Open drawers

Common card · No. 445261

Open drawers were a type of undergarment worn by women and girls until the early 20th century. Unlike closed drawers with a seam connecting the leg sections, open drawers featured an open-crotch design extending from front to back, allowing for practicality, ease of movement, and improved hygiene in daily wear. As chemise undergarments shortened, the use of open drawers gradually declined in favour of more fitted and enclosed undergarments, such as closed drawers, and French knickers. By the late 19th century, discussions arose regarding whether women should wear open or closed drawers, reflecting evolving attitudes toward modesty and practicality.

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