Great Gatsby Fever: 20 Pieces of Vintage 1920s Lingerie

By Cora Harrington May 13, 2013 in featured, vintage 17 comments

Fifi D'Orsay

As you've probably noticed, fashion mags have been obsessed with all things Great Gatsby for the last few weeks. Honestly, I seriously considered not doing a 1920s-themed post at all (oversaturation and all that), but then I started looking through a few vintage lingerie archives and what I saw completely changed my mind. I think I may have forgotten it a little, but 1920s lingerie is gorgeous.

Swanky.

There's a lot to love about the Twenties when it comes to undergarments, and one of the things I appreciate the most is how this period introduced a completely new way of thinking about lingerie to women. For the first time in a long time, comfort, not restriction, was the goal. The tightly laced corsets, binding girdles, and ample petticoats that both precede and follow the 20s are nowhere to be seen.

Now I want a teddy/romper.

In addition, still-relevant styles like the bandeau bra and camiknickers (a.k.a 'step-ins', a.k.a 'combinations' a.k.a. rompers) are introduced. Because the emphasis is on unfussy construction, the beautiful textiles, gauzy silks, delicate laces, pastel colors, etc., are able to shine through. And while I wouldn't say the 1920s are my favorite era for lingerie, putting together this blog post has given me a whole new appreciation of it.

What do you think of this style of lingerie? Is it due for a comeback? Or should the past stay in the past?