Lingerie

In the 18th century, French courtesans started to realize the potential appeal of undergarments which were designed to titillate the viewer. Most other members of society continued to wear plain lingerie in the form of corsets, petticoats, and slips. It wasn't until the 1960s that companies started to manufacture lingerie with specifically ornamental purposes in mind, alongside more conventional lingerie garments.

The word comes from a Latin word, lineus, which means “made from linen.” Lingerie was originally made from linen or cotton. Both men and women have worn an assortment of undergarments for hundreds of years. Most of the items linked with lingerie today, such as bras and panties, are actually relatively modern, however. Most lingerie up to the 18th century was designed to provide an extra layer of insulation, or to address hygienic and modesty issues. It tended to be simple, and often cumbersome in design.

Most modern lingerie falls in to four camps. The first consists of undergarments which are designed with function or modesty in mind. Slips and camisoles, for example, are intended to be worn under over garments. Foundation garments help to smooth the figure, while bras provide support and coverage to the chest. While plenty of of these garments may be stunning, their primary function is to be unseen. Plenty of nightclothes are designed to be warm and comfortable in bed or around the house, while house robes offer additional coverage. Cotton, flannel, and comfort fabrics are often employed in the creation of these garments.

The second section of lingerie is more racy. It consists of garments which are designed for show. Plenty of ornamental corsets, fancy bra and panty sets, and nightgowns fall in to this group. Short robes and dressy camisoles are also sewn with this in mind. Plenty of of these garments can also be worn underneath regular clothing, but they appear more frequently in the bedroom, and they are intended to spark interest in the wearer. Silk, lace, and synthetics are commonly used to make this type of lingerie.