The chances are that most of you have, at one time or another, made a loincloth out of some old material around the house such as a old bedsheet or towel when you was a kid. I also bet many of you also thought that all loincloths were constructed as two "flaps" tied together around the waist. The truth is that most traditional loincloths are simply one long strip of material, worn between the legs...draped over, and supported by, a waistcord or belt of some type.
The loincloth is the orginal men's garment, it's purpose to cover the male genitals. Though considered by many to be an "immodest" garment, even a "skimpy" loincloth is usually less revealing than a man's Speedo swimsuit.
There are really no set rules as to design or fabric for a loincloth. Some wearers prefer soft fabric whereas others rather use leather. Some like to wear loincloths that fall knee-length in front and rear, whereas others like the ragged V cut as depicted in most "Tarzan" films.
Karsten says,
"I make my loincloths out of a gauze-type of material that can sometimes be obtained at a fabric store such as Jo-Anne's Fabrics. It is available in various colors, but I prefer the hard-to-find earth-tones, of which the dark olive green is my favorite, though I do enjoy wearing other colors as well.
I recommend purchasing the material in lengths of 60 inches. Depending on the width of the fabric it should yeild 3 to 4 loincloths, each one with a width of 10 to 12 inches.
To support the loincloth about my waist, I use a thick hemp cord which can be purchased at most craft stores such as A.C. Moore's. (Rawhide works good too.) after tying a piece of cord around the waist I then simply put on the loincloth by securing it between the waist and "belt" in front, running the fabric down between my legs...up the buttocks and over the "belt" again. I then adjust it so as my genitials are secure inside the loincloth as well as making sure the front flap of my loincloth is hanging parallel with the back flap.
You can then decide if you wish to shorten your loincloth should it hang too long for your taste. I have many cloths of various lengths, but prefer them to be mid-thigh to the knee in length when worn"
A loincloth wearer says,
"My favorite loincloth is made of Chamois. It is 60 inches long and 10 inches wide, is very comfortable, and fairly inexpensive.
I purchased the material at Price/Costco for $12.00 and sewed two halves together to make it long enough. I prefer to have the loincloth come to mid-thigh area. The material is good because it does not get damaged from water and dries fairly quickly.
I have several others, some of which are in three parts - a front and rear flap with a thong style middle, made of deerskin or Chamois. Some of these are briefer than others. These are really comfortable also, although not quite as modest for use in public."
Urritao says,
"I've found that a web belt with a double-ring clasp works best for me. It's cloth like a military belt, but at one end it has two rings instead of the buckle. You loop the belt through like the chin strap on a helmet.
I pull the belt up near my ribs, arrange the cloth smoothly, then roll the belt down over and into the cloth two or three times. Arranged this way, the cloth stays put all day, when worn under pants or on the outside. It doesn't need to be constantly straightened or tightened. The only drawback is when using the toilet. It's a pain, when using public restrooms.
I've tried several types of material, and while I like leather best, flannel is more pratical. It's soft, yet strong and durable. It's easy to tear into lengths and widths, and is washable. It comes in lots of colors and patterns, and is available almost anywhere material is sold."
"Costume of Iroquois" - Six Nations Indian Museum, Onchiota New York - offers these instructions as to how one can make an authentic Iroquois Warrior's Breechclout:
"All Indian tribes had the breechclout (loincloth) or variations of it made either in cloth or buckskin. The breechclout is 10 to 12 inches wide, and long enough to pass between the legs up to the waist and draped over a belt so as to hang down to the knees - front and back. Dark cloth (heavy wool is usually preferred) is used with ribbon or bias tape edging, beaded edging and if you wish, a design in the front center of the clout ... but most certainly, at least some design alongside the ribbon edging. (See example to the left)
The example to the right is a common short-cut often used. This works especially well if you prefer a buckskin clout ... a good savings on leather and much more comfortable. The idea is to fold over some of the skin at the top to form a loop through which a belt can be passed. If you can get an old canvas web belt such as servicemen are issued at a surplus store or from someone, you can keep your clouts permanently on it, and thus have them always ready to wear and easy to slip on or off. The belt buckle is worn at the side in this instance, naturally."
Here are the official instructions detailing how to put on a loincloth designed by Male Power:
1. Place large end of LOIN CLOTH through loop at opposite end.
2. Step into LOIN CLOTH and raise to waist.
3. Slide noose so that hanging LOIN CLOTH falls loosely between cheeks.
4. Reach over and pull LOIN CLOTH through legs.
5. Raise LOIN CLOTH and tuck into fabric at waist.
6. Be cool...wipe that grin off your face, you devil you ...you look gorgeous.
One should quite easily be able to make their own loincloth that can be worn per the above example. The written intructions were included with a loincloth that was purchased many years ago from a Male Power catalog ... it is very comfortable and offers a surprisely secure fit as designed.
Do YOU also make and wear loincloths?
Why not share YOUR ideas and tips with others who enjoy making and wearing this simple garment.
Submit YOUR loincloth-making secrets here!
