logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2021
1h 2m

A Brief History of Underwear

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

Underwear! Whether we're talking boxers, briefs, loincloths, brassieres or even lingerie, undergarments have a storied history in cultures across the planet. It's a tale touching on everything from shifting attitudes about morality to scientific innovations, fashion and more. In today's episode, Ben and Noel take a closer look at the ancient origins of underwear, tracing its evolution to the modern day.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
CLASSIC: (Some of) History's Dumbest Military Prototypes
As Ben and Noel hit the high seas, they're celebrating with a special week of their favorite Classics. It's true that the world's militaries often pioneer technological innovation -- but don't let all those great successes fool you! The world's militaries have at least as many fa ... Show More
55m 49s
Oct 9
The Dumbest Mobster Ever Tried To Steal Ruby Slippers
There are few pieces of film history more iconic than Dorothy's magic ruby slippers from 1939's The Wizard of Oz. Yet, at first, the studio had no idea how valuable these would become. The multiple pairs of slippers languished in obscurity until costume department worker named Ke ... Show More
40m 23s
Oct 7
The Ridiculously Disturbing History of North Korea
As one of the most isolated countries on the planet, it's no surprise the Democratic People's Republic of Korea remains mysterious in the modern day. So, how did it become a thing? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the bizarre origin story of the "Hermit Kingdom," a t ... Show More
48m 25s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2023
Victorian Wardrobe Secrets
If someone from the future looked inside your wardrobe, what could they find out about your life? That you like going out to parties? Maybe your work uniform is in there? Or perhaps there is still evidence of fashion trends of yore, like the oh-so-low rise jeans of the early noug ... Show More
32m 43s
Jul 2021
SMNTY Classics: The Not-So-Skimpy History of the Bikini
Although they're ubiquitous on today's beaches, bikinis are a far cry from the modest, cumbersome swimming costumes women used to wear. Molly and Cristen discuss the history and feminist implications of the world's skimpiest swimwear in this classic episode. Learn more about your ... Show More
30m 53s
May 2021
What’s My Bra Size? | Things My Mother Didn’t Tell Me
80% of women don’t know what their bra size is. Most of us also do not know what cup shape best suits us, or where to even begin browsing when entering a lingerie store. Pair all of that with the unrealistic standards of beauty set by the media and brands (we see you Victoria Sec ... Show More
35m 31s
Mar 2018
Freeing the Body: The Birth of Modern Dress
This week we explore the birth of modern dress, a revolution in fact, that occurred during a period in the early 20th century when women radically altered the way they had been dressing for centuries. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Suppor ... Show More
35m 32s
Nov 2021
Short Stuff: The Paper Dress Fad
There was a brief period when it was highly on trend to wear a super short dress made out of paper. Learn why right now! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
12m 2s
Feb 2018
Dressed: Episode Zero
Fashion history is about more than pretty clothes. Dressed explores the incredibly rich and complex history behind the clothes we wear. Tune in on February 27th for the first episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com 
4m 48s
Mar 2023
Female Nudity & Modesty
Why is the naked body of a life model more respected than a glamour model? Why has there been a resurgence in virtue policing? And why was Kate completely naked during the interview with today’s guest?! Today we’re casting off our clothes and slipping Betwixt the Sheets with acad ... Show More
50m 8s
Feb 2018
Introducing Dressed: The History of Fashion
Every week, fashion historians April Calahan and Cassidy Zachary will take you inside the history of fashion, and explore the who, what, when of why we wear. Listen in on February 27 for the first episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com 
2m 4s
Jul 2021
Bikinis & bombs
Free the belly button! In this episode of Thick & Thin, we travel back 75 years ago to discover the risqué origins of the now-popular, two-piece swimsuit—the bikini. // Follow me on IG: instagram.com/katybellotte // Sources: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-bikinis-i ... Show More
42m 38s
Jul 2022
L'histoire du décolleté
Mes chers camarades, bien le bonjour ! Aujourd’hui on va parler mode parce la mode fait aussi parti de l’Histoire. Alors je sens déjà tous les petits pervers qui ont cliqué sur le podcast en mode “Chouette chouette, on va parler seins !”. Alors certes on va peut-être parler de qu ... Show More
23m 39s