While looking for a story, which I had read many years ago - pre internet, I came across Mary Young (aka Jenny Diver) see
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenny_Diver
The story I tried to find was about a London female criminal in the 18th C.
Whilst waiting in Newgate to be Hanged she made sure to get friends to purchase for hear appointment on the gallows - a pair of drawers.
Apparently, like many women in those days, she did not possess such undergarments.
She did not want perverts (of which, t hen as now, I am sure the city had many) to look at her naked parts up her skirts.