Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

Question

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

Answer 1

While it sounds incorrect for modern speakers, "pants" from which "panties" originated, is in fact correct.  In the Middle Ages, clothing came in parts which were assembled into a final outfit.  For example, the sleeves of gowns were not sewn onto the bodice, but were separate pieces meant to coordinate with many other dress parts.  So, "sleeves" meant a set of 2 separate items.  The same was true for "pants".  Each leg of a set of pants were separate, held up by garters or other attachments, with a separate middle section.  So, each leg was a "pant" and the 2 together were pants.  That's why, still today, we talk about a pair of pants or a pair of panties.  The bra, on the other hand (no pun intended), was a singular article of clothing, even though like sleeves or pants, it enclosed 2 parts of the body.  Therefore, "bra", not "bras".

Answer 2

its not plural its supposed to be panty but for some reason we pluralize it  

Answer 3

You're right, It should be the other way around.

Answer 4

Just one of many quirks of the English language. How about "underpants"