item details
NameMan's undershorts
ProductionUnknown; sewer (textile worker); circa 1935
Classificationboxer shorts, underwear
Materialstussah silk, linen
Materials SummaryTussah silk with linen covered buttons
DimensionsOverall: 470mm (length)
Registration NumberGH017332
Credit lineBequest of Josephine Forbes, 2011
Overview
This pair of undershorts shows the evolution of men's underwear from full length styles made from wool, to lighter and briefer ones.
Men's undershorts with front buttoning plackets were introduced during WWI. They were used, particularly in light fabrics such as this silk, by men working in hot climates, and were often worn under shorts. A number of military forces issues similar undershorts as standard issue to troops in hot climates such as North Africa during WWII.