On August 5th National Underwear Day provides an opportunity to wear your favorite undergarments. Boxers. Briefs. Panties. Tighty-whities. No matter what you call them, our underthings provide a layer of comfort.
- A 2012 survey by Elitedaily.com reveals that the average woman owns 20 pairs of underwear – for every day. Then, they own 14 extra pairs for special occasions.
- In 2018, retailers reported an increase in the popularity of nude colors. Instead of bright fashion colors or sultry bedroom styles, shoppers sought something neutral. Skin blending shades that disappear under sheer outer clothes won consumers’ dollars.
- While underwear may or may not be worn under kilts, tradition holds that a “true Scotsman” would wear nothing underneath.
- The average woman will wear six different bra sizes throughout her life.
- A 2008 survey revealed that 9% of men in America have underwear that is at least 10 years old. Fifteen percent own underwear that is between 5-9 years old.
- Men’s briefs were invented in 1935. A contemporary magazine ad touted the brief’s “scientific suspension” and “restful buoyancy.
- According to bra-fitting experts, approximately 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size.
- Single people are less likely to change their underwear on a daily basis than married people—82% versus 88%, respectively.
- A majority of American women prefer to wear bikini underwear (37%). Briefs come in second (23%), followed by thongs (19%), boy shorts (17%), and other (4%).[
- In the 19th century, women typically wore heavy petticoats to keep the cold breezes from blowing up their skirts because they usually didn’t wear any underwear underneath. Until the mid-1800s, it was considered improper for a woman to wear anything in between her legs. This is why women rode sidesaddle and why pants were considered a male-only garment.
- The phrase “going commando” is from soldiers in the Vietnam War, who were reputed to go without underwear to increase ventilation and reduce moisture. – Source
- In 1951, Marlon Brando helped turn men’s cotton undershirts into outwear when he wore an undershirt in the movie A Streetcar Named Desire.
- On August 14, 1945, more than 1,000 Japanese officers raided the Imperial palace to destroy the recording of the Emperor’s speech of surrender. Confused by the layout of the palace, the rebels never found the recording. It was later smuggled outside in basket of women’s underwear for broadcast. – Source
- Actress Tallulah Bankhead was infamous for not wearing underwear. During the filming of Lifeboat, the crew complained about her flashing them when she had to climb a ladder. Director Alfred Hitchcock reportedly quipped that he didn’t know if it was a matter for wardrobe or hairdressing. – Source
- Major League Baseball umpires are required by rule to wear black underwear, in case they split their pants. – Source
- Color-blindness was discovered by John Dalton (1766-1844) when he scandalized his family by inadvertently buying his mother a set of racy underwear as a birthday present. – Source
- The Wright Brothers sometimes used fabric from women’s underwear to build their plane. – Source
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