Kate Beckinsale prefers not to wear underwear.

The action star revealed that she feels more comfortable without briefs underneath her clothing on a day-to-day basis.

The 'Underworld' star admitted that she would only consider donning underpants if her outfit didn't consist of much material.

She confessed: ''I don't wear knickers. I mean, unless I'm wearing a very short skirt, or maybe if I am going on a mountain expedition with extra layers. But no, I don't like them.''

The 38-year-old screen star was doing promotion to mark the release of new film 'Total Recall' when she made her controversial confession.

She said she got to know Colin Farrell, her co-star in the sci-fi remake, during a grueling fight scene.

She explained to Maxim magazine: ''It was my second day on set, and I've got my crotch in his face. That was an icebreaker.''

'The King's Speech' star, added: ''She basically chokes me with her vagina.''

Kate - who has 13-year-old Lily with former partner Michael Sheen - is known for her action film roles but recently admitted she would love to be offered more romantic comedy parts in the future - if the scripts were funny enough.

Asked whether she would consider making a comeback to the genre, Kate said: ''I hope so. I really like the idea of doing as many things as possible.''