*During the Vietnam War, some soldiers found the jungle too hot and humid for underwear. *Even in the 1940s researchers advocated the use of girdles as it was believed that women were "scientifically less able than men to stand upright, so they required the extra support of a foundation garment." (one also had to be careful when passing fireplaces, dresses did occasionally catch on fire.) *Metal cages like farthingales or panniers required specially made furniture, learning a new way to sit down without flashing the crowd, and occasionally being too wide to pass through a doorway. *Why in the world were hoop skirts invented? To better show off the expensive fabrics used in the dress. *Corsets were invented when women tried to emulate Catherine De'Medici's 33 inch waist. *European countries passed laws to prevent the lower classes from embroidering their clothes like the upper classes did. *In the 1520s men wore pads under their hose to emulate Henry VIII calves. Readers learn how religion, nobility,pop culture, war, wealth, and access to new materials affected styles and the underwear beneath. Kyi traces the history of underwear, from prehistoric to modern day underwear and styles. I'm not quite sure who the audience would be, but I sure enjoyed it.
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