This revealing book documents the design and manufacture of intimate apparel from the ancient world through the twentieth century. From as far back as 3000 B.C., it traces the development of what women wore beneath their outer clothing, including hoops, stays, petticoats, corsets, brassieres, and other foundation garments.
Fashion historian Elizabeth Ewing examines in detail the ways in which underwear reflects social influences, from women's emancipation and the introduction of new materials and methods of manufacture to the sexual motivation that underlies all fashion trends. Generously illustrated with Jean Webber's delicate line drawings, this excellent reference features a full bibliography and index. In addition to its value to professional historians and designers, it provides fascinating reading for all fashion lovers.