Underwear: a journey through its history and names around the world

The etymological origin of the word underwear

There is no doubt that the term underwear is the most commonly used word to refer to men's underwear today. Additionally, it is the only one used in a formal context, while others are more colloquial (such as gayumbos). But where does this word come from? To reach its etymological origin, a small research exercise on the root of this term must be done:

• Calcis. The Romans used several terms to refer to the heel, among them calcis, although all descended from the same root.
• Calceus. This was a word that came from the same root and defined the garment that fit the foot, the shoe.
• Calceas. When they started using stockings, they called them calceas. Over time, stockings covered from the feet to the waist, until a while later they were divided into two parts.
• Socks. One of the parts into which the calceas were divided covered the calf and feet, giving rise to the term socks.
• Pants. The other part covered the abdomen and buttocks area, and began to be known as pants. As the size of this garment decreased, the diminutive 'illo' was added, and that is where the word underwear comes from.

Synonyms for underwear according to the country

What other ways are there to refer to this male undergarment? Depending on the region we are in, we will find different terms that refer to underwear:

• Calzón. This word is used in different areas of South America and in Guatemala to name underwear. For example: "I'm going to change my underwear, it's dirty".
• Trunks. It is curious that this word is used in different parts of the world to refer to similar garments. For example, in Cuba and the Dominican Republic it is used to define swimwear, in Mexico for underwear, and in Peru it is used for both male and female underwear. Curious, right? An example of use would be: "I bought a new pair of trunks for the gym".
• Bloomers. Underwear is called this in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. It also means wide and short pants. An example of use would be: "I put on some cotton bloomers to sleep".

We have seen that there is life beyond terms like gayumbos or underwear, even though they are the most used in Spain. Each region has its way of defining male underwear, and how do you like to call it? Leave a comment Male underwear is a garment that has evolved over the centuries, adapting to the needs, tastes, and fashions of each era and culture. According to some studies, the first known underwear dates back to almost seven thousand years ago, when prehistoric man used leather to cover and protect his genitals while carrying out daily tasks. In antiquity, the Greeks did not wear underwear, only the traditional "chiton" that covered them entirely. The Romans used a kind of shorts called "subligaculum," under the toga. In the Middle Ages, underwear that did not tie was developed and became the norm. The term underwear, which is the most commonly used word to refer to male underwear today, comes from the diminutive of pants, which in turn derives from the Latin calceus, "shoe." Long underwear comes from the old Union Suit, which was a one-piece undergarment that covered from the shoulders to the ankles. In the modern sense, underwear began to be used around the Renaissance (15th and 16th centuries). The main types of underwear are boxers and briefs. Boxers can be classic, compression, or fitted, and briefs can come in different shapes and materials. Male underwear has changed a lot in every way from the early 20th century to the present day. Thus, we can see from the unaesthetic designs that covered practically the entire body for hygiene reasons, to the more modern versions of boxers or briefs. Male underwear has evolved from a functional garment to a fashion item that reflects the personality, style, and taste of each man.

Don't miss our thematic event Gayumbos

Madrid December 15

If you like fetishes: gayumbos, briefs, underwear, jockstraps, PeC invites you to wear your fetish in the play area for this special event. Keep your penis erect with your garment and show it off.

We also encourage you to bring several used or unused garments to exchange among all attendees at the event