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The drawstring had to be tied to hold the garment securely, usually at the front of the body. A bow served two practical purposes: it concealed the knot, giving the garment a neat, polished appearance, and it made the undergarment easy to adjust or loosen when needed.
Unlike today’s stretchy, pre-fitted underwear, this system required active engagement — a woman needed to fasten her drawers carefully to ensure they stayed in place.
In essence, the bow we see today is a symbolic remnant of that original fastening method, a visual nod to the practical design solutions of the past. What modern wearers often think of as decoration was once an essential functional feature.
