“You’ve come a long way, baby,” is most definitely a phrase that can be applied to the evolution of the women’s undergarments. If you are interested in studying vintage lingerie, you can begin at the entrance of the twentieth century, when women began to say goodbye to corsets in favor of more comfortable, less restricting choices. From the beginning of the 1900’s, the course of vintage lingerie seemed to ebb and flow with the changes in culture and fashion.

Corset to Brassiere

In the early 1900’s many women threw out their tight, restrictive corsets in favor of the more comfortable brassiere. These original bras were made from comfy fabrics like silk and cotton, and were adorned with delicate embroidery and feminine lace. However, the farewell to the tighter undergarments of this style of vintage lingerie was short-lived, since the girdle became a mainstay in the 1920’s to accentuate the long, lean flapper look of the times. Still, vintage lingerie of this generation was softer and more indulgent in style to reflect the fun-loving culture of the time.

In the 1930’s, Hollywood glamour became the vogue look of this age, and vintage lingerie was created to wear under the beautiful, clinging gowns that became popular during this time. As attention shifted to the bust line, bra manufacturers developed the first fitted cup for bras that was more flattering under the sensual styles of clothing. Silk and cotton gave way to easier care, man-made fibers like rayon. Adornments were kept to a minimum, so that the smooth lines of the clothing were not interrupted by the vintage lingerie.

Names come to the Forefront

By the 1950’s, bras became more elaborate in design, and were crafted to enhance the bust line for any shape or size. Women wanted to look great and feel good, so underwear was designed to be worn and forgotten. This was the era that names like Warner became familiar in the marketplace, and vintage lingerie of this time was made by companies that are still recognized today. As the next decade surfaced, comfortable underwear was replaced by no underwear at all, as bra burning became a symbol of women’s liberation. Vintage lingerie at this time was designed for comfort, like the cotton panties that were worn under the still popular blue jeans.

If you are interested in finding pieces of this vintage lingerie that was the rage during many of these decades, there are collectors and retailers that still offer many of these garments for sale. You can also find reproductions that will give you a blast from the past with the comfort and craftsmanship of today.

You can find lingerie in a variety of colors: pink, red, black, purple, orange, yellow, virtually any color in the rainbow. One of the most favored colors for lingerie of all however is white. White lingerie exudes a certain sense of innocence and demureness, which no other color of lingerie can. Even if the lingerie itself is very sexy the white color still gives off a look of purity.

This is why most bridal lingerie is white, and why white lingerie is so popular in general. If you are interested in finding white lingerie for yourself, then there is a few lingerie companies in particular you are going to want to check out.

Your Options

You can find all sorts of white lingerie, from corsets, baby dolls and bustiers, to camisoles, teddies, garter belts and more. You can even have your white lingerie custom made so that the style and fit will be perfect on your body. This will usually cost you a bit more but is definitely worth it, especially if the lingerie is for a special occasion.

When it comes to actually finding white lingerie you should be able to find at least a remotely decent selection at any basic lingerie store, but if you are looking for a specific style of lingerie then you will want to take a bit of time to find a company that specializes in the particular lingerie you are interested in.

Another great thing about white lingerie is that it looks great with everything, and so you can even wear it as an actual outfit, for instance if you are going out for the night to a bar or club. Pair a white corset with a lace sweater or shrug and some dark jeans and you will have a hot sexy ensemble that everyone will be talking about.

Just make sure that if you do wear your lingerie out you have something to cover yourself up a bit, so that your outfit is not overly revealing and looks like you forgot to get dressed before you left the house. Also remember that you only want to choose lingerie that is going to work for you and flatter your figure, so never buy any lingerie just because it looks good on the mannequin. Every woman is different and every woman has her own particular body shape so you want to find lingerie that is going to hug your curves and emphasize the parts of your body that you love most.

Once you have set the date, ordered the flowers and purchased the dress, it is time to shop for the perfect set of wedding lingerie. The undergarments that you select for that special day will make a difference not only in how your dress will fit, but in your comfort level as well. And of course, you will want wedding lingerie that will take you from your day as a bride to your night as a newlywed in style and sensuality. While it may seem like a tall order for a simple bra and panty set, there are plenty of great choices in wedding lingerie that will ensure that you can find the perfect pieces to meet your taste, size and budget.

When to Shop

While many women may be tempted to head to the intimate apparel shop as soon as the engagement is announced, it is best to wait to purchase wedding lingerie until after the dress has been selected. This will ensure that the undergarments you choose will offer the proper coverage under your gown without the worry of peek-a-boo straps or hemlines. If you opt for a gown with a low cut bodice, you will want a bra that will make the most of your bust line. For smaller women, this may include a push-up bra or a padded variety. For dresses with low backs, you will want to make sure that your bra or corset comes with a fastener at the waistline, instead of across the middle of your back.

Long, sheath-style dresses will require a long slip underneath to ensure adequate coverage and allow the skirt to drape and flow properly. You can also use your wedding lingerie to enhance your natural shape, by opting for garments that offer additional support or control. If your dress is tight-fitting, you may want to go with a full body suit that will flatten the tummy and draw in the waist to a flattering shape. Keep in mind that although this type of wedding lingerie can be figure enhancing, it can also be quite uncomfortable, so shop carefully and plan accordingly.

The Wedding Night

Since this will be the apparel that you greet your new husband in, you will want your wedding lingerie to be beautiful as well as functional. Don’t be afraid to skimp on the details like plenty of lace and ribbon, and opt for the elegant fabrics like silk and satin that will feel as good as they look. For a sexy look, opt for the garter and seamed stockings instead of the traditional panty hose. You will be able to find a broad array of garter belts that will appeal to every taste.

Your wedding lingerie should be a fun item to shop for, and a beautiful ensemble to wear under your gown on your most special day. Take your time and find the best choice in wedding lingerie for you.