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As the nation's favourite knicker-seller, Marks & Spencer is rather a trusted hand when it comes to discerning the tastes of the nation.

And the high-street retailer certainly isn't letting complacency take hold, as the firm looks to boldly bolster its lingerie offering – with crotchless pants.

They are a far cry from Bridget Jones-style big knickers, nor too close even to a lacy 'whale tail' G-string.

For even a G-string looks staid when compared to M&S's newest offering, a floral lace crotchless thong.

Said thongs cost £20 for a pack of three and are available in sizes 6 to 16.

They are part of a 148-piece capsule collection by Ann Summers, which launched online and in selected stores on Thursday.

'Bring a flirty upgrade to your lingerie with these crotchless thongs,' breathes the description on M&S's website.

'They're crafted in a flattering low-rise style from floral lace made with plenty of comfortable stretch and playful scalloped edging.'

Marks & Spencer launched an 148-piece capsule collection by Ann Summers, featured online and in selected stores, which includes 'crotchless' items

The items are a far cry from Bridget Jones-style big knickers, Laura Craik writes, nor too close even to a lacy 'whale tail' G-string

But these aren't the only items likely to set pulses racing.

The range also features a red-and-black lace crotchless 'body' for £26 that would make Sydney Sweeney blush, as well as a pair of sheer black crotchless tights, available for £12.

Type 'crotchless' into the M&S website, and 19 items come up. Many loyal customers would opine that this is 19 items too many.

Certainly, the retailer's latest collaboration is a surprise. In 2011, Ann Summers was forced to ditch a promotional campaign styled on M&S's famous dining offer, after its 'S&M Square Deal' parody resulted in a threat of legal action from the firm.

Jacqueline Gold, Ann Summers' chief executive at the time, admitted the campaign had gone 'a squeal too far'.

Fifteen years later, some customers are asking whether M&S's endorsement of Ann Summers lingerie is a reveal too far.

On parenting website Mumsnet, users didn't mince their words. 'M&S's underwear dept is the home of stout, solid granny pants, not porn knickers,' one user posted.

'It would be cheaper to go to the dental aisle at Boots for some floss,' said another.

The crotchless thongs cost £20 for a pack of three and are available in sizes 6 to 16

Others were just as scathing, with one member asking: 'Who on God's green earth turns to M&S for sexy fun? Please can there be one little corner of England where I don't have to run the gauntlet of sexy fun?'

M&S, with a 34 per cent share of the female lingerie market, sells 60 million pairs of knickers a year.

It reported a peak in such sales two years ago, driven by demand among Millennials and Gen Z customers.

Whether the garments time on the shelves will be a hit - or all too brief - remains to be seen.