The History of Lingerie

How Lingerie Has Evolved Over the Years

By Noelle Tarpinian, Fashion Editor @Nake

Over the years, lingerie has evolved and developed into what it represents today. Since 3000 BC women have been wearing lingerie all over the world in different styles, colors, fabrics, and trends. From being to only basic personal use it has evolved into a new industry of developing different designs and brands. Today, the competition between lingerie brands is high and new companies want to attract consumers with their revolutionary designs.

Starting with Ancient Rome, the main goal was to simply cover up private parts, so women wore brasserie bands and togas. The togas were made out of a linen piece of cloth. In Ancient Greek artworks it suggests women wore twisted bands to add breast support. In the Roman Era, women wore tight bands to lift their busts because men didn’t approve of sagging breasts. During the Middle Ages, the first bra was developed in Crete, Greece similar to a corset that was worn with ceremonial dresses. The corset was first introduced in the 1500s where it was used to flatten the stomach, lift the bust, and cinch in the waist. During the medieval period, men were reserved only to wear underwear whereas women were only wearing underwear when they were on their period. During the Renaissance, garters were developed and were being worn as a form of seduction. Garters were being adorned with jewelry and tapes. 

During the 1500s to the 1900s, lingerie had a goal to shape and redesign the body which led to unrealistic beauty standards in society. From the 1850s to the 1890s, corsets contained hip boning, ribboned fronts, and colorful styles. They were also attached and worn with lacy bloomers and shorts. The purpose of corsets by women during this period was to slim the body in the bust and waist. A tiny waist was considered beautiful and it’s what women strived to achieve. By the end of the 19th century, women were getting diagnosed with physical diseases due to the corsets including the dislocation of organs and mental health issues. During this period knickers and underskirts were introduced and more women were wearing underwear. 

With the emergence of the 1900s, changes in women’s lingerie were ever growing. Careese Crosby re-invented the bra in the early 1900s and in 1914 she created the backless bra. At this time, sheer maxi nightgowns were worn to bed. Between the 1910s and 1920s, frilly bloomers, two-piece sets, half-slips, and over the knee length stockings and shorts were popular. The first cup sizes were introduced in the 1930s, from A to E. Also during this era the girdle was introduced replacing the corset. Loungewear was ever growing with the emergence of lace and satin sashes. In the 1940s, strapless bras and stick-on bras were a replacement to bathing suits when women were sun tanning. During the 1950s, women were wearing styles that enhanced their curves leading to the trend of pin-up girls. Petticoats were being worn with midi skirts and sheer nightgowns were being worn over high-waisted underwear. Going into the 1960s, feminists did not the like the idea of undergarments being worn only as aesthetic purposes. Underwear had more frills and ruffle details with the introduction to the drop waist dainty chemises. This brought more natural and simple styles moving in the 1970s. Boho styles were all the rage which brought bodysuits, lace-up, paisley, and built in skirts. The 1980s brought high waisted and dramatic styles in metallic fabrics. Madonna re-introduced the cone bullet bras that were popular in the 40s and 50s. In the 1990s, the Wonderbra was the first “push up bra” that was later reinvented by Victoria Secret. During this decade, slip dresses in mismatched prints and pastel colors were trending. Calvin Klein was a huge success in the late 1990s with its simple styles. 

In the early 2000s, lingerie was in its flashy era where women were wearing rhinestone embellished bras and panties and shopping at Victoria's Secret. The bombshell bra was trending during this time. In the 2010s, high-waisted underwear made a comeback and matching sets were all the rage. Women began wearing lingerie as outfits and bralettes were a new comfortable classic. During this time, the rise of logos were everywhere such as PINK and Calvin Klein. 

Today, lingerie is more inclusive than it has ever been and is made using sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Today’s generation stands for women more than any other generation in terms of supporting every body type. Women’s lingerie today is comfortable, practical, and simple while still showcasing confidence and empowerment. Women are wearing minimalistic and sporty styles. Underwear has taken new heights by introducing period panties that are an alternative to tampons and pads. Women are able to use menstrual underwear during their cycle and easily wash them after every use. It’s sustainable and good for the environment while still being hygienic. This new age of lingerie is bringing new advancements and will continue to grow and support women.  

Lingerie has changed significantly over time and how women have been represented. Today, women have the most freedom to choose what they feel most comfortable and confident in. Every woman has their own personal choice to wear lingerie for themselves or for other people. Seeing the development of lingerie is significant because you see how women empowerment has changed and the impact it made on society today.