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The Evolution of Lingerie

May 6, 2007 – 4:41 pm

The Evolution of Lingerie

[[Lingerie]] has very much evolved since it was created several centuries ago in France. It came from the French word, lin for linen. It was called undergarments because it was where it should be worn: under the garments. Most of the time, it was bulky and uncomfortable. It has first been invented for the mere purpose of modesty, hygiene, and the more frivolous reason of altering one’s shape. Corsets were made of a whalebone contraption with laces and pulleys to keep the contours of the body in the right hourglass silhouette of the female body. The corset was actually not designed for support and cover but the exact opposite, to tease men. This contraption pushes up the breasts for a deeper décolletage as well as giving ample space for the butt to stick out. These are the two main elements in the silhouette, the bust and butt. All throughout history, this has been the major basis for what fashion gurus now and then will dictate as to what is in or not in terms of lingerie and wear.

Later in the Middle ages, society decided that too much showing of breast is out and small firm breasts are what is acceptable. So instead of flaunting, the corsets of this time flattened the breasts, much to the dismay of the men. In order to get the men to notice them, some women even attempted to put bells around their neckline, putting attention to their jiggling fronts.

The Renaissance period saw the Spanish as the primary dictators of lingerie fashion. This time, the women had to dress with cone-shaped breasts, flat tummies and narrow waists. In this era, strong women abound since they need the strength to be able to cinch up the corsets to the desired body measurement, an impossible feat for some. But since this is an unnatural shape of the body, it was common to see women faint, not because they are of a delicate nature but because they could not breathe. The corset was too tight that their internal organs were being squeezed.

During the 18th century, people became more artistic and carefree. Although the corset is still present, there were a few adjustments made. Artwork and embroidery were done on the corsets to make it more attractive aside from the fact that the breasts are pushed up and out again. Doctors rallied on the dangers of these corsets and finally, those corsets made with bone were finally banned. Only corsets that allowed more movement and easier ways to remove it. Bustles, placed on the back to enhance the butt region, were also added to the corset, which has evolved to being custom tailored to the women’s needs. In the 19th century, corsets became supporters for the breast and stockings.

And it was only during the 20th century that designers thought of making lingerie free flowing and sexy. Brassieres were invented by Mary Phelps Jacob in 1913, which is much softer and shorter than the corset, and allows the breasts to be in their natural shape.

From then on, fashion changed dramatically. From chemise and bloomers, suspender belts and the dawn of Lastex, an elastic fiber, it totally revolutionized the use of lingerie. Women now just want to look their best. Lingerie has evolved to fit that need and others as well.