Lingerie: A “Brief” History
This topic is where we, the female population begin to divide into two teams; “the haves” and “the have nots.” Let’s be clear, when it comes to lingerie you either "have" a pretty modern collection of goodies and stylish lingerie or, you "have not" the time to look pretty under your apparel, so you probably buy simple lingerie and underwear strictly for comfort (By the way there is absolutely nothing wrong with either choice.) It's just that there are rarely women who fall in between the two. Let’s suffice it to say that "we mainly fall into one of two categories."
To expand on this further, you own either ‘undies’ or ‘panties’. You wear a ‘bra’ or ‘lingerie.’ It’s a little like the old tomayto/tomarto, potayto-potartoe argument. Those who consider themselves stylish would never be caught in a pair of drawers or even worse bloomers! In order to understand women's relationship to lingerie we must delve a little bit into its history.
Lingerie is derived from the French word “linge,” linge meaning washables and lin meaning linen. Washable linens is the original generic term that was used for lingerie. In French lingerie is pronounced lan-zhree. In English speaking countries it is usually pronounced lonj-er-ee or lonj-er-Ay. It is understood that in the early part of the 20th century women's lingerie was envisioned for practical purposes, it was not licentious by any means.
For example; Panties...uhm...I mean 'drawers' (which is what they were called during this time) were designed loose and full bodied. Sort of like a jumpsuit, but stopping at the top of the thigh. There would often be a practical flap in the back which was created so that the individual could go to the toilet with ease. Just imagine full bodied pajamas with a flap conveniently located in the rear. This innovation may not be as popular today but given the restrictive style of dress at the time, they were certainly convenient.
The invention of pantyhose is what really revolutionized women's lingerie. Until that time (circa early-mid 1950's) stockings were held up separately by a garter belt or girdle. By the late 1950's, early 60's women's undergarments were becoming more provocative, and that is certainly still so today, I suppose anything so intimately created for the female figure was bound to become sexy. Though this may not always have been the way; lingerie was advertised to a more conservative market in earlier decades. With the dawn of a more liberal society from the 1970’s until today, lingerie has definitely become one of the most sexy products to sell on the market.
There are endless choices of fabrics, designs and colours to choose from and the market is exceedingly competitive. When looking for lingerie, don’t skimp on quality and comfort and always be mindful of your body type. These are items you wear everyday so why not have some fun with styles, colours and fabrics. Sexy lingerie is in and will not be moving out of fashion for a long time, if ever!