Lingerie functions as comfortable underwear as well as fashion garments. Hence it is made from such varied materials as silk, satin, nylon and Lycra – materials which are not used in other cotton undergarments. Lingerie is supposed to bring out a woman’s sensuality to the fullest.
The trend of underwear being used as fashion garments only began as recently as the 1960s. Though the word “lingerie” traces its roots to French, where the term means undergarments for both sexes, in English it is understood as fashion undergarments exclusively for women. Etymologically, it is from the word “lin”, which means linen in French.
Lingerie ranges from negligee nightgowns to one-piece, skin-tight garments. A variety of lingerie is available to suit various situations. You can pose for some great photographs in your latest lingerie, or enjoy the sun and the beach in skimpy bikinis. Some of most common lingerie includes brassieres, slips, bikinis, knickers, G-strings and thongs. Brassieres and knickers are mainly for comfort and support, while bikinis are more for beachwear.
G-strings and thongs, though they reveal quite a lot, were initially quite popular as undergarments as they do not reveal any panty lines. A number of different kinds of brassieres, knickers, bikinis and G-strings are available such as push-up bras, plunge bras, sports bikinis, string bikinis, C-strings and T-strings.
Leotards, now mainly used as swimsuit lingerie, are one-piece body suits used by acrobats. Bloomers, stockings, suspender belts and hosiery are other varieties of lingerie. Suspender belts hold the stockings in place. Hosiery, popularly called hold-ups, is tight-fitting, and is usually worn as both under and outerwear.
Lingerie today is designed as both underwear and outerwear. You can see a variety of stunning lingerie in packed sports stadiums often with messages blaring to the media. The fashion world had a major boom with the introduction of lingerie. Bikini contests, swimsuit contests and other lingerie displays on the catwalk receive worldwide attention.
Lingerie has taken sensuality to new levels and, with more innovations, we can expect more aesthetic materials. Underwear is now proudly flaunted and lingerie remains one of the top attractions on the fashion scene.
