World's Largest Underwear | St. Louis, MO
Your weekly installment of oversized adventure
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If you’re like me, you’re well aware of all of the heavy things going on in the world right now. There will be plenty of time for us to talk about what we can do to combat and survive them, but this week, I plan on finding joy as an act of resistance.
So, in case you could also use a little levity right now, I present you with the giggle-worthy, gigantic garment that is the World’s Largest Underwear.
Fast Facts
Created: 1997
Height: 6 feet
Diameter: 7 feet
Fun Fact: Looking for a souvenir from your visit to the City Museum? Fear not: the museum sells World’s Largest Underwear can koozies.
The History of the World’s Largest Underwear
While I’m sure someone will take issue with the fact that the World’s Largest Underwear were not designed with a real human person in mind, but I personally don’t care. And neither did its creators.
In 1997, St. Louis artists Pat Eby and Ann Paidrick crafted this unusual attraction. With a 16-foot waistband, the underwear measure about seven feet wide and six feet tall when laid out. The fictional brand of the World’s Largest Underwear is “Big Galloot” and, according to the label on the inner waistband, the pair is Size MCXLVII.
Over the years, the unusual garment has lived up to its legacy as a part of the City Museum’s Museum of Mirth, Mystery, and Mayhem. In fact, twice in its almost 20-year history, the World’s Largest Underwear has mysteriously gone missing.
The first time was in July 2011 when the underpants were allegedly stolen by a fan. They were reportedly returned shortly after, cleaned and folded.
In 2020, the giant underwear disappeared again. That time it was rumored that the underwear were on tour with a “kind of a freak show in New Mexico,” according to local news, somewhere in New Mexico. Eventually, they were given back to the museum in exchange for a miniature Ferris wheel.
Plan Your Visit
You’ll find the World’s Largest Underwear inside St. Louis’ iconic City Museum. This weirdly wonderful playground for all ages defies both logic and categorization. Truly, this is a place you need to experience to believe.
Once inside the museum, head to the third floor to Beatnik Bob’s Broken Record Cafe. Here you’ll find the Museum of Mirth, Mystery, and Mayhem, which also features the gigantic undergarment. There’s a lot going on in a small space here so you’ll need a sharp eye. The World’s Largest Underwear currently hang behind the cafe stage and make for a great photo op.
Address: World’s Largest Underwear, City Museum, 750 N. 16th St., St. Louis, MO 63103
Related Links
The City Museum is committed to keeping its undergarment-related claims to fame. In fact, last March, the community bested another Midwestern city’s record to achieve the world record for the “Most People Wearing Underwear on Their Head.” To claim the title, 355 people wore tighty whities as hats for a solid minute before dancing to “YMCA” by the Village People. Yes, I’m serious.
If you’re in the market for some giant underwear of your own, a company called Funslurp sells a version with a 100-inch waistband. Though they’re (regrettably) currently sold out.
The world's largest pair of pants has 190 foot waistband. If the largest underpants is only 16 feet, they're definitely going commando.