Do you ever wonder about the unmentionables of the characters you are reading about? When the hero undresses his heroine, what the heck are they wearing under all those layers? Ladies in Victorian England would have worn an undergarment that was tied at the waist and had an open crotch, or “split-crotch”, so they could easily access the chamber pot to relieve themselves with their gowns around them. With their bustles and layers, reaching these drawers could be a feat. Regency women would either wear drawers such as these or nothing at all. The drawers would reach their knees and have rather loose legs. The idea of underwear as we know it now came about with the mass production of sewing machines in the 1850’s. By the 1920’s and 30’s the modern panties were born, to accommodate the shortened skirts and the lack of long layers that prevented easy access to relieve oneself. With this fashion shift, the split-drawer went away, and closed undergarments became the standard.