National underwear shortage? What's next?

Our modern concept of underwear (briefs, boxers) is actually a fairly modern invention.

The ancient Romans didn't wear underwear. The Roman toga was merely a sheet wrapped around the body.

Those Roman soldiers and their "skirts" were just that: wrapped around the waist. Which means that the Russell Crowe character in "Gladiator" did NOT have Haines or BVDs underneath.

It was the German barbarians who first wore trousers. By that, meaning a garment that went from the waist down. And had two separate extensions for the legs. Which the Romans thought was a highly peculiar form of dress.

Eventually, German trousers conquered the world. Spreading even to the Eskimos and the Iroquois.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

National underwear shortage? What's next?