The concept of lingerie is a visually appealing undergarment that was developed during the late nineteenth century. Lady Duff-Gordon of Lucile was a pioneer in developing lingerie that freed women from more restrictive corsets. Through the first half of the 20th century, women wore underwear for three primary reasons; to alter their outward shape, for hygienic reasons and for modesty. Before the invention of crinoline, women’s underwear was often very large and bulky.
Brief History On the Lingerie and Lingerie Label
During the late 19th century, corsets became smaller, less bulky and more constricting and were gradually supplanted by brassiere, first patented in the 20th century by Mary Phelps Jacob. When the first World War broke out, women found themselves filling in men’s work roles, creating a demand for more practical undergarments. Manufacturers began to use lighter and more breathable fabrics. In 1935 brassieres were updated with padded cups to flatter small breasts and three years later underwire bras were introduced that gave a protruding bustline. There was also a return to a small waist achieved with girdles. The 1940s woman was thin, but had curvaceous hips and breasts that were pointy and shapely. In the 1960s the female silhouette was liberated along with social mores. The look was adolescent breasts, slim hips and extreme thinness. Andre Courreges was the first to make a fashion statement out of the youth culture when his 1965 collection presented androgynous figures and the image of a modern woman comfortable with her own body.
As the 20th century progressed, underwear became smaller and more from fitting. In the 1960s, lingerie manufacturers such as Fredrick’s of Hollywood begin to glamorize lingerie. The lingerie industry expanded in the 21st century with designs that doubled as outerwear. The French refer to this as dessous-dessus, meaning something akin to innerwear as outerwear .
Below are 3 Lingerie Brands for The 21st Woman
Under the Root Lingerie label
Using sustainable fabrics and materials, Under the Root’s lingerie designs are matched in uniqueness by their inspiration: Naturalistic undergear, the mysterious adventures of the human experience, and the devotion of the wild, witch, person.’ With a wide selection of goods, including garters and bondage sets, this brand offers a natural, modern dance-influenced alternative to mass-produced lingerie.
Blackbird Underpinnings Lingerie Label
Drawing inspiration from the 1920s, Blackbird Underpinnings offers retro garmets in a wide range of sizes. The women-run brand’s handmade garments are ‘infused with a positive message of inclusivity and self-expression,’ and seek to empower women through a renegade feminine.’ While a select few designs are offered every season, the indie brand is devoted to craftsmanship as well as uniqueness.
Claudette Lingerie Label
Far too often pretty lingerie is offered in a very limited size range, forcing bustier gals to opt for more drab underthings. That’s why Claudette offers gorgeous bras in sizes up to a G cup. Owned and operated by women, the company was founded to make sure every woman who wanted a pretty bra could get one-in the appropriate size that fits well and feels good.
