Afly (short forfly-front) is a strip of material covering an opening on thecrotch area oftrousers, closed often by azipper, or by buttons. It may also appear on certain men'sundergarments such as boxers or briefs to allow for easierurination, known as a keyhole fly. On men's garments, the fly always opens on the wearer's right side; on women's garments, it may open either on the left or on the right.[1]
A fly can also be on other garments, like thepaletot coat of the 20th century, where it is the front opening that can be secured close and is covered hidden by fabric.
Trousers have varied historically in whether or not they have flies. Originally, trousers did not have flies or other openings, being pulled down for sanitary functions. The use of acodpiece, a separate covering attached to the trousers, became popular in 16th-century Europe, eventually evolving into an attached fall-front (or broad fall). The fly-front (split fall) emerged later.[2] Initially, flies were only put on men's clothing, as it was viewed as inappropriate for women to wear clothing that could easily be removed.[3]
Early models of a fly for men's garments, including a metal fastener, existed in the 1850's, however they frequently rusted, and would occasionally open unintentionally. In the 20th century, the US army was one of the first buyers of flies, and zippers, integrating them into their uniforms duringWorld War One.[3]
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