The History and the Future of Lingerie

The History and the Future of Lingerie

The garments that we know today as lingerie are relatively new arrivals in the garment industry. Until around the middle of the twentieth century, most women’s undergarments were large, unattractive, and more about function than form.

During the 1960’s women’s undergarments started to change in design and become more feminine. The new garments were much smaller and delicate looking than their former counter parts, such as the girdle or large bulky fitting bras. The newer undergarments had a distinct look of femininity to them which was totally unlike the no-frills garments women had to wear before the new style came out.

These days, attractive lingerie is almost seen as the standard in women’s undergarments. It is true however, that most women will have a more basic undergarment selection they wear everyday and more attractive pieces saved for special occasions, however, even the everyday pieces of today, are far more feminine in appearance than those worn fifty years ago.

What Defines Lingerie?

Since it is so common today, it can be difficult to distinguish between everyday undergarments and lingerie. They can appear so close in resemblance some people find it hard to determine which are lingerie items and those that are just regular everyday undergarments.

Generally lingerie garments are fancier in appearance, made from more refined, expensive materials that are femininely decorated and can be worn as a functional piece as well. However, they are much more decorative than functional.

The everyday underwear for women will often be made of cotton and have wider, more comfortable waistbands. These features make everyday underwear more comfortable and practical for frequent use than that of lingerie, although daily underwear can still be very attractive.

Have the Evolutions of Women’s Undergarments Help Them?

Many people believe that the evolution of undergarments has led to women being more comfortable with their sexuality. The time has past for wearing huge cotton panties and enormous bras and women can look and feel feminine at all times by the choice of undergarments they wear, no matter what outfit they are wearing on the outside.

Women who previously had no confidence in their bodies are now able to enjoy the wonders of push-up bras and panties with padded bottoms to help smooth and enhance their silhouette.

What is the Future of Underwear?

There are people in the fashion industry that believe that somewhere in the near future undergarments will move even more to the outside of the garments, verses remaining on the inside of them. The change has been coming about for some time now and over the past few years; women have been letting their bra straps show while wearing tank tops, something that was completely unheard of in the past.

In future years, will lingerie take the place of more conventional wardrobe pieces? In Europe this new phase has already begun and women tend to shop for sexy lingerie items to complement an outfit, rather then just wear it as an undergarment.