Blooming 'eck! Madonna leaves her gym wearing Victorian bloomers

But with her 50th birthday approaching, it appears that the Material Girl is now plundering the more staid Victorian era for fashion inspiration.

She stepped out after her daily workout session yesterday wearing cut-off leggings, a T-shirt - and a roomy pair of pink and white lace-trimmed bloomers.

The unusual garment was named in honour of 19th century feminist Amelia Bloomer, who decided to strike a blow for equality of the sexes by freeing women from their restrictive full skirts and heavy petticoats.

Madonna sports a Victorian look as she approaches the big 50

But Madonna - never usually one to be encumbered by excessive amounts of clothing - appears to value her bloomers for a different reason.

In a video made public last month, she revealed that she hates her 'fat' thighs, which she says are inherited from her Mediterranean ancestors.

She is shown during a recording session for her latest album, Hard Candy, telling producers: 'Don't show my big fat thighs, whatever you do.'

It seems a strange comment from someone who has built a career on carefully orchestrated over-exposure - and is pictured on the record cover in a skin-tight leotard and boxer's belt, with her legs akimbo.

Madonna in her more usual sexy siren pose teaming up here with Pharrell Williams, who is 15 years her junior

It is also unlikely that anyone else shares Madonna's belief that her thighs are anything less than lean and toned.

The singer, who is 50 in August, follows a gruelling fitness regime to stay in shape ahead of her milestone birthday and forthcoming world tour.

It is understood that she has hired a second personal trainer and now trains six days a week for as much as three and a half hours at a time.

Madonna shows off a more familiar glamorous look in the video for her new song Give It 2 Me.

She is seen in thigh-high boots and skimpy underwear cavorting with music producer Pharrell Williams, who is almost 15 years her junior.