Get ready to take a wild journey down the rabbit hole of historical unmentionables! We’re about to unveil 50 mind-boggling, jaw-dropping, and downright hilarious underwear stories that’ll leave you wondering if fashion history had a secret naughty side. From scandalous royal undergarments to the unexpected origin stories of our favorite skivvies, prepare to have your underpinnings of knowledge rocked! So, sit back, relax (preferably in your most comfortable undies), and get ready to be schooled in the fascinating, often cheeky, world of historical underthings.
The Birth of Modern Corsetry!
Curious about the earliest signs of modern corsetry? Look no further than the Minoans of ancient Crete during the Bronze Age. Flourishing in a matriarchal society where women held sway while men were off engaged in seafaring trade, Minoan women exhibited remarkable style. Adorned in intricate bell-shaped wool skirts, adorned with jewelry, sporting exotic hairstyles, and donning what seemed to be early versions of corsets. In fact, the famous statue of Minoan Snake Goddess proudly wears a gold corset-style waist cincher and a flounced skirt with resembles a crinoline.
When the intrepid seafaring men of Minoa returned from their voyages, they brought back more than just exotic goods – they brought a wave of inspiration that swept through the island’s fashion scene. Laden with luxurious fabrics and novel styling techniques from distant lands, these sailors sparked a sartorial revolution among Minoan women. Their return heralded an era of cosmopolitan glamour, where each new arrival from the sea whispered secrets of distant lands into the eager ears of Minoa’s fashionistas, shaping the island’s chic and setting trends ablaze with each incoming tide.
The Secret Symbolism of the Lady’s Garter
What started as a wardrobe malfunction turned into a royal fashion statement, immortalizing the garter as a symbol of honor and chivalry! The “Order of the Garter” is one of the oldest and most prestigious orders of chivalry in England, dating back to the 14th century. According to legend, during a medieval court ball, the Countess of Salisbury’s garter slipped off her leg while she was dancing near King Edward III. As courtiers snickered at the mishap, the king gallantly picked up the garter and placed it on his own leg, declaring “honi soit qui mal y pense” (shamed be the person who thinks ill of it).
A Surprising Reveal: English Ladies and the Missing Underpants!”
The ladies’ tumble down a steep staircase reminds us that English ladies did not wear any underpants until the 19th century! The lack of underpants in earlier times led to quite a few blush-inducing moments for English ladies of the past. Picture this: no protective layer to shield them from the unexpected gust of wind or a misstep on uneven terrain. These accidental exposures caused more than a few crimson cheeks,
Meanwhile, across the channel, the French were perfecting the art of “les caleçons” (which translates roughly as ‘knickers’) centuries BEFORE the English adopted underpants. In fact, French fashionistas have been flaunting sexy lace lingerie since the 18th century, whereas British gals may still be wearing the ubiquitous Marks & Spencer’s plain cotton undies to infinity and beyond!
Unveiling the Can-Can’s Secret: The Scandalous French Open Drawers
The Can-Can dance, known for its high kicks and lively energy, originated in the working-class ballrooms of Paris in the early 19th century. It was initially a social dance performed by both men and women. However, it gained notoriety for its risqué and provocative nature, especially when performed by female dancers in cabarets and music halls wearing the French “open drawers”, guaranteeing that the final high kick would deliver quite a titillating view. The Can-Can remained a popular spectacle for decades, and the prospect of risqué undergarments added an extra “ooh-lah-lah” factor to its allure.
Bottoms up, Ladies! Accidental exposures may have shaped the famous British Reserve.
These accidental exposures caused more than a few crimson cheeks, which may have had a hand in the development of the infamous British reserve. In fact, those breezy and embarrassing mishaps perhaps contributed to the stiff upper lip that is now so closely associated with British. Who knows if underpants (or the lack thereof) played a role in shaping cultural demeanor?
Victorian Petticoats Were a Fiery Fashion Disaster!
The menace of death caused by the highly flammable six-foot-wide petticoats fueled one of the most vociferous, widely argued, and persistent objections to the garment – vulnerable to the open flames of fireplaces, candles, oil lamps, and matches, the huge crinoline skirts and petticoats frequently caught fire with fatal results. It’s estimated that between 1850 and 1860, approximately 3,000 deaths resulted from crinoline-related fires, as reported by the British medical journal, ‘The Lancet’.
Fashion Mysteries: What Secrets did Queen Joan of Portugal Conceal under her Hoop Skirt in the 15th Century?
Ah, the crinoline – not just a fashion statement, but a versatile tool for concealing life’s awkward little surprises! Who needs to be sent away for an inconvenient pregnancy when you can just let your expanding belly blend seamlessly into your wide-skirted ensemble? The crinoline’s voluminous layers were designed not just to fluff up dresses, but to keep society blissfully unaware of impending motherhood.
The hoop skirt first appeared in women’s fashion during the 15th century when Queen Joan of Portugal wore a circular mechanism, called a farthingale, rumored to disguise her pregnancy in 1468!
Why bother with those awkward conversations when you can just swish around in your crinoline fortress, deflecting curious glances and inquiries with every rustle of fabric?
Fashion’s Influence on Fairytales: The Brothers Grimm and the Corset Controversy!
The Brothers Grimm, famous for their collection of dramatic German fairy tales, decided to add a little twist to the storybook narrative. In their classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, there’s a scene where the wicked stepmother attempts a rather unconventional murder weapon: a corset pulled way too tight.
In fact, this was in line with the 19th century opinion of German doctors who were vociferously opposed to corsets. They thought those waist-squeezing contraptions were a one-way ticket to organ displacement, restricted breathing, and even some seriously distorted body shapes – nevertheless, those waist-squeezers remained a hot commodity in the fashion scene. So, while the doctors may have had their reservations, it didn’t stop the corset craze from cinching its way into German closets (and fairytales) everywhere!
Steel Corsets: Not Just for Tightening Waistlines, but Also Deflecting Daggers
During the 15th century, Catherine de’ Medici revolutionized fashion at the French court by introducing extremely tight 13-inch waist corsets – she even banned thick waists from her court! Additionally, she pioneered the use of metal corset covers made of thin steel plate. These steel covers were designed in a basket weave pattern with drilled holes to pass a needle and thread through to attach luxurious velvets and silks. These covers served a practical purpose, providing protection against the prevalent knife attacks of the time.
Miracle workers: crinolines sometimes saved lives!
Featured in the pages of Frank Leslie’s Weekly, a renowned American illustrated literary and news publication, an extraordinary incident from 1858 recounts the tale of a young woman who, while stepping onto a boat, found herself abruptly slipping into the water. In the midst of battling a powerful current that threatened to sweep her away, fortune smiled upon her due to her attire—a crinoline. Astonishingly, this undergarment turned into an impromptu flotation aid, guiding her safely downstream until a vigilant boatman came to her rescue.
In another news report, in 1867, a young girl skating in Canada faced a precarious situation when the ice beneath her feet unexpectedly cracked. Yet, her dependable crinoline astonishingly morphed into an unlikely savior, ensuring her dress remained buoyant and her morale stayed high until timely assistance arrived.
Hidden in the Hoops: The secret role of Crinolines in the art of smuggling.
During the 19th century, crinolines not only shaped women’s fashion but also played a surprising role in smuggling endeavors. These voluminous hoop skirts, known for their expansive and often impractical design, provided an ingenious cover for individuals involved in smuggling goods. Underneath the layers of fabric and wire, creative smugglers found ample space to conceal all kinds of contraband items, from expensive cuts of meat to luxury goods and valuable documents.
“Lobster Larceny: A Crinoline Caper”
The exaggerated silhouette of crinolines allowed for hidden compartments, making it difficult for authorities to detect the illicit activities. This unconventional use of fashion allowed individuals to bypass strict regulations and border controls, turning crinolines into unexpected accomplices in the world of smuggling. As fashion history intertwines with tales of subterfuge, the crinoline’s role in smuggling adds a unique and intriguing layer to its already captivating narrative.
Before reliable birth control: the unspoken reason for wearing unattractive nightwear!
In the Victorian era, regardless of class, the preferred nightgown style was long, white, and as modest as a prudish aunt at a tea party. Anything fancier was deemed a sign of improper bedtime behavior.
But perhaps, before the days of reliable birth control, unattractive nightwear wasn’t just a style choice – it was a clever strategy rooted in an unspoken goal: limiting the quantity of intimate relations that could lead to a bun in the oven.
These ugly sleepwear choices provided a shield of coverage. So, while it might seem like women were sporting less appealing sleepwear back then, they were actually masterfully navigating a world where bedtime was a landmine.
The original purpose of underwear: to protect the outer clothes from the wearer’s unwashed body!
Imagine a time when people rarely bathed, laundry day was an ordeal, and outer clothes were handmade, often with elaborate embroidery and hand tatted lace. In these bygone days, undergarments – known as ‘body linen’ – emerged as unsung heroes, protecting precious outer garments from the perils of the unwashed body. They bravely intercepted sweat and odor, preserving the integrity of fashionable attire.
Even washing underclothes was no simple task. According to household manuals of the time, the process typically began with an overnight soak before moving on to a series of rigorous steps the following day: soaping, boiling or scalding, thorough rinsing, wringing out, mangling, drying, starching, and ironing, often necessitating repetition to achieve desired cleanliness.
It’s worth mentioning that this extensive washing regimen was exclusively for undergarments and household linens such as bedding, towels, and kitchen cloths. Due to the harshness of the laundering process, most outer clothing was typically cleaned through brushing rather than washing.
The popularity of silk underwear originally stemmed from the belief that silk was less liable to harbor lice!
In bygone eras, the popularity of silk lingerie was not for its sensual appeal. Believe it or not, historical records reveal a surprising function of silk undergarments: they were thought to be a robust defense against the uninvited companionship of lice!
While it might sound like an odd and amusing notion today, there was some logic behind this belief. Silk’s smooth texture was believed to be less hospitable to lice, making it a preferred choice for those aiming to avoid these unwanted guests. This unique twist in the history of undergarments adds a layer of intrigue to the evolution of lingerie, showcasing how functionality and fashion often intertwined in fascinating ways.
The peculiar legal reason behind the unpopularity of woolen underwear!
In the quirky annals of fashion history, the realm of undergarments presents us with an unexpected tale of woolen woes and legal mandates. In the days of yore, undergarments crafted from wool were the norm – and one imagines a degree of itchiness and discomfort that accompanied this choice. However, wool underwear was often finely knitted and may have been quite snuggly!
Nonetheless, an unfortunate stigma attached itself to wool – a backlash from the infamous “Burial in Woolens Act” of 1678, a legislation designed to boost the British wool trade. This peculiar law mandated that people be buried in woolen shrouds to support the local wool industry. This law unwittingly left its mark on fashion history. This wooly burial requirement was repealed in 1814, however, woolen undergarments did not return to its former heights of popularity until the end of the century.
Off with their heads – or at least their corsets!
Following the French Revolution, a wave of anti-aristocratic sentiment swept through fashion, prompting women to shed their corsets and discard heavy, rigid dresses in favor of draped, lightweight muslin cotton garments reminiscent of classic Greek styles. Embracing a more natural silhouette, they adopted the practice of wearing pink stockings and slips underneath to create the illusion of being naked. Some even dampened their dresses for a transparent, wet T-shirt effect. However, this trend proved short-lived, as the thin fabric was ill-suited for colder European climates. By the early 19th century, women began covering up once again, with the resurgence of the whalebone corset by 1830.
Leg fashions for Men with skinny legs – when faced with short pants, calf pads became all the rage!
Men have had their fair share of creative enhancement throughout history! In the dapper days of the 1700s and 1800s, the male pursuit of shapely legs took a rather innovative turn – the rise of artificial calves. Just as women embraced corsets, petticoats, and other magical fashion tricks, men strutted around with these cunning contraptions snugly strapped to their lower limbs.
These faux calves weren’t just for the sake of a good leg day; muscular legs were a symbol of virility and prestige. Imagine the Victorian-era gentlemen showcasing their sculpted calves, the pads adding an extra oomph to their swagger. So, while padded fashion has often been associated with women’s wear, let’s give a round of applause to the gents who dared to play the fashion game with style and flair, even if it meant donning a pair of cheeky artificial calves.
Regal Rumps: Queen Victoria’s Oversized Underwear Fetches a Royal Sum!
It seems Queen Victoria’s knickers were quite the royal flush at auction, fetching a whopping £12,090 ($16,000) by an anonymous collector! With a waistband measuring 45 inches, those knickers could probably double as a sail for a small boat. Who knew that under all those layers of regal attire, Her Majesty was sporting some roomy undergarments fit for a queen-sized comfort? We’re certain the late queen would be blushing royally if she knew about this!
Children in Corsets: A Victorian Prescription for Proper Posture.
Yes, believe it or not, children were not exempt from the corset craze of yesteryears!
While the notion of corsets for children might raise eyebrows today, for the Victorians, it was considered a matter of health rather than fashion. In an era where maintaining warmth and proper posture were deemed essential for well-being, corsets were considered a practical garment even for the young ones. Believed to provide warmth to the body and support to maintain an upright posture, corsets were seen as pillars of health in Victorian society. While modern sensibilities may view such practices skeptically, it underscores the vastly different perspectives on health and fashion that prevailed in the past.
Read on…for MORE Astonishing Underwear Stories from History You Probably Never Knew!
“Bloomers” were named after Amelia Jenks Bloomer, an American suffragette!
Amelia Jenks Bloomer, a 19th-century American women’s rights advocate and suffragette, is famously associated with her namesake “bloomers,” a revolutionary style of clothing that challenged traditional Victorian dress norms. Inspired by the desire for greater comfort and mobility, as well as the emerging women’s rights movement, Amelia Bloomer advocated for a change in women’s fashion to promote practicality and freedom of movement.
The “bloomers” consisted of a loose-fitting knee-length dress worn over a pair of loose trousers gathered at the ankles, which allowed women to engage in physical activities and pursue an independent lifestyle. Though the bloomers faced public controversy and criticism, Amelia Bloomer’s efforts contributed to the ongoing evolution of women’s fashion and the broader fight for women’s rights.
Barbie Pink Underwear – in the 18th Century!
The advent of chemical dyes in 1860 introduced the vibrant ‘magenta,’ dubbed the ‘queen of colors,’ ushering in a new era of fashion. Emerging as a trendsetter in the 18th century, pink was seen in everything from opulent gowns to daring undergarments, raising eyebrows and breaking convention. The vibrant color shocked elders, who predicted the downfall of civilization, but pink persisted as a symbol of beauty and luxury.
Stepping into the Ladies’ Boudoir: The Industrial Revolution’s Fashionable Entrance!
The evolution of crinolines traces a fascinating journey through fashion history, progressing from the early horsehair versions to the sturdier steel designs, and ultimately culminating in the lightweight and innovative cage crinoline. Each iteration represented a significant advancement in structure and support, reflecting the changing tastes and needs of women’s fashion during that era.
And when cage crinolines strutted onto the scene, it was as if engineering and fashion had a whirlwind romance. As steel frames replaced horsehair, it was like upgrading from a heavy and cumbersome garment to a lightweight, high-tech marvel.
Cage Crinolines: Sheffield’s Steel Industry’s Weekly Wire Extravaganza!
Ah, the cage crinoline of the 19th century – a real social equalizer. This fascinating contraption united people from all walks of life, from the aristocrats to the factory-floor workers. The popularity was so insane that Sheffield factories were cranking out enough crinoline wire to wrap around the Earth…okay, maybe not that much, but by 1859 they were producing enough wire for half a million of these fashion wonders every week!
Gentlemen Lost in a Land of Giants!
But hey, let’s not forget, not everyone was applauding this trend. Shop workers wearing crinolines faced a significant backlash as their voluminous skirts obstructed aisles and posed safety hazards, leading to accidents and damage to merchandise. Employers often enforced strict rules against wearing crinolines to work, opting for more practical and streamlined attire to ensure efficiency and safety in the workplace.
And you can’t blame the gentlemen for feeling a bit miffed – they must have been wondering if they had entered a land of giants because, let’s be honest, where’s a guy supposed to fit when the ladies have transformed into towering fashion colossi?
Dressed to kill! How the many layers of Victorian underwear (inadvertently) protected ladies from arsenic poisoning!
In Victorian England, arsenic wasn’t just a danger lurking in the shadows—it was a key player in the world of fashion. ‘Thanks’ to the Industrial Revolution’s innovations, arsenic became the go-to for creating eye-popping dyes, like the infamous “Scheele’s Green” and later the lighter toned “Paris Green” invented by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele. Because these hues were very cheap to produce, they found their way into everything from gowns to wallpaper, paints, toys, confectionary, and even beauty products. However, a silent peril lurked: with some garments packing up to a staggering 900 grams of arsenic, the line between fashion and fatal toxicity was alarmingly thin, reminding us that sometimes, style came at a deadly cost.
However, the inadvertent benefit of the many layers of Victorian ladies’ underwear was avoiding prolonged contact with arsenic-infused fabric. This was largely due to the sheer number of undergarments required during that era, including pantalettes, bloomers, corsets, petticoats, and crinolines. With each layer acting as a barrier, women had added protection against direct contact with poisonous dye, unintentionally safeguarding their health amidst the fashion trends of the time.
Romantic Sailors Carved the Corset Busk as a Token of Affection!
The busk, a long paddle-shaped piece, served as a stabilizing force down the center front of corsets and were often carved by sailors on their long sea voyages. They were crafted from an array of materials like wood, ivory, and bone. Interestingly, because of their intimate nature and proximity the heart and breasts, these doubled as sentimental tokens given from men to their lovers, inscribed with heartfelt messages or love poems that could be worn in secrecy.
Charles Whipple Greene Museum,
Snug as a Bug: The Cozy Charm of Union Suits!
Ah, the ubiquitous union suit, a men’s underwear staple for years – but it was originally designed for the ladies! Affectionately known as the “emancipation suit,” it was championed by pioneering women advocating for dress reform. While the typical image of the onesie might conjure thoughts of red flannel, complete with a cheeky bum flap favored by rugged lumberjacks or mustachioed gentlemen, and immortalized in cowboy movies, it’s fascinating to note that this garment once played a significant role in the women’s rights and dress reform movements of the 19th century.
Revolution on Two Wheels: How the Bicycle Ushered in an Era of Snug-Fitting Underwear!
For centuries, fashion was a battleground of restriction, but beneath the surface simmered a yearning for freedom. Then, like a breath of fresh air, the bicycle arrived, offering not just movement but change. As women embraced this newfound freedom, they needed snugger underwear for activities like biking and tennis. The closer they pedaled to freedom, the smaller their undergarments became! The bicycle propelled women into an era of empowerment, where clothing choices were driven by progress, not societal norms.
The origins of ‘Athleisure’!
Doctor Jaeger introduced his groundbreaking ‘sanitary woolen system.’ based on his belief that wearing wool against the skin was necessary to absorb perspiration. “But surely a gentlewoman does not perform any activity that would produce such an unpleasant result!” complained someone writing to a lady’s magazine.
Dr. Jaeger’s emphasis on utilizing wool for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties was quite ahead of its time. Industrial knitting machines became the unsung heroes of hygiene in fashion, cranking out Dr. Jaeger’s woolly wonders with efficiency and flair – and laid the groundwork for what we now recognize as the athleisure trend, where clothing seamlessly transitions from athletic activities to everyday wear. By promoting garments that supported an active lifestyle while prioritizing hygiene, Dr. Jaeger essentially anticipated the modern fusion of performance and leisurewear.
The Famous Bikini Girls of Ancient Greece!
The “bikini girls” of ancient Greece, found in the Tomb of the Diver frescoes, depict women sporting two-piece garments remarkably similar to modern bikinis. Dating back to the 5th century BC, these playful artworks offer a charming glimpse into ancient Greek leisure and fashion.
But the ancient Greek “bikini girls” weren’t just beach babes. A lesser-known fun fact is that their depictions weren’t just about showcasing physical beauty; they also represented athletic prowess and the celebration of the female form in sports. These depictions highlight the significance of athleticism and physical fitness in ancient Greek culture, where sports were not only recreational but also integral to education and social life.
Bikini Babes vs. Victorian Wallflowers: A Swimwear Saga
From the agile grace of ancient Greek bikini-clad athletes to the restrained movements of Victorian women, the contrast in athleticism couldn’t be starker!
In the Victorian era, the trend for swimming wasn’t just about leisure; it was rooted in the belief in the therapeutic benefits of water. However, like many Victorian pursuits, swimming came with its own set of elaborate customs and rituals. Swimwear of the time was far from simple, consisting of intricate skirted tunics, bloomers, and dark stockings.
Adding to the spectacle were the infamous “bathing machines,” specialized carriages rolled into the water to preserve modesty and provide privacy for bathers. These contraptions remained in use well into the 19th century, offering a discreet means of entering the water directly instead of wading in. Their design was praised for its ability to maintain modesty while enjoying the pleasures of bathing. This elaborate approach to swimming underscored the Victorian penchant for ceremony and tradition in every aspect of life.
Making Waves: Annette Kellerman’s Aussie Swimwear Revolution!
In a splash heard ’round the world, Annette Kellerman, the Australian professional swimmer found herself in hot water—quite literally—when she got arrested for daring to sport her scandalously sensible one-piece bathing suit in 1907. While the fashion police were busy worrying about decency, Kellerman was busy making waves in the swimwear scene, proving that sometimes you have to break the rules to make a splash.
In an era when women’s bathing attire consisted of cumbersome layers and restrictive garments, Kellerman dared to challenge the status quo. Advocating for freedom of movement and practicality, she championed the one-piece bathing suit as the ideal solution for women eager to enjoy aquatic activities without constraints.
Her eponymous line of swimwear, aptly named “Annette Kellermans,” signaled a seismic shift in women’s fashion, propelling swimwear into the modern age. Crafted with innovation and designed for performance, her swimsuits not only liberated women from the burdensome attire of the past but also empowered them to embrace their athleticism and independence. And in true Aussie spirit, she wasn’t afraid to make waves – both in and out of the water!
Two WW1 Battleships Built with Corset Steel!
World War I dealt a blow to the corset’s reign, nudging it aside in favor of the bra. As part of the war effort, women were urged to ditch their corsets to free up steel. They complied willingly, sacrificing their 28,000 tons of steel from their shapewear – enough to build two battleships. Who knew corsets could be so patriotic?
Bra-volution Begins: The First Patent that Started it All!
Socialite Mary Phelps encountered a wardrobe dilemma when her floaty debutante ball gown was ruined by the rigid whalebone corset, which caused unsightly bulges under the sheer fabric. In a stroke of innovation, she improvised a solution by fashioning a makeshift, corset-free undergarment using two handkerchiefs and ribbons. This ingenious creation earned her a patent for the “backless bra” in 1914 – in fact, the American patent office created a brand new category named ‘the brassiere’ – and laid the foundation for her business venture, ‘Caresse Crosby.’ Warner Brothers Corset later acquired her invention for $1500, reaping immense profits from her innovative design over the ensuing decades.
Bikini Blast: A Fashion Explosion!
In 1946, French fashion took a daring leap as Jacques Heim unveiled the “Atome” (French for “atom”) 2-piece swimsuit, intended to stir the same shockwaves as the recent atomic bombings in Japan. Just two days later, rival designer Louis Réard upped the ante with an even skimpier creation—the “bikini.” With a wink to nuclear testing on the Bikini Atoll Islands, Réard succeeded in igniting a fashion own explosion. His design, featuring a daring newspaper print, signaled a radical departure in swimwear style.
The provocative naming choices of the “Atome” and “bikini” swimsuits might not be met with the same enthusiasm today. While they certainly made a splash in their time, their association with atomic imagery and nuclear testing raises eyebrows in contemporary contexts.
The Sexy Revolution: Frederick’s of Hollywood Redefining Underwear
Before the 1940s, women’s underwear was all about shaping the body. But then along came Frederick’s of Hollywood, shaking up the scene with a whole new vibe. It wasn’t for comfort or function – it was all about oozing sex appeal, designed to appeal to men, bored housewives, and exotic dancers alike!
Vibrating Bra
In March 1971, at the 20th International Show of Inventions in Brussels, one particularly curious product caught the eye: the “vibrating brassiere.” This contraption featured two spiraling metal bands linked to a small electric motor worn discreetly on the back. According to its creator, the device promised to strengthen and develop the bust with its innovative design.
Struck by Fashion: The Shocking Truth About Underwire Bras and Lightning
Fact or urban legend? In 1999 two friends tragically met their end in Hyde Park, London, struck by lightning allegedly conducted through the wire in their bras. The incident sparked debates over the safety of underwire bras during thunderstorms, with unconfirmed reports suggesting the metal components may have attracted the fatal discharge. The question lingers.
Triumph’s Fishbowl Bra Keeps You Cool in Summer
Swiss lingerie maker, Triumph, introduced its innovative “Super Cool Bra” at a grand reveal in Tokyo on May 9, 2012. Inspired by a miniature fishbowl, this unique bra incorporates gel material in its cups, aimed at extracting excess body heat to keep wearers feeling refreshed, especially during the sweltering summer months. The lingerie maker envisions women enjoying a cooler and more comfortable experience with this cutting-edge design – presumably, it went to market without the fish!
Jockey’s Cellophane Wedding & Hitler‘s Surprise Reaction
Before 1934, men were limited to either boxer shorts or union suits (you know, the full-length ones with the infamous “back door” flap). But all that changed with the invention of the supportive knit Jockey brief. However, there was a small problem: decency laws of the time prohibited live models from just wearing underwear. So, in a stroke of marketing genius, the company came up with the idea of dressing their models in cellophane to showcase their innovative new product.
In 1938, they went all out at the National Association of Retail Clothiers and Furnishers convention, decking everyone out in full cellophane glory. The stunt made headlines, even catching the attention of Adolf Hitler, who used it as an excuse to rant about America’s supposed moral decline. Talk about making an impression!
Nylon Stockings for Donkeys, Horses and Camels
Animal loving Mrs. F.K. Hosall from England sparked a charitable sensation in February 1926. Her ingenious plan? To gather old silk stockings from generous women and ship them off to northern Africa. But these stockings weren’t destined for glamorous legs; they were intended as a quirky solution to protect donkeys, mules, and camels from pesky fly bites!
If you ever find yourself in the company of a well-dressed camel, perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of those silk-clad legs and think of Mrs. Hosall’s legacy.
Mouse-shocking Pantyhose
In a peculiar showcase of innovation at the Annual Congress of the Inventors of America in Los Angeles in September 1941, a rather electrifying invention stole the spotlight: women’s pantyhose designed to fend off mice! Dubbed the “shocking stockings,” these unconventional garments boasted a unique construction of fine-spun copper mesh, with hidden batteries nestled within the wearer’s shoes.
Intriguingly, wires snaked through the stockings to a coil concealed in the girdle, ready to deliver a zap of voltage upon contact with a mouse. Despite the shocking premise, the inventor assured that these electrifying stocking posed no harm to the wearer – but they never appear to have gone into commercial production.
Burning the Bra – Unraveling the Myth
Last, but not least in the world of underwear stories, the legend of bra-burning feminists in the 1960s has more twists than a pretzel! Turns out, the fiery protest never actually happened. It was all the brainchild of Lindsy Van Gelder, a reporter with a knack for storytelling. Covering a feminist rally against the 1968 Miss America pageant, she spun a tale of women tossing bras into a “freedom trash can” alongside girdles, high heels, makeup, and Playboy magazines – all symbols of female oppression. But as Van Gelder later lamented, she inadvertently sparked a myth that stuck to her like a stubborn bra strap saying that she shuddered to think that her epitaph will be ‘she invented burning the bra’.
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