in the video.
Gabriella explained that when the underwear gusset, aka "the little panty pocket in underwear that's supposed to cover the crotch area," is too short in length or width, it can cause lip slips, irritation, and body-shame because people think it's their problem their underwear isn't fitting right.
She told BuzzFeed, "I frequently experienced what I call the 'lip slip' — when one of your labia pokes out of your underwear because it's too narrow."
As an "outie," Gabriella explained that she thought it was just her problem, until she surveyed over 5,000 women asking all about their vulvas. "I discovered I wasn't alone," she said. Continuing, "This survey also revealed the diversity of vulva shapes, sizes, and colors, and how many women felt about their vulvas."
Gabriella said her findings revealed "a major gap in the underwear market" that she felt needed to be addressed. "Existing brands didn't adequately cover women's bodies where we needed it most. The primary purpose of underwear is to cover our undercarriage. Yet, there was a lack of education about what our undercarriage actually looks like (outies, innies, and everything in-between) and proper design addressing this, leading to deep-seated insecurities among a lot of women," she told BuzzFeed.
"While I don't know the exact reason other brands aren't creating gusset widths that fit us, I can speculate that they simply don't realize it's a problem," she added. "Women are used to wearing clothing that is ill-fitting, tight, or uncomfortable, so we don't even notice it shouldn't be this way."
With Cherri, Gabriella hopes to address this problem by creating underwear designed with expanded gussets while also bringing awareness to the fact that vulvas come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. She told BuzzFeed, "Cherri celebrates the diversity of women's bodies (specifically vulvas) by addressing issues of insecurity and inclusivity in the lingerie industry. Whether you have an 'outie' or an 'innie,' Cherri is made to fit you."
Since spreading "vulva-positive" content and creating Cherri, Gabriella said the response has been overwhelmingly positive. "People have told me they canceled labiaplasty appointments after trying Cherri underwear because they realized the problem was never their bodies — they just needed better-fitting underwear," she told BuzzFeed. A labiaplasty is a surgical procedure typically done to reduce the size of the "inner labia," aka the labia minora.
"From teen girls to women in their 50s, I receive messages daily saying my videos and products have changed their lives," Gabriella continued. "They always thought they were abnormal 'down there.' Maybe they didn't know it was okay to have an outie or not look bubblegum pink."
Gabriella said that she's also received support from the trans community, who she said have been able to find comfort wearing Cherri compared to other brands. The sizing for Cherri underwear ranges from XS/S–3X/4X.
Now, I couldn't fully get on board without trying some out myself first, so full disclosure, Gabriella graciously sent me some Cherris for free with no strings attached.
First, I can confirm that the gussets on these babies are wider. I did my own experiment measuring the Cherri mid-rise thong against a basic retailer version, and the measurements kinda shocked me. The Cherri underwear's "panty pocket" measured roughly 3.5 inches in width compared to the 2.5 inches of its competitor in my closet.
An inch difference doesn't seem like a lot, but after wearing a pair all day in my most uncomfortable leggings (to really put 'em to the test), I realized the extra give goes a long way. I was pleasantly surprised — no slips, irritation, or sweating (all inconveniences I've endured with other underwear).
I am so used to things not fitting me correctly (both upstairs and down), I didn't know wearing a thong could actually be kinda...comfortable??? I had a similar revelation after getting properly fitted for a bra last year (shoutout to the ladies at Aristelle in Portland, Maine), so it could just be a me thing, but I think many of us spend too much time suffering in ill-fitting clothes.
I ended up trying out both mid-rise and high-cut Cherri styles for about a week. The high-cut style wasn't for me (I felt it went too high up on my hips to be worn without being visible with any of my pants), but I think that could just be a fit preference. The mid-rise styles were very wearable and comfortable.
Style-wise, the seams outlining the underwear are thicker, which I think aids in Cherri's MO in preventing "lip slips." However, I think this could deter some folks since the "lines" are more prone to show through clothing (Cherri's website says seamless is coming soon). I get why we reach for seamless (it's practical) and lacey (it's cute) underwear, but wearing these showed me just how uncomfortable they can be in comparison. The wider "panty pocket" and true seams work wonders in keeping everything in place.
I also liked that they're made of cotton, which docs say is better to support vaginal health since it allows the area to breathe, compared to synthetics that trap heat and moisture, which can lead to odor and yeast infections.
The price, unfortunately, is a barrier to entry ($28 a pop), which many people, excited by the product but deterred by the cost, have pointed out in Gabriella's comments section:
However, Gabriella provided a full price breakdown on TikTok, which was very generous and probably unnecessary. Still, she did a good job breaking down the price and also highlighting how expensive it is to run a small business, and to do so ethically (spoiler: It's not cheap!).
"I'm very transparent about my pricing and the effort that goes into each product because I know not everyone can afford a $28 pair of underwear," Gabriella told BuzzFeed. "They're priced higher than fast fashion brands because they aren't fast fashion."
Gabriella explained that all Cherri products are hand-designed by her and made in small factories within the US, using "the highest quality Supima cotton and organic dyes" she can find. "We also donate hygiene products and underwear with each purchase, so customers know their purchase benefits others, not just themselves," she added.
As someone who used to work in the fashion industry setting prices and aiming for a high margin for both brands and retailers, I have to say that the pricing is fair for the costs associated. Paying fair wages is not cheap — most companies don't — and it's more expensive to produce in the US.
Still, I agree that $28 is a high price for a pair of underwear, but I think it speaks to a larger expectation of "fast and cheap" within the fashion industry. I can't afford that price for every pair in my closet, but I appreciate transparency on how the product is made and knowing I'm supporting a small business. Each pair also comes with a one-year (!) warranty, so that makes me feel better if anything goes wrong. Additionally, Gabriella acknowledged the price barrier and is looking to lessen her costs.
"I’ve been very focused on lowering our costs so I can offer Cherri undies at a lower price," Gabriella said in a recent post. "Finding the right partners [and] materials has been a challenge, but I’m getting closer to working with an overseas manufacturer."
Overall, I definitely noticed the Cherris I received did a better job keeping everything in place, and they're extremely comfortable. I'd have to see how they hold up long-term, but the one-year warranty helps to keep my mind at ease. The $28 price tag is the biggest deterrent, but I appreciate Gabriella's transparency in trying to create an ethically sourced, high-quality product and her commitment to finding a better pricing solution.
Most of all, though, by talking about how vulvas come in all shapes and sizes, I love that Gabriella's helped alleviate one less beauty standard women are taught to worry about, so that's a win in my book.
For more conversations normalizing labias, follow Gabriella on TikTok. You can keep up with Cherri on Instagram or buy some yourself at their website.
