How to Wear Gentlemanly Underwear, 1891

ridiculous ad image of man in union suit with legs through gymnastic rings

Underclothing. This consists of shirt, drawers, and half-hose. The material may be flannel, balbriggan, or silk. White is the proper color, because it is pure and clean. Such colors as pink, or blue, or black may be worn. Have the drawers fit tight, or the trousers will set ill… Underclothing should be changed at least twice a day. Silk is worn always with evening dress.

Mortimer Delano de Lannoy, Simplex Munditiis. Gentlemen

You can tell a gentleman by his evening drawers. They are silk. They are tight. They may be pink. And they are extremely fresh.