Staunch supporter of bloomers (4)

I believe the answer is:

stem

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This might be a double definition.

'staunch' is the first definition.
(I know that staunch can be written as stem)

'supporter of bloomers' is the second definition.
'stem' can be an answer for 'supporter' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'of bloomers' bit.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stem that I've seen before include "It supports a plant" , "Tube" , "Supporting structure" , "Restrain the flow of" , "Slender vertical part, glass or plant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.