[HPforGrownups] Re: What's going on under Snape's robes (longish)

[The Crashing Boar]

No: HPFGUIDX 74668

Historically, when people would write of wearing robes, they would see no need to go into the details of what they wore underneath, but you would expect them to wear at least some form of shirt/shift/chemise and hose, as well as underpants (records of male, hints that females had a similar garment).  However, sometimes there were a whole series of garments worn under the robes, depending on the fashion, social status and the season.

If wizard robes follow a similar fashion, then there is no reason to suppose that it would be irregular to wear nothing but underwear underneath, or a full set of clothes.  Trousers are a fairly recent development (less than 200 years) and I can see that, given the longevity and conservatism of many families, it would not be common practice to provide these new fangled garments to the youth of the household. As for the fact that the young Snape appears to only be wearing underpants under his robes, suprisingly enough it can get quite hot in Scotland in the months of June and July - perhaps that is why everyone seems to head outside rather than back to their commomrooms after the exam?

My husband would like me to add this final thought.  What's worn under a wizards robes?  Nothing - it's all in good working order ;)

Dawn


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]