Lingerie isn’t just what you wear under your clothes - it’s a reflection of style, confidence, and self-expression. From practical beginnings to the luxurious, empowering pieces we know today, lingerie has a rich and fascinating history. Exploring the origins of lingerie highlights the evolution of women’s fashion, showing how shifting movements and attitudes have influenced the styles we know and love today.
When Did Lingerie First Appear?
Lingerie or some form of undergarment, has been around for thousands of years. In Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, simple bands, wraps, and loincloths were worn for comfort and modesty. These early undergarments were practical rather than decorative, but they laid the foundations for lingerie as we know it today.
By the Middle Ages, garments such as the chemise and petticoats became everyday essentials. These were often made from linen and worn for practical reasons to protect outer garments from sweat bodily oils. Wealthier women would choose finer fabrics such as silk and would add personal touches adding embroidery or embellishment.
During the Renaissance, early forms of ‘shapewear’ began to emerge. Corsets became increasingly popular among wealthy women, alongside hoop skirts and padded hips that created striking silhouettes. This period marked an important moment in lingerie history, as undergarments started to transition from functional essentials to fashionable pieces.
Why Were Corsets So Popular?
From the 16th century onwards, corsets became central to women’s fashion. Designed to sculpt the body into the ideal silhouette of the time, corsets were seen as symbols of elegance, refinement, and status.
However, they weren’t always comfortable. While corsets created structure and shape, they also restricted movement, sparking ongoing debates about health and freedom. As lifestyles changed and women sought greater comfort and independence, attitudes toward corsetry began to shift.
How Did the Bra Change Lingerie Forever?
The early 20th century marked a turning point in lingerie history. The invention of the modern bra offered support without the rigid structure of corsets. As bra sizing became standardised in the 1930s, lingerie became more accessible and better suited to everyday life. This shift wasn’t just practical; it symbolised a new approach to femininity - one rooted in comfort, confidence, and choice. The bra transformed lingerie from restrictive shaping to supportive design.
How Have Fabrics and Comfort Evolved Over Time?
Early lingerie relied on cotton, silk, and lace, chosen for their softness and breathability. As technology advanced, the Industrial Revolution introduced elastic and synthetic fibres, making lingerie more flexible, affordable, and easier to care for. Today, modern lingerie blends heritage craftsmanship with innovation - prioritising comfort, fit, and feel, without compromising on beauty. Soft fabrics, thoughtful construction, and inclusive sizing all reflect how far lingerie has come.
What Does Modern Lingerie Represent Today?
Lingerie has always reflected the spirit of its time. From the relaxed silhouettes of the 1920s, to the glamour of the 1950s, and the liberation movements of the 1960s and 70s, lingerie has evolved alongside cultural change.
Jessie Drabble, Senior Product Designer at Lounge commented: "Modern lingerie is far more personal and there is so much more choice available. Whether she seeks beautiful design aesthetics, uncompromising comfort, or a thoughtful balance of both, lingerie today serves as a transformative element of the modern woman’s wardrobe.
“We strongly focus on the female form and endeavour to create lingerie for every form of expression she might want whether that be for comfort, design and everything in-between”.
Modern lingerie plays a key role in shaping fashion, with underwear-inspired details now designed to be seen rather than hidden. Corset tops, bustier dresses, and structured lingerie silhouettes have become popular as outerwear, blending support with style. This trend reflects a shift toward confidence and self-expression, using lace, boning, and fitted shapes as statement elements. By bringing lingerie into everyday wardrobes, fashion continues to celebrate the body while redefining modern femininity and style.
Frequently Asked Questions About the History of Lingerie
When Was Lingerie Invented?
Lingerie dates back thousands of years, with early forms appearing in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome as simple garments designed for comfort and modesty.
Why Did Women Wear Corsets?
Corsets were worn to shape the body according to fashion ideals and were considered symbols of elegance and social status for centuries.
When Was The Bra Invented?
The modern bra emerged in the early 20th century, around 1914, as a more comfortable alternative to corsets.
How Has Lingerie Changed Over Time?
Lingerie has evolved from functional undergarments to expressive, confidence-boosting pieces that prioritise comfort, inclusivity, and personal style.