Laced with illustrations of undergarments both prosaic and exotic, a global exposé of the hidden meaning of knickers, lingerie, and everything in between. This book unravels the intimate narratives woven into the fabric of our most personal garments. From the first loincloths to the intricate layers of shapewear, the narrative explores the concealed world of underwear as a silent communicator of individual desire and societal affiliation. As an indicator of the pulse of fashion, underwear has evolved from minimalism to intricate designs with new materials. Beyond its role in denying our corporeal nature, underwear safeguards and exposes, reflecting our innermost desires and past experiences.
From clean underclothing resisting carnal urges to the protective embrace of fabric, this book illuminates the profound, often hidden stories told by the garments beneath our outer layers. It rewards the reader with historical insights into both women’s and men’s underwear and global cultures of dress.
Nina Edwardsis a freelance writer based in London. Her books include
On the Button: The Significance of an Ordinary Item,
Darkness: A Cultural History, and
Pazazz: The Impact and Resonance of White Clothing, the latter two also published by Reaktion Books.
"Edwards weaves a seamless tale of the social, visual, and economic dimensions of the hidden garments that literally underpin our lives. . . . Drawing from fastidious research, Edwards braids innumerable insights into contextual narrative in an approachable yet non-linear manner. The result is a meandering yet engaging story that manages to maintain an entertaining grip on even the most TikTok-addled attention span. . . . A sweeping introduction into the world of underwear."
"[A] rifle through the pants drawer of history. lC,
![The Virtues of Underwear: Modesty, Flamboyance and Filth [Hardcover]](/itemImage/2/3/5/2/2_7088953.jpg "The Virtues of Underwear: Modesty, Flamboyance and Filth [Hardcover]")