10 Best Underwear Moments in History
1955 – Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch
Sidewalk grates were never viewed the same again after Marilyn came into contact with one in The Seven Year Itch. Now, every time any woman is wearing a dress and walks over one of these vents and feels a breeze, she undeniably feels a tiny bit like an iconic sex symbol. Admit it…you know exactly what I’m talking about.
1978 – Superman – Underwear is the new Outerwear
Does wearing underwear as outerwear enhance super powers? I am unfamiliar with the rules of the superhero realm, but no one can forget Christopher Reeve as the original Superman, complete with skivvies showing on the outside.
1983 – Tom Cruise – The Greater the Risk, The Greater the Return
Before his scientology ways and couch-jumping antics overtook his reputation, Tom was known for rocking out in his undies in Risky Business. This scene has been re-enacted so many times in ads, movies, TV shows, and most likely even in our dreams back in the 80s.
1990 – Madonna’s Fit and Coned Figure
Changing the nature of underwear forever, Madonna followed in Superman’s footsteps and wore her lingerie on the outside for all to see. Her famous cone bra ensemble that she wore during her Blond Ambition tour in 1990 kicked off a decade of awesome fashion trends such as shoulder pads, stirrup pants, flannel shirts, and yes oh yes, the one-shoulder-strap-overalls look.
1993 – Wahlberg Leaves His (Marky) Mark
In the 90s, the name Marky Mark became synonymous with Calvin Klein Underwear. Known for his incredible physique (blown up by his appearance in “Good Vibrations”), the ads that he did in his Calvins were recognized worldwide, and are still burned into the memories of women worldwide.
1994 – Bill Clinton – TMI on MTV
President Clinton appeared on an MTV forum in ‘94 where the classic (and awkward) question of “Boxers or briefs?” was posed to him. The then-President chose briefs, but for some reason, I don’t think this was a burning question in the minds of young Americans. Too much information! >
1995 – Victoria’s Secret Revealed
The hype around the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show today is insane. You would think that Britney Spears was going to debut her comeback tour during the show by the extent to which it’s advertised. Well, the magic all started in 1995, when the first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show took place, sans Angels, but still fun for all.
2001 – Nicole Kidman – 100% Satine
Baz Luhrmann’s musical hit Moulin Rouge caused a stir for its costumes as much as its music and storyline, as evidenced by its 2002 Oscar win for Best Costume Design. Nicole blew everyone away with her dazzling (and bedazzled) corset-based outfits, all laced up from the waist up!
2001 – Renee Zellweger – Bridget Jones’s Diary
Everyone has a Bridget Jones in their life (and if you don’t know who it is, it’s probably you!). She’s lovable, real, awkward, silly, and best of all, easily relatable. However, I hope you can’t relate to the granny panty incident she had in that movie! Listen to your mom and always, always, always wear a fresh pair. You never know where life may lead, and clean (stylish) underwear is a must indeed.
2007 – Boxers and Thongs – Trying to Right Wrongs
In 2007, the City Council of Atlanta decided that the city had seen enough, and it was time to do something about the prevalent rear-showing styles of today’s youth. A motion was proposed that would make wearing baggy jeans that showed boxer shorts or low-rise jeans that showed thongs illegal. Many news outlets posed the question, “Do you think this is a good idea or is it just another form of racial profiling?” Last I checked, this ban was on boxers and thongs showing, so unless boxers and thongs are now considered races, I think that question should be ruled illegal as well. Anyway, it didn’t pass (unfortunately) so I guess the fashion faux pas continues on.