Why there’s a bow on panties: The surprising historical reason

The bow on the panties might seem to be merely a charming decoration. However, few people know that it once had an essential function that will surprise many.

Lacy, cotton, cut-out, full coverage—the choice is vast. Panties are an essential part of clothing that accompanies us every day. If you pay attention to details, you have surely noticed that some panties have a decorative bow. It turns out that 200 years ago, this unassuming element served a vital function, making life easier for many women. What does the bow on panties mean?

Nowadays, lingerie serves not only a protective function but also a decorative one. We can choose from hundreds of different patterns, colours, and styles. Brazilian panties, briefs, thongs, or seamless panties are trendy. Two hundred years ago, women could only dream of such variety. However, this does not mean that they did not have nice lingerie. During this period, the bow was invented, and to this day, it adorns many panties.

Few people know that this unassuming element had a practical use at the time. Women often had to dress in the dark in the days before electricity. The bow at the front of their lingerie helped them identify which side was the front and which was the back. This allowed them to dress even when the room was completely dark.

Another theory regarding the bow on panties dates back to the time before the invention of elastic bands. Back then, lingerie was kept in place with a ribbon threaded through holes. The ends of the ribbon were tied into a bow at the front, preventing the panties from slipping. In both cases, functionality played a crucial role.