Are they slips or knickers? (8)

I believe the answer is:

bloomers

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'knickers?' is the definition.
('bloomers' can be a synonym of 'knickers')

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for bloomers that I've seen before include "made by clothing manufacturers" , "Slips" , "Undergarments popularised by Amelia" , "displayed in bed" , "Bread - mistakes - underwear" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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