Brassiere, early 20th century.
From the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Advertisement for Munsingwear underwear.
Life magazine, 17 May 1943, pg 32.
A WWII-era advertisment that is a great example of the contradictory nature of women’s role during the war…work hard like a man but still be feminine!
“Fighting trims…for women who work!
Streamlined underwear and sleeping wear, made to the blue-print specifications of you women who straddle wings and stand the watches of spotter’s posts. Built for action and the comfort that is an integral part of your efficiency.”
Wedding chemise, ca. 1850.
From the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
[video]
Photo from a Formfit bra advertisement in Life magazine, 18 Nov 1957, pg 13.
[video]
Cotton chemisette, ca. 1850s.
From the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Linen chemisette, ca. 1900.
From the Städtische Museen Tangermünde.
Chemisettes were worn underneath dresses as a way to fill in a low neckline—they had no sleeves and were made of lightweight material so as not to be bulky.
Sleeve ruffles to be attached with buttons, ca. 1750s.
From Colonial Williamsburg.
Corset, ca. 1880.
From the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery.