'properly-worn' originates from the combination of 'properly,' meaning 'in a proper manner,' and 'worn,' the past participle of 'wear,' meaning 'to have on one's body as clothing or decoration.'

'properly' comes from the Latin word 'proprius,' meaning 'one's own,' and 'worn' is derived from the Old English 'werian,' meaning 'to clothe or cover.'

Initially, 'properly' meant 'in a manner that is one's own,' and 'worn' meant 'to clothe.' Over time, 'properly-worn' evolved to mean 'worn in a correct or appropriate manner.'