Panty Mania: Q&A With Rene Rofe’s Wilson Kello

With the lasting influence of “Fifty Shades of Grey” continuing to drive the sales of BDSM accessories, other pleasure products categories also are seeing a spike in sales. Rene Rofe says that among them, crotchless panties are seeing a steady rise in sales.

“The steady rise in popularity of naughty lingerie — maybe due to America’s recent ‘50 Shades’ inspired erotic awakening — has really influenced the market,” said Wilson Kello, Rene Rofe’s creative director. “And it’s not just adult stores — we’re seeing mainstream retailers take notice.”

It’s hard to say whether the continued growth of the sexy lingerie and adult markets is a result of the 50 Shades mania, or if the 50 Shades mania is a symptom of the increasing influence of the adult world in mainstream markets.

With more than 50 styles of crotchless panties, Rene Rofe has become the self proclaimed “Crotchless Panty King.” In this exclusive interview, Kello discusses the growing popularity of Rene Rofe Sexy’s crotchless panties.

XBIZ: How has the “50 Shades” craze impacted lingerie sales?

Wilson Kello: It’s hard to say whether the continued growth of the sexy lingerie and adult markets is a result of the 50 Shades mania, or if the 50 Shades mania is a symptom of the increasing influence of the adult world in mainstream markets. In other words, it may be that a rising tide lifts all ships, and this just happens to be an especially fertile time for sexy and adult-themed products. Whatever the case, sales are stronger than ever!

XBIZ: What makes crotchless panties especially “naughty”? Discuss their appeal among women and men.

Kello: At the risk of being obvious, the fact that the vagina is exposed makes these panties about million times naughtier than regular, crotch-full panties. You can have sex while wearing them… if fact, when your lover wears them, it’s hard not to have sex! So it’s the explicit sexual nature of the product that makes it delightfully naughty, and places it in an entirely different category from traditional panties. It’s an erotic adult product, bordering on an adult novelty product.

When purchased by women, they’re purchased for the purpose of arousal. Whether she’s just into feeling sexy because she’s secretly wearing crotchless panties under her skirt, or if she ’s wearing them to arouse others, it’s about harnessing and enhancing her innate sexuality. When purchased by a man, it’s borne of a desire to live out a fantasy, to exist with his lover in a naughty dreamland where anything goes.

XBIZ: What sets Rene Rofe’s selection of crotchless panties apart from others? Is there a particular bestselling style?

Kello: René Rofé Sexy offers over 50 styles of crotchless panties, so right off the bat our range is far broader than any competitor. Add the value, which any René Rofé customer will already be aware of, and you have an automatic formula for success.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

trends

Meet the New Class of Pleasure Purveyors Making Waves

The sexual wellness industry has always evolved in response to cultural shifts, but the current wave of up-and-coming pleasure brands signals something deeper than trend cycles or aesthetic refreshes. These founders aren’t just launching new products; they are reframing what intimacy means, who it is for and how it fits into everyday life. Across supplements, toys, aftercare and even divination decks, a new generation of brands is closing long-ignored gaps — between pleasure and wellness, fantasy and function, science and sensuality, individuality and shared experience.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

Viben's Kara Liburd on Building a Fulfilling Career in the Industry

“We work in an industry where trust, follow-through and service matter just as much as product quality,” declares Viben sales exec Kara Liburd. “Retailers today want analytics, marketing assets and deeper product knowledge, and brands are stepping up to provide that support.”

Colleen Godin ·
profile

WoodRocket Delivers Classic Adult Fun With a Quirky, Modern Twist

What does it take to stand out in the industry these days? How about a “Live, Laugh, Cum” keychain?

Colleen Godin ·
profile

Efren Méndez Leads LoveStore Mexico With a Community-First Approach

Fifteen years ago, Efren Méndez and a friend walked into a sex shop. They were looking for nothing more than a few items for a party. Instead, the moment altered the direction of his career, and ultimately his life.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

Guiding Shoppers With Clear Pleasure Education

One of the most valuable skills in pleasure retail isn’t persuasion — it’s translation. Customers often arrive curious but cautious, unsure of terminology, functions or even what questions to ask. The goal isn’t to overwhelm them with specs or explicit details, but to describe product features in a way that feels approachable, relatable and easy to imagine.

Sara Gaffoor ·
opinion

High-ROI Marketing Tactics for Online Retail

In adult ecommerce, the marketing landscape never stops shifting. What succeeded brilliantly in March may seem outdated by September. When you look at the bigger picture, however patterns emerge: clear, repeatable paths to strong ROI that remain consistent even as algorithms, platforms and buyer behavior keep changing.

Hail Groo ·
opinion

A Hands-On Review of AI Camera Monitoring for Retail

Last month, I outlined the main AI-powered loss prevention options available to businesses: DIY solutions, hosted services and enterprise platforms. This time, I decided to test one out myself. I contacted a cloud video platform that integrates with Lightspeed POS and scheduled a demo.

Zondre Watson ·
opinion

Turning Fantasy Fans Into New Creature Play Shoppers

Adult “creature play” is no longer just a niche novelty. There’s even a term for this kink: teratophilia, meaning sexual attraction to monsters. A heady mix of sensory novelty, curiosity about unfamiliar bodies and potential power dynamics has made lusting after and role-playing mythological creatures more widely accepted. The erotically captivating allure of otherworldly beings has even become prevalent across pop culture, from “True Blood” and “The Shape of Water” to Guillermo Del Toro’s “Frankenstein” and “monster boyfriend” romantasy literature trending on TikTok.

Naima Karp ·
trends

Signals Ahead: Pleasure Brands Track the Rapid Convergence of Tech and Intimacy

It’s complicated. As the pleasure industry enters 2026, many industry observers predict that the coming year will be shaped not by a single game-changing breakthrough or standout celebrity partnership, but rather by the slow, powerful alignment of consumer psychology, economic reality, cultural openness and shifting demographic needs.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

Kyrie Hara Fuels Tenga's Growth as U.S. Sales Lead

Kyrie Hara is making significant moves. After racking up sales and general management experience during her 14-year run with Hawaiian retailer Sensually Yours, Hara has quickly embraced her role as the newest U.S. sales lead with Japanese manufacturer Tenga.

Women In Adult ·
Show More