The History of Lingerie Through the Centuries: A Journey Through Time
From Ancient Greece to modern times, discover how lingerie has evolved without losing its essence — a symbol of beauty, freedom, and expression.
Lingerie in antiquity
The earliest records of intimate garments date back to Ancient Greece. At that time, it was common for women to wear a strip of fabric called a strophion , tied around the chest to cover and support the breasts. They also wore a piece of fabric on the lower part of the body, similar to panties, made of materials such as linen or cotton.
Medieval Intimate Pieces
(15th century)
Recent studies indicate that the origins of lingerie predate the 19th century, with important archaeological discoveries at Lengberg Castle in Austria in 2008. More than 2,700 textile fragments were found hidden in a wooden compartment beneath the building's floor, buried around 1480 during renovations. Among the artifacts are delicate linen bras and a garment similar to a modern loincloth, which, however, was worn exclusively by men. These discoveries reflect the social norms and perceptions of gender and power of that historical period.
Lingerie in the 19th century
In the early 19th century, the first pieces similar to modern panties appeared, known as pantaloons or pantalettes . Made of light, sheer fabrics, they covered part of the legs up to the knees, aiming for modesty and protection under voluminous skirts and dresses.
Fashion in the Romantic Period
(1830)
Around 1830, marked by the Romantic style, women began to adopt clothing with cinched waists, full skirts, and voluminous sleeves. This look was made possible by the popularization of the corset and crinoline, structures that molded the female body and defined the desired silhouette of the time.
Modernization of Underwear
(1850)
From the 1850s onward, new corset designs emerged that incorporated more sophisticated materials such as satin, lace, and padded structures, bringing them closer to the modern cup design. These innovations sought to provide greater comfort, refinement, and aesthetic appeal.
The Emergence of the Modern Corset and Brassiere (1889 - 1914)
In 1889, Herminie Cadolle, an innovative French designer, created the first corset divided into two parts: the upper section, designed to support the bust, and the lower section, to define the waist. Called the “corselet-gorge”, this model revolutionized the concept of female support by introducing shoulder straps, offering comfort and freedom of movement.
In the early 1890s, underwear began to lose its bulky shapes, and corsets were gradually replaced by brassieres, the early version of the modern bra. In 1914, Caresse Crosby (Mary Phelps Jacob) patented the first practical and lightweight brassiere, a key milestone in the transition toward modern women’s lingerie.
The Evolution of Underwear in the 20th Century (1920-1940)
In the 1920s, lingerie became more streamlined, taking on a more natural and comfortable look. Camiknickers stood out, practical pieces that combined a camisole and panties, ideal for short, fitted dresses of the time. These lingerie remained popular until World War II, when women began wearing trousers for work.
Influence of Pin-ups (1950)
In the 1950s, fueled by pin-up images, lingerie gained a definitive association with sensuality and aesthetic boldness. Marilyn Monroe and other pin-up models revolutionized beauty standards, showcasing the female body in a more confident and expressive way.
Lingerie Diversification
(1960-1990)
Between the 1960s and 1990s, lingerie saw significant diversification, with a variety of shapes, lightweight fabrics, cups, adjustable straps, and sophisticated finishes. Lingerie became a key element of women's clothing, seen as a fashion staple rather than just a functional item.
Celebrity Impact
(1980–1990)
Celebrities like Cher redefined the role of lingerie in popular culture. With her provocative bodysuits and daring costumes, she transformed intimate garments into central elements of stage looks, helping lingerie move beyond mere functionality to occupy a prominent place in fashion and pop culture.
Present day
Today, the lingerie market is vast and diverse, with countless options in shapes, fabrics and styles, allowing women to choose pieces adapted to their preferences, needs and specific occasions, valuing comfort, design and innovation.
The information and images presented in this content were based on historical sources, academic articles, fashion archives, and specialized museums, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Costume Institute, as well as publications on the history of intimate apparel available on platforms such as Vogue, Glamour, ThoughtCo, and Vintage Dancer. The iconography was complemented by advertising records, period catalogs, artificial intelligence, and digital collections from public and private archives.