The Virtues of Underwear: Modesty, Flamboyance and Filth

(Hardback)

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Description

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 evolves 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.

Reviews

"Collating popular culture, literary, psychological, medical, historical and humorous references and anecdotes, Edwards skilfully weaves together informative and entertaining perspectives, histories, experiences and attitudes that tell the complex stories of underwear."--Shaun Cole, associate professor in fashion, University of Southampton, and author of "Gay Men's Style: Fashion, Dress and Sexuality in the 21st Century"

Author Bio

Nina Edwards is a freelance writer based in London. Her books include On the Button: The Significance of an Ordinary Item (2011) and Darkness: A Cultural History (Reaktion, 2018).