History of Underwear: from shirts and stays to bras and briefs
Summary
Host Greg Jenner and guests Dr. Serena Dyer and Vic Michaelis explore the history of underwear, from linen shifts and codpieces to union suits and briefs. They discuss how undergarments evolved for hygiene, modesty, and fashion, debunking myths about corsets and revealing the origins of modern styles. The episode highlights how societal norms and class influenced what people wore beneath their clothes.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and podcast introduction
Guest introductions and defining underwear
The shift, smock, and chemise
Hygiene, laundry, and showing white linen
Men's shirts as visible underwear and class
The rise of the vest, t-shirt, and neckcloths
Bloomers, drawers, and historical menstruation
Ancient underwear, stockings, and padding
The codpiece: function, fashion, and armor
Union suits, briefs, and queer history
Corsets, stays, and the pigeon silhouette
Panniers, bustles, and the invention of the bra
Sports bras and historical reconstruction
Quiz, wrap-up, and final thoughts
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