Men's Vintage Nylon Underwear

About Men's Vintage Nylon Underwear

Men's vintage nylon underwear styles range from the very conservative 1950's boxers to the sassy 1960's brightly colored and patterned bikini briefs. For the truly retro guy, you can even find the all-in-one Union Suits.

The term "vintage" is relative. To some people, vintage might meant the 80's and to others, it might mean the 40's or 50's. No matter how you define vintage and what decade you are most interested in; whether you are looking for boxers, briefs or all-in-one men's nylon vintage underwear, you can find it with the help of the Internet, of course. First, a little underwear history lesson, after all, you can't find what you are looking for if you don't know exactly what it is you are looking for.

Men's Underwear Designs Over the Decades

Knowing the different design styles by decade helps you to narrow down your choices in vintage underwear and it will help you find the exact style you are looking for.

1930's and 1940's

This is the era in which boxers and briefs became popular with men. Jockey was the first to introduce the "Y-vent" in the front of their tighty-whitey's.

Soldiers were issued the olive green color underwear during this time as it was believed that bright white underwear, hanging on the line to dry during the war, was too dangerous. The design and style of men's underwear reverted back to button closures due to the rubber and metal shortages caused by World War II. While searching for men's vintage underwear from this decade, you will find button closures and a lot of union suits, as those were what civilian men were wearing at the time.

1950's and 1960's

It was in the 1950's when manufacturers began making men's underwear out of nylon and other man-made fabrics. The old boring colors of the 40's were out and new, bright colors and patterns were in. Bikini briefs were also widely available in different patterns and prints (animal prints being particularly popular) during this time period.

1970's and 1980's

The 70's and 80's ushered in the era of "designer" underwear. High-end designers like Calvin Klein got into the underwear making business and as a result, men's underwear became a bit skimpier and a bit sexier. This sexier style is used in modern underwear design.

Where to Find Old School Men's Underwear

If there is a vintage clothing shop in your area, you may want to check there as well as a few of the following online stores:

• eBay - You can find anything on eBay.
• Heavenly Vintage Lingerie – At Heavenly Vintage Lingerie you will find men's vintage nylon underwear from the 1940's, 50's and 60's.
• Tiger Underwear Store – The selection of men's underwear from this store isn't true vintage, but made in the vintage style, making them perfect for regular use.

Caring for Men's Vintage Underwear

Men's vintage underwear from the 30's, 40's and 50's should be relegated to your vintage clothing collection. The fabric is very thin and has generally become worn over time. These fabrics were not made to withstand modern detergents and appliances. Using modern detergents and throwing men's vintage underwear in the dryer will cause these fabrics to break down further, eventually causing them to thin and tear. The elastic in the waistband of the underwear will also be dry and brittle. A modern washer will only tear the dried-out rubber apart, ruing your men's vintage underwear. If you do have to wash them, do so by hand with lukewarm water and very mild detergent and hang them up to air dry.

Final Tips

If you are having a difficult time finding men's vintage underwear, try searching for vintage or retro "style" underwear. This type of underwear is durable enough for regular use while still keeping that vintage, "old school" flair.