Ever noticed the tiny bow on the front of women’s underwear and wondered, “Why is that even there?” While it seems like a decorative detail, the bow actually has a practical history.
Historically, women’s underwear was tied up with ribbons for a secure fit, especially before elastic became common. The bow was simply where the ribbon was tied at the front, which helped keep things in place.
Though no longer essential, this bow became a design tradition. According to historians, “it’s a leftover from an era when women’s underwear didn’t have elastic.”
The bow also served a purpose for early morning dressing by candlelight or in low light, as it helped women identify the front from the back.
Today, the bow remains a staple of women’s underwear designs, not just for tradition but also as a “feminine touch.”