The Evolution of Lingerie: What Stood the Test of Time (and what flopped)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

The evolution of lingerie is filled with a lot of hits and a lot of misses. Some pieces were so sexy and sultry that they remain an iconic and essential top-drawer lingerie staple. While others, we just look back and laugh. But all of it comes with a hefty dose of appreciation and nostalgia.

Underwear

Underwear will always be around and is perhaps the longest-standing part of the evolution of lingerie. Its purpose is mostly for hygiene and comfort, so we don’t see it going out of style any time soon. Even the hippies who ditched bras in the ’70s and the modern-day booby-freedom-fighters can attest to the importance of panties.

The Past

The French drawers of the 1800s were knee-length and baggy. As time went on there is a noticeable decrease in the amount of fabric used in underwear. The ’50s brought us bloomers, but as women’s fashion evolved from loose, puffy skirts to mini skirts then ultra-tight jeans, bloomers turned to “granny panties” which then turned to nearly-nothing thongs.

The Present

Full coverage underwear continues to dominate the market as many women seek comfort and functionality. Thongs are primarily reserved for sexy lingerie sets or to rid an outfit of panty lines. But they are no longer the everyday underwear choice as they once were in the ’90s and early 2000s.

The Future

Underwear is becoming more inclusive of all body shapes and sizes as the industry is recognizing that not all women are shaped the same down there and continue to make underwear more comfortable and functional.

Menstrual underwear also made its debut in recent years as did environmentally sound and eco-friendly underwear manufacturing and processing initiations. As the future of underwear is heading toward making sexy inclusive and environmentally conscious, we’re excited to see if older trends will come back around as they tend to. Perhaps the silky, structureless shorts of the ’20s are due for a comeback!?

Bras

As the purpose of the bra evolved, so did its shape (and notably its comfort, too!). What was once meant to contort the body to fit clothes is now itself an appropriate top on its own, built into apparel, or ditched altogether.

The Past

In the 1800s, the bra elongated down to the upper torso. Its purpose was to tighten and lift the bosom. Similar to the famous push-up bra of the id 2000s. In between, the bra was reshaped to flatten the chest to create a boyish figure. A torpedo trend made quite the statement in the ’80s with cone-shaped cups ( a new take on the 40s bullet bra). And the introduction of the sports bra was one of the first concepts that considered comfort and functionality.

The Present

Most women now have a wide variety of bras. The sexy, lace half-cup lingerie, the full-coverage everyday support bra, and the sports bra that helps keep everything in place during strenuous activity. Strapless and backless are also becoming a common essential to suit formal gowns or low-cut party blouses. The most significant evolution of lingerie bras is the inclusivity in sizing and the quality of the material.

The Future

Thin, lacy bralettes have made a return. Often providing little, to no support these dainty, yet classic brasiers are fashionable, lightweight, and are often a statement piece or accent within an outfit.

Many women are going braless again. With dresses and camis coming with built-in support, the extra bra becomes unnecessary. However, when it comes to lingerie, bras are becoming brighter, lacier, racier, and feature details include straps across the brassier and sheer cup material.

The bigger lingerie brands that are redefining sexy, are finding that their customers want sexy bras that are also comfortable. Which can mean ditching the underwire and embracing the natural shape of the bust. But for the most part, bras will often remain the best part of a lady’s day…when it’s being removed.

Sexy Lingerie

Boudoir lingerie is still the sassiest and most fun undergarments of all. Fortunately, the idea of sexy has significantly evolved, but the overall idea of what lingerie is and the empowered, beautiful way it’s meant to make you feel, remains.

The Past

Long-lined, heavily boned corsets that prevented women from sitting, is a thing of the past though versions of them still linger in modern-day shapewear. Vintage lingerie focused on cinching and tightening to give the appearance of a feminine, hourglass figure. Comfort and functionality weren’t often considered in the design until the 1920s where we were introduced to flimsy slips and silky shorts.

Loose-fitting and less constraint were the themes of lingerie until the ’50s where lingerie made great strides in being glamorous. Many modern-day trends are an ode to ’50s lingerie.

By the mid-2000s, lingerie became outerwear as popstars and actresses hit the red carpet showing off their bustiers, thongs peeking out above their low-rise mini skirts, and colorful, lace bras being seen beneath sheer or deep V cut tops.

The Present

In recent years, sexy lingerie has moved toward body positivity and inclusivity. Clothes are meant to fit people, not women having to feel forced into clothes. Brands have also included shade ranges that look appealing on all skin tones.

Full coverage and flattering are a hit along with high-waisted pieces. Corsets and lacey bralettes have made a comeback and accessories including garter belts, robes, and pantyhose are still a boudoir fav.

The Future

The future of lingerie looks to celebrate women’s bodies and will continue to blend style, comfort, and functionality. Trendsetters predict seductive colors, silk slips, sultry matching sets, cropped boned camis, and soft bras to lead the way.

What Stood the Test of Time

The evolution of lingerie never really feels like we have to look too far back in time, as trends tend to reemerge and reinspire new generations of designers. There are a few pieces that are particularly timeless that we don’t see fading out anytime soon, including