What is the  crotch part (usually cotton)of women's panties called?

Hi

The word you're looking for is gusset. Gusset has other meanings too
but one of the definitions at dictionary.com is:

"1. A small piece of cloth inserted in a garment, for the purpose of
strengthening some part or giving it a tapering enlargement."

Definition of gusset from Webster's dictionary
http://www.dictionary.com/search?q=gusset&r=67

Some dictionaries seem too coy to mention underwear in their
definition of gusset but I found that the recently published New
Oxford Dictionary is prepared to speak openly on the subject!

"Gusset...a piece of material sewn into a garment to strengthen or
enlarge a part of it, such as the collar of the shirt or the crotch of
an undergarment"

definition from: The New Oxford Dictionary of English   OUP (1998)

You will find gussets in more garments than panties, and not only in
women's clothing. Fabric inserted at the armpit to give extra strength
and flexibility is also called a gusset. This dressmaking technique -
i.e. inserting gussets - was particularly useful before the days of
jersey knit fabrics as it could help shape or enlarge clothing made of
non-stretch woven cloth. The people who make diamond gusset jeans use
this time-honored method of adding comfort to their products:

diamond gusset jeans
http://www.gusset.com/

You might be interested in this list of names for different parts of
garments:

"neck, yoke, collar, top, bodice, bosom, corsage, bib, stomacher,
shirt-front, waistline, peplum, train, gusset, crotch, codpiece, arm,
armhole, sleeve, short sleeve, long sleeve, dolmen sleeve, raglan
sleeve, puff sleeve, leg-of-mutton sleeve, flap, coat-tail, placket,
opening, pocket, patch pocket, gore, pleat, kick pleat, lapel, fold,
turn-up, cuff, hemline, edging, garniture, trim, button, fly, zip,
hook and eye...."

'Dress' from the Bloomsbury Thesaurus, quoted on xrefer.com
http://www.xrefer.com/entry/198470

In case you're interested, these are the other definitions of gusset
given by the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language:
 
"1 A triangular metal bracket used to strengthen a joist.
 2 A piece of mail or plate armor protecting the joints in a suit of
armor."

gusset: definitions from the American Heritage Dictionary
http://www.dictionary.com/search?q=gusset&r=67

I hope this is helpful. Please get back to me by using the 'request
clarification' option if anything is unclear or any of the links give
trouble.

Regards - Leli

search terms:
gusset dressmaking

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Clarification of Answer by leli-ga on 04 Nov 2002 10:28 PST

Thank-you very much for the tip and the five stars. I'm glad I could help.

More than I expected, thank you!