The History of Underclothes by C. Willett Cunnington

Underwear - practical garments with a utilitarian function or body coverings that serve an erotic purpose? As this fascinating and intelligently written study shows, the role played by underclothing over the last several centuries has been a varied one. pleasant humour.' - The Times Literary Supplement (London) thoroughness and most impressive scholarship. In the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, nightgowns offered by companies such as Victoria's Secret included romantic old-fashioned white cotton 'nightdresses,' comfortable oversize knit sleep shirts, and sexy polyester satin baby dolls, reflecting the many roles and moods of modern women.'. Young women's 'nighties' could be anything from men's pajama tops to shortie 'baby-doll' gowns, sometimes with matching panties. Nightwear, however, became increasingly more colorful and diverse, responding to new fashion impulses. The advent of nylon allowed women to have-as the slogan for Chemstrand of the mid 1950s said-'all the luxury but none of the fuss,' ( Harper's Bazar ad, 1956) with easy-care yet washable nightgowns and peignoirs that elegantly enhanced their femininity. By the twenties, straight-cut silk and rayon nightgowns in delicate colors such as 'flesh,' orchid, and green were popular, while the mid-century favored gowns with strappy bosom-hugging bodices above sinuous skirts. During the twentieth century, glamorous and luxurious lingerie grew ever more accessible and affordable. Pajamas entered the feminine wardrobe in the late nineteenth century, but long nightgowns remained popular, even after women's skirts shortened in the early twentieth century. Now usually of cotton, white remained the standard color, although the turn of the century saw occasional use of washing silk and colors, such as pink, which was said to wash well. Still cut loose and long, embellishment on the yoke, front placket, and cuffs could include all manner of ribbon, beading, lace, insertions, pin tucks, embroidery, and ruffles. Ready-made nightwear became available in the mid-nineteenth century, but not until late in that century did nightgowns become more elaborate.

The History of Underclothes by C. Willett Cunnington