The term “pair” when describing an undergarment refers to the construction method historically employed. These garments were initially created as two separate pieces of fabric joined together. This joined construction, resulting in two distinct legs, necessitated the descriptor “pair,” similar to how the term is used with other items consisting of two matching parts, such as trousers or scissors.
The historical context reveals a shift from single-piece undergarments to bifurcated designs. The division into two legs provided greater freedom of movement and improved comfort compared to earlier iterations. Consequently, the designation “pair” became integrated into the common lexicon, reflecting the fundamental design characteristic that distinguishes these garments from single-piece alternatives. This also provided greater ease of manufacturing since you can create two sides rather than a complex shape.
