In good old-fashioned balbriggan! Named for a town in Ireland, balbriggan is a knitted unbleached cotton fabric used for underwear. Men's "Long-Johns" became known as Balbriggans because they were made at the 19th-century Smith's Stocking Mill, located in that town. Hooray for the flap in the back!
This lovely little ad for Roxford underwear appeared in the December 1908 issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine. And is an early example of direct marketing — offering a "little book" on Roxford Underwear for Men and Boys. "It is well worth sending for." Everything you need to know about the vast improvement in masculine undergarments.
I love that the man in this ad just exudes a butch masculinity — carrying two dumbbells with ease in one hand. I just want to know who sent off for this promotional book/catalog. And whether I can find a copy on e-Bay.
"I hear you talking when Im on the street,
Your mouth don't move but I can hear you speak.
Whats the matter with the boy?
He don't come around no more,
Is he checking out for sure?
Is he gonna close the door on me?
And I only get my rocks off while Im dreaming,
I only get my rocks off while Im sleeping."
-The Rolling Stones, Rocks Off
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