A FASCINATING talk about men’s underwear through the ages is coming to the city.

Associate professor in fashion at University of Southampton Dr Shaun Cole will visit Sarum u3a later this month to present ‘The History of Men’s Underwear since the Middle Ages’.

Men’s fashion, particularly trends involving undergarments, was once reserved for the elite; today it has become democratised, clear proof of social progress.

Dr Cole will explain how the aestheticism of the body, so highly valued by the Greeks, seems to have regained a prominent place in the masculine world.

Mirroring the evolution of society’s values, the history of underwear also highlights the continuous, dancing exchange that exists between women’s styles and men’s fashion.

In his presentation Dr Cole endeavours to re-establish for the first time, through well-researched socio-economic analysis, the importance of men’s underwear in the history of costume from ancient times to today.

A reflection of technological progress, this study is expected to be full of surprises and powerful reflections on man’s relationship with his body.

Both members and guests are invited to the event on Wednesday, February 18 at 10am at St Francis Church.