History of Lingerie

It is only really in the second half of the 20th century that lingerie became appealing to the eye .Originally the word lingerie was used to describe all forms of underwear for both sexes particularly in France from where the word originated. In English the word relates to women’s wear and is not usually associated with basic underwear. Women tended to wear underwear for hygiene, to cover them selves and in certain fashions decades to alter there shape. Until the start of the 20th century underwear garments tended to be large and cumbersome but gradually designs changed and became smaller and more delicate. During and just after the war years some lingerie was even made from parachutes and with the arrival of the swinging 60’s lingerie designs become more sexually appealing. In the later half of the 20th century up to today lingerie has become part of a fashion statement and can now be worn as an outer garment