Biblical Times:
The first underwear worn by man is the apron of fig leaves worn by Adam.

The Egyptians:
The loincloth is the simplest and probably the first undergarment worn by human beings: alone in warmer climates and covered by other garments in colder regions.

The Ancients:
The Ancient Greeks dress very simply in a toga with no underwear. This is the first recorded evidence of man "going commando." The Romans are a bit more modest and wear a loincloth-ish "subligaculum" under their togas and tunics.

Camelot:
The loincloth is replaced by large, baggy pull-on underpants called "braies", which is worn by knights under several layers of clothing topped by their armor.

The Renaissance:
Men throughout the 15th and 16th centuries begin wearing codpieces that are shaped to emphasize the male genitalia.

Victorian Times:
Undergarments include "drawers" that are often made of wool flannel. Not showing a lot of fashion progress, drawers look remarkably similar to the braies worn in the Middle Ages.

Post-Civil War:
The Industrial Revolution with the invention of the cotton gin leads to the mass production of underwear and the Hanes union suit.

1930s:
Boxer shorts rise in popularity with a name derived from the uniform worn by prize fighters. Jockey develops briefs with a Y-vent front while Munsingwear introduces the "kangaroo pouch" with a horizontal vent.

World War Two:
For the first time color is used for underwear during as soldiers are issued drab-olive green briefs for safety, as white briefs are too conspicuous to the enemy when being hung up to dry.

1950s & 1960s:
Technology brings about the use of new synthetic fabrics and underwear becomes fashion with fun designs and bikini style briefs.

1970s ­ 1990s:
Designer styles emphasize sex as a main selling point. Briefs get briefer while boxers become more supportive and "enhancing" with the advent of the boxer brief.

Modern Trends:
Coming full circle, adult men start to sport underwear that is reminiscent of the cartoonish Underoos of their youth.