Underwear - A History or Revelation?

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.


About the Author:

Neil Thompson is a fashion writer who specialises in
fashion, gifts and accessories. He has a particular
interest in belts, socks, and pens and brands such as Ted
Baker and Paul Smith. For more information click here:
http://www.kjbeckett.com/acatalog/mensbelts.html