Flash Backs
An abridged history of putting it all out there.
- Illustrations by Joe McKendry.
1500s
As the number of his ex-wives grows, so does the size of Henry VIII's codpiece.
1550s
French queen Catherine de Médicis bans waists bigger than a13 inches; corsets become the undergarment du jour.
1880s
Boston-born boxing champ John "Long John" Sullivan sports wool undies in the ring.
1926
Dancer Mlle. Rhea's garter doubles as a flask holder during Prohibition.
1938
Superman heroically dons red briefs over blue tights.
1971
Southwest Airlines flight attendants turn heads with new uniforms featuring hot pants and go-go boots.
1990
Madonna's Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra steals the spotlight on her Blonde Ambition tour.
1992
Marky Mark drops trou for Calvin Klein underwear.
1998
The bra-strap headband craze lends support to hair everywhere.
2001
Gwen Stefani shows off the top of her sequined thong at a VH1 awards show.
2008
Designers such as Max Azria and John Galliano showcase '30s-inspired camisoles and robes for spring.
As the number of his ex-wives grows, so does the size of Henry VIII's codpiece.
1550s
French queen Catherine de Médicis bans waists bigger than a13 inches; corsets become the undergarment du jour.
1880s
Boston-born boxing champ John "Long John" Sullivan sports wool undies in the ring.
1926
Dancer Mlle. Rhea's garter doubles as a flask holder during Prohibition.
1938
Superman heroically dons red briefs over blue tights.
1971
Southwest Airlines flight attendants turn heads with new uniforms featuring hot pants and go-go boots.
1990
Madonna's Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra steals the spotlight on her Blonde Ambition tour.
1992
Marky Mark drops trou for Calvin Klein underwear.
1998
The bra-strap headband craze lends support to hair everywhere.
2001
Gwen Stefani shows off the top of her sequined thong at a VH1 awards show.
2008
Designers such as Max Azria and John Galliano showcase '30s-inspired camisoles and robes for spring.
Originally published in Boston magazine, April 2008
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