Discreet, charming, sometimes satin or lace… the little bow sewn onto the front of women’s underwear may look purely decorative.

But this tiny detail—found on most styles—actually carries a history far richer than it seems. What if this simple ribbon was the remnant of a tradition that is practical, historical, and symbolic all at once?

A discreet but very useful marker

Before anything else, this tiny bow isn’t just for show — it serves a surprisingly practical purpose.
It simply marks the front of the underwear.

A simple but highly effective trick when you’re getting dressed in a hurry, in low light, or when the design doesn’t clearly distinguish the front from the back. This small detail avoids plenty of morning confusion — and, admittedly, adds a lovely touch of delicacy.

A heritage from another era

The history of the little bow goes back several centuries, long before elastic existed.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, women’s undergarments were held in place with ribbons tied at the waist or in the front. These ties allowed the garment to be adjusted and secured.

As fabrics evolved over time, ribbons became less necessary… but the act of tying a bow remained. Out of habit, and later for aesthetic reasons, manufacturers kept this small symbol, transforming it into a decorative detail.

As historian Denis Bruna explains, the bow already represented femininity and attention to detail — values still strongly associated with today’s lingerie.