Underwear is a daily essential, but its details often go unnoticed. In 2021, some were surprised to learn about the purpose of holes in boxer shorts, while others found the tiny bow on women’s underwear puzzling.

Though now purely decorative, the bow’s origins are tied to practicality. “It dates back to when elastic wasn’t used,” one Redditor noted. “Pants were fastened with a ribbon threaded through eyelet lace, tied in a bow at the front.” This tradition may have persisted due to its charm and convenience.

Historically, undergarments evolved significantly. In medieval Europe, men wore loose “braies” with drawstrings, while women wore chemises and, later, ornate drawers in the 1800s. The bow may have remained as a nod to these earlier designs or simply as an appealing touch.

Ultimately, the bow combines functionality, history, and style—because, as one might agree, “Who doesn’t appreciate a bow?”