I recall observing crotches at the beach back during the 1970's. Swimming trunks were tighter and very short. Women wore high-cut bikini bottoms or tank suits. Those were the days "vpl" meant visible panty line, and the term "camel-toe" didn't exist.
I know my crotch watching was obsessive, because I liked all the various pussy shapes, fat lips, and crevice lengths. I would check the guys out in order to see if their cock would become exposed in their short "cut-off" jean shorts in the same manner as mine with "special" poses. I discovered short nylon running shorts gave an impressive package presentation, especially after becoming wet.
One day, a younger guy was having a great time displaying his circumcised boner in his tight shorts to his female friends and male buddies alike. They were all joking around, and appeared to be accepting of normal physiologic action. Wish I could have observed more, but I was self-conscious, and didn't want to be caught gawking.
I'm sort of amazed that I don't recall checking for bulges lately. I tend to check myself on a regular basis, because I've been "commando" every day for the past six months. I still check women out fairly close. Visible pantie lines aren't frequent nowadays, but "yoga" pants sure help with other form presentations.