This c. 1960s cotton sun top is not strictly a piece of underwear but the cut and construction are very similar to a number of structured bra styles from the 1930-50s, most notably the ‘cathedral’ bra.

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This 1950s Burlesque Knickers pattern was taken directly from the original archival garment and is accompanied by detailed stitching instructions, technical drawings, garment history, and high-resolution images of the original garment.

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This c. 1940s full-length robe is made in pink rayon satin and embellished with appliquéd Schiffli embroidered tulle at the collar, shoulders, and hem.

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Have you heard of Au Fait Foundations? This long-established English company began operating under that trade name in 1940. It was still operational into 1965, though according to “Underwear: The Fashion History” by Alison J. Carter, dissolved in 1984.

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Hey, bra experts — can you put these brassieres in chronological order?

1. Longline Purple Lace Bra
2. Peach Silk & Horseshoe Lace Insert Bra
3. Satin Bandeau Bra With Tripartate Strapping
4. 'Her Sexcellency' Red Lace & Satin Overwire Bra

This pair of garters has an elastic base, topped with an ivory silk ribbon, and is embellished with silk ribbonwork flowers and wax floral stamens. They were likely intended as bridalwear for single use, as the wax would not have held up to long-term wear or washing.

This @bebaroque bodysuit has a base of nylon mesh, printed with sailor tattoo inspired motifs such as mermaids, swallows, ropes, anchors and pin-up girls.

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This 1926 Corsetry Catalogue includes “fashonese” models, a seemingly proprietary “dual purpose garment combining corset and brassiere in one.”

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Our digital study guide ‘Undertaking Underwear History Research’ features tips on key issues, including finding archives to visit and starting your own collection — plus an underwear and research-focused reading list and glossary. Shop now at etsy.com/shop/underpinn…!

This luxurious c. 1925 boudoir headband would have been worn as a form of decorative lingerie, rather than to protect the hair as with traditional boudoir caps.
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Corsets are considered by the world at large to be outmoded and anachronistic, but for contemporary makers and wearers alike, we are in the midst of a modern corset renaissance.

To learn more, explore our digital exhibition “The Modern Corset Renaissance” on our website!

This unusual bra is a highly luxurious example of 1950s foundationwear, incorporating some of the most complex structures used in bras of this period.

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Pop quiz! Can you put these suspender belts in chronological order?

1. Lace & Nylon Mesh Scalloped Suspender Belt
2. Tea Rose Floral Brocade Suspender With Ruffled Straps
3. Cream Silk Hose Supporter Suspender Belt
4. Ruffled Lace Trimmed Suspender Belt

New to our digital collection, this 1940s advertisement for a brassiere by Carole Brassieres plays up the inexpensive cost of the product, claiming that “Discriminating women believed this a $1 brassiere .. actually it’s only 59¢.”

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This c. 1930s step in features an unusual cut out silhouette, with the garment appearing as a separate bra and tap pant from the back view. It was altered by its original owner with additional darts at the waistline, presumably to give a closer fit.

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Don’t forget that the Underpinnings Museum sells digital sewing patterns taken directly from our collection of vintage and antique undergarments! 🪡

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New to our digital collection, this c. 1950s quilted satin and embroidered stretch tulle girdle is typical of undergarments of that decade, providing a smooth base and a nipped-in waist to suit the fashionable hourglass silhouette.

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New to our digital collection, these c. 1950s bra girdle hooks would have been worn to connect the wearer’s bra to their girdle, keeping the lower band of the bra in place and also probably preventing the top edge of the girdle from rolling down.

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New to our digital collection, this shaping bodysuit, from French brand Chantelle, was designed to provide all-over support and help create the naturally slender figure that was fashionable in the 1960s.

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November 1953, this is an 'Easter' Advert for the Exquisite Form ‘Circl-O-Form Floating Action' Brassiere. The copy reads: ‘At Easter — in Bermuda on vacation — or at home for any fashion-noteworthy occasion, Exquisite Form Brassieres make the costume!’

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