Sewing for Pleasure 2011-Underwear through the ages

My second Sewing for Pleasure post is all about undies!  There a was lovely and slightly overlooked display of underwear from the 1800's until modern day which was one of the attractions for me this year.  I love period clothing and seeing how underwear shaped over clothes is important to get the right look.  They are a mix of reproduction and original underwear, the displays didn't say which were which but I think it was fairly easy to tell.

Early 1800s

This shows all the different layers of underwear, corsets, hoops, petticoats and shifts.

Bustle skirt hoop

Gorgeous black and gold corset with decorative and practical stitching

Late 1800/Early 1900

Long corset with suspenders

'Bust smoother' to reduce unsightly lumps and bumps!

1920's

Less structured for wearing under flapper dresses

1930's

First bras and 2 piece underwear

Child's underwear

1940's

Still constricting but keeps the stomach and thighs smooth and reduced

1950's

 

With a poofy petticoat

Blow up bra!!!

Mini underwear for shop displays

1970

Pretty prints, knickers and negligees

1980s

Look at that all in one!

Dress made from bras for charity

Really lovely garments I think you will agree!