We’re continuing Pin-up Week with an in-depth discussion of pin-up lingerie–what it is, which pieces you need, and how to keep it looking like new for as long as possible. So let’s get started!
What is Pin-up Anyway?
The word pin-up refers to the kind of mass-produced images that were originally “pinned up” on people’s walls in the form of posters, postcards, magazine cutouts, and the like. These photos and drawings were often of “glamour girls” like actresses, models, and other celebrities.
Though the pin-up genre began in the 1890′s with the iconic Gibson Girls, it didn’t really take off until the 1940′s and 50′s with the debut of pin-up models like Betty Grable and Bettie Page and pin-up artists like Alberto Vargas and Gil Elvgren.
No matter the era though, the thing all pin-ups have in common is that they represent an idealized (and, in some cases, unrealistic) version of the female form.
The Pin-up Silhouette
The quintessential pin-up shape is the classic hourglass figure, with the waist being much smaller than the bust or hips. In the Gibson Girl era, that figure was achieved through the use of corsets, bustles, and hoopskirts. In the 1930s through 50′s, girdles, bullet bras, and waist cinchers were used.
Though modern day clothing really isn’t cut to accommodate pin-up lingerie, these retro underpinnings are essential if you prefer to wear vintage fashions. Without pieces like girdles and slips, your vintage clothing simply won’t have the right shape, and the entire look will seem “off” as a result.
In terms of fabrics, pin-up style lingerie is traditionally made with materials like powermesh, silk, satin, lycra, lace, and nylon. You’ll see very little cotton, and almost no recently invented fabrics like microfiber.
Essential Pin-up Lingerie
Now that we’ve got the foundations covered (no pun intended), it’s time to move on to the actual pieces a lover of pin-up lingerie should have in their wardrobe–
Slips–Thanks to vintage-inspired shows like Mad Men, the slip is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. While the slip’s main wardrobe function is to provide an extra layer for thin, rough, or sheer fabrics, it’s also a remarkably sexy piece of bedroom wear that flatters almost every woman. In fact, The Boyfriend’s favorite kind of lingerie for me to wear is a lacy, satiny full sip. My favorite slips come from Farr West, and Lingerie Addicts on a budget will want to visit their e-bay outlet store, where I’ve purchased nearly half a dozen slips so far.
Actually, pantyhose were invented in 1959, according to this article:
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/50-Years-of-Pantyhose.html
Stunning girl, stunning pics. Enjoy your weekend.
Colin.
@Janus–Thanks for commenting! According to Wikipedia, it looks like we were both off.
Pantyhose were invented on two separate occasions (in 1953 and 1956) but weren't available to market until 1959 and weren't widely available until the 1960's.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantyhose
Have a great weekend!
Treacle
Thanks for stopping by, Colin.
It's so interesting learning more about the pin up history-I'm so drawn to the pin up style and everything and love learning more about them!
Great post Treacle
Beautiful article Treacle! Thanks. I really enjoy whatever material you care to post.
In my very particular view, six-strap garter belts are adorable items which provide a perfect frame so as to make full-cut, vintage panties look and feel much better.
Which do you think is better, a "narrow" or deep garter belt? I am shopping for a six-strap garter belt (or two) for regular wear, and I intend to wear my underpants over it. I typically wear boy-leg undies with skirts; would a deep belt be a problem, or should I go with a narrow one? Most of those I've seen that I like are the deep ones, but I am trying to think practically.
Years ago I wore a garter belt almost daily, but it was a 4-strap one from Cacique and I was never really satisfied with it. I want to do better this time.