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Jun 06 2005 11 Comments

Loincloth lovers

There are classic cars, classic films, and even classic video games. Now, perhaps rather surprisingly, we can tentatively add underwear to the list; as after going out of fashion decades ago — and only kept alive by old men — the humble loincloth (fundoshi) is set to make a bottom baring comeback.

This most traditional of undergarments is now being sold in decidedly untraditional tartan and paisley patterns. Plus it’s also available in a wide range of colours and materials. Including silk for the more adventurous and extravagant fundoshi fan.

fundoshi loincloth

The expensive Mitsukoshi department store coined the term classic pants around 10 years ago, but it’s only recently that sales have started to take off. Pensioners may still be regular customers, but now young ladies are also joining them. Men’s clothing section manager Yoshimi Shuma claiming, “Women seem to be buying them for their boyfriends.” Yet salary men are also jumping on the fundoshi bandwagon, with many purchases made when good results are needed at work. The lowly loincloth being upgraded to power underwear. I kid you not.

fundoshi loincloth

Loincloth expert and author of “Tales of Fundoshi”, Masatoki Minami, claims that the garment’s connection to militarism hastened its fall from grace. Yet western prudishness may also have played a part. Many foreign dignitaries that arrived in Japan during the Meiji Era (1868-1912) were appalled by the numerous labourers dressed only in their underwear. Complaining that the sight of barely concealed buttocks was far from appropriate.

All that’s in the past though, and it goes without saying that Minami-san is ecstatic about the revival of his favourite underwear; proudly claiming that, “some people consider the fundoshi to be cool.” The loincloth lover excitedly adding, “Japanese culture remains alive in that metre of cloth.”

Which, if true, means that it’s only a matter of time before Hello Kitty loincloths hit the stores.

Categorized: Culture, Fashion, Underwear

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maktaaq says

    6/8/2005 at 6:50 am

    That white loincloth looks really cute. Do you know where I could buy one online? (I am very serious, by the way. I could see myself wearing it.)

    Reply
  2. Lee says

    6/9/2005 at 10:36 pm

    I’ve no idea to be honest, but Mitsukoshi itself could be a possiblity. They have stores outside Japan, so it’s possible they might sell this kind of stuff. If not abroad, then perhaps online.

    Reply
  3. M0 says

    6/13/2005 at 9:55 pm

    Don’t these usually come with, for lack of a better term, a traditional Japanese thong?
    From my “extensive” knowledge of samurai & ninja movies (from Kurosawa to crappy B movies) there is usually more than just the…er…mini apron.

    Reply
  4. Lee says

    6/14/2005 at 12:20 pm

    I’m no expert MO, but I think the string type bit is first tied around the waist, with the cloth hanging down and covering (I’ll try and keep this polite) the bottom.

    This is then dragged between the legs and threaded under the string at the front. By doing this, all dangly bits will be secure and safe in the cloth, and the front bit can be then left to hang at the front. Like, as you said, a mini apron.

    Does that make sense?

    Reply
  5. M0 says

    6/15/2005 at 12:19 am

    Yes… yes it does, thank you.
    Now excuse me while I go wash my brain with soap.

    Reply
  6. Midge says

    6/15/2005 at 5:43 pm

    Hmm… Classic pants and Hello Kitty loincloths: what in blazes will the Japanese think of next?

    Reply
  7. Lloyd K says

    8/10/2007 at 7:18 am

    I would love to know where I can purchase some Loin cloths for ladies and maybe men

    Reply
  8. Frank says

    8/18/2007 at 9:23 am

    You can get Ecchu (shown in this article) and Rokushaku (not shown) fundoshi at http://fundoshi.bluelink.jp/ I personaly like the Rokushaku and hope to be getting one soon.

    Reply
  9. freakna says

    7/30/2009 at 8:36 am

    i was looking to make a lioncloth. thats how i found this. i love them japanese folk! food, music, girls, fashion, girls.. & now lioncloth. awsome! the hello kitty loin is so cute. as for me im sticking with native american style but thats only cause im mostly native. to the japanese for bring back the loincloth & any one else who sports them (clap clap clap) u rock!

    Reply
  10. komanam says

    7/14/2013 at 1:15 pm

    I am a loincloth user from India I like very much to wear loincloth always and my office hours also. I respect all the japanese people who wearing loincloth like me.
    The indian loincloth is called by KOMANAM.

    Reply

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