"Xieyi" appeared in Han Dynasty. "Xie" in Chinese means frivolity, suggesting people's evasive attitude towards underwear during that time. It was known of its frivolity, with a form like nowadays vest.

　　It was considered disgraceful to have once own underwear seen. As a result, people in that time, especially women, never hung their underwear outside after washing so as not to be seen by passers-by.