The History And Purpose Of Womens Lingerie

Lingerie has a long and prosperous history as enhancers of the female form. It is believed that the first example of lingerie for women originated in the Mediterranean. This was two thousand years before Christ. The field of womens lingerie has grown and flourished ever since. Now, it is popular among all classes of people. It appears all around the world. It is also a multi-million dollar industry, with newer styles and functions appearing on a regular basis.

There are two different classes of lingerie for women. One style enhances what women already have. Another style hides what women don't want to have. Bustiers and corsets can fit in both classes. Corsets have a slimming effect, making the waist appear smaller and curvier. Bustiers push up the breasts, enhancing and forming the bust.

Bras are a type of women's lingerie, although they have been so mainstreamed as to be a normal addition to most women's closets. Bras can serve many functions. They support women with bigger busts, aiding in back support. They can pull up drooping breasts, and enhance with gel and other fillers. With a pair of matching panties, bras can also attract.

Lingerie has come a long way from the days of burlesque. Seedy motels and back alley shops were the breeding ground of lingerie back then, when men with insatiable appetites went to Burlesque shows to see their fantasies enacted on stage. Women with skimpy or stringy clothing danced. Some took pieces of their clothing off and taunted the men with them. Now, women can do the same thing for their own men, without the inhibition of those older days. Womens lingerie has come into the light, and there exist many gorgeous and tasteful pieces. And what is not tasteful is acceptable in other circles and with other purposes. The g-strings, thongs, backless panties and fishnet stocking with leather are a look that serves to sell sex. This sex sells between a couple in the bedroom or on the pages of Playboy.

Some popular styles of women's lingerie include:

Camis: These sleeveless tops usually include spaghetti straps and flow over the body. They sometimes include matching panties.

Chemise: A short, straight nightgown, light and soft.

Teddy: Imagine wearing a loose-fitting bathing suit with frills and lace.

Baby Doll: A particular style of lingerie. This was invented in a 1950's movie of the same name. It is a very short nightgown that accentuates the bust. It stops just above the hips and usually comes with panties. The fabric floats away from the body, while it clasps around the bust.

Kimonos and negligees: These are not lingerie, per se, but can be worn over top of it. For women who chill easily in the shorter pieces, this can make the difference between whether they wear lingerie or not.

Womens lingerie was originally made from silk and satin. It represented sexuality and comfort. Now lingerie is made of a lot of different fabrics, each with its own meaning. Leather lingerie denotes danger and carries with it a rebellious attitude. Velvet lingerie is soft and exotic. Cotton is for modern women who dislike frilly, sassy clothing. Lycra, a relative of spandex, is used for a sporty, tight-fitting look.