It would take the wisdom of the grunge movement to revitalize interest in the long neglected, but ever-capable underwear known as thermals, or long johns. These cozy undergarments were embraced by generations past, who knew the horrors of taking a walk to the outhouse in the middle of winter or sleeping in home not yet equipped with an electric heater.

But when one is trying to live a rock and roll lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest, where the rain never ceases and the air runs cold, some extra protection from the elements is needed to combat the effect that soggy Levis and sopping flannel shirts can have on the soul. Some might even suggest that the angst-filled music of the region emerged as a direct result of such suffering from the gloomy weather. But relief was only as far away as the nearest Wal-Mart or K-Mart store, where racks of generic thermal underwear, just like the ones that grandpa used to wear, stood ready to offer that extra protection from cold temperatures and keep the skin not only warmer but dry as well – the result of a blend of thermally friendly waffle-woven fibers of a cotton/polyester variety and a little phenomenon known as “wicking” which causes the fibers to actually draw moisture away from the skin.

And what started as trend out of necessity, soon became a fashion statement in its own right – the concept of underwear as outerwear similar to what Madonna had started a year earlier with her external bustier and bra-wearing proclivities. The grunge scene put its own twist on things, wearing long johns under cutoff army pants and layers of flannel in the winter - and alongside baggy shorts and oversized tee shirts in summer. For no matter the season, there is always reason to protect oneself from the elements of the Pacific Northwest. It might not be Nirvana but it’s the next best thing.