Lingerie Through The Ages: From Corsets To Modern Chic

Lingerie Through The Ages
Source: elle.com

Lingerie! When you hear the word, what comes to your mind? Thongs? Bikinis? etc., well, lingerie has been around for centuries, precisely for 200 years! Over the centuries, undergarments have undergone several transformations, from severe and restrictive torture devices to barely anything covering them. If you have some desires and fantasies, they can get fulfilled here at RabbitsCams, live in a private room.

From corsets to pushups to thongs to bikinis, lingeries have evolved through the ages. Check out the complete evolution of lingeries ranging from the corset of the 1800s to today’s underwear.

The Old-World Traditions

Source: wired.co.uk
Source: wired.co.uk

It is difficult to pinpoint precisely when lingerie became a common attribute across various cultures; however, the closest one is that it started in France in the 1700s. The term Lingeries is French for undergarments! It refers to the lightweight fabrics, and women wear them ceremonially during the hour-long and elaborate rituals that onlookers and friends attend. It helped popularize the concept that lingerie should be sexy and stylish. Now, these undergarments for women were not only used for utility. Instead, they are now considered something that will make you look beautiful. So women looked for ribbons, silk, and lacy undergarments.

18th And 19th Century: Corset Ruled

Through the 18th century, the focus was solely on shaping the women’s silhouette. The corset was boned with flexible and whalebone steel. It also included shoulder straps that would hold the women upright. It completely compresses the waist and lifts the blossom. From the 17th century, Lenin or white cotton chemise was still worn beneath the corset to protect the wearer from chafing.

Wealthier women can wear structured and more canner cages to widen their silhouette from their hips. In the 19th century, corsets were still there, but now, to achieve the smaller waist and rounder busts of bust and hips are done. At the end of the 19th century, an elastic and rubber corset was used so that it would be comfortable to wear. By the end of the 19th century, new materials such as rubber and elastic began to be used in corsets, making them more flexible and comfortable to wear – even for playing sports.

Over the years, women have worn different body-contouring garments under their dresses. Although one cannot see these corsets, over time, they become fashionable. It became a style statement, especially for upper-class society. Women having a fine corset was a display of their wealth.

The Modern Beginnings

ligeries the 1900s
Source: pinterest.com

Gearing towards the 1900s, the norms were changing. Women are turning towards more comfortable wear. Corsets wear, a trend in the 1800s, has started to disappear or become smaller. Women did not want to be constricted, and freedom was in. It paved the way for a more comfortable and softer fabric. However, this lingerie was not meant to be shown off. However, as the female empowerment movement grew, women also liberated fashion. The world welcomes new trends with stockings, shorter hemlines, etc.

The 20th Century: Looking For Comfort

The undergarments have provided more political and social freedom. With the suffragettes’ movements, women find that these traditional undergarments are restrictive for their modern lives. The corset has changed form; now, it is not much restrictive and looks like a modern girdle. This corset comes with garter clips that were attached to the stockings. By the mid-20th century, lingerie had become more functional. No-frill bras and cotton undies were becoming common, and nylon and silk stockings were becoming extremely popular.

During the late 20th century, the undergarments evolved again, not because of any movement but due to technological advancement and manufacturing techniques. 20 th century saw the invention of spandex and Lycra, which provided support and stretch, making undergarments, especially bras, extremely comfortable.

Over time, sheer lingeries, such as silky slips and sheer nightgowns, have entered the market. The world saw the appearance of single-piece bustiers and strapless corsets. Yes, corsets are back, but with a modern touch. Women now did not have any desire to cram their bodies to get that hourglass figure; instead, they are gearing towards a more natural silhouette. This is reflected in pop culture and magazines too. One can see images of women in loose fitting and the two-piece sets that dominate the market today.

Global Supremacy

Lingerie in the 21st century
Source: muellerundsohn.com

Innovation came and went, but the world of lingerie changed after 1977. After the launch of Victoria’s Secret in 1977, the way people see Lingerie changed. It became mainstream and shaped what women desired. Ever since sex appeal, lacy undergarments have reigned the undergarment world. See Through and sexuality have become a turning norm in the world market. Now, undergarments are not something one must hide under the clothes. Women have become confident and are happy to showcase their clothes beneath their jackets, blouses, etc; why not?

As you have read above, women have worn lingerie during the early 18th to 20th century for modesty and hygienic reasons to modify their body shape. But now, in the 21st century, women wear different types of lingerie that make them feel passionate, attractive, and sexy.  One of the biggest revolutions in lingerie happened in the 21st century, as there has been addition f androgynous styles. It encourages wearers to wear anything they want to wear. Nowadays, one can see boy shorts marketed to everyone. Now even the big names in the market include diversity in their undergarments and sizes.

Conclusion

Lingeries were once synonymous with objectification and oppression of women. But over the centuries, how society views lingerie and women’s bodies has changed. Female empowerment is on the rise, and it is all about a collective perception that women can wear whatever they feel comfortable in and have a positive self-image and self-confidence. Nobody knows what the remainder of this century will bring to fashion and liners, but you can expect innovation, inclusion, diversity, and some beautiful surprises.