Waistband

A waistband

A waistband is a strip of material that is either elastic or some other confining fabric that encircles the waist.^[1]

History

Historically, in northern India, waistbands served various purposes including fastening miscellaneous items to oneself, such as knives.^[2] In ancient history in the southern Levant, the waistband could serve as a status symbol when people would adorn themselves with ornaments attached to their waistbands.^[3] In the early 19th century, members of some Taoist branches had their waistbands colored as a distinguisher and in order to symbolize their membership of the sect.^[4] In the western world during the 19th century, the contortion of waistbands was less pronounced due to the fashionability of suspenders.^[5]

Material and culture

Among some members of the Yoruba, the placement of beads upon their waistbands is an established tradition that is believed to enhance and accentuate a women's femininity.^[6] The dimensions of the waistband serve as a contrivance for streamlining waist measurements.^[7] Waistbands are often designed with beltloops in order to allow for variation in case of manufacturer subtleties or weight variation in the wearer.^[8] A recent Debenhams survey revealed that the placement of one's waistband by males varies with age, with mid-teen boys placing them the lowest, while it steadily rises until the age of 57.^[9] The exposure of the underwear waistband has become a trend among followers of grunge music and hip-hop.^[10] In stretchy waistbands, the material can be made of various materials including rubber and latex.^[11] In contemporary times, waistbands are more picturesque and scintillating compared to previous designs.^[12]

Unwanted erections

Some men use the waistband in order to hide a bulge in order to avoid embarrassment.^[13] During an erection, this is done by jutting it upwards beneath the waistband.^[14] This approach may on occasion be colloquially and informally referred to by slang terms such as a waistband tuck,^[15] the waistband trick,^[16][17] the uptuck^[18][19] or the tuck,^[18] the "6 to midnight",^[20] or the boner tuck.^[21]

References