Content Verification

Written by:✓

Katie Lasson
Sex and Relationship Adviser

Medically Reviewed by:✓

Veronika Matutyte
Medical Doctor

Fact Checked by:✓

Barbara Santini
Psychologist and Sex and Relationships Advisor

1920s: The Flapper Revolution

Let’s kick things off with a fabulous plunge into the 1920s—a decade where everything from jazz to jiggly fringes was shaking things up! This was the era when society threw off its old-school shackles and decided to dance its way into a new, liberating groove. And guess what? Lingerie was right there, busting out of the old norms too! Picture this: the flappers, those daring darlings of the Roaring Twenties, were all about breaking free from stuffy traditions. They didn’t just revolutionise fashion; they gave lingerie a serious makeover. As Fausta Urte Geigaite, Arts and Fashion Expert from Peaches and Screams, puts it, "The 1920s were like a whirlwind of change, and lingerie was right in the eye of the storm. It was all about shaking off the old and embracing the new!"

Say goodbye to those constricting corsets! In their place, flappers embraced the free-flowing chemises and step-ins—underwear so breezy it practically danced on its own. Barbara Santini, a psychologist and relationship advisor, adds, "The switch from tight-laced corsets to these easygoing garments wasn’t just a fashion statement. It was a huge leap towards comfort and freedom, reflecting women’s growing confidence." And let’s not forget the impact on how it felt to wear it. No more battling with uncomfortable bones and laces. With these new styles, women were finally able to move, breathe, and even shimmy without a hitch. Tatyana Dyachenko, a sexual and relationship expert, chimes in, "The 1920s lingerie wasn’t just about looking glamorous; it was about feeling fabulous and embracing a whole new sense of freedom."

The shift wasn’t just about comfort; it was also about style and rebellion. The new lingerie designs reflected the spirit of the times—bold, modern, and defiantly different from the past. The chemises and step-ins were often made from lighter, softer fabrics like silk and rayon, which were a far cry from the heavy, stifling materials of earlier years. The era’s lingerie set the tone for future fashion trends, proving that comfort and style could, indeed, go hand in hand.

1930s: Glamour amidst Hardship

Alright, let’s shimmy into the 1930s, a time when the world was knee-deep in The Great Depression, yet women were finding glitz and glamour in the most unexpected places—yes, even their lingerie! Picture it: the stock market has crashed, but women are still donning the most dazzling undergarments. Why? Because a bit of sparkle can make even the toughest times a tad more bearable. Geigaite says it perfectly, "The 1930s proved that even in a financial crunch, fashion could sparkle. Lingerie was the secret escape, offering a slice of luxury in an otherwise bleak world." Despite the economic woes, the 1930s lingerie scene was all about indulgence. Women craved a touch of elegance, and their lingerie was the perfect place to find it. Think silk, satin, and lace—fabrics so luxurious they felt like a little party for your skin. Santini points out, "Glamorous lingerie in the 1930s wasn’t just about looking good; it was about feeling good and finding a bit of joy amidst the struggle." 

Styles from this era were all about smooth, flowing lines and dreamy fabrics that draped beautifully. Bias-cut gowns and camisoles were in vogue, giving women an effortlessly elegant silhouette that made them feel like a starlet, even if they were just lounging at home. Dyachenko explains, "1930s lingerie was like a little rebellion against hardship. It was a way to stay glamorous and indulge in fantasy, even when the world outside was anything but." So, even though the 1930s were tough, lingerie became a secret weapon of sparkle and sophistication. It was a way to hold on to a bit of glamour and say, “I might be down, but I’m never out!”

1940s: Practicality in Wartime

Let’s roll into the 1940s, a decade where practicality wasn’t just a choice—it was a necessity! With World War II reshaping every aspect of life, lingerie had to adapt to the wartime rhythm, and boy, did it rise to the challenge! Imagine this: the world’s at war, resources are scarce, and women are stepping into new roles, from factory floors to military support. So, what’s a gal to do? Ditch the fancy frills and embrace lingerie that gets the job done. Geigaite puts it this way, "In the 1940s, lingerie had to be as tough and practical as the women wearing it. With everything focused on the war effort, underwear became all about function over flair."  

Corsets and lavish silks? Nope, those were out. Enter the era of practical, no-nonsense underwear. Women turned to trusty stockings and simple separates that were built to last and made for action. Santini notes, "Wartime lingerie was all about making life easier. Women needed gear that could keep up with their busy, wartime schedules and provide comfort without fuss." The new styles were all about practicality—think sturdy bras and comfy knickers designed to handle the daily grind. The designs were stripped down to the essentials, focusing on durability and ease. Dyachenko adds, "Wartime lingerie was like the unsung hero of the decade. It was functional and tough, perfectly suited for women who were rolling up their sleeves and getting things done." So, while the 1940s might have been a battlefield of its own, the lingerie of the era was a victory of practicality. It showed that even in the face of hardship, underwear could be both essential and adaptable, supporting women through every challenge they faced.

1950s: The Hourglass Silhouette

Let’s swirl into the 1950s, a decade that celebrated curves with a splash of Hollywood glamour! After the war’s stark utilitarian fashion, the ’50s were all about turning heads and flaunting those fabulous hourglass figures. Imagine this: the world’s done with the wartime blues, and it’s time to embrace the sparkle of post-war elegance. The hourglass silhouette was the reigning queen, and lingerie was the crown jewel. Geigaite says, "The 1950s were all about accentuating curves, and lingerie was designed to enhance every bit of that glamorous hourglass shape." Shapewear was the secret behind the magic. Corsets made a grand comeback, but they were softer, more comfortable, and oh-so-flattering. They cinched waists and sculpted those curves to perfection. Santini adds, "1950s lingerie wasn’t just about looking good; it was about feeling fabulous and embracing your body’s natural shape. It turned every woman into a living, breathing vintage pin-up."

Celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly were the ultimate style icons, and their impact was everywhere. Monroe’s curves and Kelly’s elegance were the blueprints for lingerie design, aiming to replicate that dazzling Hollywood allure. Dyachenko notes, "The 1950s lingerie was like stepping into the spotlight. It was all about channeling that star quality, making every woman feel like a star herself." So, the 1950s were a whirlwind of glam, curves, and chic shapewear. Lingerie became a celebration of the hourglass figure, and every piece was designed to make women feel like they’d just stepped out of a classic film. It wasn’t just about underwear—it was about owning your look and feeling utterly fabulous!

1960s: Youth and Innovation

Let’s groove into the 1960s, a decade that was like a splash of neon paint on the canvas of fashion! The ‘60s were all about shaking up the old and dancing into a vibrant new era, and lingerie was right in the thick of the action. This was a time of cultural shifts and counterculture movements, where the youth were leading the charge and shaking things up. And lingerie? It was ready to match that energetic vibe. Geigaite says, "The 1960s were a whirlwind of change, and lingerie was buzzing with youthful innovation. It wasn’t just about wearing underwear; it was about making a bold fashion statement." The big star of the show was pantyhose. Invented in 1959 but hitting its stride in the ‘60s, pantyhose were a total game-changer. They combined the sleek look of stockings with the convenience of full legwear. Santini notes, "Pantyhose were like the superhero of lingerie—offering comfort, style, and a fresh twist on legwear that perfectly matched the decade’s adventurous spirit."

The designs of the time were as lively as the music. Lingerie featured bold, psychedelic prints and stretchy fabrics that bounced with every move. Think flower power patterns and vibrant colours that matched the lively, free-spirited vibe of the era. Dyachenko adds, "1960s lingerie was a fun, funky affair. It embraced new materials and playful designs, reflecting the era’s love for experimentation and self-expression." So, the 1960s were a thrilling chapter in lingerie history. With pantyhose stepping into the limelight and designs embracing youthful exuberance, this decade’s underwear was all about innovation and flair. It was lingerie that didn’t just follow trends—it set them, adding a burst of fun to every wardrobe!

1970s: Feminist Freedom

Let’s groove into the 1970s, a decade where the fight for freedom was as vibrant as the disco balls! This was a time when lingerie became a statement, not just a garment, and the quest for liberation had everyone talking—and not just about bras! The women’s liberation movement was in full swing, and with it came a wave of change that rippled through every aspect of life, including fashion. Geigaite puts it like this, "The 1970s were a revolution in every sense. Lingerie was more than just underwear; it became a symbol of breaking free from old norms and embracing a new sense of freedom." Now, let’s talk bra-burning—or rather, the myth of bra-burning. Although actual bra pyres were more fiction than fact, the image captured the imagination and became a powerful symbol of defiance. Santini says, "Whether bras were actually burned or not, the myth represented a huge cultural shift. It was about rejecting outdated constraints and asserting a woman’s right to comfort and choice."

And speaking of comfort, the ‘70s saw a major trend: going braless. Women were embracing freedom in every way, and their lingerie choices reflected that. Instead of stiff, restrictive undergarments, they opted for relaxed styles that celebrated comfort and personal choice. Dyachenko adds, "1970s lingerie was all about feeling free. Women were ditching the discomfort of bras and opting for relaxed, comfortable styles that aligned with their new sense of independence." So, the 1970s were a dazzling decade of change, where lingerie became a powerful symbol of freedom and rebellion. With bras being metaphorically burned and women embracing a more relaxed style, it was all about celebrating independence and redefining what it meant to be fabulous.

1980s: Sporty and Bold

Let’s crank up the volume and jump into the 1980s, a decade where fashion got pumped up with a blast of boldness and flair! This was the era when lingerie wasn’t just for the bedroom—it strutted its stuff right out into the limelight. The ‘80s were like a high-octane workout, thanks to the explosion of fitness culture and those legendary exercise videos. Jane Fonda and her neon-clad aerobics crew were everywhere, and their influence didn’t stop at the gym. Geigaite puts it perfectly: "The 1980s were all about energy and excitement, and lingerie got swept up in the action. With fitness culture booming, lingerie became part of everyday fashion, turning activewear into a statement of style." 

One of the decade’s most daring trends was lingerie as outerwear. Picture this: bras and corsets worn proudly as part of your outfit, adding a cheeky touch to any ensemble. Santini says, "In the ‘80s, it was all about confidence and pushing boundaries. Wearing lingerie as outerwear was a way to flaunt your bold, fearless style and make a serious fashion statement." And then there were high-cut underwear—think of them as the ultimate style upgrade! These were the game-changing pieces that made legs look longer and outfits pop. Dyachenko adds, "High-cut underwear wasn’t just about shape; it was about embracing a daring silhouette that fit perfectly with the ‘80s love for standout fashion." So, the 1980s were a thrilling ride of sporty chic and audacious style. With fitness fever fueling new trends and lingerie taking centre stage as outerwear, this decade was all about making a bold statement and rocking that vibrant, energetic spirit!

1990s: The Wonderbra Era

Time to turn back to the 1990s, a decade where lingerie became the ultimate tool for turning heads and boosting confidence! This was the era when the Wonderbra exploded onto the scene, and suddenly, everyone was talking about that irresistible cleavage-enhancing magic. The Wonderbra—remember the name? It hit its fame in the ‘90s with a bang, thanks to its revolutionary design that promised more than just support. It gave you curves, confidence, and a whole lot of wow factor. Geigaite describes it best: "The 1990s were all about making a statement, and the Wonderbra was at the heart of that. It wasn’t just a bra; it was a game-changer, designed to amp up your cleavage and your confidence."

Sex appeal was the name of the game. The Wonderbra’s padded, push-up design wasn’t just about looking good; it was about feeling fabulous and flaunting those curves. Santini explains, "The ‘90s embraced a new kind of confidence. The Wonderbra was about celebrating and enhancing your natural shape, making every outfit pop and every glance linger." But that’s not all—the decade was also packed with lacy details, satin finishes, and bold, eye-catching colours. It wasn’t just about wearing lingerie; it was about making sure it was seen and admired. Dyachenko adds, "The ‘90s lingerie scene was vibrant and daring. With the Wonderbra leading the charge, it was all about high-impact fashion and feeling sexy and unstoppable."

2000s: Visible Thongs and Babydolls

Let’s blast into the 2000s, a decade where fashion took a wild turn and lingerie became an integral part of the outfit. This was the era of visible thongs, eye-catching babydolls, and a trend that made sure no one missed the underwear statement you were making! First up, the visible thong trend. Remember when low-rise jeans were all the rage, and the thong became a statement piece? It wasn’t just about comfort; it was about showing off! Geigaite puts it perfectly: "The 2000s were a decade of bold, daring fashion choices, and the visible thong trend was the ultimate expression of that. With low-rise jeans and thongs on full display, it was all about flaunting your style and confidence." Celebrities and fashion icons were all over this trend, making it a must-have look. Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and their pop-star peers flaunted their visible thongs with flair, turning this trend into a cultural phenomenon. Santini explains, "Celebrities embraced and amplified the trend, turning visible thongs into a fashion statement that was both provocative and playful. It was a sign of the times—bold, confident, and unapologetic."

Then there were babydoll dresses. This playful and flirty style made a huge splash in the 2000s, often paired with the so-called "kinderwhore" look—think youthful, girly, and a little edgy. Babydolls were all about fun, flirtation, and a touch of nostalgia. Dyachenko notes, "Babydoll dresses were a fun throwback with a modern twist. They were flirty and feminine, embodying a youthful, cheeky vibe that fit perfectly with the decade’s bold fashion trends." The 2000s were a wild ride of fashion experimentation, where visible thongs and babydolls ruled the scene. With celebrities leading the charge and lingerie taking centre stage, this decade was all about making a statement and celebrating confidence in the most playful ways!

2010s: Modest and Chic

Lastly, let’s fast-forward to the 2010s, a decade where lingerie found its new groove in elegance and simplicity! This was the era when fashion dialled down the drama and cranked up the chic, redefining what it meant to look fabulous in your underwear. Forget the flashy trends of the past—this decade was all about sleek, sophisticated style. Lingerie took on a minimalist approach, focusing on clean lines and high-quality fabrics that whispered rather than shouted. Geigaite puts it this way: "The 2010s were a breath of fresh air. Lingerie embraced a new level of sophistication with a focus on refined simplicity. It was about creating elegance without the fuss." 

One of the coolest trends of the 2010s was the bralette revolution. These chic little numbers weren’t just for hiding under clothes anymore—they became a stylish statement all on their own. Perfect for layering or wearing solo, bralettes offered a blend of comfort and style that was hard to beat. Santini says, "Bralettes took over as the ultimate fusion of comfort and style. They showed that lingerie could be effortlessly chic and perfect for any outfit." And let’s not overlook the sleek, formal lingerie that graced the decade. Think minimalist designs with luxurious touches, making every piece feel like a work of art. Dyachenko adds, "2010s lingerie was all about embracing elegance with simplicity. It was about celebrating the beauty of subtlety and high-quality craftsmanship." So, the 2010s were a dazzling mix of modern chic and minimalist elegance. With bralettes strutting their stuff as both underwear and outerwear, and sleek, sophisticated styles making a splash, this decade was all about redefining lingerie with a fresh, stylish twist. It was a time when less truly was more, and lingerie became a testament to the art of understated glamour.

The Bottom Line

Imagine looking at your wardrobe and feeling like every piece has a story to tell—a story of rebellion, glamour, and evolution. The journey from restrictive corsets to chic bralettes reflects not just changing trends, but the spirit of every woman who dared to redefine comfort and style. Feel that twinge of nostalgia? It's a sign of how lingerie has transformed into an empowering choice rather than a mere necessity. Each decade brought its own flair, and with every shift, lingerie became a statement of freedom, confidence, and boldness. Celebrate the evolution of lingerie as a symbol of personal expression and style. With this article, remember how every piece reflects a piece of history and a touch of personal empowerment. Embrace the journey, wear it with pride, and let each choice be a testament to your unique, unstoppable self.