Invisibility Obsession: The World is Allergic to (Female) Undergarments

[Originally published on personal blog – Mar 13, 2024]

I first noticed the unspoken rule about hiding our undergarments when I attended a wedding in a beautiful spaghetti-strap dress. I needed to wear a strapless bra or tube top to accommodate the dress. The unconscious idea that we need to disguise our undergarments made me think: “Wait, what if someone sees my bra strap? What’s the worst that could happen?” Although I ultimately wore an uncomfortable strapless bra, the experience left me with a lot of questions. But first, when did we start doing this?

When Did We Start Wearing Undergarments?

It's difficult to pinpoint exactly when humans began wearing clothes, let alone undergarments. According to some studies, the oldest surviving remnants of clothing date back about 5,000 years, but there’s evidence suggesting that clothing might be even older. For instance, the oldest eyed needles – likely used by Homo sapiens – were unearthed from sites in Russia dating back 40,000 years. Similar discoveries were made in China from about 30,000 years ago, indicating that humans might have been wearing some form of clothing then. The climate and environment likely played a role in early clothing being more about survival than fashion.

While the variety of undergarments has changed over time, their primary function remains the same. There’s even evidence of bras dating back to the 15th century. In ancient Egypt and Rome, people – especially the royals – wore some sort of boxers or briefs. Archaeologists discovered 145 pairs of loincloths/underwear in King Tut's burial site, showing that the habit of protecting and covering our private areas has been around for centuries.

When Did We Start Hiding Our Undergarments?

The practice of concealing undergarments started long before modern times. Even when clothing was less intricate, the idea that undergarments shouldn’t be visible was already taking shape, particularly in Western societies. Women during the Tudor era (1400s-1600s) were known to wear layers of undergarments beneath their dresses. These layers (like the chemise, farthingale, and kirtle) were designed to blend in with the outer garments. By the time a woman’s gown was fully on, it appeared as though she was only wearing one dress, with no hint of what was beneath.

Even as styles evolved in the 1600s-1900s, the focus remained on hiding undergarments. Loose-fitting clothes made it easier to keep everything concealed. Both upper-class women and peasants dressed in a similar style, with only differences in ornamentation or fabric quality, and the loose cuts helped disguise what was underneath.

The Evolution of Undergarments

The variety of modern undergarments is mind-blowing. From bras designed for backless or strapless dresses to specialized shapewear, the options are endless. A quick search will reveal articles listing dozens of different bras, most of which cater to specific types of clothing styles. And that’s just for the upper body. For the lower body, there are just as many options for women, often based on how discreet the wearer wants their underwear to be.

This level of variety makes sense given the complexity of modern fashion, with styles like backless, strapless, and see-through designs requiring specialized undergarments. Clothes today are as much about self-expression as they are about function, and our undergarments have evolved accordingly.

So, Why Do We Feel the Need to Hide Them?

Now that we’ve covered the “how” and “when” of this undergarment dilemma, it’s time to explore why we feel such a strong urge to hide them.

Social Norms and Decency

Historically, clothing has served as a marker of social status and propriety. The idea of wearing clothes is often seen as a sign that humanity has moved beyond its primal past. Think about those images depicting human evolution – from a naked figure to someone fully clothed. The lack of proper clothing is often associated with backwardness, and this sentiment continues to influence our views on modesty and decency today. In this context, visible undergarments could be seen as a violation of social norms and a challenge to established standards.

Sexualization of Female Bodies

Much of this issue can be traced back to the sexualization of female bodies. I can’t remember a time when visible male undergarments caused an issue, but when it comes to women, it’s a different story. Society tends to view visible undergarments on women as sexual, even when there’s no intent to attract attention. This has been ingrained in us from a young age. I remember in school, female students were encouraged to wear shorts under their skirts to avoid “embarrassing” situations. Some girls were even reprimanded for not wearing a tank top under their blouse, with the excuse that it could distract male students.

These examples highlight how female bodies have been sexualized, often forcing women to cover up in ways that men don’t have to. The biological reality of our bodies is treated as something to be hidden, and even a glimpse of undergarments is seen as unacceptable.

Practical Considerations and Functionality

Undergarments have always been about practicality and hygiene. They protect our private areas and help us navigate daily activities. From this utilitarian perspective, visible undergarments might seem unnecessary or even embarrassing. The thinking is that undergarments should serve their function without drawing attention.

How Do We Move Past This?

It’s time to let go of this strange “allergy” to visible undergarments. They are simply pieces of fabric designed for comfort and practicality, much like socks or hats. If I wear fitted trousers and my panty lines show, it doesn’t mean I’m trying to announce my body shape to the world – it’s just a biological part of my body that requires an undergarment for support. Sure, some people prefer seamless options, but for those who don’t, it should also be acceptable. Let’s not be panty-line police.

We need to normalize the fact that undergarments exist to serve a purpose. Whether visible or not, they shouldn’t be treated as scandalous. If clothing is meant to be a form of self-expression, why do we draw such rigid lines around what can and can't be seen?