A Brief History of Women’s Underwear

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-09T15:01:52.767Z • Permanent link

In 1790, French inventor La Révellière-Lépeaux patented the first practical corset, a garment designed to cinch the waist and create a more hourglass figure. This innovation marked the beginning of a long and complex history of women's underwear, shaped by social, cultural, and economic forces. In the 19th century, corsets became a staple of women's fashion, particularly in Europe and North America, where they were seen as essential for modesty and femininity. However, the rigid, often constricting designs of these early corsets also posed health risks, including respiratory problems and circulatory issues.

By the mid-20th century, the corset had largely fallen out of favor, replaced by more practical and comfortable alternatives such as bras and girdles. The 1950s and 1960s saw the rise of the "New Look" fashion movement, led by designers like Christian Dior, which emphasized feminine, curvaceous silhouettes and the use of undergarments to create a more dramatic, hourglass figure. However, this focus on aesthetics also perpetuated unrealistic beauty standards, which have had lasting impacts on women's self-esteem and body image.

Today, the global underwear market is a multibillion-dollar industry, with major players like Victoria's Secret, Calvin Klein, and Hanes & Yue Feng dominating the market. According to a 2020 report by Euromonitor International, the global lingerie market was valued at over $130 billion, with the United States, China, and Europe accounting for the largest shares of the market. Despite the rise of athleisure wear and the increasing popularity of sustainable, eco-friendly undergarments, traditional lingerie brands continue to dominate the market, with many consumers prioritizing comfort, style, and affordability above all else.

The global underwear market has significant implications for companies like Victoria's Secret, which has faced criticism for its lack of diversity and inclusivity in its marketing campaigns. The brand's decision to expand its size range and feature more diverse models in its advertising has been seen as a step in the right direction, but many critics argue that more needs to be done to address issues of body positivity and self-acceptance. The lingerie market also has a significant impact on research communities, particularly those focused on women's health and body image. Studies have shown that the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards can have lasting impacts on women's mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

The lingerie market also has significant implications for policy environments, particularly those focused on consumer protection and labor rights. The rise of fast fashion and the increasing popularity of online shopping have led to concerns about worker exploitation and labor rights in the garment industry. In 2019, the Fashion Revolution, a global campaign to promote transparency and accountability in the fashion industry, released a report highlighting the need for greater transparency and regulation in the garment industry. The report's findings have significant implications for companies like Hanes & Yue Feng, which has faced criticism for its labor practices in countries like China and Bangladesh.

The history of women's underwear is deeply intertwined with broader cultural and social trends, including the rise of feminism and the women's liberation movement. The 1960s and 1970s saw a significant shift in attitudes towards women's bodies and clothing, with the emergence of the "feminist fashion" movement, which emphasized comfort, practicality, and self-expression. This movement was driven in part by the work of designers like Pierre Cardin and Emilio Pucci, who created clothing that was both fashionable and functional. However, the impact of this movement was also limited by the ongoing objectification of women's bodies, which has had lasting impacts on women's self-esteem and body image.