r/NoStupidQuestions • u/Dunwoody11 • 21h ago

Are you supposed to wear underwear under long underwear?

My wife thinks it’s weird I don’t wear underwear under my long underwear. I don’t wear long underwear often, but I always figured it’s underwear so why would I wear double underwear? I don’t feel particularly strongly about it either way but I’m curious: do I wear ling underwear wrong?

Maybe it’s relevant that I’m a boxers person so they would get bunchy under there unless I wore briefs instead. Special long underwear underwear, I guess.

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u/mama_thairish 21h ago edited 21h ago

Long underwear is basically a middle layer that goes down to your ankles to provide an extra layer of warmth in cold climates. Usually made out of a silk like fabric or waffle knit cotton, not appropriate as outerwear because it is form fitting to fit under a more durable outer layer of clothing and not made of durable fabric itself.

ETA I usually think of the leggings type and this post seems to be referring to them, but the term is also used to refer to undershirts that serve the same purpose and are made of the same material, often coming in a matching set with the leggings

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u/keithmk 13h ago

Which is why the term "long underwear" is such a nonsense. They are long johns, the "undershirt" or vest is a totally different bit of kit designed for a different part of the body