The history of women's lingerie: from antiquity to modern sexuality
Women's lingerie is not just clothing. It reflects culture, social changes, beauty standards, and the perception of sexuality. From the simple wraps of antiquity to the refined push-up bras and sports bralettes of today, the journey has been long, full of experiments, innovations, and bold design solutions. Each era left its mark, shaping the idea of the female figure and comfort. Today, the Millaricci online store offers collections inspired by this rich historical heritage, where beauty and convenience go hand in hand.
From ancient wraps to the first corsets
Even in antiquity, women sought to emphasize their figures. In Ancient Greece, the strophion was used — a strip of fabric supporting the breasts, while in Rome and Medieval Europe, underwear was limited to long linen shifts. They served a practical function: protecting the body, creating a barrier under clothing, and maintaining cleanliness.
It was only in the 18th century that lingerie began to actively shape the silhouette. The corset became a symbol of femininity, sophistication, and social status. It cinched the waist, made posture strict and elegant, and decorative elements — lacing, embroidery, and ribbon — showed a woman's taste and position in society.
The 19th century: an era of constriction and luxury
The 19th century brought with it a fashion for constriction and volume. The female image was formed with several iconic elements:
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The corset emphasized the bust and created a "wasp waist." Despite protests from doctors, women wore it for the sake of beauty.
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The crinoline gave dresses volume and grandeur; sometimes the skirt's width reached six meters.
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The tournure added fullness to the back, creating a seductive silhouette that captivated contemporaries.
Lingerie became richer: batiste, lace, embroidery, ribbon, and heart-shaped cutouts. The profession of lingerie seamstress emerged, creating true masterpieces from fine fabrics. The sets were multi-layered and heavy — shifts, bloomers, skirts, corsets, belts — but they set the ideal of beauty and shaped the female silhouette.
Early 20th century: the struggle between beauty and comfort
The late 19th and early 20th century were marked by a movement for dress reform. Societies appeared that advocated for abandoning excessive constriction and promoting freedom in clothing, but corsets held their ground for a long time.
The silhouette of women in the 1910s gradually became straight. Advertisements showed a long, elongated body with minimal curves. Corsets were replaced by the first bras — the prototypes of modern brassieres. They were far from comfortable but became a symbol of the democratization of fashion and the desire for a balance between aesthetics and convenience.
Wars and revolutions: lingerie in changing times
World War I changed women's fashion: the silhouette became boyish, the bust and hips were hidden, and clothing became practical. Short skirts and light fabrics came into fashion. It was then that the familiar set was formed: bra plus panties.
In the 1930s, the corset returned, but in a new form: using elastic rubber, it softly hugged the body. Garter belts became an essential accessory, emphasizing grace and silhouette.
During World War II, lingerie was even sewn from parachute fabric. In the post-war years, Europe was introduced to nylon and Dior's New Look style. The female waist once again became a "wasp" silhouette, and skirts gained volume and elegance, combining tradition and new trends.
The era of freedom: from abandoning bras to the sexual revolution
The 1960s were marked by student protests and the fight for freedom. The bra was considered a symbol of oppression, and it was burned in the streets. It was replaced by T-shirts without underwear and revealing bikinis.
Manufacturers quickly adapted: the construction of bras became soft, new materials, tights, and mini-skirts appeared. Female sexuality took on new forms: boldness was combined with comfort, and lingerie became an instrument of self-expression.
Modernity: the union of comfort and seduction
Today, lingerie is a harmony of elegance and comfort. In fashion:
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Push-up bras for a striking neckline;
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Bralettes without underwires, emphasizing naturalness;
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Lace, batiste, and silk sets for a sophisticated look;
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Sports models for an active lifestyle.
Lingerie reflects individuality. Some choose minimalism and comfort, while others prefer overt sexuality. But one thing remains constant: lingerie is an important part of the outfit, emphasizing femininity and confidence.
History shows that fashion is cyclical. Corsets and bras have come and gone. And you can be sure that designers will once again find ways to breathe life into forgotten forms, so that the female figure shines in all its glory. At Millaricci, you will find collections that combine historical heritage and modern trends, allowing every woman to find the perfect combination of beauty and comfort.
