Men s fashion, particularly the trends involving undergarments, was once reserved for the elite; today it has
become democratised, clear proof of social progress.The aestheticism of the body so highly valued by the Greeks
seems to have regained a prominent place in the masculine world. Mirroring the evolution of society s values, the
history of underwear also highlights the continuous, dancing exchange that exists between women s styles and
men s fashion. Undergarments are concealed, flaunted, stretched or shortened, establishing a game between yesterday s illicit and today s chic and thereby denouncing the sense of disgrace that these simple pieces of clothing used to betray. In this work, Shaun Cole endeavours to re-establish for the first time, through well-researched socio-economic
analysis, the importance of men s underwear in the history of costume from ancient times to today. A reflection
of technological progress, this study is full of surprises and powerful reflections on man s relationship with his body.
become democratised, clear proof of social progress.The aestheticism of the body so highly valued by the Greeks
seems to have regained a prominent place in the masculine world. Mirroring the evolution of society s values, the
history of underwear also highlights the continuous, dancing exchange that exists between women s styles and
men s fashion. Undergarments are concealed, flaunted, stretched or shortened, establishing a game between yesterday s illicit and today s chic and thereby denouncing the sense of disgrace that these simple pieces of clothing used to betray. In this work, Shaun Cole endeavours to re-establish for the first time, through well-researched socio-economic
analysis, the importance of men s underwear in the history of costume from ancient times to today. A reflection
of technological progress, this study is full of surprises and powerful reflections on man s relationship with his body.
