After reading that I had to call a friend who is a historian for the American Indians. I asked what the purpose of the loin cloth was/is. He said it had nothing to do with modesty, it was totally utilitarian. When an indian is running through the brush it protected a very tender part of the body. Since most Indians ran through the brush forward there wasn't always a back flap covering the buttocks. The ones that actually have something between the legs to contain the genitals was there to hold the genitals up for straddling and riding horses. When the Europeans arrived with pants they adopted them for a couple reasons -- warmth for northern tribes and more protection against cuts from branches, snake bites etc. The northern tribes had already fashioned a pant of sorts that more closely resembled chaps. Keeping the areas for urinating or vacating the bowels was left open for hygiene and convenience. While the loin cloth may considered sexy or exposing by some, its origins are strictly utilitarian.
In the 60's and the days of hippies, they were worn a lot as a rebellion against conformity and paying honor to our native forefathers. I have worn them and they are very comfortable and virtually non restrictive. Add a pocket for keys and cell phone and they'd be perfect.
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