"[A] rifle through the pants drawer of history. . . . [Edwards] sets out to explore and evaluate the purpose, style and manufacture of underwear, as well as the attitudes various items have provoked."

Financial Times

"[A] rummage through the knicker drawer of history. . . . Loaded with memorable details and thought-provoking observations."

Times

“From frilly drawers to petticoats, big pants to thongs, our undergarments have changed a lot over the centuries. The Virtues of Underwear takes a look at the history of our most intimate items of clothing.”

Prima

"[A] lively history. . . . Edwards, who has written books about buttons, offal and darkness, is an excellent researcher.”

World of Interiors

"Collating popular culture, literary, psychological, medical, historical and humorous references and anecdotes, Edwards skilfully weaves together informative and entertaining perspectives, histories, experiences and attitudes that tell the complex stories of underwear."

Shaun Cole, associate professor in fashion, University of Southampton, and author of "Gay Men's Style: Fashion, Dress and Sexuality in the 21st Century"

"Weaving together examples from across the centuries and around the globe, Edwards's multifaceted exploration of all things underwear is an engaging introduction to the historic, thematic, material and corporeal concerns surrounding our most intimate apparel."

Elisabeth Gernerd, lecturer in design cultures, De Montfort University, and author of "The Modern Venus: Dress, Underwear and Accessories in the Late 18th-Century Atlantic World"

"Edwards has written that most difficult of things—a book that is both scholarly and enjoyable. Her study of underwear through the ages is an immensely readable appraisal of underwear’s role through history but also its significance to our most intimate, private lives."

Eleri Lynn, trustee of the Royal School of Needlework, author of "Underwear: Fashion in Detail"