Anne here, talking undies – the wearing and the not wearing of. Most people today can't imagine not wearing knickers (underpants.) A few hardy souls "go commando" ie. do without them, but we could as easily call this practice "going Georgian" or even "going historical" because for most of history — I'm talking the UK here— women didn't wear knickers at all.
Petticoats, yes, sometimes numerous ones, worn one on top of the other. Corsets, yes, versions of, even back to medieval times. The chemise, called a smock before the Norman invasion, and sometimes a
shift, yes. But underpants? Not so much. As this cartoon by Rowlandson in 1800 suggests:
According to my favorite book about undies (The History of Underclothes, by Willett and Cunnington) "It does not seem that Englishwomen wore drawers before the very end of the seventeenth century." They point out that this was not necessarily a European habit and quote a 15th century report that noble ladies in many parts of Italy "wear silk or linnen breeches under their gownes. " I also appears that drawers were introduced into France by Catherine de Medici. But the habit never crossed the channel.
* According to Wikipedia, Catherine de Medici more or less invented them so she could fold her legs across the horse's neck without exposing her crotch when riding sidesaddle, but I don't believe that. Women had been riding sidesaddle well before and after Catherine. Riding habits were made of heavy fabric and designed with extra long hems to protect their modesty. The entry went on to say "Medici's early version, which originated in France in the early 19th century. . ." Um, Catherine de Medici lived and died in the 16th century… The moral is, check your sources…"
Back to undies, or drawers as they were first known in England in the early 19th century, the name coming from the men's article of clothing. They came from France with the new fashions in women's clothing; light, flowing dresses made of flimsy fabric, designed to resemble the drapery found on classical statues — the French Revolution took inspiration from ancient classical sources, and fashion followed politics.
When drawers for ladies first came to England, they were regarded by many as scandalous, daring, outrageous and even downright dangerous. Some regarded them as a French plot to corrupt the flower of English womanhood!
So exceptional was the wearing of drawers by ladies of fashion before 1800, that it even made the newspapers: "At the late Fandango ball in Dublin, a certain Lady of Fashion appeared in the following very whimsical dress:— flesh colored pantaloons, over which was a gauze petticoat. . ." (The Times1796)
Doctors warned that these fiendish and unnatural garments would hinder the natural circulation of air around the female nether regions, thus endangering women's health and worse — their ability to provide heirs. (Note, heirs, ie boys, not just children.) Ministers lectured against the wearing of pantaloons, suggesting that moral corruption would result from women donning such masculine garments. Only women of easy virtue would wear such demeaning things. Fathers instructed their wives to forbid their daughters to wear them.
The result, of course, is that they became wildly fashionable. 
It took Princess Charlotte, the dashing only daughter of the Prince Regent, to bring drawers (or pantaloons) out of the closet, as it were, and into the mainstream of fashion. She wore them openly, and glimpses of them were seen as she climbed in and out of carriages. When she was reproved for this by Lady de Clifford, the Princess said she didn't care. And when told her drawers were too long, she pointed out that the Duchess of Bedford's drawers were much longer and trimmed with Brussels lace.
Of course, young women all over the kingdom flocked to copy her in this dashing new mode.
I had fun with this in my second book, Tallie's Knight. Arriving in Paris with an ill-clothed, hastily married bride, my hero ordered her a complete wardrobe of clothing. It came with drawers, and both hero and heroine found them both slightly shocking and erotic.
I don't have time or space here to go into the various change in styles of underpants, but it's a fascinating area of study. What I think is even more fascinating is the response to change — these days some older people find thongs rather shocking, while to many, "going commando" is quite unthinkable. I wonder if we'll ever come full cycle. . .
Both my mother and grandmother were very big on the importance of underwear — mainly that it should always be neat and clean in case I was hit by a bus. Note, it was the underwear they were most concerned about, not me. I learned young my importance in the scheme of things. *g* But they grew up in the era when undies could embarrass you with a snap of elastic.
What about you — do you think underpants will ever go out of fashion? And what do you call them — knickers? Panties? Scanties? Undies? Do you have any good underpant stories? Do you "go commando" or are you addicted to pretty undies and Victoria's Secret?
I’m sure this has been discussed a hundred times, but having missed out on all those discussions, I’m left wondering what ladies did at “that time of month,” or if they were slightly incontinent following pregnancy, etc. There are just so many situations where it could be extremely awkward to be drawerless.
Btw, having only just discovered the Wenches’ blog, I’m delighted to have found it, and only regret it took me so long.
I’m sure this has been discussed a hundred times, but having missed out on all those discussions, I’m left wondering what ladies did at “that time of month,” or if they were slightly incontinent following pregnancy, etc. There are just so many situations where it could be extremely awkward to be drawerless.
Btw, having only just discovered the Wenches’ blog, I’m delighted to have found it, and only regret it took me so long.
I’m sure this has been discussed a hundred times, but having missed out on all those discussions, I’m left wondering what ladies did at “that time of month,” or if they were slightly incontinent following pregnancy, etc. There are just so many situations where it could be extremely awkward to be drawerless.
Btw, having only just discovered the Wenches’ blog, I’m delighted to have found it, and only regret it took me so long.
I’m sure this has been discussed a hundred times, but having missed out on all those discussions, I’m left wondering what ladies did at “that time of month,” or if they were slightly incontinent following pregnancy, etc. There are just so many situations where it could be extremely awkward to be drawerless.
Btw, having only just discovered the Wenches’ blog, I’m delighted to have found it, and only regret it took me so long.
I’m sure this has been discussed a hundred times, but having missed out on all those discussions, I’m left wondering what ladies did at “that time of month,” or if they were slightly incontinent following pregnancy, etc. There are just so many situations where it could be extremely awkward to be drawerless.
Btw, having only just discovered the Wenches’ blog, I’m delighted to have found it, and only regret it took me so long.
Very interesting topic! I seem to shock most of my friends when this conversation comes up because – I almost always go commando!. I’m glad I can say I’m supported by history on this issue *G*…
Very interesting topic! I seem to shock most of my friends when this conversation comes up because – I almost always go commando!. I’m glad I can say I’m supported by history on this issue *G*…
Very interesting topic! I seem to shock most of my friends when this conversation comes up because – I almost always go commando!. I’m glad I can say I’m supported by history on this issue *G*…
Very interesting topic! I seem to shock most of my friends when this conversation comes up because – I almost always go commando!. I’m glad I can say I’m supported by history on this issue *G*…
Very interesting topic! I seem to shock most of my friends when this conversation comes up because – I almost always go commando!. I’m glad I can say I’m supported by history on this issue *G*…
I like this topic. It will really help me when I write my love scenes. 😀 And I really do like that painting by Rowlandson, how that would be embarrassing to trip down the stairs. But I too wonder how ladies would take care of their business during their cycle…But I’m very comfortable with my undies.
I like this topic. It will really help me when I write my love scenes. 😀 And I really do like that painting by Rowlandson, how that would be embarrassing to trip down the stairs. But I too wonder how ladies would take care of their business during their cycle…But I’m very comfortable with my undies.
I like this topic. It will really help me when I write my love scenes. 😀 And I really do like that painting by Rowlandson, how that would be embarrassing to trip down the stairs. But I too wonder how ladies would take care of their business during their cycle…But I’m very comfortable with my undies.
I like this topic. It will really help me when I write my love scenes. 😀 And I really do like that painting by Rowlandson, how that would be embarrassing to trip down the stairs. But I too wonder how ladies would take care of their business during their cycle…But I’m very comfortable with my undies.
I like this topic. It will really help me when I write my love scenes. 😀 And I really do like that painting by Rowlandson, how that would be embarrassing to trip down the stairs. But I too wonder how ladies would take care of their business during their cycle…But I’m very comfortable with my undies.
Oh, what a fun post, Anne! Just love the Rowlandson print—I have to say, I’ve learned so much about the era by looking at his art. I loved seeing what an actual Bath Chair looked like!
But back to undies—which is what I call them. I wear jeans most of the time, and well, the fabric and seams are , er, sturdy. So going commando just wouldn’t be very comfortable. So I’m pretty much a traditionalist in terms of undergarments. (I,too, was admonished by mother to always wear neat, spiffy underwear in case of an accident. I wonder if kids are told that today. Somehow, I doubt it.)
Oh, what a fun post, Anne! Just love the Rowlandson print—I have to say, I’ve learned so much about the era by looking at his art. I loved seeing what an actual Bath Chair looked like!
But back to undies—which is what I call them. I wear jeans most of the time, and well, the fabric and seams are , er, sturdy. So going commando just wouldn’t be very comfortable. So I’m pretty much a traditionalist in terms of undergarments. (I,too, was admonished by mother to always wear neat, spiffy underwear in case of an accident. I wonder if kids are told that today. Somehow, I doubt it.)
Oh, what a fun post, Anne! Just love the Rowlandson print—I have to say, I’ve learned so much about the era by looking at his art. I loved seeing what an actual Bath Chair looked like!
But back to undies—which is what I call them. I wear jeans most of the time, and well, the fabric and seams are , er, sturdy. So going commando just wouldn’t be very comfortable. So I’m pretty much a traditionalist in terms of undergarments. (I,too, was admonished by mother to always wear neat, spiffy underwear in case of an accident. I wonder if kids are told that today. Somehow, I doubt it.)
Oh, what a fun post, Anne! Just love the Rowlandson print—I have to say, I’ve learned so much about the era by looking at his art. I loved seeing what an actual Bath Chair looked like!
But back to undies—which is what I call them. I wear jeans most of the time, and well, the fabric and seams are , er, sturdy. So going commando just wouldn’t be very comfortable. So I’m pretty much a traditionalist in terms of undergarments. (I,too, was admonished by mother to always wear neat, spiffy underwear in case of an accident. I wonder if kids are told that today. Somehow, I doubt it.)
Oh, what a fun post, Anne! Just love the Rowlandson print—I have to say, I’ve learned so much about the era by looking at his art. I loved seeing what an actual Bath Chair looked like!
But back to undies—which is what I call them. I wear jeans most of the time, and well, the fabric and seams are , er, sturdy. So going commando just wouldn’t be very comfortable. So I’m pretty much a traditionalist in terms of undergarments. (I,too, was admonished by mother to always wear neat, spiffy underwear in case of an accident. I wonder if kids are told that today. Somehow, I doubt it.)
Lucy, you certainly aren’t the first to ask the “time of the month” question and word wench Jo Beverley answered it very thoroughly in a post on menstruation here:
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2006/08/menstruation.html
And on behalf of all the wenches, welcome to the word wench blog. If you have other questions, send them to our webmistress, Sherrie and if any of the wenches choose to answer your question, you’ll get a free book.
Lucy, you certainly aren’t the first to ask the “time of the month” question and word wench Jo Beverley answered it very thoroughly in a post on menstruation here:
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2006/08/menstruation.html
And on behalf of all the wenches, welcome to the word wench blog. If you have other questions, send them to our webmistress, Sherrie and if any of the wenches choose to answer your question, you’ll get a free book.
Lucy, you certainly aren’t the first to ask the “time of the month” question and word wench Jo Beverley answered it very thoroughly in a post on menstruation here:
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2006/08/menstruation.html
And on behalf of all the wenches, welcome to the word wench blog. If you have other questions, send them to our webmistress, Sherrie and if any of the wenches choose to answer your question, you’ll get a free book.
Lucy, you certainly aren’t the first to ask the “time of the month” question and word wench Jo Beverley answered it very thoroughly in a post on menstruation here:
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2006/08/menstruation.html
And on behalf of all the wenches, welcome to the word wench blog. If you have other questions, send them to our webmistress, Sherrie and if any of the wenches choose to answer your question, you’ll get a free book.
Lucy, you certainly aren’t the first to ask the “time of the month” question and word wench Jo Beverley answered it very thoroughly in a post on menstruation here:
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2006/08/menstruation.html
And on behalf of all the wenches, welcome to the word wench blog. If you have other questions, send them to our webmistress, Sherrie and if any of the wenches choose to answer your question, you’ll get a free book.
In some ways I am surprised the ladies took to drawers, as it must have been difficult to hold up all the fabric of their dress and many petticoats and now deal with long pantaloons when using the commode.
Does anyone know where the word ‘knickers’ came from? I understand ‘drawers’ were after male clothing and underpants seems somewhat self-explanatory. I do love the expression of “don’t get your knickers in a twist” !!
In some ways I am surprised the ladies took to drawers, as it must have been difficult to hold up all the fabric of their dress and many petticoats and now deal with long pantaloons when using the commode.
Does anyone know where the word ‘knickers’ came from? I understand ‘drawers’ were after male clothing and underpants seems somewhat self-explanatory. I do love the expression of “don’t get your knickers in a twist” !!
In some ways I am surprised the ladies took to drawers, as it must have been difficult to hold up all the fabric of their dress and many petticoats and now deal with long pantaloons when using the commode.
Does anyone know where the word ‘knickers’ came from? I understand ‘drawers’ were after male clothing and underpants seems somewhat self-explanatory. I do love the expression of “don’t get your knickers in a twist” !!
In some ways I am surprised the ladies took to drawers, as it must have been difficult to hold up all the fabric of their dress and many petticoats and now deal with long pantaloons when using the commode.
Does anyone know where the word ‘knickers’ came from? I understand ‘drawers’ were after male clothing and underpants seems somewhat self-explanatory. I do love the expression of “don’t get your knickers in a twist” !!
In some ways I am surprised the ladies took to drawers, as it must have been difficult to hold up all the fabric of their dress and many petticoats and now deal with long pantaloons when using the commode.
Does anyone know where the word ‘knickers’ came from? I understand ‘drawers’ were after male clothing and underpants seems somewhat self-explanatory. I do love the expression of “don’t get your knickers in a twist” !!
Alison, you said, ” it must have been difficult to hold up all the fabric of their dress and many petticoats and now deal with long pantaloons when using the commode ”
The first “drawers” were simply two tubes joined at the waist, so, no crotch. Later models were more like one piece garments, but were crotchless. I also suspect maidservants could be summoned to assist their mistresses at the loo.
With the new fashion in light and flimsy dresses, they wore fewer petticoats than before. and I think the warmth and feeling of security and modesty would have compensated for the awkwardness at the loo. But I’m just guessing. It wasn’t the kind of thing ladies wrote to each other in detail about.
As for Knickers, here’s the Wikipedia answer, though take it with a grain of salt: “In the United Kingdom, Ireland and some Commonwealth nations, the term knickers for women’s undergarments owes its origin to Dickens’ illustrator, George Cruikshank, who did the illustrations for Washington Irving’s droll History of New York when it was published in London. He showed the old-time Knickerbockers in their loose Dutch breeches, and by 1859, short loose ladies undergarments, a kind of abbreviated version of pantalettes or pantaloons, were knickers in England.”
Alison, you said, ” it must have been difficult to hold up all the fabric of their dress and many petticoats and now deal with long pantaloons when using the commode ”
The first “drawers” were simply two tubes joined at the waist, so, no crotch. Later models were more like one piece garments, but were crotchless. I also suspect maidservants could be summoned to assist their mistresses at the loo.
With the new fashion in light and flimsy dresses, they wore fewer petticoats than before. and I think the warmth and feeling of security and modesty would have compensated for the awkwardness at the loo. But I’m just guessing. It wasn’t the kind of thing ladies wrote to each other in detail about.
As for Knickers, here’s the Wikipedia answer, though take it with a grain of salt: “In the United Kingdom, Ireland and some Commonwealth nations, the term knickers for women’s undergarments owes its origin to Dickens’ illustrator, George Cruikshank, who did the illustrations for Washington Irving’s droll History of New York when it was published in London. He showed the old-time Knickerbockers in their loose Dutch breeches, and by 1859, short loose ladies undergarments, a kind of abbreviated version of pantalettes or pantaloons, were knickers in England.”
Alison, you said, ” it must have been difficult to hold up all the fabric of their dress and many petticoats and now deal with long pantaloons when using the commode ”
The first “drawers” were simply two tubes joined at the waist, so, no crotch. Later models were more like one piece garments, but were crotchless. I also suspect maidservants could be summoned to assist their mistresses at the loo.
With the new fashion in light and flimsy dresses, they wore fewer petticoats than before. and I think the warmth and feeling of security and modesty would have compensated for the awkwardness at the loo. But I’m just guessing. It wasn’t the kind of thing ladies wrote to each other in detail about.
As for Knickers, here’s the Wikipedia answer, though take it with a grain of salt: “In the United Kingdom, Ireland and some Commonwealth nations, the term knickers for women’s undergarments owes its origin to Dickens’ illustrator, George Cruikshank, who did the illustrations for Washington Irving’s droll History of New York when it was published in London. He showed the old-time Knickerbockers in their loose Dutch breeches, and by 1859, short loose ladies undergarments, a kind of abbreviated version of pantalettes or pantaloons, were knickers in England.”
Alison, you said, ” it must have been difficult to hold up all the fabric of their dress and many petticoats and now deal with long pantaloons when using the commode ”
The first “drawers” were simply two tubes joined at the waist, so, no crotch. Later models were more like one piece garments, but were crotchless. I also suspect maidservants could be summoned to assist their mistresses at the loo.
With the new fashion in light and flimsy dresses, they wore fewer petticoats than before. and I think the warmth and feeling of security and modesty would have compensated for the awkwardness at the loo. But I’m just guessing. It wasn’t the kind of thing ladies wrote to each other in detail about.
As for Knickers, here’s the Wikipedia answer, though take it with a grain of salt: “In the United Kingdom, Ireland and some Commonwealth nations, the term knickers for women’s undergarments owes its origin to Dickens’ illustrator, George Cruikshank, who did the illustrations for Washington Irving’s droll History of New York when it was published in London. He showed the old-time Knickerbockers in their loose Dutch breeches, and by 1859, short loose ladies undergarments, a kind of abbreviated version of pantalettes or pantaloons, were knickers in England.”
Alison, you said, ” it must have been difficult to hold up all the fabric of their dress and many petticoats and now deal with long pantaloons when using the commode ”
The first “drawers” were simply two tubes joined at the waist, so, no crotch. Later models were more like one piece garments, but were crotchless. I also suspect maidservants could be summoned to assist their mistresses at the loo.
With the new fashion in light and flimsy dresses, they wore fewer petticoats than before. and I think the warmth and feeling of security and modesty would have compensated for the awkwardness at the loo. But I’m just guessing. It wasn’t the kind of thing ladies wrote to each other in detail about.
As for Knickers, here’s the Wikipedia answer, though take it with a grain of salt: “In the United Kingdom, Ireland and some Commonwealth nations, the term knickers for women’s undergarments owes its origin to Dickens’ illustrator, George Cruikshank, who did the illustrations for Washington Irving’s droll History of New York when it was published in London. He showed the old-time Knickerbockers in their loose Dutch breeches, and by 1859, short loose ladies undergarments, a kind of abbreviated version of pantalettes or pantaloons, were knickers in England.”
Ally, when I first started teaching in a girls’ high school, I found not just Willett & Cunnington’s History of Underwear, but three or four books of that sort in my local library, all lavishly illustrated.
So I made up a “history of underwear’ assignment for my year 8 social studies class. The girls loved it and so, I found out on teacher parent night, did their mothers.
Sadly, about 10 years ago the library discarded most of their wonderful research collection. Fewer books, more space. Makes me very sad. But it inspired me to get my own copy of W&C.
Ally, when I first started teaching in a girls’ high school, I found not just Willett & Cunnington’s History of Underwear, but three or four books of that sort in my local library, all lavishly illustrated.
So I made up a “history of underwear’ assignment for my year 8 social studies class. The girls loved it and so, I found out on teacher parent night, did their mothers.
Sadly, about 10 years ago the library discarded most of their wonderful research collection. Fewer books, more space. Makes me very sad. But it inspired me to get my own copy of W&C.
Ally, when I first started teaching in a girls’ high school, I found not just Willett & Cunnington’s History of Underwear, but three or four books of that sort in my local library, all lavishly illustrated.
So I made up a “history of underwear’ assignment for my year 8 social studies class. The girls loved it and so, I found out on teacher parent night, did their mothers.
Sadly, about 10 years ago the library discarded most of their wonderful research collection. Fewer books, more space. Makes me very sad. But it inspired me to get my own copy of W&C.
Ally, when I first started teaching in a girls’ high school, I found not just Willett & Cunnington’s History of Underwear, but three or four books of that sort in my local library, all lavishly illustrated.
So I made up a “history of underwear’ assignment for my year 8 social studies class. The girls loved it and so, I found out on teacher parent night, did their mothers.
Sadly, about 10 years ago the library discarded most of their wonderful research collection. Fewer books, more space. Makes me very sad. But it inspired me to get my own copy of W&C.
Ally, when I first started teaching in a girls’ high school, I found not just Willett & Cunnington’s History of Underwear, but three or four books of that sort in my local library, all lavishly illustrated.
So I made up a “history of underwear’ assignment for my year 8 social studies class. The girls loved it and so, I found out on teacher parent night, did their mothers.
Sadly, about 10 years ago the library discarded most of their wonderful research collection. Fewer books, more space. Makes me very sad. But it inspired me to get my own copy of W&C.
I must say, that if your in a Southern clime with dangerously horrid humidity and volcanic heat baths that nearly make you feel like your skin is either melting or self-destructing, — underwear is a necessity for sure! What I wanted to say is that I’ve heard of wonderful things about bamboo as a breathable material used for women’s underwear that actually is better than cotton! I actually am curious, what fabrics did they use over the centuries that women vied to have?!
I’m a bit old fashioned in that I appreciate the chemise, silk undergarments and stockings, and the appealment of gauzy materials that just lightly touch the skin but give you a sense of femininity underneath whatever you choose to wear! Not that I’ve tried these on, but from what I’ve read or gathered in research,… I think women of the past had a few things up on us modern women! Not everything, mind you, as I’m not one who would have wanted to deal with the curse back then,… 🙂
I must say, that if your in a Southern clime with dangerously horrid humidity and volcanic heat baths that nearly make you feel like your skin is either melting or self-destructing, — underwear is a necessity for sure! What I wanted to say is that I’ve heard of wonderful things about bamboo as a breathable material used for women’s underwear that actually is better than cotton! I actually am curious, what fabrics did they use over the centuries that women vied to have?!
I’m a bit old fashioned in that I appreciate the chemise, silk undergarments and stockings, and the appealment of gauzy materials that just lightly touch the skin but give you a sense of femininity underneath whatever you choose to wear! Not that I’ve tried these on, but from what I’ve read or gathered in research,… I think women of the past had a few things up on us modern women! Not everything, mind you, as I’m not one who would have wanted to deal with the curse back then,… 🙂
I must say, that if your in a Southern clime with dangerously horrid humidity and volcanic heat baths that nearly make you feel like your skin is either melting or self-destructing, — underwear is a necessity for sure! What I wanted to say is that I’ve heard of wonderful things about bamboo as a breathable material used for women’s underwear that actually is better than cotton! I actually am curious, what fabrics did they use over the centuries that women vied to have?!
I’m a bit old fashioned in that I appreciate the chemise, silk undergarments and stockings, and the appealment of gauzy materials that just lightly touch the skin but give you a sense of femininity underneath whatever you choose to wear! Not that I’ve tried these on, but from what I’ve read or gathered in research,… I think women of the past had a few things up on us modern women! Not everything, mind you, as I’m not one who would have wanted to deal with the curse back then,… 🙂
I must say, that if your in a Southern clime with dangerously horrid humidity and volcanic heat baths that nearly make you feel like your skin is either melting or self-destructing, — underwear is a necessity for sure! What I wanted to say is that I’ve heard of wonderful things about bamboo as a breathable material used for women’s underwear that actually is better than cotton! I actually am curious, what fabrics did they use over the centuries that women vied to have?!
I’m a bit old fashioned in that I appreciate the chemise, silk undergarments and stockings, and the appealment of gauzy materials that just lightly touch the skin but give you a sense of femininity underneath whatever you choose to wear! Not that I’ve tried these on, but from what I’ve read or gathered in research,… I think women of the past had a few things up on us modern women! Not everything, mind you, as I’m not one who would have wanted to deal with the curse back then,… 🙂
I must say, that if your in a Southern clime with dangerously horrid humidity and volcanic heat baths that nearly make you feel like your skin is either melting or self-destructing, — underwear is a necessity for sure! What I wanted to say is that I’ve heard of wonderful things about bamboo as a breathable material used for women’s underwear that actually is better than cotton! I actually am curious, what fabrics did they use over the centuries that women vied to have?!
I’m a bit old fashioned in that I appreciate the chemise, silk undergarments and stockings, and the appealment of gauzy materials that just lightly touch the skin but give you a sense of femininity underneath whatever you choose to wear! Not that I’ve tried these on, but from what I’ve read or gathered in research,… I think women of the past had a few things up on us modern women! Not everything, mind you, as I’m not one who would have wanted to deal with the curse back then,… 🙂
Jorie, for hot humid tropical climates I think nothing beats cotton, just plain, fine cotton or other natural materials that breathe. I’ve never experienced bamboo as a fabric — I’d love to try it.
I too like the feel of silk against the skin, but not for everyday wear. For everyday, I want something I can wear and toss in the machine with no special laundering effort. Silk is fine if you have a maidservant with the time to hand wash. *g*
Jorie, for hot humid tropical climates I think nothing beats cotton, just plain, fine cotton or other natural materials that breathe. I’ve never experienced bamboo as a fabric — I’d love to try it.
I too like the feel of silk against the skin, but not for everyday wear. For everyday, I want something I can wear and toss in the machine with no special laundering effort. Silk is fine if you have a maidservant with the time to hand wash. *g*
Jorie, for hot humid tropical climates I think nothing beats cotton, just plain, fine cotton or other natural materials that breathe. I’ve never experienced bamboo as a fabric — I’d love to try it.
I too like the feel of silk against the skin, but not for everyday wear. For everyday, I want something I can wear and toss in the machine with no special laundering effort. Silk is fine if you have a maidservant with the time to hand wash. *g*
Jorie, for hot humid tropical climates I think nothing beats cotton, just plain, fine cotton or other natural materials that breathe. I’ve never experienced bamboo as a fabric — I’d love to try it.
I too like the feel of silk against the skin, but not for everyday wear. For everyday, I want something I can wear and toss in the machine with no special laundering effort. Silk is fine if you have a maidservant with the time to hand wash. *g*
Jorie, for hot humid tropical climates I think nothing beats cotton, just plain, fine cotton or other natural materials that breathe. I’ve never experienced bamboo as a fabric — I’d love to try it.
I too like the feel of silk against the skin, but not for everyday wear. For everyday, I want something I can wear and toss in the machine with no special laundering effort. Silk is fine if you have a maidservant with the time to hand wash. *g*
I live in jeans and the thought of going panty-less under them makes me shudder. I think the modern era of short (i.e. anything mid-calf or above) skirts and trousers for women has made panties inevitable for most of us, as it wasn’t for women in previous centuries with enormous skirts. Convenience and necessity above all.
Susanne Alleyn
“Medieval Underpants and Other Blunders”
I live in jeans and the thought of going panty-less under them makes me shudder. I think the modern era of short (i.e. anything mid-calf or above) skirts and trousers for women has made panties inevitable for most of us, as it wasn’t for women in previous centuries with enormous skirts. Convenience and necessity above all.
Susanne Alleyn
“Medieval Underpants and Other Blunders”
I live in jeans and the thought of going panty-less under them makes me shudder. I think the modern era of short (i.e. anything mid-calf or above) skirts and trousers for women has made panties inevitable for most of us, as it wasn’t for women in previous centuries with enormous skirts. Convenience and necessity above all.
Susanne Alleyn
“Medieval Underpants and Other Blunders”
I live in jeans and the thought of going panty-less under them makes me shudder. I think the modern era of short (i.e. anything mid-calf or above) skirts and trousers for women has made panties inevitable for most of us, as it wasn’t for women in previous centuries with enormous skirts. Convenience and necessity above all.
Susanne Alleyn
“Medieval Underpants and Other Blunders”
I live in jeans and the thought of going panty-less under them makes me shudder. I think the modern era of short (i.e. anything mid-calf or above) skirts and trousers for women has made panties inevitable for most of us, as it wasn’t for women in previous centuries with enormous skirts. Convenience and necessity above all.
Susanne Alleyn
“Medieval Underpants and Other Blunders”
Yes indeed, Susan, especially some short skirts that barely cover the butt. Though I think the fashion that has people wearing tights with those skirts replaces the need for undies for modesty’s sake, at least.
Yes indeed, Susan, especially some short skirts that barely cover the butt. Though I think the fashion that has people wearing tights with those skirts replaces the need for undies for modesty’s sake, at least.
Yes indeed, Susan, especially some short skirts that barely cover the butt. Though I think the fashion that has people wearing tights with those skirts replaces the need for undies for modesty’s sake, at least.
Yes indeed, Susan, especially some short skirts that barely cover the butt. Though I think the fashion that has people wearing tights with those skirts replaces the need for undies for modesty’s sake, at least.
Yes indeed, Susan, especially some short skirts that barely cover the butt. Though I think the fashion that has people wearing tights with those skirts replaces the need for undies for modesty’s sake, at least.
Catherine de Medici is credited (or blamed) for quite a few things, including the claim that she was the first lady to face the same way as her horse while riding sidesaddle. “Sidesaddle” at that time was literally sideways — the saddle was simimlar to a more-or-less padded chair placed on the horse. The lady sat at right angles to the direction of travel with both feet on a “step” suspended from the saddle — “a la planchette”. The lady’s horse was most often led, although some intrepid females were known to do their own steering, even though really they could only turn their heads to the front.
The story is that Catherine had particularly spectacular stockings, and was also inordinately proud of her legs, so she had a saddle made that allowed her to turn to the front and (supposedly) display her stockings (and legs) from the knees down. Which would make the claim regarding the need for undies somewhat logical, although I’d never heard that one before!
This tale has been around for a long time — it’s certainly a more comfortable and effective way to ride aside than the planchette, but it’s doubtful it was inspired by a pair of stockings …
Catherine de Medici is credited (or blamed) for quite a few things, including the claim that she was the first lady to face the same way as her horse while riding sidesaddle. “Sidesaddle” at that time was literally sideways — the saddle was simimlar to a more-or-less padded chair placed on the horse. The lady sat at right angles to the direction of travel with both feet on a “step” suspended from the saddle — “a la planchette”. The lady’s horse was most often led, although some intrepid females were known to do their own steering, even though really they could only turn their heads to the front.
The story is that Catherine had particularly spectacular stockings, and was also inordinately proud of her legs, so she had a saddle made that allowed her to turn to the front and (supposedly) display her stockings (and legs) from the knees down. Which would make the claim regarding the need for undies somewhat logical, although I’d never heard that one before!
This tale has been around for a long time — it’s certainly a more comfortable and effective way to ride aside than the planchette, but it’s doubtful it was inspired by a pair of stockings …
Catherine de Medici is credited (or blamed) for quite a few things, including the claim that she was the first lady to face the same way as her horse while riding sidesaddle. “Sidesaddle” at that time was literally sideways — the saddle was simimlar to a more-or-less padded chair placed on the horse. The lady sat at right angles to the direction of travel with both feet on a “step” suspended from the saddle — “a la planchette”. The lady’s horse was most often led, although some intrepid females were known to do their own steering, even though really they could only turn their heads to the front.
The story is that Catherine had particularly spectacular stockings, and was also inordinately proud of her legs, so she had a saddle made that allowed her to turn to the front and (supposedly) display her stockings (and legs) from the knees down. Which would make the claim regarding the need for undies somewhat logical, although I’d never heard that one before!
This tale has been around for a long time — it’s certainly a more comfortable and effective way to ride aside than the planchette, but it’s doubtful it was inspired by a pair of stockings …
Catherine de Medici is credited (or blamed) for quite a few things, including the claim that she was the first lady to face the same way as her horse while riding sidesaddle. “Sidesaddle” at that time was literally sideways — the saddle was simimlar to a more-or-less padded chair placed on the horse. The lady sat at right angles to the direction of travel with both feet on a “step” suspended from the saddle — “a la planchette”. The lady’s horse was most often led, although some intrepid females were known to do their own steering, even though really they could only turn their heads to the front.
The story is that Catherine had particularly spectacular stockings, and was also inordinately proud of her legs, so she had a saddle made that allowed her to turn to the front and (supposedly) display her stockings (and legs) from the knees down. Which would make the claim regarding the need for undies somewhat logical, although I’d never heard that one before!
This tale has been around for a long time — it’s certainly a more comfortable and effective way to ride aside than the planchette, but it’s doubtful it was inspired by a pair of stockings …
Catherine de Medici is credited (or blamed) for quite a few things, including the claim that she was the first lady to face the same way as her horse while riding sidesaddle. “Sidesaddle” at that time was literally sideways — the saddle was simimlar to a more-or-less padded chair placed on the horse. The lady sat at right angles to the direction of travel with both feet on a “step” suspended from the saddle — “a la planchette”. The lady’s horse was most often led, although some intrepid females were known to do their own steering, even though really they could only turn their heads to the front.
The story is that Catherine had particularly spectacular stockings, and was also inordinately proud of her legs, so she had a saddle made that allowed her to turn to the front and (supposedly) display her stockings (and legs) from the knees down. Which would make the claim regarding the need for undies somewhat logical, although I’d never heard that one before!
This tale has been around for a long time — it’s certainly a more comfortable and effective way to ride aside than the planchette, but it’s doubtful it was inspired by a pair of stockings …
Florida. Cotton. Jockey.
Florida. Cotton. Jockey.
Florida. Cotton. Jockey.
Florida. Cotton. Jockey.
Florida. Cotton. Jockey.
Fun post! Neither of my grandmothers, both born in the first decade of the 20th century, wore a girdles but never underpants. So it never seemed strange to me that women didin’t wear them. None of my heroines wear them either.
Fun post! Neither of my grandmothers, both born in the first decade of the 20th century, wore a girdles but never underpants. So it never seemed strange to me that women didin’t wear them. None of my heroines wear them either.
Fun post! Neither of my grandmothers, both born in the first decade of the 20th century, wore a girdles but never underpants. So it never seemed strange to me that women didin’t wear them. None of my heroines wear them either.
Fun post! Neither of my grandmothers, both born in the first decade of the 20th century, wore a girdles but never underpants. So it never seemed strange to me that women didin’t wear them. None of my heroines wear them either.
Fun post! Neither of my grandmothers, both born in the first decade of the 20th century, wore a girdles but never underpants. So it never seemed strange to me that women didin’t wear them. None of my heroines wear them either.
Was Princess Charlotte wearing pantalettes or drawers? The woman who said she dropped one and just kept walking, had to have been wearing pantalettes and ot drawers which had a seat.
I have seen drawers described as two legs tied at the waist but all the illustrations show a garment with a seat. Why would anyone complain of danger to the female parts if there was no crotch.
Also the Gillray cartoon of 1810 of a female wearing drawers seems to suggest that they were more common than supposed.The merchants selling them advertised drawers fro men and women. Several inventories of women’s clothing included drawers, or so I have been told.
There wouldn’t be too many old pairs of drawers extant. By their very nature they would be something that wouldn’t be kept for posterity. Probably like Jane Austen’s flannel put to an ignominious use. Of course I was brought up with the ideas that it was almost immoral not to wear panties. Good girls did. They were another line of defense of the virtue.
Was Princess Charlotte wearing pantalettes or drawers? The woman who said she dropped one and just kept walking, had to have been wearing pantalettes and ot drawers which had a seat.
I have seen drawers described as two legs tied at the waist but all the illustrations show a garment with a seat. Why would anyone complain of danger to the female parts if there was no crotch.
Also the Gillray cartoon of 1810 of a female wearing drawers seems to suggest that they were more common than supposed.The merchants selling them advertised drawers fro men and women. Several inventories of women’s clothing included drawers, or so I have been told.
There wouldn’t be too many old pairs of drawers extant. By their very nature they would be something that wouldn’t be kept for posterity. Probably like Jane Austen’s flannel put to an ignominious use. Of course I was brought up with the ideas that it was almost immoral not to wear panties. Good girls did. They were another line of defense of the virtue.
Was Princess Charlotte wearing pantalettes or drawers? The woman who said she dropped one and just kept walking, had to have been wearing pantalettes and ot drawers which had a seat.
I have seen drawers described as two legs tied at the waist but all the illustrations show a garment with a seat. Why would anyone complain of danger to the female parts if there was no crotch.
Also the Gillray cartoon of 1810 of a female wearing drawers seems to suggest that they were more common than supposed.The merchants selling them advertised drawers fro men and women. Several inventories of women’s clothing included drawers, or so I have been told.
There wouldn’t be too many old pairs of drawers extant. By their very nature they would be something that wouldn’t be kept for posterity. Probably like Jane Austen’s flannel put to an ignominious use. Of course I was brought up with the ideas that it was almost immoral not to wear panties. Good girls did. They were another line of defense of the virtue.
Was Princess Charlotte wearing pantalettes or drawers? The woman who said she dropped one and just kept walking, had to have been wearing pantalettes and ot drawers which had a seat.
I have seen drawers described as two legs tied at the waist but all the illustrations show a garment with a seat. Why would anyone complain of danger to the female parts if there was no crotch.
Also the Gillray cartoon of 1810 of a female wearing drawers seems to suggest that they were more common than supposed.The merchants selling them advertised drawers fro men and women. Several inventories of women’s clothing included drawers, or so I have been told.
There wouldn’t be too many old pairs of drawers extant. By their very nature they would be something that wouldn’t be kept for posterity. Probably like Jane Austen’s flannel put to an ignominious use. Of course I was brought up with the ideas that it was almost immoral not to wear panties. Good girls did. They were another line of defense of the virtue.
Was Princess Charlotte wearing pantalettes or drawers? The woman who said she dropped one and just kept walking, had to have been wearing pantalettes and ot drawers which had a seat.
I have seen drawers described as two legs tied at the waist but all the illustrations show a garment with a seat. Why would anyone complain of danger to the female parts if there was no crotch.
Also the Gillray cartoon of 1810 of a female wearing drawers seems to suggest that they were more common than supposed.The merchants selling them advertised drawers fro men and women. Several inventories of women’s clothing included drawers, or so I have been told.
There wouldn’t be too many old pairs of drawers extant. By their very nature they would be something that wouldn’t be kept for posterity. Probably like Jane Austen’s flannel put to an ignominious use. Of course I was brought up with the ideas that it was almost immoral not to wear panties. Good girls did. They were another line of defense of the virtue.
Fabulous post, Anne. Underwear is a tricky subject because then,like now, each individual had his/her own preferences. We can only generalize our research and then decide what our characters prefer, which is kind of cool.
Fabulous post, Anne. Underwear is a tricky subject because then,like now, each individual had his/her own preferences. We can only generalize our research and then decide what our characters prefer, which is kind of cool.
Fabulous post, Anne. Underwear is a tricky subject because then,like now, each individual had his/her own preferences. We can only generalize our research and then decide what our characters prefer, which is kind of cool.
Fabulous post, Anne. Underwear is a tricky subject because then,like now, each individual had his/her own preferences. We can only generalize our research and then decide what our characters prefer, which is kind of cool.
Fabulous post, Anne. Underwear is a tricky subject because then,like now, each individual had his/her own preferences. We can only generalize our research and then decide what our characters prefer, which is kind of cool.
Thanks for the link, Anne! 🙂 And the answer.
Thanks for the link, Anne! 🙂 And the answer.
Thanks for the link, Anne! 🙂 And the answer.
Thanks for the link, Anne! 🙂 And the answer.
Thanks for the link, Anne! 🙂 And the answer.
I still love Tallie, Anne 🙂
My grandfather never, ever wore any kind of undies. He was born in 1906, and lived all his life in and around the tiny towns of the Victorian goldfields. His trousers were loose woolen things, held up by button braces (suspenders). He did wear singlets though. Guess a bloke needs a singlet or two if he’s a labourer.
I still love Tallie, Anne 🙂
My grandfather never, ever wore any kind of undies. He was born in 1906, and lived all his life in and around the tiny towns of the Victorian goldfields. His trousers were loose woolen things, held up by button braces (suspenders). He did wear singlets though. Guess a bloke needs a singlet or two if he’s a labourer.
I still love Tallie, Anne 🙂
My grandfather never, ever wore any kind of undies. He was born in 1906, and lived all his life in and around the tiny towns of the Victorian goldfields. His trousers were loose woolen things, held up by button braces (suspenders). He did wear singlets though. Guess a bloke needs a singlet or two if he’s a labourer.
I still love Tallie, Anne 🙂
My grandfather never, ever wore any kind of undies. He was born in 1906, and lived all his life in and around the tiny towns of the Victorian goldfields. His trousers were loose woolen things, held up by button braces (suspenders). He did wear singlets though. Guess a bloke needs a singlet or two if he’s a labourer.
I still love Tallie, Anne 🙂
My grandfather never, ever wore any kind of undies. He was born in 1906, and lived all his life in and around the tiny towns of the Victorian goldfields. His trousers were loose woolen things, held up by button braces (suspenders). He did wear singlets though. Guess a bloke needs a singlet or two if he’s a labourer.