Did Women in Ancient Times Wear Underwear?

Undergarments are an essential part of our clothing today, but have you ever wondered if women in ancient times wore underwear The answer is not straightforward as it varies from one culture to another and depends on the time period. Let’s explore this topic further.

Ancient Greece and Rome

In ancient Greece, women usually wore a tunic that covered their body from the shoulders to the ankles. They didn’t wear any undergarments underneath, and it was considered inappropriate to do so.

Similarly, in ancient Rome, women wore a long tunic called a stola that was made of wool or linen. They also didn’t wear any underwear as it was associated with prostitution.

Medieval Europe

In medieval Europe, women wore a long linen chemise as their undergarment. It was worn next to the skin and helped to absorb sweat.

Over the chemise, they wore a corset or bodice to shape their body. The corset became popular during the Renaissance period and was worn until the 19th century.

Victorian Era

The Victorian era saw a significant change in women’s undergarments. Women started wearing drawers or bloomers underneath their skirts.

These were loose-fitting pants that were tied at the waist with a ribbon or drawstring. Drawers became popular during this time as they provided more freedom of movement than petticoats.

Conclusion

So did women in ancient times wear underwear The answer is yes and no.

It depends on the culture and time period. While some cultures like ancient Greece and Rome didn’t wear any undergarments, others like medieval Europe did wear them in some form or another.

  • Ancient Greece and Rome: No underwear
  • Medieval Europe: Linen chemise
  • Victorian Era: Drawers/Bloomers

Today, underwear is an integral part of our clothing, and we can’t imagine life without it. But it’s fascinating to learn about the evolution of undergarments throughout history and how they have changed over time.