A Brief History of Lingerie: From Corsets to Comfort
Lingerie has come a long way. What started as basic undergarments for function has turned into a whole world of style, comfort, and self-expression. Over the centuries, the way we wear underwear—and what it means—has changed with culture, fashion, and attitudes about the body. Let’s take a quick look at how lingerie has evolved.
Ancient Times: The Basics
Back in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, women wore simple garments—linen wraps, loincloths, or bandeau tops—to stay cool and supported. These were mostly practical pieces, not designed to shape the body or make a statement.
The Corset Era: Shaping the Silhouette
Fast forward to the 1500s, and lingerie became all about structure. Corsets ruled European fashion for centuries, shaping women’s waists and lifting their busts to fit the ideal body image of the time. These garments were often uncomfortable and restrictive, made with stiff materials like whalebone or steel. Still, they stuck around—because for a long time, beauty was defined by how well you could fit into a tightly laced corset.
Early 1900s: A Shift Toward Freedom
By the late 1800s, change was on the horizon. A French designer named Herminie Cadolle created a two-piece corset, which eventually became the modern bra. As women began working and moving more freely in society, they needed underwear that allowed them to breathe—literally and figuratively.
In the 1920s, the flapper movement ditched curves and embraced looser, boyish shapes. Lingerie followed suit with lightweight slips and camisoles that were far more comfortable than corsets.
1930s–1950s: Hollywood Glamour
The silver screen brought a new kind of lingerie—glamorous and sexy. Think silk robes, lace-trimmed slips, and curve-hugging girdles. The 1950s saw the rise of matching bra-and-panty sets and structured "bullet bras." Lingerie was starting to be seen as something beautiful, not just practical.
1960s–1980s: Feminism and Function
As women pushed back against outdated gender roles in the '60s and '70s, many ditched bras altogether. Lingerie became a political statement—less about impressing others, more about personal freedom.
By the '80s, the mood had shifted again. Brands like Victoria’s Secret turned lingerie into a fashion category of its own. It was sexy, confident, and designed to be seen.
Today: Comfort, Diversity, and Choice
These days, lingerie is about options. Whether you want a lacy bodysuit, a comfy bralette, or high-waisted cotton briefs, there’s something for everyone. Brands are focusing more on comfort, inclusive sizing, and diverse representation. Lingerie isn’t just for special occasions—it’s for feeling good every day, on your own terms.
Final Thoughts
Lingerie has always reflected how society views women—and how women view themselves. From rigid corsets to stretchy sports bras, the story of lingerie is one of change, choice, and ultimately, freedom.