Lingerie

Lingerie is a French word, literally translated it means garment. If you find that surprising, odds are you were born after 1970. For most of underwear’s history, it has been a strictly functional garment. It was not until the 1950’s that underwear was seen in prints, rather than plain white. This caused significant outcries from the religious community. These outcries continued throughout the latter half of the century, decrying the use of the bikini, the invention of the thong, and the general shift of underwear from private to public life.

The Wonderbra was actually invented in 1935, but it had trouble gaining market share until the late 50’s. At the time, girdles were the ladylike norm for lingerie. A girdle extends from just below the breasts (to offer support) down over the upper thighs. They sport garter attachments to hold up nylons or stockings. However they were restrictive of movement, and were not compatible with the mini skirt that became popular in the 50’s.

The mini skirt, along with the rise of feminism prompted the girdle to fall out of favor. The primary reason a girdle didn’t work with a mini skirt is coverage. A woman’s thighs are exposed when she wears a mini skirt, a girdle often went down to mid thigh, causing a bit of an issue with the allure of miniskirts. This led to the bra burning that accompanied the rise of feminism. It also prompted a spike in the sales of the brasserie, or bra, along with panties, as they became the favored lingerie of women during that time.

The wonderbra, which had three decades of development by this time, was in a perfect position to take advantage of this switch. It became a widely popular brand, with it’s now famous claims to “lift and separate”. The other major benefactors of this shift in attitude towards undergarments were novelty lingerie makers such as Frederick’s of Hollywood or Victoria’s Secret. Frederick’s was actually founded in 1946, which allowed it to be in prime position to capitalize on the underwear market. Victoria’s Secret was founded in 1977, well after the change in attitudes.

Both of those manufacturers make lingerie that is intended to be erotic in nature. Unlike the older forms which served to control a woman’s form, this new lingerie was supposed to be seen. A corset for instance was never intended to be seen by anyone but the lady in waiting who helped you put it on. Likewise, the name intimate apparel for girdles signified that it was worn beneath your clothing, not that it served any purpose in the bedroom.

Today we can see the fruits of the feminist revolution on TV, in magazines, on billboards, and in storefronts. It’s doubtful that the founders of the feminist movement intended for women to embrace their sexuality in quite this way, but the movement was originally about the freedom to do what you chose to. So if most of the women in today’s society choose to wear revealing lingerie, then in their own way they are upholding that idea.





Lingerie Sexy Plus size Sheer Erotic Hot Leather Valentine Silk Black Mens Petite Where to buy Contact Us Site Map			Home > Learning Center > Lingerie Lingerie Lingerie is a French word, literally translated it means garment. If you find that surprising, odds are you were born after 1970. For most of underwear’s history, it has been a strictly functional garment. It was not until the 1950’s that underwear was seen in prints, rather than plain white. This caused significant outcries from the religious community. These outcries continued throughout the latter half of the century, decrying the use of the bikini, the invention of the thong, and the general shift of underwear from private to public life. The Wonderbra was actually invented in 1935, but it had trouble gaining market share until the late 50’s. At the time, girdles were the ladylike norm for lingerie. A girdle extends from just below the breasts (to offer support) down over the upper thighs. They sport garter attachments to hold up nylons or stockings. However they were restrictive of movement, and were not compatible with the mini skirt that became popular in the 50’s. The mini skirt, along with the rise of feminism prompted the girdle to fall out of favor. The primary reason a girdle didn’t work with a mini skirt is coverage. A woman’s thighs are exposed when she wears a mini skirt, a girdle often went down to mid thigh, causing a bit of an issue with the allure of miniskirts. This led to the bra burning that accompanied the rise of feminism. It also prompted a spike in the sales of the brasserie, or bra, along with panties, as they became the favored lingerie of women during that time. The wonderbra, which had three decades of development by this time, was in a perfect position to take advantage of this switch. It became a widely popular brand, with it’s now famous claims to “lift and separate”. The other major benefactors of this shift in attitude towards undergarments were novelty lingerie makers such as Frederick’s of Hollywood or Victoria’s Secret. Frederick’s was actually founded in 1946, which allowed it to be in prime position to capitalize on the underwear market. Victoria’s Secret was founded in 1977, well after the change in attitudes. Both of those manufacturers make lingerie that is intended to be erotic in nature. Unlike the older forms which served to control a woman’s form, this new lingerie was supposed to be seen. A corset for instance was never intended to be seen by anyone but the lady in waiting who helped you put it on. Likewise, the name intimate apparel for girdles signified that it was worn beneath your clothing, not that it served any purpose in the bedroom. Today we can see the fruits of the feminist revolution on TV, in magazines, on billboards, and in storefronts. It’s doubtful that the founders of the feminist movement intended for women to embrace their sexuality in quite this way, but the movement was originally about the freedom to do what you chose to. So if most of the women in today’s society choose to wear revealing lingerie, then in their own way they are upholding that idea.