We’ve all witnessed it. You’re minding your own business when a stranger bends over to grab something off the ground—and there it is: the dreaded plumber’s crack. A bold, uninvited flash of butt cleavage that leaves you questioning the structural integrity of their pants.
Butt let’s not pretend we’re immune to the offense. You’ve been the culprit, too—mid-squat at the gym or bending to tie a shoelace, only to feel that cold draft and realize you’re moonlighting as a plumber. Butt what’s the deal with this phenomenon? Where did it come from, and more importantly, how can you keep your crack undercover?
In this article, we’ll dive into the origin of plumber’s crack, its place in pop culture, and some foolproof tips to conceal your crack.
What Does ‘Plumber’s Crack’ Mean?
Plumber’s crack is the phenomenon where the top of your butt crack is visible above your waistband when you bend over. It’s often associated with the working class, especially plumbers, hence the name, but anyone with poorly fitting pants is susceptible to this exposure.
Originally dubbed “builder’s bum” in the UK during the late 80s, the term plumber’s crack became a thing in 1992, according to Dictionary.com. Ironically, many early instances of plumber’s crack had nothing to do with plumbers, but rather the 1990s fashion trend of tight-fitting, low-rise pants. Plumber’s crack was mentioned in Nicole Grey’s 1993 novel Daydream Believer, while “plumber’s butt” was referenced in a 1994 issue of Sports Illustrated.
Of course, actual plumbers aren’t above the expression. In 1997, one plumbing company marketed themselves with “No butt crack plumbers” in a Seattle newspaper.
Aside from being a fashion faux pas, plumber’s crack is practically a cultural institution at this point. So how did it get its own place in pop culture?
Plumber’s Crack in Pop Culture
Plumber’s crack has transcended its occupational roots and made its way to Hollywood. From TV sketches to animated classics, here’s a brief history of America’s favorite wardrobe malfunction:
The Groundbreaking SNL Sketch (1978)
One of the earliest and most famous examples of the plumber’s crack joke aired on Saturday Night Live in 1978. The sketch featured Gilda Radner and Bill Murray as their nerdy characters, Jane Curtain as Radner’s mother, and Dan Aykroyd as a refrigerator repairman whose pants gave way to the infamous crack. Adding to the hilarity, Aykroyd slyly defied the censors by placing a pencil in his crack during the live show, earning massive laughs and cementing the bit as a standout in the show’s history.
1990s: The Golden Age of Plumber’s Crack
By the 1990s, the plumber’s crack joke had reached its peak. It seemed to appear everywhere, partly because the phrase “plumber’s crack” entered mainstream vocabulary during this decade. Animated TV shows like The Simpsons made cartoon butt cracks surprisingly commonplace, starting with Bart Simpson’s antics on The Tracey Ullman Show. Nickelodeon’s Rocko’s Modern Life gave 90s kids a memorable take on the gag, featuring Rocko’s straight-faced reactions to absurd situations, including a textbook plumber’s crack.
Live-action TV and movies joined the fray, too. Happy Gilmore and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air featured cracks as comedic beats, while The X-Files took things in a wildly different direction with an episode about a shapeshifting plumber whose sagging pants played a key role in a bizarre and unsettling plotline.
Plumber’s Crack in the 21st Century
By the 2000s, the plumber’s crack had settled into a predictable but reliable comedic role. It showed up in movies like Ted 2 and even in a few cheeky plumbing commercials, but it no longer held the same cultural prominence. Overexposure during the 1990s may have dulled its impact, leaving it as a familiar sight rather than a groundbreaking joke.
Today, the plumber’s crack remains a comedy classic—a simple, relatable gag that refuses to go out of style. Whether it’s in an old SNL sketch or a modern sitcom, the plumber’s crack is always good for a laugh (or groan).
4 Tips to Prevent Plumber’s Crack
Here are four foolproof strategies to keep your crack covered.
1. Wear a Belt
You’d be amazed at how many people skip this step. A belt isn’t just an accessory to make you look cooler or hold up your pants; it’s a practical way to ensure your pants stay exactly where they should. The right belt keeps your pants in place and minimizes the chances of exposing your buttcrack to bystanders.
2. Get Pants That Actually Fit
It’s time to cut the guesswork and find the right waistband size. If your pants are a little too loose in the waist, or too low in the rise, it’s only a matter of time before you’re flashing more than you bargained for.
Consider going for pants that offer a more tailored fit or an elastic waistband if you’re not into the whole "I need to wear a belt" vibe. A good fit ensures that your pants stay in place, even when you’re bending over to reach for something.
3. Wear High-Rise Underwear
Sometimes, it’s not your pants that need fixing, but the underwear. A pair of low-rise briefs is perfectly fine for lounging around the house, but when it comes to working or moving about, high-rise underwear can save the day. These bad boys sit higher on your waist, giving you that extra coverage you need to avoid showing off a little too much.
4. Wear Longer Shirts
In some cases, it’s easier to cover the problem than prevent it. A longer shirt gives you an insurance policy against unexpected surprises, even during the deepest crouch.
Keep Your Plumber’s Crack Clean with DUDE Wipes
If you’re going to unintentionally showcase your butt cleavage to the world, the least you can do is make it look (and smell) presentable. Enter DUDE Wipes. These bad boys are designed for fast, effective cleanups, so your crack is always fresh, whether it’s on display or not.
