If you’ve seen Gone with the Wind, you probably remember the opening scene. Scarlett O’Hara wears what could be called the “costume of the century”—a corset with metal boning. She stands in front of the mirror, painfully holding the metal frame. This scene shows the aesthetic ideals of Victorian-era women. It also shows the main purpose of underwear at the time. It wasn’t for comfort. It was to shape women’s bodies to fit the standards of the era.
The invention of underwear wasn’t an overnight success. It was part of a long, gradual process. Underwear has evolved from basic functional garments to modern comfort and fashion. Its development is closely tied to changes in women’s body shapes and shifts in social culture. So, when did underwear first appear? Today, let’s explore the history of underwear. We’ll see how it slowly evolved into the intimate garments we wear every day.
1. The Origins and Evolution of Underwear: From Constraint to Shaping
The original function of underwear was to cover and protect the body. In ancient Egypt, women wore garments like “corsets,” wrapping fabric around their chests. Historical records show that Queen Cleopatra wore a leather “corset.” However, it wasn’t for shaping, but to symbolize her power and wealth. In ancient Greece, women wore belt-like garments. These helped keep their clothes in place and gave a slight shape to their bodies. Over time, underwear designs became increasingly complex. In the Middle Ages, women used fabric bands to bind their chests. The goal was to create a more compact figure.
During the Renaissance and Victorian eras, undergarments changed. They went from providing privacy to enforcing beauty standards. As society focused more on women’s curves, undergarments began to shape the body. By the Victorian era, corsets and bodices were common. These garments symbolized beauty ideals and women’s roles in family and society. Women’s bodies were intentionally shaped to reflect their “subordinate status” in society. Undergarments of the time acted as a double constraint. They shaped both women’s bodies and behavior. This was done to meet the expectations of a male-dominated society.
2. The Invention of Modern Undergarments: The Awakening of Women’s Self-Awareness
The true “invention” of undergarments began in the late 19th to early 20th century. In the early 20th century, the modern bra began to take shape. During this time, corsets were common, and women’s figures were tightly shaped. The waist and chest were often constricted, becoming standard attire. However, a woman named Mary Phelps Jacob was unhappy with traditional corsets. She found them uncomfortable and felt they restricted her movement. One day, Jacob went to a dance wearing a corset and felt extremely uncomfortable. She then decided to create a more comfortable alternative using silk and ribbons. Jacob took two pieces of fabric and connected them with silk and ribbons. She created a prototype similar to the modern bra. This design was free of constraints but still supported the bust. It offered great comfort and flexibility.
Jacob’s invention is considered the foundation of the modern bra. It inspired future lingerie designers and sparked a revolution in the industry. Her design gave women more freedom of movement. It also marked the start of lingerie that focused on both comfort and function. Jacob’s innovation broke away from the corset’s tight constraints. It changed underwear from just a focus on looks to a symbol of women’s comfort and confidence.
Underwear has evolved from constraint to freedom. It has shifted from traditional roles to modern independence. This change reflects the shifting status of women. Women are no longer defined by external standards but by their own choices. Today, lingerie design focuses on comfort while balancing personalization, function, and diversity. It meets women’s needs in different life situations. Modern lingerie allows women to express themselves. Whether it’s for everyday comfort or to emphasize sensuality, each design has a purpose. From sports bras to seamless ones, each piece shapes the body and shows confidence. Today, women use lingerie to enhance their beauty and express their independence. It’s a way to show their freedom too. They break free from old constraints and embrace comfort and style that truly belong to them.