Throughout history, lingerie has served as more than just a functional garment—it has been a reflection of beauty ideals, craftsmanship, and the art of adornment. From the corseted silhouettes of the Victorian era to the freeing styles of the 1920s, the evolution of lingerie has always intertwined with cultural views of the body.
Today, choosing the right lingerie is a practical consideration and an expression of personal style. Here's a guide to help you select lingerie that complements your unique body type, inspired by centuries of style and design.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Body Shape
The concept of "flattering" lingerie is not a modern invention. For centuries, garments have been designed to enhance, conceal, or reshape the natural silhouette. To choose lingerie that truly suits you, it’s essential to identify your body type and pick the lingerie that suits your body type.
Celebrating Balance with Hourglass
Hourglass body shape has balanced proportions with a defined waistline. This silhouette has been celebrated since the era of the corset. For those with a classic hourglass figure, lingerie that highlights the waist is most flattering. These styles mirror the structured undergarments of the Victorian era, which emphasized proportion and symmetry.
Best Choices: Corsets, balconette bras, and high-waisted panties.
Achieving Harmony with Pear Shape
A narrower upper body with fuller hips, reminiscent of the romantic ideals seen in 18th-century portraiture. Pear-shaped bodies benefit from styles that draw attention upward while softly skimming the hips. This approach echoes the Rococo period’s fascination with enhancing the bust while allowing garments to flow over fuller hips.
Best Choices: Push-up bras, babydolls, and A-line chemises.
Apple: Enhancing Definition
The apple-shaped body has a fuller midsection and bust, often likened to Renaissance depictions of Venus. To enhance the beauty of an apple-shaped figure, opt for pieces that create a defined waistline and support the bust. These styles reflect the 19th-century preference for high-waisted designs that framed the torso attractively.
Best Choices: Empire-waist chemises, bodysuits with tummy control, and plunge bras.
Athletic: Adding Curves
A lean, angular build, idealized in the streamlined fashions of the early 20th century. Athletic bodies shine in lingerie that adds softness and detail to the silhouette. Just as the bias-cut dresses of the 1930s softened the athletic silhouettes of the era, modern lingerie can create curves where desired.
Best Choices: Padded bras, bralettes with lace detailing, and lingerie with ruffles or embellishments.
Inverted Triangle: Creating Balance
Broad shoulders with narrower hips, a shape that has inspired bold, structured styles in fashion history.
Broad shoulders can be balanced with lingerie that emphasizes the lower half. These styles recall the structured garments of the 1940s, which often balanced broad shoulders with full skirts.
Best Choices: Halter bras, boyshorts, and teddies with hip details.
The Importance of Fit
A well-fitted garment has always been the hallmark of fine lingerie. In the 18th century, custom stays were crafted to mold the body, and today, the same principle applies.
When fitting bras, ensure your band and cup size are measured correctly. A supportive bra lifts the bust and creates a refined silhouette.
As for panties, look for pieces that fit seamlessly, avoiding lines or pinching. Just as 1920s girdles aimed for smoothness, modern fabrics can achieve this effortlessly.
The Role of Fabric and Details
From the fine linens of the 16th century to the luxurious silks of Edwardian undergarments, fabric choice has always played a role in the feel and allure of lingerie. For example, Silks and Satins are perfect for special occasions, echoing the opulence of the Belle Époque. Cotton and Lace are Ideal for everyday wear, offering breathability and charm reminiscent of vintage chemises.
Regardless of fabrics, the colors and patterns should also be considered. Dark hues such as black and navy create mystery, while pastels evoke the innocence of Regency styles.
While silks and lace have a timeless allure, modern fabrics like latex have carved a niche for themselves in contemporary lingerie. With its sleek, form-fitting properties and high-gloss finish, latex appeals to those seeking a bold and daring look, reminiscent of futuristic fashion innovations.
Modern Lingerie and Timeless Traditions
Today’s lingerie combines centuries of craftsmanship with modern innovation. The popularity of bodysuits and shapewear, for instance, harks back to the soothing effects of the corset, while bralettes celebrate the unstructured freedom of the 1960s.
Accessories, such as garters and stockings, continue to lend a nod to 20th-century glamour, while shapewear fulfills the age-old desire to refine the body’s silhouette.
Confidence as the Final Element
Whether your lingerie is adorned with delicate lace or sleek satin, it’s the way you wear it that makes it truly perfect. Embrace your body, celebrate your shape, and choose pieces that make you feel as extraordinary as the rich history behind them.
Would you like suggestions on modern brands that echo these timeless styles? Let me know—I’d love to explore the world of lingerie with you!
