The History of Lingerie

By: Molten

Lingerie, that ubiquitous genre of under garments that range from the mundane to the risqu, has been around for longer than you may imagine. The history of lingerie begins with the ancient Mediterranean's and encompasses both genders and all eras.

It is known that in ancient Greece and Egypt, women looked to an early form of the well-known and more modern corset. They used this for the express purpose of supporting the breasts, though not covering them; the corset came just under the bust. Centuries later, members of the noble class in European countries were purported to have worn full-coverage undergarments that kept the clothing away from the body. Medieval times did not recognize regular bathing as necessary, so this was probably a good idea.

From there the history of lingerie moved from corseting for support to corsets that were worn for the express purpose of creating a cinched waist and hourglass figure. For centuries, these garments were the excruciating norm, and were often topped with layers of other undergarments, including petticoats, slips, stockings, et cetera.

As time moved into the 20th century, and women began pushing the norms, dancing became quite popular, especially in the 1920s. At this point, corsets would have limited dance movement, and the fashionable look was really moving away from the hourglass shapes. The corset took a backseat, while at the same time, a brassiere had been invented and was replacing the chemises women also wore.

Of course, the first half of that century was also mostly a time of war, when supplies of everything from basics to luxuries were scarce. For this reason, the corsets and stockings of the past could not be had, and instead there was a reliance on very basic under garments. By the time the two world wars were over, the glamour of the 50s took over, and the hourglass shape was once more desirable.

The sixties and seventies were, in the history of lingerie, a time when undergarments became a thing of restraint, and therefore they were often shunned. Anything too feminine, too constrictive, or too elaborate was thrown out, along with the idea of the subservient female. As time progressed into the eighties and nineties, undergarments came back into favor as something not only for support, but for enhancing the body as well as romantic relationships. Corsets, gone for the purpose of squeezing the waist into an unnatural circumference, were now more decorative, sensuous, and feminine.

So from the supportive efforts of the ancient people to the fashion statement-effect of today, the history of lingerie has certainly persevered, and it has always hinged on the feelings and needs of society. In the twenty-first century, there are more lingerie choices than ever before. Whether looking for a romantic chemise for the honeymoon or a full-support girdle for under that high school reunion dress, women of today have more options than ever in the whole history of lingerie.

Niche Article Directory: http://www.thatsmyniche.com

Promoting your web site is easy! Molten Marketing member, LaVere Russell, invites adults to visit her website filled with lingerie and other adult products.
Don't reprint this article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated