" Would you believe me if I told you that the average coochie is 2.5 inches full , but the ordinary underwear width is 1.8 inches encompassing … "
A few years ago, then-23-year-old Gabriella Scaringewent viral for discussingthe difference between “innies” and “outies” — and no, we’re not talking about belly buttons.
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.
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.
While “innies” and “outies” aren’t scientific terms,one studydid 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.
In a newvideoseen 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.
Gabriellaexplainedthat 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.
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.
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. Alabiaplastyis a surgical procedure typically done to reduce the size of the “inner labia,” aka the labia minora.
Now, I couldn’tfullyget on board without trying some out myself first, so full disclosure, Gabriella graciously sent me some Cherris for free with no strings attached.
First, Icanconfirm 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 right ( both up the stairs and down ) , I did n’t know fag a flip-flop could actually be kinda … well-to-do ? ? ? I had a standardised revelation after getting properly fitted for a bra last year ( shoutout to the lady atAristellein Portland , Maine ) , so it could just be a me matter , but I think many of us drop too much time suffering in ill - fitting clothes .
I ended up trying out bothmid-riseandhigh-cutCherri 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 websitesaysseamless 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.
However, Gabriella provided afull price breakdownon TikTok, which wasverygenerous 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 soethically(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 explain that all Cherri products are mitt - design by her and made in small factories within the US , using " the gamey timbre Supima cotton fiber and organic dyes " she can find . " We also donate hygiene production and underwear with each leverage , 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 underclothes , but I mean it speaks to a larger anticipation of " fast and inexpensive " within the style industry . I ca n’t afford that damage for every distich in my closet , but I revalue transparentness on how the product is made and knowing I ’m supporting a belittled business . Each pair also comes with aone - year ( ! ) warranty , so that makes me experience better if anything last incorrect . Additionally , Gabriella acknowledged the monetary value barrier and is looking to lessen her price .
“I’ve been very focused on lowering our costs so I can offer Cherri undies at a lower price,” Gabriellasaidin 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 onTikTok. You can keep up with Cherri onInstagramor buy some yourself at theirwebsite.
