Why does women’s underwear have a bow in the front?

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Why women’s underwear has a bow in the front

Have you ever wondered why women’s underwear usually has that adorable little bow in the front? It’s not just for aesthetics; there’s a practical reason behind it.

Imagine it’s early in the morning and the room is dark. You’re trying to put on your underwear, but it’s hard to tell the front from the back. Enter the trusty bow! As someone on Reddit pointed out, “That little addition serves as a tactile indicator,” making it easy to tell the front from the back. No more fumbling around in the dark—just a quick tap and you’re done.

In the old days, before elastic, underwear was held in place with ribbons threaded through eyeleted lace at the top. Naturally, the ribbon was tied in front for convenience. Before electricity, many dressed by candlelight. Tying a ribbon in the back in dim light was impractical, so tying it in front made sense.

Today, though elastics have replaced ribbons, the little bow remains as a charming reminder of our dressing history. It’s a nod to a time when getting dressed was more complicated.

So the next time you notice that bow, remember the inventive minds of the past. They turned a simple piece of ribbon into a functional fashion statement—a little bow with a big impact.

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