Historical
women’s underwear was truly mind boggling. They might not have worn bras or
underpants, but they certainly didn’t skimp on hidden fripperies under their
skirts. In fact, there was some seriously hardcore hardware worn underneath
clothing.
Here is a
rundown on what well-dressed ladies wore underneath those long skirts...
·
Open
Crotch Pantalets – these were basically two individual leg covers which came
over the hips at the sides and tied at the waist. They provided no cover to the
genitalia whatsoever, being fully open from the thigh to the waist. It was
believed that women required proper ventilation in the area. In the mid-1800s,
some of these pantalets or drawers had optional buttons applied to the crotch.
·
Dimity
Pockets – before the days of handbags, this was how women carried their bits
and bobs, including keys. There were worn under the skirt, tied at the waist,
and were accessed via a slit in the folds of the skirt. In time, pockets were
sewn directly into skirts instead.
·
Panniers
– these were wide hooped petticoats. The woman tied the support garment at the
waist, which gave the shape to dresses during the 1700’s. The style of the time
dictated a very wide skirt from the hips – panniers created the effect.
·
Bustles
– these were worn in the later 1800’s and early 1900’s. Women wanted an
hourglass silhouette and the bustle nicely contrasted with the cinched and
corseted waist. The bustle enhanced and showed off the buttocks – so that even
the flattest-bottomed woman had a pleasing rear.
·
Cage
Crinolines – these were the undergarment big guns. The shape of the early
Victorian era dictated tiny waists and voluminous skirts – the bigger the
better. Enter the Cage Crinoline. Rings of steel were attached with string and
worn tied at the waist. They not only distributed the enormous amount of fabric
in women’s skirts, they allowed a woman to walk without getting tangled in said
skirting. They had to be removed to catch public transport, and women required
assistance to dress.
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