Lingerie Demystified

When you think of lingerie, what comes to mind? Images of over-the-top corseted women in the 19th century perhaps? Or maybe you imagine a woman in some very skimpy undergarments, such as a thong or a see-through chemise. Well, trust us when we say that there’s so much more to lingerie than just these two images. Lingerie is one of the most fascinating and exciting subcultures out there. It is an integral part of many people’s lifestyle and has been for quite some time.

Let this article be your introduction to the history of lingerie and its various types today.

The history of lingerie

The history of lingerie dates all the way back to the early 19th century. Although the first bras were invented in 1909 and are attributed with much more significance, it was actually corsets and chemises that were the mainstay of lingerie in the early 19th century. At the time, corsets were not only functional, but also fashionable. Women wore corsets that not only pushed their breasts up and tightened their waists, but also matched their outfits.

Chemises were underwear that covered the torso and was often made with laces or some other decorative element so it could be seen underneath the corset. Due to this, corsets and chemises were often made with fabrics like silk or lace, giving lingerie a very feminine and decorative feel.

1900s: Bras, Girdles and Lacy Panties

The early 20th century brought about the invention of the modern bra. Although the idea of a garment to support and lift the breasts had been around for centuries, it was not until the year 1900 that a design was created that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. In fact, women at the time did not even call these garments “bras”. Instead, they referred to them as “corset-lenders” because the only real function of these early undergarments was to offer a bit of support to the corset.

Alongside the first bras, girdles were also invented. Although they were meant to be functional garments that helped women tame their “problem areas”, they were also extremely decorative and feminine. Girdles were often made with lace panels or decorated with sequins, making them look very bright and attractive.

Girdles and bras were the first truly functional garments that were meant to be seen as well as just worn!

1920s: Fluffy Ruffles, Short Shorts and Suspenders

The 1920s was a decade filled with frivolity. Lingerie followed suit as women began to experiment with different designs. Ruffles became a staple of lingerie designs, while underwear became shorter and more revealing. There were also experiments with materials like silk and satin, which were not commonly used in underwear before.

It was also during this decade that suspenders were first used as part of lingerie. It is unknown when exactly the first pair was created, but suspenders were a popular item of lingerie throughout the 1920s. They were often a decorative addition to corsets, girdles and underwear.

1940s: Dark Age for Lingerie

The 1940s was a decade that is famous for its utilitarian approach to clothing. It was an era that focused on functionality and practicality. It was not a great decade for lingerie, as it saw the decline of delicate fabrics and frills and a rise in thicker fabrics and industrial pieces. In the 1940s, there was a lack of silk, lace, and other fabrics associated with underwear. Corsets in particular became more like corsets used in the Victorian era. Due to the war, there was a lack of materials and a lack of creativity. This was a decade of plain, heavy underwear without any frills or glamour.

The 1940s is also the decade when the first modern day push-up bra was created. While they were not as aesthetically pleasing as bras from the early 20th century, they were a huge improvement and brought lingerie back to relevance.

1950s: Comeback of Lace, Buttons and Bows

The 1950s saw the comeback of lace and bows as two of the most common decorative elements of lingerie. They were not only used in corsets and girdles, but also appeared on underwear and nightgowns. In fact, underwear became so decorative during this decade that the common style was referred to as the “full house”. Corsets also started to make a comeback during the 1950s.

However, they were not just functional garments, but also decorative. They were often made with bright colors and bold patterns. Corsets were also heavy with accessories and decorations, such as buttons, ribbons and bows.

1980s: Intimacy at Last

By the 1980s, underwear had become much more luxurious. This was the decade that saw the start of the luxury lingerie industry. Lingerie started to become more sophisticated and sexual. Many brands started to add more details to their garments, such as embroidery, lace and ribbon. Some even designed pieces featuring crystals. In addition to these decorative elements, underwear also became more revealing an women’s underwear started to become smaller.

The 1980s was the decade when lingerie finally became a true form of intimacy. During this time, lingerie made from materials such as cotton and lace became popular as they were very breathable and easy to clean. Corsets and girdles started to become sexualized once again. Corsets were often made with fabrics such as latex or vinyl, while girdles were often made from lace and even leather.

1990s: Bright Colors and Sexy Prints

The 1990s were the decade where lingerie truly came into its own. It was during this time that underwear started to become much more than a functional garment. It was also during this time that lingerie took on a much brighter, bolder and sexier look than it had ever done before.

This decade saw the invention of many different types of underwear, such as thongs, push-up bras and G-strings. While these may sometimes be described as “sexy”, they are actually quite functional garments. They are designed to give support, provide comfort and come in a variety of different fabrics.

2000s to Now: Bright Colors and Sexy Prints

The 2000s to now are an exciting time for lingerie. It has come full circle and is now back to the way it was in the 1920s. Bright colors, bold patterns and lots of lace is what you can expect to see in many lingerie stores today.

It is not just underwear that has become a lot more decorative, but also corsets, girdles and bralettes. Lingerie is now more functional than it has ever been. It is designed to be supportive, provide comfort and also look attractive.

In the 2000s, underwear has turned into a true art form. No longer were women’s undergarments purely functional. They were pieces of art that could be displayed on a wall. Most underwear brands started to design garments featuring vivid colors and intricate prints. Many pieces also featured beautiful and intricate lace designs. Most brands also started to make underwear with very bright colors. Red, pink, blue and yellow were some of the most common colors used.

Conclusion

The history of lingerie is the story of women’s struggle for comfort and respect. It is a tale of how women have used various fabrics and designs to support their bodies and make themselves feel good. It is a tale of how women have used lingerie as a form of rebellion, to make a statement and demand respect.

The history of lingerie is an exciting story that has lasted more than two centuries and will hopefully last many more.It is a fascinating journey that has spanned many years and seen many different trends and designs. It has been through both good and bad times, but it has always come out stronger at the end. It is a history that will continue to be written for many years to come.