Undergarments were created primarily for warmth in cold climes and, secondly, to protect one’s modesty. From ‘pantalons’ to ‘knickers’, ‘bloomers’ to ‘panties’, there’s no denying that underwear has now become more of a fashionable commodity than, dare we suggest an absolute necessity.

Once a ‘hush-hush’ affair or rather, unmentionables — underwear is today thrown in your face at every turn. SO presents some of our favourite underwear moments.

Britney’s Oops

The teen singing sensation-cum-mother-of-two-cum-train wreck has been known over the years to give the press a flash or two of her nether regions. Unfortunately, most of the time no one got a peek of her undies… alas, she seldom wore any.

Thong Song

“Let me see that thong!” became the mantra at every event that involved a swimsuit thanks to former Dru Hill frontman Sisqo.

R Kelly Drops His Pants

Who could forget when R&B singer R Kelly performed in Jamaica? We’re absolutely convinced he thought dropping his pants and bumping and grinding on the stage would have garnered the love and admiration of his fans. Unfortunately, patrons were more offended than impressed.

Lost In Translation

Who can forget the image of the seductive, feminine curve of actress Scarlett Johansson’s rear in this film about longing and self-discovery?

Risky Business

And, indeed it was! The now-famous scene where actor Tom Cruise slides across the hardwood floors in nothing but a shirt and his ‘tighty whiteys’ will forever be remembered by women everywhere.

Alien Invasion

Very few women can boast of having a body like Sigourney Weaver’s in ‘Alien’. Even today at 60, she looks better than ever!

Janice Dickinson

The ‘trainwreck’ of a former supermodel is constantly performing bizarre stunts to get her noticed; pulling up her dress to expose her panties is simply one of them. We must admit though, she has an excellent plastic surgeon.

Dance With Me

The classically trained ballet dancer puts her skills to work wearing next to nothing, as she performs a burlesque dance in the film Nine.

Material Girl

In the 80s Madonna became a pop-culture icon. One of the things that stood out the most about her was her unique sense of style, in particular her penchant for conical bra tops.

Ga-ga for GaGa

The controversial Lady GaGa seems to believe in the notion of ‘less is more’. On numerous occasions she has been spotted out in public sporting nothing more than underwear or a leotard and ridiculously high shoes.