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The 1900's and the end of a Golden Age

When the twentieth century arrived, women were controlled in every feature of their lives, and not just by their corsets. Much of the underwear of the time was made from fine silks, lace and delicate fabrics that were easily damaged and required considerable laundering, starching and ironing. Most petticoats had splendidly frilled edges and just a glimpse of an ankle was an enticing sight in the 1900s.

Women continued to wear corsets but the tide of public opinion was turning against them. Under the tightly laced corset would have been a chemise, while over the top, un-seamed drawers were worn which stretched to the knee. A camisole and as many as six layers of petticoats were worn over the corset too, while stockings and garters were also fastened to it.

The popular hourglass figure of the time was achieved by whalebones not only at the waist, but vertically pushing the chest forwards, the posterior back and tiny bones ensured that the chin was thrust forward, all adding up to the grotesque and fashionable S-bend silhouette and epitomised by the S-bend corset.

In 1907, French couturier Paul Poiret revolutionised both outerwear and underwear by presenting a more natural contour to clothes, and freeing women from the now ferocious tyranny of the corset.

It was the beginning of modern fashion.

Pre Twentieth Century

The 1900's

A New Era and a New Look

The Roaring Twenties

The Depression & Hollywood Glamour

The Age of Austerity

Rock and Roll

The Age of Aquarius

Disco Fever

Power Dressing & Designer Labels

"Hello Boys"

A New Century