The Virtues of Underwear: Modesty, Flamboyance and Filth

by Nina Edwards

Stories are woven into the fabric of our most personal garments. From the first loincloths to the intricate layers of shapewear, the concealed world of underwear is capable of expressing individual desire and also aspects of society at large.
An indicator of the vagaries of fashion, underwear can be simple or elaborate. It both safeguards and exposes, reflecting our hopes and experiences. Underwear can embarrass and excite, amuse and shame us. This book illuminates the sometimes profound significance of the garments we wear beneath our outer clothing. It discusses the history of both women’s and men’s underwear, and global cultures of dress.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 24, 2024

About the author

Nina Edwards is a freelance writer and the author of On the Button: The Significance of an Ordinary Item (2011), Weeds (Reaktion, 2015), Offal: A Global History (Reaktion, 2013) and Dressed for War: Uniform, Civilian Clothing and Trappings, 1914-1918 (2014). She lives in London.

Reviews

[Ken Nilsestuen]

I was expecting something well written and interesting. Unfortunately, Ms. Edwards' writing style disappointed me. It's too bad, because the subject seems historically, uh, enveloping. I also thought the book could use more illustrations.

[Rwe]

Interesting book, going into the practical and psychological matters of underwear.

The writing is a touch unfocused, and you sometimes have to concentrate to remember which chapter and subject you are in, but if you enjoy the topic as a whole this is a small matter.