Loincloths, knee-length drawers, or corsets that induced abortions: that’s how lingerie has been throughout history

The evolution of underwear, and specifically lingerie, largely reflects the evolution of human history, especially the sexualization of women and its subsequent revolution.

Lingerie Origins: A Historical Overview

We all know what lingerie is like today, its textures, delicacy, sensuality, etc., but it’s challenging to pinpoint a specific birth date for lingerie as we know it.

Reviewing its history, the term ‘lingerie’ comes from French, referencing linen that was cultivated in ancient Egypt around the 4th century B.C. For one of the earliest pieces of evidence of underwear use, we go back to 1922 when Tutankhamun’s tomb was opened, and he was found with a linen diaper, which could be considered the precursor to today’s known men’s briefs.

On the other hand, in the Roman Empire, men used a kind of loincloth to cover the genital area, while women added linen or leather bands to support the chest. The type of material used depended on the social class to which they belonged. Though archaic, this was one of the earliest representations of lingerie worn by women.

Later, silk became the primary material for the design and crafting of women’s intimate garments, while in the case of men’s underwear, they were made from wool.

From the French Revolution onwards, intimate garments such as lingerie became associated with power and sexuality. In the 1800s, corsets became popular, and later, corsets were introduced. Emphasizing beauty and sexuality, the use of these garments was not recommended, as it could lead to abortions, infertility, as well as harm to the ribs and lung capacity.

Intimate Apparel in the Last 100 Years: The Rise of Comfortable and Polished Garments

“It wasn’t until the 20th century that underwear for men and women became much more comfortable. In 1914, Mary Phelps invented the first modern bra. For men, a type of very long underwear, down to the knees, was fashionable. It wasn’t until 1934 that we saw the first briefs. However, another evolution was added to both sexes’ underwear: it began to be decorated. This led it to become one of the most important sexual accessories of this century.

Women’s lingerie has changed according to the beauty standards, as until the 1950s, women’s curves were emphasized. But in the 1960s, straighter figures started to be used, giving rise to babydolls, loose lingerie “nightgowns” that didn’t reveal the figure of each body.

From the 1970s onwards, with the advent of women’s liberation, more changes occurred in this intimate apparel with new materials, making them more comfortable, yet no less sensual.

Today, there is a wide variety of underwear for all tastes and colors, as you can choose from a very broad selection ranging from formal to casual, for all types of clothing and activities. Nevertheless, lingerie remains the clear winner when it comes to eroticism and sensuality.”