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Drawers?

Mar 16, 2025

Here is an excerpt from “The Necklace VII – London, 1815,” when Susan and James decide to travel back in time together to when the silver ballerina necklace was first created.

 

“Your chemise, my lady,” Mary said, holding out a white garment and instructing Susan to step into it. Once this was accomplished, Betsy held out what Susan recognized as a corset, not a whalebone corset, thank god, but one made of soft material with laces up the front instead of down the back. Slipping into it over the chemise, she allowed the maid to lace it up for her but not too tight.

Mary then held out a petticoat for her to step into.

What about underwear? Like panties? Did she forget them? What are they called here? Hmmm…oh yes! Drawers!

She looked at Betsy. “Ummm…Excuse me, but did you forget my…ah…drawers?”

Betsy and Mary exchanged another puzzled look.

“But, my lady,” responded Betsy. “You don’t like wearing drawers.”

“I can fetch some for you if you like,” added Mary.

Susan thought for a moment.

No underwear! Regency women didn’t wear panties! And this corset thing isn’t quite a bra, but it does hold my boobs up a bit. Wow! James will appreciate this part of women’s dress…no drawers…but I better not tell him, or he’ll get ideas…

“No…that’s okay,” Susan responded. “My mind must be somewhere else today…I don’t need the drawers…”

***

“Underpants” or “panties” were referred to as “drawers” back in the Regency era. Susan remembered the term, but was puzzled as to why they weren’t handed to her to put on.

In this era of time, however, wearing “drawers” was considered vulgar. Prostitutes and the lower classes wore drawers, but ladies typically did not.

In the Regency era, women generally did not wear what we would consider “panties” or modern underwear, instead relying on layers of skirts and petticoats for modesty and warmth. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation:
  • Layers of Clothing Provided Modesty:
    Regency ladies wore multiple layers of clothing, including a shift (a long undershirt), stays (a type of corset), and petticoats (long, full skirts). These layers acted as a form of modesty, preventing any potential exposure. 

  • Drawers Were Not Widespread:
    While drawers (a precursor to modern underwear) were invented in 1806, they weren’t widespread or common until around 1830. 

  • Menstruation:
    Without knickers, it was harder for women to cope with menstruation, and they would have used a rag of material in an apron that was draped between their legs. 

  • Focus on Silhouette:
    The focus of Regency fashion was on creating a specific silhouette, and the layers of skirts and petticoats played a crucial role in achieving that look. 

  • Practicality:
    The layers also provided warmth, especially in colder months.