Pantalettes

Pantalettes were leg-covering undergarments worn by women, girls, and very young boys before breeching, primarily during the early to mid-19th century. Designed for comfort and practicality, they often featured an open-crotch construction to facilitate ease of use while also serving a role in preserving modesty—especially when worn under crinolines—by ensuring coverage beneath dresses and gowns. As fashion evolved, their popularity declined, though they remained in use into the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in conservative communities and traditional dress. By the early 1900s, pantalettes had largely been replaced by open-crotch drawers, which better aligned with changing fashion preferences.