From bloomers to bustles, undergarments have evolved throughout the centuries. While we may look back and chuckle, as many of the fashion choices of the past would surely seem archaic in the modern world, the history behind the sensitive subject of undergarments is nonetheless fascinating. From panniers to petticoats and corsets to crinolines, let us take a look at the story of the development of undergarments.
1.A Peek into the Unmentionables: How Undergarments Have Evolved
The Comfort Factor
The comfort factor of undergarments has come a long way since the worn and weathered waistcoats of the Georgian era. Gone are the days of harsh stiff fabrics, replaced by soft natural fibres like cotton and cashmere which offer comfort and ventilation. In the mid-19th century, cotton undergarments for women gained popularity and made corsetry all the more comfortable, as well as:
- Tribal garments such as loincloths, anklets and decoratives
- Empire-waisted chemises
- Combination suits made of chemise and drawers
- Gents’ BVDs
The Growing Demand for Quality
Today’s undergarments are crafted with more skillful attention to detail. Constructed to fit the body perfectly, they provide a high level of support and comfort. Brands such as Calvin Klein, Victoria’s Secret and Bonds have developed various innovations in the underwear market in order to meet the increasing demand for products of quality. As a result, we now have stylish briefs, lingerie, thongs, boxers, shorts and leggings readily available in the market.
The Empowerment Factor
Ultimately, the right undergarment offers empowerment. It makes you feel confident and ready to take on whatever the world throws at you. Whether it be a full body shaper to tame your curves, or beautiful lacy lingerie for a seductive evening, there’s something out there to enhance every figure. You can choose from brands that prioritize ethics, like lingerie range Ariel’s Story which uses sustainably-harvested wool and Eco-Age who are working on innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
2. From Panniers to Petticoats: A Look into the History of Women’s Undergarments
Throughout the centuries, the history of women’s undergarments has undergone dramatic transformations. From panniers to petticoats, changes in undergarment materials and silhouettes have influenced the ways in which society shapes its female aesthetic.
18th Century
- Panniers – These bags of fabric or stiffened whalebone fastened to the waist were designed to create a wide-hipped silhouette.
- Stays – Thick corset-type garments of linen and canvas formed the basis of women’s undergarments in the 1790s.
19th Century
The next century brought a shift to lighter-weight fabrics and a more form-fitting shape. The tight corsets, or stays, of the previous century were replaced with more comfortable corsets designed to slim the body, and featured longer stays for more abdominal support. Petticoats also gained popularity, with several layers required for the extra-full crinoline look of the day.
20th Century and Beyond
In the early 1900s, leading up to World War I, styles shifted again, away from the notoriously uncomfortable petticoats and corsets, towards simpler, daintier designs such as camisoles, bloomers and corselets. As women grew more empowered, they became involved in pursuits that required a combination of more comfort and less constriction – and so, during the mid-1930s, bras and panties became a fashionable wardrobe staple. Today, women’s undergarments continue to evolve as innovation leads to sleeker, more comfortable designs.
3. Corset, Girdles, and More: The Rise of Undergarment Fashion
The world of undergarments has evolved drastically over the centuries. During the early and mid-19th century, undergarments for women included corsets and girdles that had to be carefully fitted and structured to accommodate the construction of fashionable outerwear. These garments, often made of stiffened fabric, helped to give shape to the body, and tightly pulled in the waist.
Corsets: As the most iconic and enduring of all undergarments, corsets have reigned from the early 16th century to the modern day. These days they come in a variety of materials and styles, and are often used for their altering effects and for adding a touch of mystique to an outfit. Corsets are thought to be a form of lingerie, and are often used to give the wearer an aesthetically pleasing silhouette.
Girdles: Girdles were initially conceived in the late 19th century and had a much tighter fit than corsets. These form-fitting garments were initially intended to give ladies a desirable hourglass figure, and had steel stay boning in the fabric for added stiffness and structure.
Corsets and girdles have become staples in modern fashion. Many of the pieces that we recognize today are a modern spin on the traditional styles, such as body shapers, bustiers and long-lines, incorporating more breathability and support than ever before. Some of these pieces also feature innovative designs that provide targeted shaping and breathability.
- Corsets are a timeless addition to many closets.
- Girdles were invented to give ladies a desirable silhouette.
- Modern undergarment fashion pieces provide enhanced breathability and support.
- Innovative designs provide targeted shaping.
4. The Practicalities and Social Significance of Women’s Undergarments
History of Women’s Undergarments
Women’s undergarments have come a long way since ancient times. The evolution of undergarments has seen styles change to fit prevailing trends and cultural norms. From simple animal-skin loincloths to corsets for Victorian-era Europe, the trends of the time have played a large role in shaping women’s undergarments.
The practicalities of women’s undergarments depend largely on the style of clothing that is currently in fashion. Usually, undergarments are meant to support the clothing, simplify the clothing cleaning process, comply with hygiene needs, and provide warmth.
Social Significance of Women’s Undergarments
Women’s undergarments are an important part of social approval. In many societies, they can indicate a woman’s marital status, social class, and economic standing. As societies have become more egalitarian in the past century, women’s undergarments have also become more comfortable and fashionable.
At the same time, women’s undergarments are often viewed as a representation of their sexuality. This can range from fashion statements to taboo objects. As a result, women’s undergarments are a matter of personal choice, with respect for both style and comfort.
Overall, women’s undergarments are a special part of every woman’s wardrobe. They have practical, social, and cultural significance, and continue to be shaped by changing trends and freedoms.
5. Putting It All Together: How Undergarment Fashion Shaped its Wearers
Undergarments have always played an essential role in shaping fashion trends beyond merely serving the purpose of providing warmth and hygiene. Even during the pre-industrial era, items such as corsets, chemises, linen breeches, and shifts were considered fashionable by the upper class. It wasn’t until the Victorian era that undergarment fashion evolved greatly.
Women
- Women dominated the fashion trends when it came to undergarments. During the 18th century, corsets were heavily used to shape the female body and create an hourglass silhouette. This was achieved by tightly binding the waist, while the bodices were designed and decorated to flaunt the natural curves of the wearer.
- The 19th century was especially highlighted by bloomers, invented by Amelia Bloomer. Despite the initial shock they caused, these short pants worn under skirts and dresses allowed women to engage in physical activities without constraints.
- The early 20th century brought a deviation from cinched waists favoured by the previous century, and a more natural look was favoured. Women could now wear looser-waisted garments such as girdles, chemises, and camisoles for warmth or aesthetics.
Men
- Men have also played a pivotal role in fashion history, and the Victorian and Edwardian eras brought a new outlook, with men sporting tight pants and long-sleeved shirts. This often resulted in heavily starched undergarments that offered little ventilation or flexibility.
- Since, comfort and functionality were prioritised, underwear made of cotton with drawstring waists and fly fronts became more popular. Today, men prefer briefs, boxer briefs or long boxers for warmth.
Overall, evidence suggests that undergarments have indeed come a long way since the pre-industrial era. Although intended for the purpose of comfort and warmth, they have ultimately been a catalyst in causing a shift in the world of fashion.
We’ve come a long way on the journey of undergarment evolution – from panniers to petticoats and right up to the modern lingerie of today. As fashion trends continue to cycle and evolve, so do the garments that keep us comfortable and stylish. So while we might not be wearing panniers anytime soon, it’s clear that they’ve made an impact on the fashion world to stay.
