15 Underwear Facts That Will Make You Blush (And Think!) | Factslook.com

Archaeologists found the world’s oldest loincloths in a cave in Armenia, dating to 3000 BCE. However, ancient Egyptians took it up a notch: King Tutankhamun was buried with 145 linen undergarments in 1323 BCE, believing they’d serve him in the afterlife. Medieval Europeans later wore 'braies'—baggy linen shorts tied with strings—that inspired modern boxers. Talk about timeless fashion!

In 1946, French designer Louis Réard debuted the bikini, naming it after the Bikini Atoll in the Pacific, where the U.S. had just tested atomic bombs. He claimed his design would cause an 'explosion' in fashion—and it did! Until the 1960s, many countries banned bikinis for being 'indecent.' Today, it’s a $1 billion industry.

Tight-lacing corsets in the 1800s weren’t just uncomfortable—they deformed ribs, displaced organs, and even caused lung collapse. Doctors reported 'hysteria' and fainting spells from restricted breathing. Ironically, women wore them to achieve the 'ideal' 18-inch waist. Thankfully, the bra’s invention in 1914 (by Caresse Crosby) offered safer support.

During WWII, nylon was diverted to make parachutes, causing a underwear shortage. Women resorted to drawing seams on their legs with eyeliner to mimic stockings. Some even used liquid stockings—a mix of gravy and water! Post-war, nylon panties became a symbol of luxury, sparking 'nylon riots' in U.S. stores.

NASA’s space underwear is no joke. Designed for multi-day missions, it’s made of odor-resistant silver-coated cotton to kill bacteria (since laundry in space is impossible). The Japanese Space Agency even created 'jelly underwear' that absorbs sweat and converts it to drinkable water. Talk about high-tech!

The 'fundoshi,' a strip of cloth wrapped around the hips, was Japan’s standard underwear until WWII. Samurai wore it for mobility, and sumo wrestlers still don it today for rituals. In 2020, fundoshi sales spiked as a 'cooling' alternative during heatwaves. It’s even a fashion statement at festivals!

In 16th-century Europe, silk underwear was reserved for royalty and nobles. Henry VIII owned 134 pairs of silk drawers, while Queen Elizabeth I flaunted embroidered chemises. Commoners? They wore itchy wool or linen. Silk’s rarity made it a luxury until industrialization democratized it in the 1800s.

Napoleon famously wore black silk underwear into battle, believing it boosted his confidence. He also packed 48 pairs for his 1812 Russia campaign. Historians speculate he chose black to hide bloodstains, but others argue it was a superstition. Either way, his underwear auctioned for €13,000 in 2021!

New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia demanded nude dancers cover up in 1939, so designer Arthur Kneibler created the 'scanty panty'—a floss-like thong. Dubbed the 'G-string,' it became a burlesque staple. Brazil popularized the dental-floss bikini in the 1970s, turning it into a beachwear icon.

Guinness World Record holder Darlene Flynn owns over 30,000 pairs of underwear, stored in a climate-controlled warehouse. Her obsession began in 1988, and she’s since collected pieces from 100+ countries, including Elvis Presley’s boxers. She claims underwear 'tells the story of humanity.'

Visible panty lines (VPL) aren’t just a faux pas—they signal ill-fitting underwear that can cause skin irritation or UTIs. Doctors advise cotton over synthetic fabrics to prevent infections. In 2022, a study even linked tight thongs to increased hemorrhoid risk. Your undies matter more than you think!

Contrary to myths, knights didn’t go commando under their armor. They wore 'braies' (linen shorts) and a 'doublet' (padded jacket) to prevent chafing. Some even used codpieces—a pouch for… *ahem* modesty—that became a flamboyant fashion accessory in the 1500s.

The U.S. prohibited underwear ads on TV until 1982, deeming them 'indecent.' Calvin Klein broke the taboo with Brooke Shields’ iconic line, 'You wanna know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.' Critics called it scandalous, but sales skyrocketed, revolutionizing fashion marketing.

A 2023 study in *Textile Research Journal* found that unwashed underwear carries up to 10,000 bacteria per gram, including E. coli and staph. Experts recommend washing at 60°C (140°F) and replacing undies yearly. Silk and bamboo fabrics resist bacteria better than cotton—good to know!

In 2024, brands like Boody and Organic Basics launched compostable underwear made from algae, hemp, and mushroom leather. These decompose in 6 months, reducing landfill waste. Even Victoria’s Secret introduced a recycled nylon line. Sustainable undies are the future—good for you *and* the planet!