Chemises - history from antiquity to modern era
Charmeuse Chemise
Today, the chemise is among those soft and luxurious items and is worn as an undergarment, nightwear or sometimes outerwear. However, like most of today’s sexy lingerie items, chemises have a long history. Here is a short history of the chemise through the ages.
Ancient Cultures
In ancient Greece and Rome, tunic-like pieces of garment were worn by both women and men. Those simple gowns are possibly the prototypes of modern chemises. Still, the garments were functioning as an outerwear as well as underwear.
The Middle Ages
The very beginning of regarding the chemise as an undergarment took place in the medieval period. At that time, they were used by both sexes. Women wore them long, underneath skirts and bodices or full-length gowns and men wore them as shorter undershirts, paired with leggings and covered by outer garments. Chemises were used for very practical purposes in the middle ages and later on - they protected expensive outer garments from sweat and body oils. The chemise was the only piece of clothing that was actually washed on regular basis.
The Evolution of the Chemise
Chemises served as an important and practical undergarment until the 20th century, until the fashions changed drastically. Women’s styles became more like the camisole and full slip. Men’s chemises gradually evolved into shorter and more fitted, eventually becoming the undershirt as worn by most men today.
Homemade Chemises
The traditional chemise was made at home. It was created from a single piece of cloth which helped lessen waste. People from the working class of both genders wore simple and rough chemises made of linen and other common fabrics. The upper class preferred supple ones made of luxurious materials such as silk.
Shirley of Hollywood Chemise
Sexy Chemises - Lingerie Today
The chemise worn nowadays is an intimate apparel luxury item made of rich materials - they are usually silken or satin and are designed to enhance sex appeal. Still, most chemises remain practical and are used to provide a sleek line under thin pieces of clothing. Others are supposed to be used strictly as erotic nightwear or sexy lingerie and are enhanced by daring detailes such as lace or fishnet.
It is not difficult to fit a chemise, therefore it is a popular underwear gift item. It is designed for a flowing and loose fit, unlike pieces such as corsets or bustiers which require precise measurements. Chemises are usually sized according to dress size or even sold as “one size fitting all”.
To sum up, chemises have undoubtedly changed throughout the ages, but the basic structure remains the same. It is still a comfortable undergarment that can be worn as sexy lingerie or sleepwear. The chemise is a daily luxury that any woman can afford and should keep in her wardrobe.
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