LINGERIE THROUGH THE DECADES: HOW UNDERWEAR HAS EVOLVED

Fashion is a mirror reflecting societal changes, and nowhere is this more evident than in the evolution of lingerie. From the restrictive corsets of the early 20th century to the empowering bralettes of today, the journey of underwear is a testament to shifting fashion trends, societal norms, and attitudes towards sex and sexuality.

1920s

The 1920s marked a revolutionary shift as flappers embraced a more liberated lifestyle, rejecting the corsets of previous decades. Instead, they favoured silk step-ins and flowing chemises, which symbolised freedom and a break from traditional constraints. This era heralded the birth of underwear designed for real women, emphasizing comfort and ease. Fausta Urte Geigaite, a fashion expert and makeup artist from Peaches and Screams, notes, "The 1920s was a pivotal moment for women's fashion, where lingerie began to reflect a woman's independence and desire for freedom."

1930s

Amidst the Great Depression, women sought solace and escape through glamour. The 1930s saw a surge in luxurious lingerie that offered a touch of elegance amidst the hardships of daily life. Elaborate designs and sumptuous fabrics became a form of escapism and self-expression during tough times. Barbara Santini, a psychologist and relationship adviser at Peaches and Screams, comments, "During times of adversity, women often turn to fashion as a form of self-expression and psychological relief, which is evident in the luxurious lingerie trends of the 1930s."

1940s

The onset of World War II brought a focus on practicality and utility. Women's underwear became simpler and more functional, with stockings and separates reigning supreme. The need for practical and unrestrictive clothing aligned with wartime demands and the changing roles of women in society.

1950s

The 1950s celebrated the hourglass figure, popularized by icons like Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly. Shape-wear became a staple as women sought to achieve a cinched waist and full bust, embodying the glamorous, feminine ideal of the time. Lingerie was designed to enhance and accentuate this coveted silhouette. Fausta Urte Geigaite adds, "The 1950s saw lingerie become an essential part of achieving the desired hourglass figure, with designs that were both functional and incredibly stylish."

1960s

The 1960s were characterized by counterculture and a burst of youthful energy. The introduction of pantyhose in 1959 quickly became a revolutionary trend, reflecting the era's embrace of new and experimental fashions. Underwear designs mirrored the vibrant, flower-child patterns of the time, emphasizing comfort and style.

1970s

The 1970s witnessed the rise of the feminist movement, which challenged traditional gender norms and clothing standards. Although the symbolic “burning of bras” is more myth than fact, the decade saw a significant shift towards more casual and braless styles, reflecting a desire for freedom and equality. Barbara Santini remarks, "The 1970s were crucial for women's liberation, and this movement was clearly reflected in the lingerie choices of the time, promoting comfort and rejecting restrictive norms."

1980s

The 1980s brought a fitness craze that influenced all areas of fashion, including lingerie. High-cut underwear and sporty, visible lingerie became popular as women embraced activewear as both functional and fashionable. This decade was marked by bold, daring styles that mirrored the energetic spirit of the times.

1990s

The 1990s saw the mainstream success of the Wonderbra, an innovation that dramatically enhanced cleavage and reshaped the lingerie landscape. The emphasis was on creating a striking, confident silhouette that captured the era’s focus on sex appeal and bold fashion statements.

2000s

The early 2000s were defined by the visible thong trend, paired with low-rise jeans to ensure that lingerie was on full display. The "kinderwhore" look, characterized by babydolls and playful, provocative styles, became a fashion statement that pushed boundaries and embraced a more overtly sexual aesthetic. Fausta Urte Geigaite observes, "The 2000s challenged conventional boundaries with lingerie becoming a bold fashion statement, reflecting a shift towards a more overtly sexual and playful aesthetic."

2010s

In stark contrast to the previous decade, the 2010s ushered in a more minimalist and chic approach to lingerie. Bralettes emerged as a versatile trend, celebrated for their comfort and style. This decade saw lingerie becoming not just an undergarment but a key element of both casual and formal outfits. Barbara Santini concludes, "The 2010s embraced a shift towards self-love and body positivity, with bralettes symbolizing a new era of comfort, versatility, and confidence in lingerie."