The History Of Lingerie & Chastity Belts by Marc Lindsay
Many think of chastity belts as a part of medieval society,
but there is little archaeological evidence to show that they
were common, and many examples that do exist have been denounced
as fakes. Even so, there is a basis in legend of the symbolic
nature of the chastity belt.
What archaeological evidence there is suggests the belts
were largely manufactured for women, although the main issue
of conjecture is whether or not distrustful husbands forced
them on their wives when they left home, or whether they were
to safeguard women from rape. The most probable answer is
that there were instances of both.
The most beautiful legend behind the history is written in
the poetry of Guigemar de Marie de France who wrote in the
twelfth century. She wrote that two young lovers were going
to be separated and that they performed a ritual to honour
their oath of fidelity to each other. The girl tied a knot
around her lover's shirt, while he knotted a belt around her
waist. They swore that they would only give their love to
one who could remove the garment without tearing or cutting
it.
Lingerie
The first known example of women using lingerie to enhance
their figure is in Crete, with the Minoan civilisation. Archaeological
records depict a fashion of flounced skirts with a corset
that moulded around the breasts and lifted them, leaving them
bare. Whether this was a social fashion or a form of religious
worship is unknown.
In the Middle Ages, however, there was an emphasis on small
breasts, a range of different corset styles coming into fashion,
notably thecotte, the bliaunt and the surcot.
During the Renaissance, however, this style became much more
emphatic. The Spanish influence meant the introduction of
much tighter corsets that moulded the woman's shape into one
highlighting a narrow waist, flat stomach and small bust.
As a result, women often fainted, which enforced a dependency
and the notion of feminine weakness within a male-dominated
society.
Later in the eighteenth century, women emphasised a more voluptuous
figure and began to employ more luxurious fabrics to enhance
the sensual power of the female shape. This style continued,
although in the 1770's, boned corsets were prohibited only
to make a reappearance in the 1800's.
Bodices that could be laced by the wearer also came into
fashion.
In the 1900's, scented underwear and specific types of lingerie
for different activities and times of day became fashionable.
The fashion for tight corsets, however, remained. Garters
and suspenders grew in popularity as more women wore stockings.
The twentieth century saw a decisive break from the tradition
of the previous years, as more and more companies began to
have an interest in the role of a woman's body in her notions
of self. Styles diversified and became more comfortable, while
bra sizes and designs developed.
This development of lingerie throughout the ages has left
women today with a much firmer sense of their own beauty,
and the range of styles, fabrics and sizes allows each woman
to dress according to her own style and what makes her feel
positive about herself and her body. The romantic aspect of
lingerie is essentially the feeling of self worth that comes
from sensuality and indulgence.
About the Author
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