The history of men’s underwear is a fascinating journey through time, as intriguing as it is exciting. From simple protection against the elements to today’s fashion statements, these underwear pieces—often discreetly hidden under our clothes—have a lot to tell. Ready to travel back in time? Let’s go.
The Ancient Origins of Men’s Underwear
The Earliest Men and the Birth of Modesty
In the Book of Genesis, Adam and Eve, realizing their nakedness, cover themselves with fig leaves, marking the birth of the concept of modesty related to intimate parts and, by extension, what we might call the first underwear.
Apart from this biblical theory, we can consider that the origin of men’s underwear dates back to prehistoric times. From the very beginning, early humans sought to protect their intimate areas from the cold and other dangers of nature, using a rudimentary mix of animal skins and fibers.
Men’s Underwear in Ancient Egypt
Our Egyptian ancestors wore a linen loincloth secured by a belt, called a chendjit (or chendyt). Initially short and basic, it evolved to become longer and more decorated. A true symbol of purity, the chendjit was worn by gods and pharaohs, in contrast to slaves who were often nearly naked. And it is said that King Tutankhamun was buried wearing 145 chendjits. This period in the history of men’s underwear is highly representative of the symbolism it would carry over time.
Greco-Roman Antiquity: The Need for Support
In ancient Rome, a men’s undergarment, somewhat short—similar to the modern brief—emerged: the subligaculum. This was a linen loincloth passed between the legs and tied at the hips. Again, only certain classes of men had the opportunity to wear it: athletes and theater performers. In some cases, this subligaculum was made of leather to withstand water in aquatic sports. As you can see, the history of men’s underwear has always been marked by functionality and adaptation to the needs of its users.
From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance: Functionality and Fashion
The Middle Ages: Braies
Let’s take a leap through time. In the Middle Ages, men wore braies, the ancestors of the long underwear we know today. Made of linen for peasants and silk for nobles, braies were initially a kind of long pants but evolved to become shorter and more fitted.
Their role in the history of men’s underwear is relatively important as braies were not only used to prevent chafing but also to keep the outer garments clean. This marks a transition to functional clothing suited to a more active daily life.
Did Someone Say Codpiece?
During the Renaissance, around the 16th century, a new men’s undergarment appeared: the codpiece. Directly derived from the word “braies,” the codpiece was a padded piece of fabric, sometimes adorned with bright colors. Beyond simple protection, the codpiece became the epitome of masculine fashion and a true symbol of power and sophistication.
This was a true turning point in the history of men’s underwear, as appearance began to take on as much importance as functionality.
The Revolutions of the 18th Century and the “Sans-Culottes”
In the 18th century, men wore a long undergarment called “culottes” under their clothes: long linen trunks or a shorter version in silk. This is when we begin to hear about the “sans-culottes,” who were from the working classes like merchants, artisans, and peasants. They preferred to wear simple long pants that reached down to the ankles, in contrast to the aristocrats who wore the previously mentioned culottes.
This clothing difference became a powerful social marker, particularly during the French Revolution, where long pants symbolized the rejection of privileges and aristocracy. Thus, the evolution of men’s underwear in the 18th century was not just a matter of comfort but also a reflection of the social upheavals of the time.
The Evolution of Modern Times
The Industrial Era
It was at the end of the 19th century that the union suit came into play. Initially designed for women, this buttoned piece with an opening at the crotch was quickly adopted by men. Its role: to maintain hygiene by absorbing sweat and protecting the clothes worn on top. As for materials, they adapted to the seasons: wool in winter and cotton in summer.
Later, the union suit was divided into two parts. We then had the Henley on top and the Long John on the bottom.
The 20th Century: The Century of Innovation
The 20th century was a true revolution for the history of men’s underwear with the arrival of synthetic materials like nylon. Blended with cotton, nylon added an unprecedented touch of flexibility for the time.
Meanwhile, the democratization of sports as a leisure activity began to influence the designs of underwear and their style as well.
The Rise of Modern Underwear as We Know It Today
The 20th century saw the emergence of men’s underwear as we know it today, with a true revolution in terms of comfort, style, and functionality.
In 1935, the brief was launched, offering a more fitted and practical alternative to traditional underwear. Shortly afterward, the trunk, inspired by boxing shorts, gained popularity for its looser, more comfortable fit. Boxers, meanwhile, remained a classic, appreciated for their long and relaxed cut. At the same time, the jockstrap, initially designed in 1874 for cyclists, found its place among athletes for its optimal support and protection. For more detailed insights, check out our article on what is a jockstrap and how it works.
Each of these pieces has marked the history of men’s underwear, offering choices tailored to the preferences and needs of each man. If you're curious about the best options, explore our guide on how to choose the right men's underwear for you.
Conclusion
What began as a functional necessity has become a symbol of style and comfort, reflecting social changes and fashion trends. From the earliest rudimentary protections to modern men's underwear, the history of men’s underwear is a true historical parade.
So, the next time you slip on your favorite trunk or adjust your brief, remember: you’re wearing a piece of history! And who knows? Maybe in the not-so-distant future, men’s underwear will have even more surprises in store for us.