1920s Lingerie Styles & Trends

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Women, fashion, and lingerie in the 1920s were all iconic. The energetic era of flappers inspired a time of freedom, fun, and independence. Lingerie in the 1920s evolved from buxom to boyish. Out with the tight girdles of the 1900s and in with the flattened silhouettes, loose slips, and comfortable bloomers and chemise. Here are the best of 1920s lingerie styles and trends that taught us all about shapeless chic.

Girdles & Corsets

There are few things as feminine as the waist-whittling girdle and bust-boosting Corset. These were still used in the ’20s but in a uniquely different way. Instead of contouring the curves of the womanly figure, gals were using them to flattened their waist, thighs, stomach, and chest. 

Lacing and elastic panels redefined a curvy shape and the light boning kept the torso flat while remaining flexible. The compressed style created an androgynous appearance that allowed loose-fitting dresses to flow freely. A corselette was a uniquely long corset meant to compress the thighs as much as possible. It was noticeable stiff to walk in. This trend didn’t survive past the decade.

Bras in the 1920s

Following suit with the boyish figure fad, bras in the 1920s offered very little support and were meant to flatten the chest. Made of silk and embellished with lace, the bra was by no means a statement piece but a utility to flatten the chest. Bandeau brassieres and Symington Side Lacers offered a variety of bust confining designs with the most prominent being a minimal rectangle piece of fabric worn tightly across the chest with two 1 inch straps over the shoulders. A bust bodice was made longer with garter hooks on the front to attach to a waist corset or girdle.

Knickers & Bloomers

What we’d call today underwear or panties were referred to as knickers or bloomers in the 1920s. Loose-fitting shorts embellished with lace, ribbon, or buttons properly complemented a camisole top for maximum comfort. The material was lightweight, most commonly crepe de chine from silk. The waistline was elastic and usually included elastic or fitted capped knees. Toward the end of the decade, wider-legged bloomers were embraced and sold as a set with a bra. The most common colors included orange, peach, violet, jade green, blue, yellow, and pink.

Pajamas, Gowns, & Robes

Contrasting the subtle designs of 1920s lingerie styles were the over-the-top Pjs, robes, and gowns. It was common to find women lounging in their boudoir in style. These layered sets were extravagant and heavily detailed at the bottom hem, the cuff of the wrist, and at the bottom of the trousers. Designs included intricate lace, beading, and ribbon. 

Step ins/All-in-Ones

As the decade’s ladies of leisure, the step-ins and all-in-one jumpsuits make perfect sense. Also referred to as the cami-knicker or cami-bloomer, combines the camisole and knickers into a single loose undergarment. The combination of bloomer and slip had even less shape and became the 1920s most worn underwear. 

The chemise step-in, envelope chemise, or teddy had no elastic with a high-cut waist. The crotch was buttoned or stitched with fluted folds falling at the knee. The material of the all-in-ones was graceful and dainty and similar to the modern-day romper. Opposing the “push up and push out” approach to lingeries in previous years, the step-in chemise draped comfortably and became a signature look for glamorous nightwear.

Dress Slips

As functional then as they are today, dress slips haven’t changed much over time. The slippery fabric was shadow-proof and fell straight on the body. There may be pleats added to the hip area for ease of movement.  Because slits were so sleek they were great for preventing the dress to cling to the body but what difficult keeping the slippery straps on the shoulder.  Clips and pins were often needed to attach the slip strap to the shoulder seams of the dress.

Most had a square neckline that was dressed in lace and some had a drawstring right below the bust to suit a variety of dresses or gowns. They also came in a variety of lengths that stipped just above the hem of the dress. Most hems were plain or had trimmed lace. On some occasions, a lady would wear multiple slips to fill out a skirt or gown.

Stockings

Soft, subtle, and simple was the name of the lingerie age for all but stockings. If the 1920s gal was feeling daring, the stocking would be knee-high should they dare to flash their knee caps. Securely suspended hosiery and garter belts were a staple 1920’s lingerie style. The era of jazz made leg-flashy dancing the norm and stockings were meant to be a noticeable accessory. Silk, wool, cotton, and synthetic rayon were the primary materials used. 

Styling and Accessories

1920s lingerie styles and trends were less about individual pieces but how they were assembled and worn. Layering and accessorizing their undergarments weren’t uncommon. Delicate slips were paired with a garter belt and stockings topped with a heavy set of pearls and house slides for the perfect, night-in look that was feminine and casual, yet glamorous in its own right.

Other infamous pairings include the boyish duo chemise blouse paired with mid-thigh, silk knickers, layering long corselettes with a decorative bralette and embellished robe, or cami-bloomers with a girdle or stocking. The approach to lingerie was creative, true to the era, and mastered the art of both layers and minimalism.

A Lingerie Revolution

A lot was changing for women in the 1920s. Along with finally being to vote, women were empowered to live as freely as they wanted. The hair was shorter and so were the dresses. 1920s lingerie show empowerment, beauty in the details, and an incredible sense of fashion paired with comfort and functionality. 

Head over to Etsy for a large selection of vintage 1920s lingerie.