Do you remember Underoos? It’s all right if you don’t because it probably means you’re not that old. I actually wonder if anyone under the age 35 (OK, probably 40) remembers Underoos.
For those unaware, Underoos were a line of kids underwear made by Fruit of the Loom in the late-1970s meant to resemble superhero costumes or feature licensed comic book, movie or cartoon characters. For example, there were Batman Underoos.
But almost every DC Comics or Marvel Comics superhero you could name had a set of Underoos. Superman, Wonder Woman, Shazam, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, Batgirl, and on and on. They were really cool for little kids who wanted to let their geek flag fly. Maybe not so cool to wear the Underoos to school, where you could be made fun of for wearing a Captain America t-shirt (and presumably, coordinating red-and-blue underwear). It was a different time, people.
Anyway, Underoos are making a comeback, thanks to Hot Topic. The retailer took the license after Fruit of the Loom let it expire, and will sell seven sets of DC Comics, Marvel Comics and Masters of the Universe themed underwear sets at their stores. These won’t be for kids, however. Nowadays, it’s apparently cool to wear a He-Man t-shirt in public. Especially if you’re doing so in an ironic, hipster fashion.
Some of us just grew up in the wrong era, man. But maybe, just maybe, we’re still young enough to enjoy geek culture taking over.
[Robot 6]
