Today, underwear is a staple—whether it’s comfy briefs, lacy thongs, or seamless styles that vanish under jeans. But the journey to our modern undies is anything but simple. In fact, the idea of underwear as we know it didn’t truly exist until the 18th century.

Going Commando…on Purpose?

Before the 1700s, most European women didn’t wear anything beneath their chemises. Some may have used loose, boxer-like shorts called braes, especially for practical reasons like menstruation or postpartum recovery. Still, trousers—or anything resembling them—were considered strictly masculine, and women wearing divided garments was socially taboo.

Stays and Corsets Take Over

Eventually, structure moved under clothing in the form of stays, stiff garments that shaped the torso. The French perfected this with whalebone for more dramatic effects, striving for cinched waists and uplifted busts. Though corsets were briefly abandoned after the French Revolution, they returned as “short stays” and later, full corsets—thanks to inventions like metal eyelets and front busks that allowed tighter, more comfortable lacing.

By the early 1900s, corsetry reached its peak with the dramatic S-curve silhouette, pushing the bust forward and hips back—eye-catching, but far from practical.

Lingerie Before Lingerie

In the 16th century, women wore structural undergarments like stays and farthingales, but nothing specifically for covering private areas. A few Italian women adopted silk or linen drawers in the 1600s, but it wasn’t until the late 18th century—when skirts shortened and mass production rose—that underwear began catching on with pantalettes and pantaloons. (And yes, that’s where “panties” comes from!)

The “Pair” of Panties

By the mid-1800s, hoop skirts—also known as cage crinolines—meant a gust of wind could turn scandalous. Underwear became more common to prevent accidental flashes. These early versions had two separate legs connected at the waist, giving us the term “pair of panties.” Fun fact: they were often open-crotch for easier use with chamber pots!

Slimming Down

As skirts narrowed during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, so did undergarments. Post–World War I fashion brought closed-crotch underwear and gave rise to tap pants and camiknickers. The 1940s and ‘50s introduced the high-waisted, frilly briefs we now call retro.

The Sexy Modern Era

The ‘60s and ‘70s embraced freedom in every sense—hipsters, bikinis, and possibly the first thong emerged. The ‘80s loved bold cuts and power vibes, while the ‘90s and early 2000s gave us stretch lace thongs, cheekies, and low-rise styles galore.

Underwear Today: Function Meets Fashion

Today’s underwear comes in all shapes and materials, from moisture-wicking briefs to sleek laser-cut thongs. High-rise silhouettes are back, but so is the freedom to wear (or not wear) whatever makes you feel your best.

What began as a hidden necessity is now a powerful form of self-expression—and there’s nothing scandalous about that.