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| HISTORY
OF HOSIERY: From stockings to hose Nylon
stockings became popular after World War II (1939-1945) and
completely replaced silk stockings. Until the late 60s they
usually had seams. They were knitted flat and "fully
fashioned", in other words shaped to fit the leg like modern
sweaters.
By the early sixties, "fully fashioned" or seamed
stockings were replaced by modern reinforced heel and toe seamless
stockings. Seamless stockings are made on a circular knitting
machines and are shaped by tightening the stitches.
In the 1960's when skirts were worn very short, many women began
to wear tights (pantyhose) instead of stockings. Stockings fought
for market share but became nearly extinct as pantyhose
gained in popularity.
In
current times, stockings have become very fashionable again, and
can be seen in fashion magazines and runway shows.
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Modern lingerie allows us to be
someone different everyday. From thongs to granny panties,
conservative gowns to leather and rubber wear, it's all acceptable
and within reach. And yes, if we're so inclined, women can even
wear a corset.  
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After the boyish shapes of the 20s, the 1930s took us
full-circle -- and full-figured. Although slim hips were still en
vogue, flat breasts were no longer fashionable. Lingerie of the
day once again focused on feminine proportions, and the
breast-enhancing bra was born.
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By the 19th century, consumer
demands and doctor outrage brought about a lingerie revolution.
Corsets became smaller, less restrictive, and less cumbersome.
These reconstructed designs allowed freer movement and easier
breathing. They also provided more support for the breasts and
were appropriatedly named "brassiere," which is French
for "support." An important time in the history of
lingerie, the 1800s also brought the first padded bra.
[Gallery
of sensual lingerie images]
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A History of
Hose
Elegant, sheer and comfortable pantyhose are
taken for granted, but was not until the 1960s that
"nylons" became widely available.
"For the previous 400 years, stockings had ruled supreme -
ever since the knitting machine was invented in 1589 by Reverend
William Lee and stockings made from wool, silk and cotton
appeared for the first time. These early stockings were
frequently referred to as hose, from which the term hosiery was
derived, and were generally worn by men."
(Thanks to My
Tights.com and Love to
Know.com)
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[Gallery
of sensual lingerie images]
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Lingerie has come full-circle. No longer dictated by men's
opinion of beauty or sexuality, lingerie can be what women want
it to be.
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Sarah Palin bemoans feminism: With
women's liberation came the unfortunate decision to burn the bra,
a move many women surely regretted with the sagging that followed
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Tina Fey: Far from the light,
lovely creations of today, past undergarments have been painful,
dangerous, and downright bizarre.
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The Renaissance brought a new
focus on womanly curves, and women went to unnatural extremes to
achieve the perfect hourglass figure. Corsets of the day were
highly restrictive and tightened to the point of being
dangerous.
[Gallery
of sensual lingerie images]
SARAH PALIN'S
WORKOUTS: Sarah Palin has been a runner since childhood.
Check out her training program, Nike Triax shoes and Nike
running outfits.
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Cleavage was highly prized in the
18th century, and lingerie was designed to heighten the effect.
Although corsets were still made of constrictive whalebone,
there was a definite movement towards the decorative lingerie we
know today.
KATIE COURIC INTERVIEWS SARAH
PALIN: Read the extended transcript of Sarah Palin's
disastrous interviews with Katie Couric of CBS Evening News.
After the Couric interviews, Sarah Palin's star came crashing to
earth.
The Roaring Twenties also saw the end of
corsets. The light-weight chemise, bloomers, and bodice were
introduced. For the first time in the history of lingerie,
panties and bras were available in an assortment of colors.
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| KATIE
COURIC FAN SITE: We explain why millions of Americans,
not just men, love Katie Couric and her legs.
Naomi Campbell, angry
beauty: "Anger is a manifestation of a
deeper issue... and that, for me, is based on insecurity,
self-esteem and loneliness."
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