Celebrating International Lingerie Day with the history of lingerie

We wear lingerie. We love lingerie. Even men are...well let's say...FANS of lingerie :). But when did it become "a thing"? Welcome to lingerie 101, friends. In honor of National Lingerie Day, we wanted to loop you in on the history of our favorite apparel category.

 

First, let's start with:

What is lingerie?

The word derives from the French language, meaning undergarments. In English, it translates to women's undergarments or nightclothes.

When did we start using this term?

The word lingerie was first used to describe women's underwear and bras in 1922. The original informal term suggested anyone using it was referring to something erotic. It all started when Lady Duff-Gordon began developing lingerie styles that freed women of restrictive corsets.

You had us at "comfortable", girl! :) She sounds like someone we'd be friends with...

^Photo from The Wild Magazine ^

Before we started using the term lingerie, women primarily wore underwear for: hygienic reasons, modesty and to alter their outward shape. During WWI, women found themselves in traditional men's jobs and needed more practical, breatheable and lightweight undergarments.

Hmmm...if only MADI Apparel existed back then, right?! We totally understand the whole comfy meets practical thing.

In the 1960s, lingerie became more glamorized. And beginning in the 21st century, lingerie manufacturers began creating garments that dualed as outerwear ot "innerwear as outerwear". This is our JAM and specialty! Mad respect to the pioneers who kicked this off.

 

 

As the wants, needs and desires of women have evolved, so have our PANTS as the English women say. No woman is the same and neither are our wants and needs. We want to be that staple basics brand that offers you ALL of the comfy cozy practicals that you never want to take off...
Happy lingerie day, gals! Cheers to wearing whatever YOU think looks nice and feels nice.