Have you ever noticed that almost all women’s panties have a little bow at the front? Discreet, cute, often matching the fabric color… it’s everywhere, from the simplest style to the most refined lingerie. But do you know why it’s there? No, it’s not just a stylist’s whim! Its history goes back centuries, and it might surprise you…

When panties didn’t have elastic

Today, we put on our underwear without even thinking about it. But before the invention of elastic—towards the end of the 19th century—it was a completely different story! Women’s underwear was held at the waist by a ribbon or cord that went all the way around the fabric. To adjust it, you tied it… in the front.

This is exactly where the famous little knot originated: it was, quite simply, the place where the string was attached! Nothing decorative at the time: it was purely functional.

And when modern panties appeared, the bow remained. Like a charming nod to the past, a vestige of a time when lingerie was sewn by hand, often by the women themselves.

A touch of femininity that has become a symbol

Over time, this little bow has become an aesthetic detail. Lingerie manufacturers have realized that it adds a touch of softness and delicacy, reinforcing the garment’s feminine and refined character.
It’s a bit like a signature: the bow on panties is the equivalent of the small mother-of-pearl button on a shirt—unnecessary, but irresistible.

And it’s not just a matter of style: the bow also evokes discreet coquetry, that natural elegance that women have always cultivated, even in details that no one sees.

A practical tip that persists even today

As surprising as it may seem, the knot actually has a real purpose. Many women say it simply allows them to identify the front of their underwear at a glance.
Let’s face it: who hasn’t ever put on a garment inside out in the dim light of a rushed morning? Thanks to this little marker, there’s no need to turn on the light or fumble around—just feel the knot to know which is the front. Handy, isn’t it?

Some brands go even further, playing with the size or material of the bow to create contrast or add a “couture” touch to their designs. In short, a simple detail that makes all the difference