Lesann Berry

Nobody ever talks about underwear, but let’s admit it, the things we put on underneath our clothes are interesting. And weird. Some of the get-ups adopted by previous generations as foundation garments are downright ridiculous. Exactly how do such fashion trends pick up speed? I don’t have the answer but I found some pictures I thought we should talk about. The garments designed to cover our under bits have morphed into some mighty bizarre things over the centuries. The wearing of undergarments has a lengthy history.

Loincloths made of fine leather have been recovered from archaeological contexts dating back 7,000 years. Ancient Egyptians were stitching together fabric unmentionables 4,000 years ago. Of course they were also making fine linen clothing of styles that are still in use today.

Han infant wrap

Here’s a fascinating look at the art of making decorative female underwear in ancient China. A method of expressing individuality in a culture where outward appearance was mandated by strict ideals.

“In ancient China, where the patriarchal society left few opportunities for women to express their thoughts, the underwear became a unique channel to let out their romantic passion. Underwear revealed women’s beliefs toward life, taste in beauty and appeal for love. They expressed all this through various patterns, bold colors and delicate craftsmanship. Compared to outer garments, which were strictly governed by courtesies and ranks, ancient underwear was a private room for women to pursue their individuality. Whether well-bred women in rich families or girls of a humble birth, they all tried hard to distinguish themselves through underwear.”

Lest you think G-strings are something new…even the Romans paraded their athletes around in wispy strands of leather not so different from today’s thongs. Braies (baggy drawers in a variety of lengths) became common in Medieval Europe, only to be replaced by the chausses (similar to pants or hose) which ruled the land during the Renaissance period. Similar styles are found in many areas of the world because they’re relatively practical, easy to construct, and simple to use. These became the precursors to today’s fruit-of-the-looms.

Over the centuries some amusing practices developed. Images of men’s codpieces and women’s hoops and bustles rush to the forefront of my mind when I consider unusual variants on the basic underoos. Those were clothing options many of us would consider abominations in the modern world. Depending on what time period and region of the planet you’re interested in, under-clothes may or may not have been present. Today we consider it a necessity of dress, but originally it was predicated by climate and the desire to alter the appearance of top clothes.

Confession time! What’s the most daring foundation garments you’ve worn? Ever go commando (sans undertogs)? Did your mother warn you to always wear clean panties in case you were in an accident?