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Underwear - A History or Revelation?

By Neil Thompson

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 03Nov2008
Word count: 434
Viewed: 308 time(s)

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Men and women have long been using underwear. Whether you wear panties, briefs, boxers, or knickers, you can definitely say that people all over the world have long been using underwear. And this is something that won?t change anytime soon. But are you aware of the very interesting history that comes with underwear?

It was only just about a century ago that the practice of wearing underwear and undergarments was introduced as one of the necessities in life. It was roughly in the 16th century when the very first tried at creating and designing underwear started out.

In 1510, for instance, long underpants made of either silk, velvet, or linen were already being worn. Interestingly, around this time, it was deemed decent for women to stay naked underneath all those clothes. This is pretty ironic because the decent thing to do today is to wear undergarments beneath clothes. At the time, however, the opposite was deemed innocent.

Even until the 18th century, the practice of women wearing underpants was deemed indecent and even discouraged. The only times when it was allowable and understandable for women to wear underpants were when they were cold, sick, or old.

Maids, however, were allowed to wear underpants, particularly when they were cleaning windows, for their own protection and decency. During the first half of the 19th century, specifically the Biedermeier period, young girls started wearing what is commonly known today as frilled underwear.

The philosopher from France known as Jean-Jacques Rousseau actually promoted the use of frilled underwear in his textbook entitled Emile. In the book, Rousseau stated that young girls should be allowed to dillydally wherever they may want to in a very natural way. For young girls to do this, suitable clothing is indeed needed. Thus, the use of frilled underwear was encouraged and emphasized accordingly.

Over time, underwear changed from design to design and concept to concept. From frilled underwear came the crinoline. There were advantages and disadvantages determined from wearing crinoline, so underwear evolved into the long cotton sheaths.

But it was in 1928 that the first very little panties were introduced. At the time, these little panties were intended for the use of small children. Because of the freedom that came with these panties in terms of movement and protection, the larger counterparts were then conceptualized and designed. Pretty soon, women of all ages were able to wear these panties already. Today, panties and the overall concept of underwear are no longer regarded as taboo. Thus, there is more reason for panties to be designed as sensual as they should be.

Neil Thompson is a fashion writer who specialises in men's gifts and accessories. He has a particular interest in belts, socks, pens and wallets and brands such as Parker, Paul Smith and Ted Baker. Click here for more information on a range of underwear and pens.

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