Underwear is something you wear almost every day, but it’s likely you haven’t given much thought to its design or details. One curious feature that often goes unnoticed, particularly in women’s underwear, is the small bow sometimes found on the front.
In 2021, some individuals expressed surprise over the purpose of the hole in men’s boxer shorts, and similarly, many seem to find the bow on women’s underwear equally mysterious. While today the bow is mainly decorative, there’s a story circulating online that suggests it once served a more functional purpose.
One Reddit user offered an explanation, saying:
“Now? Because it’s cute, it’s feminine, it evokes innocence, and it makes it really easy to tell which side is the front when dressing hastily in the dark.”
But what about its origins? The Redditor also explained that this tradition may have begun before the use of elastic in clothing. Back in those days, underwear was secured using a ribbon threaded through eyelet lace at the top. The ribbon was tied in the front, forming a small bow where it was easiest to manage.
Though this explanation seems plausible—considering elastic wasn’t invented until 1820 and didn’t become common in clothing until the 1900s—there’s little solid evidence to back up the claim. Historical references show that medieval men wore loose undergarments, called “braies,” which were fastened with a drawstring or belt. However, modern men’s underwear doesn’t feature bows, nor do we tie belts around them anymore, suggesting that the practice may not be rooted in tradition.
The history of women’s undergarments is less clear. There is some debate about what women wore under their clothes before the 15th century, as most of our evidence comes from preserved art, writing, and textiles. By the 1800s, women were known to wear corsets along with petticoats and chemises, which resembled nightgowns. According to historian Tim Lambert, women also began wearing drawers during this time. These early undergarments started as simple pieces but became increasingly decorative with lace and ribbons as the century progressed.
By the 19th century, pants became common for women, young girls, and even boys. These garments, which resembled long, loose pants, were originally separate pieces that were tied together with a drawstring, forming what we now call a “pair of underpants.” As elastic became more widespread, the drawstring may have been replaced by elastic waistbands, but the bow remained as a decorative element in women’s underwear, though it was eventually dropped from men’s styles.
Alternatively, it’s possible that the bow’s continued use has little to do with historical customs and more to do with aesthetic preferences. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a little decorative touch?
