From headbands to thongs: the evolution of women's underwear

Over the centuries, the role and appearance of women's panties have changed greatly. Once upon a time they were not worn at all as unnecessary. And now trousers and knickers are coming back into fashion, as if from the Middle Ages. Today I will talk about the evolution of underpants and their significance in the life of mankind.

How it all began

The exact time of appearance of the panties cannot be determined. Historical images do not give the full picture. For example, the Romans are shown wearing red clothes that resemble swimsuits. At that time, loincloths were used only for wrestling, and were not used in everyday life. In the northern regions, men had to wear tight pants. They protected the body well from damage and cold. Women were usually at home and did not need special protection, so there was no need for underwear. Often her role was played by many skirts.

Pants

In the mid-16th century in France, women began to wear long johns. This is due to the desire of ladies to master horse riding. They felt uncomfortable when the wind lifted their skirts while riding horses.The ladies found themselves naked to the waist. The main piece of women's underwear was a long shirt. She was uncomfortable, tangled between her legs, but refusal of her was recognized by society as debauchery and depravity.

Trousers

This item of women's clothing was significantly different from long johns. The legs of the pantaloons were not sewn together. They were first worn by courtesans, then they came into use among the lower and middle strata of society. Gradually, the aristocracy also recognized this type of underwear. The unsewn part of the pantaloons allowed women to relieve themselves without outside help. The upper half was pressed down by the corset; to remove it, the presence of another person was necessary. At the end of the 19th century, trouser legs were sewn, but the conservative part of ladies' society preferred pantaloons without a seam.

A time of rapid change

The twentieth century brought many innovations to the design of women's underwear. Long trousers with lots of lace were gradually shortened. Fashion designers tried to maintain their sophistication, increase functionality, but not deviate from the moral principles of society.

A revolution in women's fashion occurred during the First World War. The ladies finally freed themselves from corsets, radically changed their hairstyles, and replaced long nightgowns and pantaloons with silk slips.

From the 20s to the 50s of the 20th century, panties became high, smoothly emphasizing the contours of the body. They were elongated to make it convenient to attach stockings to them. The French house Dior produces a collection of lingerie with tight panties that have a high waist. They resembled a corset and emphasized the figure.

In the 60s, the feminist movement gained strength in the world and had a significant impact on lingerie fashion. Panties were reduced in size, and numerous types of this part of the ladies' wardrobe were created.

In the 70s there was an attempt to eliminate underwear during the heyday of the hippie movement. Nudist beaches, where there is no place for clothing, are spreading all over the world. But at the same time, different styles of underwear appear:

• Erotic.
• Sports.
• Evening.

In the 80s and 90s, briefs took on a piquant twist. They are made from beautiful thin fabrics that do not add volume, fit the figure well and give a sexy look.

In the 21st century, panty models have different options. They are so diverse that they receive their own classification. Trends in underwear are influenced by films, music videos, and youth attitudes.

In our time

Today, briefs have a high or low waist and differ in cut and material. The varieties are:

• Bikini.
• Thongs.
• Brazilian.
• Devan-derriere.
• Tanga.
• Shorts.
• Slips.
• Retro.
• Culottes.
• Tonga.

But pantaloons also remain in fashion. They have a high waist and cover the legs up to the knee. If the product is made of elastic fabrics with inserts for correction of problem areas, then such pantaloons are classified as corsetry products. They are used to improve the figure. There are models made of thin lace that represent erotic lingerie.