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1970s lingerie was a turning point in fashion.
The 70s were revolutionary times for women, the long battle towards equality and fair treatment become stronger, and still fighting along with minorities and the gay community, they got rid of the conventional clothes and refused to follow rules imposed on them by men back then.
Though 1970s lingerie wasn’t always a proclamation of protest, it did justice to serving women’s needs for functionality and comfort and stretch beyond sex appeal.
They become tired of the only option that was considered right back then and being a good housewife or stay-at-home mom was no longer the primary goal. 1970’s lingerie was as ambitious as the women of the time.
Bright colors, unique patterns, bizarre shapes, and textures. 1970s fashion took the world by storm. While lingerie of the time took a completely opposite approach and became more subtle, soft, and understated.
Ditching Hollywood Standards
1970s lingerie was geared toward the average woman instead of a starlet standard. Sure, on-screen divas had their influence, but this generation celebrated the individual for not following the crowd.
This meant an increase in variety across all forms of lingerie.
Barely There Bra
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.
Seamlessly Sexy
1970s lingerie favored clinging cotton with little to no support. Passing right by the girdles and heading straight for the bralette. Women were still celebrating their freedom movements. This foundation-free era was short-lived as the ’80s brought on the wonder bra.
Today, however, the “free the nipple” movement is back and 1970s styled bralettes are back in style.
The natural look was in. Fabrics were softer and the goal was to eliminate bra and panty lines from peaking through clothes. It’s better to bare a nipple than for it to look like you’re trying too hard with a support bra.
Bodysuits
The number of undergarments continued to decrease until it was down the one. The single bodysuit. The disco era embraced the nylon bodysuit. It was a functional all-in-one piece. Ladies loved the convenience.
There were many ways to wear a 1970s bodysuit, under your jersey dress or style them with bellbottoms. Not unlike how we style vintage bodysuits today.
Pantyhose
Pantyhose remained a timeless staple in the 70s. Especially with women entering the workforce, these were a part of any professional woman’s wardrobe. 1970s pantyhose were also promoted for tummy control, which favored those wearing fitted, pencil skirt suits.
Slips and skirt slips were commonplace and favored for the way they made outwear appear–less cling.
Nightgowns and Sleepwear
Cozy nightwear 1970s lingerie was soft, natural, and feminine. Doing the bare minimum but giving the most. The fluff and frill of previous generations didn’t suit the women of this time. Comfort, accessibility, and ease were prioritized.
Even though the colors were softer and the styles were simpler, 1970’s lingerie was as romantic as ever. Flowy, long gowns, loose bottoms with tailored tops, and babydoll nighties were signature nightclothes. If they were going to be hitting the workforce in the morning, nightclothes had to promote a comfortable rest.
Sheer dress robes with loose-fitting long sleeves are a 1970s lingerie signature. These may be the most dramatic number of the time. Perfectly feminine and suited every body type, dress robes were easy to throw on and stylish enough to wear around the house for hours.
For a little more romance, women’s victorian nightgowns were the go-to vintage lingerie of the era.
Pajama sets were also common, mostly for the younger crowd. They usually featured a long-sleeve button-down and pants in an identical pattern.
Panties in the 70s
Bikini briefs were the ultimate creation. Fabrics like rayon and spandex finally made undergarments breathable.
The ‘70s had the most variety of underwear we have seen up to this point. There were high-waisted control panties similar to the 60s. Some stretch down to the mid-thigh. Alternatively, low-waisted panties were still emerging. Bikini cuts weren’t quite in yet as women weren’t into trimming and maintaining “down there”.
Bright colors, bold patterns, and psychedelic-influenced designs were common for cotton undies.
Matching bra and pantie sets were common and often featured in white, black, and ivory. Loose-fitting teddy lingerie was a beautiful blend of innocent and sexy. A one-piece 1970s teddy would feature a sheer, lace, peek-a-boo bosom with boy-short bottoms.
This perfectly describes the look of the 1970s–Powerful, sexy, and a fun blend of masculine and feminine. With pants and button-down shirts entering women’s apparel, the lines in fashion were getting blurred.
Corsets
Iconique and sexy, this item was used by women for centuries. This gave everything an undergarment could give. Besides comfort. So for the most part, they were avoided in the ’70s until a fringe trend, known as the punk movement, brought corsets back but as outerwear.
Starlets like Vivienne Westwood were a fan of this look. This trend inspired amazing designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier in the following years.
Notably tailored to women’s needs, 1970s lingerie celebrated practicality without sacrificing beauty and style.
Head over to Etsy and browse vintage 1970s lingerie!
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