The History of Lingerie

The origin of lingerie dates back to the pre-Christian days. It has been said that the Minoans of Crete first invented the corset, which is very different when compared to the lacy corsets worn today. Back then, women wore tight bodices made of bone that did the exact opposite of the typical bra: they pushed the breasts outward for the whole world to see, instead of hiding and protecting them. Women's breasts were a common sight back then, which was not a bother. The bodices, however, were extremely uncomfortable.

During the Age of the Roman Empire, underwear was available but optional. It was normal to wear nothing at all under a toga, but sometimes, a loincloth or a shorts-like piece of clothing called the subligaculum would be worn. The top part of it was called the strophium, and might as well have been the very first bra. They were simply made of cloth and worn over the breasts, most probably for protection.

The chemise, which was invented during the medieval era, is proof that it was during that age when the sexual repression was at its peak. The chemise was worn in between the undergarments and outer garments to prevent the outer layers of clothing from gathering too much sweat. They were washed regularly and they were also shaped in order to flatten women's breasts completely. Made of iron, the contraptions compressed the waist and hid the chest.

Lingerie made a stop forward during the Renaissance period because women's curves were emphasized. Many women strived to get the perfect hourglass figure and the very first corsets would help them achieve that. However, they came at a large price: comfort. Some women became so obsessed with having a good figure that they tightened their corsets too much, and would often pass out. Back then, corsets were created from whalebone, but a significant change occurred when they began coming in lacy, embroidered, more feminine designs. That was the first time lingerie had a decorative purpose, and history shows that this tradition will never die.

Around a century later, the bra was finally invented by Mary Phelps Jacobs. Before that, corsets were slowly evolving into the bras we all know of today: they became smaller and more compact, being used to support the breasts rather than alter a woman's figure. When women began working more 'manly' jobs in factories and similar industries, the bra was made purely for practicality and comfort. Stockings were also eventually introduced, being attached to garters and suspenders, and linked to corsets. Eventually, corsets became unfashionable, although they are still widely available today, mostly for bedroom use.

Lingerie has progressed through history by becoming lighter, lacier, more colorful, and more importantly, sexier. Even though it is concealed most of the time, a lot of women give importance to it, and so do their husbands or boyfriends. Today, underwear is as important and as fashionable as ever. Even the simplest-looking bras and panties help enhance a woman's appearance in some way. That is not a bad thing, especially when they want to impress their significant others.