The Curiously Fascinating Evolution of Lingerie
Undergarments sure have changed a lot since the 1800s.
In the past 200 years, undergarments have gone from severe, restrictive torture devices to barely there little things to the focal point of an outfit. Affected by style trends as well as the larger cultural climate of the times (and also attitudes toward sex) lingerie has experienced a transformation like few other fashion categories. Click through to see the complete evolution— starting with the crazy corsets of the early 1800s through to the underwear-as-outerwear motifs of today.
1820s
Where else is there to start but with the corset? The column dresses of early 1800s made long-line corsets a popular choice among women — which begs the question, how did they manage to sit down in these?
1850s
By the mid-19th century, silhouettes had shifted to become more hourglass, with extreme cinching of the waist made possible by steel or whale-bone corsets. Breathing optional.
1860s
In another example of hard-to-sit-in undergarments, we have the hoop skirt. This circular wire cage served as frame and foundation for the vast crinolines and full skirts that were popular at the time. We imagine walking through doors would've been a challenge as well.
1880s
As the volume of skirts deflated in the late 1800s, hoop skirts became less common. Instead, corsets were designed with skirt supporters to create a more subtle lift around the hips.
1890s
Frilly bloomers were standard for the end of the 19th century.
1890s
A battery-powered corset to strengthen internal organs, cure a weak back, and develop the chest. Sounds so scientific.
1890s
Corsets are for kids, too!
1890s
In case the standard cinch wasn't severe enough, the "wasp waist corset" took it to the most extreme of extremes. Because oxygen and unbroken ribs are overrated.
1893
Lace it up, ladies.
1897
The invention of metal eyelets in the 19th century made it easier for women to tug and pull their corsets tight without ripping or ruining the garment itself.
1900s
The S-curve corset of the early 20th century was designed to minimize the waist, while pushing the bust forward and the derrière back.
1910
In 1910, plagued by the woes of restrictive whalebone corsets, socialite Mary Phelps Jacobs (also known as Caresse Crosby) invented the first bra by sewing two handkerchiefs together with a ribbon tie. Four years later, she was granted a patent for her genius design (shown above).
1920s
With the '20s, the desired figure took a turn from buxom to boyish. Women started to wear loose, shapeless silhouettes — and big boobs and butts just got in the way.
1925
Living that easy, breezy bloomers life.
1925
An example of a wedding-night chemise from the mid-1920s.
1925
Girdles and corsets still existed in the '20s, just in a different form. The purpose of the new style was to slim and flatten hips for a more androgynous figure, instead of the ultra-curvy silhouette that had been popular in decades prior.
1928
Flatten that chest, flapper girl.
1930s
Like the fashions of the 1930s, the lingerie returned to a more feminine aesthetic.
1930
The girdles became shorter...
1930
And the bras less constraining — though still minimally supportive, for the most part.
Sarah Lindig is the senior digital editor, overseeing special projects for Harper's Bazaar.
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