Lingerie of the 1930's

Brassieres were finally available to the general public in the 1930's.  Corsets were becoming less popular.  The earliest versions of the bra prior to 1930 didn't much resemble the bra you see here.  They were huge and restrictive and looked very hot and uncomfortable.

Underwear was more like tap pants than what we think of as panties.  Bras were unstructured.  These garments shimmering in satin and silks and trimmed with lace were very pretty.

Girdles were popular and garters held up stockings.  These metal garters were uncomfortable, but panty hose wouldn't be invented for many years.

Over all that, they always wore a slip to make their dress hang right and prevent light from showing through their skirts.

It was way more relaxed than what their mothers and grandmothers wore: think bloomers, corsets, chemises, and petticoats.  Still, this seems like a lot of garments before you even get dressed.  That explains why the underwear department at the local clothing store used to be called the Foundation department, and why the hymn, "How Firm A Foundation" makes me giggle.

I am really thankful for good fitting bras and stretchy materials that wick away sweat and stay cool, and very glad to not have to wear all these layers all the time.