It may surprise you to learn that during the 2000s, many local governments in America passed laws so that wearing trousers in such a way that showed underwear was literally made illegal in the name of public safety. Barack Obama, then a presidential candidate, spoke out about the style on MTV: “Some people might not want to see your underwear. I’m one of them”.

It may surprise you even more to learn that only 60 years before this, in the 1950s, men who wanted to express a similar rebellious, masculine sexuality did so by also wearing underwear as their outerwear – only, in the 50s, the underwear in question was the T-shirt. Although the T-shirt had already become relatively popular by the 1950s, people from the 1910s would be fascinated to note that your lecturers and supervisors are educating you in what they would perceive to be underwear.

Although Obama may not want to see your underwear, the same cannot be said for me. As conservative dressing grows in popularity, I am a big fan of the pushback created by current trends which involve underwear being worn on the outside.

“Underwear can act as an accessory, adding another layer, colour, or pattern into a maximalist look”

Underwear is pretty inherently sexy. It is this capacity which has earned it such a controversial position in fashion over time, but it can also be more than just sexy. Underwear can act as an accessory, adding another layer, colour, or pattern into a maximalist look. It can be part of a vintage vibe, as lots of lingerie pieces, such as slips and bralettes, which you can find at vintage stores, would now be considered tops. It can also just add a bit of fun to an outfit, giving it a cheeky and rebellious edge. All of these aspects, and more, inform current trends which involve turning underwear into outerwear.

The Whale Tail

The whale tail has always been an excellent way to make a splash. ‘Whale tail’ refers to the shape of a thong sticking out at the back of an outfit, above low-rise trousers or skirts. It has returned to popularity in recent years along with other 2000s trends such as low-rise jeans, and continues to recall the almost mythical infamy it was met with 20 years ago. Demanding attention to its presence while actually covering very little, the whale tail is unabashedly sexy – as evidenced to me a couple nights ago in The Regal, where I overheard someone review: “A little thong poking out? Ten out of ten bricked.”

The Boxer Short

Recently, I have noticed a resurgence in the practice of showing off boxers by wearing low waisted jeans in the fashion choices of people of all gender identities. Traditionally a masculine fashion, pioneered by hip-hop musicians of the 90s, trousers that hang to reveal boxers have become a trend through which anyone can express any kind of deviant masculinity, particularly considering the outrage this trend provoked 20 years ago.

Vintage Lingerie

As charity shopping, vintage stores, and apps like Vinted and Depop continue to reign supreme over current everyday fashion, reclaimed vintage lingerie has become a staple of many ‘going out’ looks. Vintage shopping has made many of the retro looks of designers and celebrities far more accessible, such as the trend a few years ago of wearing corsets, inspired by past looks of designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Jean-Paul Gaultier and musicians such as Madonna who popularised the iconic corset. More recently, the trend of wearing bloomers as shorts, although quickly co-opted by fast fashion brands, began by repurposing vintage underwear to create a cute and cheeky energy.

Tights and Garters

Bright colours and decorative patterns on tights is one of my favourite ways to add some spice to an outfit, and this can be taken further by incorporating garters, stockings, and suspenders into your wardrobe. These can contribute a bold sexy vibe to an outfit when shown off under a mini skirt or shorts, or a more subtle, vintage, mature sexy vibe when only barely visible under a longer skirt or dress.

As the academic year ends and the weather gets hotter, I encourage people to add some sexy fun to their outfits by showing off their underwear. The freedom and fun of these trends can be very helpful if you’re looking for a bit of a break from how serious an academic degree can often feel. Eve had an apple. This summer, I’ve got a thong.