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Underneath It All: A History of Women's Underwear

Throughout history, women's lingerie garments have played a complex role in women's lives. Learn how undergarments protected and shaped women's bodies to fit the ideals of the time, enhanced desire in intimate relationships, made statements about social movements such as women's suffrage, and provided a way to express individual style and personal empowerment. With each swing of the fashion pendulum, new undergarments forced the body into the preferred shape-flat bust and angular ribcage, lush bosom and high waist, sloped shoulders and ample hips-which in turn, affected women's health and activities. Learn how lingerie has been used as a status symbol, a marker of social class, and an economic driver throughout history.