With the evolving face of fashion, the camisole has undergone many changes just as outerwear has changed. The old-fashioned camisole was very unattractive and functional, basically designed to protect the corset from dirt, to hide corset bones and to smooth the lines of the bodice. Today, it has evolved into a fashionable and sexy undergarment to suit different needs. Basically, a camisole or a cami is a snug-fitting, sleeveless item of underwear, designed to be worn over the brassiere to conceal its lines under transparent tops and T-shirts and give a smooth look.
Reinvented around the 1980s to meet the needs of the modern woman, the camisole has undergone several styles and fabric changes and is now available in a multitude of colours. Camisoles come in natural fabrics like cotton and silk, and synthetic materials like nylon, lycra, satin, cotton blends and spandex, which are stretchable and soft to touch.
From being a simple corset cover, today’s camis are worn in several ways. Reaching just above the hips, these tiny, chic tops come with adjustable spaghetti straps of the same material as well as vinyl clear straps for a no-strap look. Embroidered, lacy, or with ruffles around the hemline, neck and arms, these camisoles can be worn as underwear or even as tops with skirts, shorts and trousers. A camisole is often worn as a vest under a jacket or a cover-up over a bikini. It can be worn under a wrap around dress or a tank top. Some camisoles are made with under-wiring that makes a bra redundant. The choice is entirely yours.
The most popular style of camisole is made of gossamer lace and is designed to make women feel sensuous and desirable. This item is often available in bridal collections. Those who are daring could wear this camisole as outerwear with a bra underneath. Some of these lace-trimmed camisoles come with a pair of matching shorts while others come with a matching short robe. Shape-wear camis are designed to give you an ultra slim look.
Apart from being comfortable to wear, camisoles are meant to be gazed at and admired. They can be worn anywhere – to work, while shopping, at the beach, the park or at home. There are lace camis, shelf camis and shape-wear camis, and they are all available in many colours including white, nude, black and cream so you can create whatever look you like. For those special moments, invest in a camisole in sheer dark magenta, bold red or stark lacy black and bring out your sensuous side.
