Retro Lingerie - Fashion History

"Retro Lingerie" –
What Exactly Does Retro Lingerie Mean?

Today when women talk of retro lingerie, they are typically referring to the pinup era – namely, the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. The women of this time period favored showing off their curves and dazzling everyone with their delightful figures.

Although these three decades are the height of pinup style, retro lingerie also refers to designs from the entire 20th century.

The beauty, as well as the fit of retro lingerie is what makes it so stunning. (Read more on the fit of retro lingerie.) However “retro lingerie” also usually refers to certain specific items, such as:

Bras
These can be lightweight bralettes like those of the earlier 20th century, or full-on bullet bras.

Did you know it was Warners who introduced bra cup sizes in the 1930s? In the 1940s, padding was added as a way to prevent nipple show-through.

In the 1950s, bullet bras were in style. These bras separated the breasts and gave them lift, without modern-day underwires or molded cups. The bullet shape was created by concentric circles of stitching on the cups, resulting in a cone. Midriff bras were common. These created the shapes of the original Sweater Girls – those gorgeous pinups who looked so good in a sweater!

Garters
These can be sexy garter belts that hold up stockings or flirtatious – and handy! – leg garters, as were used to help a parched flapper take refreshment during Prohibition.

Full Slips
A staple of retro lingerie, full slips show everything off while keeping the tease alive.

Beginning in this time period, form-fitting full slips that supported the bosom and extended to the knee became popular. Famous pinups in full slips include Rita Hayworth and Elizabeth Taylor.

Camisoles
Very popular in the early part of the 20th century, camisoles are still loved for their comfort and sex appeal.

Girdles and Corsets
An essential and fun bit of fashion still considered the ultimate in sexy. Longline girdles were popular to get a smooth and glamorous look.


Sources:
http://www.fashion-era.com/bras_and_girdles.htm
http://www.kissmegoodnight.com