Posts Tagged ‘lengerie’

Chemises – From Antiquity to the Modern Era

Monday, June 9th, 2008

Chemises are adorable pieces of lingerie that have a very long history. What today might be considered a piece of naughty lingerie used to simply be a utilitarian garment. While chemises were originally used to keep outer clothes from getting dirty, our modern usage of this piece of clothing has more to do with getting “dirty” in the bedroom!

Chemises have also been called “shifts” and “smocks” and have undergone quite a transformation in the centuries they’ve been around. They date all the way back to the Middle Ages, in fact, when they were worn underneath regular outer clothing. At the time, clothing was not washed as regularly as it is today, and chemises were worn next to the skin to protect clothes from sweat and body oils. The idea is similar to that of a modern man’s white t-shirt. In those times, however, the chemises would be washed often, but the outer garments would not.

Modern chemises probably have more in common with a camisole or a teddy than they do with a t-shirt, though. They are generally about thigh-length and have straps rather than sleeves. It’s true that they can still be worn as under garments. In fact, they make great slips for short dresses. Current fashion has even brought the chemise to the outside, as silky, short, strappy dresses have become quite popular.

Of course, the most popular use for chemises these days is as sexy lingerie. The feel of a silk chemise against the skin can be a turn on for both the woman wearing it and the man sharing her bed. There are dozens of styles to choose from, so it’s not hard to find a chemise to suit just about any lingerie-worthy situation. There are sheer, billowy chemises or form-fitting lacy ones. It really depends on the mood to be set.

Chemises have a lot in common with lingerie known as “baby doll” style. Like these little dress-type outfits, chemises tend to hug the skin along the bust line and waist and then flare out a bit at the hips. For this reason, they look good on pretty much every body type, too, which is a real bonus for women who are new to shopping for lingerie. While one can think of chemises as being “naughty lingerie,” there is something of an air of romance to them. This is another reason they can be a great choice for someone who is new to lingerie. They tend to be a bit more modest than a bustier, teddy, or corset, so there’s less nervousness for the woman who is simply trying to look pretty for a special night in.

Chemises are a good choice for someone wanting to make a gift of lingerie, too. Because they aren’t worn skin-tight and don’t generally have bra cups, sizing is more forgiving than it is with other types of lingerie. While it can be tricky to purchase lingerie for a woman, having an idea of her size will get you in the right ballpark for a chemise that looks as good as it will make her feel.

A Brief History Of Chemises

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008

Today’s chemises are soft and luxurious, whether worn as undergarments, nightwear or even outerwear. Like many of today’s hot lingerie items, however, chemises have a long and much more practical history. Provided here is a brief history of chemises through the ages.

The chemises of today are hot lingerie items. Soft and luxurious, they can be worn as nightwear, undergarments or even outerwear. Like many of today’s naughty lingerie pieces, chemises were once practical, functional pieces. Provided here is a guide to chemises through the centuries.

Today, chemises are concerned naughty lingerie items. They are soft and luxurious, and can be worn as outerwear, underwear or sleepwear. Like many of the hot lingerie pieces of today, chemises have a long history as functional, practical undergarments. Provided here is a brief guide to the history of chemises.

Ancient Cultures

In Ancient Greece and Rome, tunic-style garments were worn by both men and women. These simple gowns are believed to be the prototypes of modern chemises. However, the garments were worn alone, therefore functioning as outerwear.

Middle Ages

The medieval period marked the true beginning of chemises’ use as undergarments. At that time, chemises were unisex garments. Women wore them long, underneath skirts and bodices or full-length gowns. Men wore them as somewhat shorter undershirts, paired with braies (a form of leggings) and covered by doublets, robes or other garments.

At that time and for many centuries to follow, chemises served an extremely practical purpose. The chemise was one of the earliest incarnations of underwear. It protected expensive outer garments from sweat and bodily oils. In those days, the chemise was the only piece of clothing that was regularly washed.

Evolution of the Chemise

Chemises remained an important and practical undergarment until the early 20th century. As fashions changed, so did the chemise. Women’s styles evolved into the camisole (once used to cover the corset) and full slip. Men’s chemises gradually became shorter and more fitted, eventually becoming the undershirt of today.

Homemade Chemises

Throughout much of the history of the chemise, women made these garments at home. A reasonably talented home seamstress could create a chemise out of a single piece of cloth, lessening waste. Working class people of both genders generally wore rough, simple chemises in linen or other common fabric. Wealthier aristocrats enjoyed supple, voluminous chemises in luxurious fabrics such as silk.

Traditionally, chemises were made at home. Home seamstresses learned to make a chemise out of a single piece of fabric in order to minimize waste. Working class chemises were simple and rough, generally made of linen or other common fabrics. Wealthier people wore more luxurious chemises in fabrics such as silk.

Chemises were traditionally made at home. A home seamstress could create each chemise from a single piece of cloth, which lessened waste dramatically. Working class people of both genders wore simple, rough chemises that were generally made of linen or other common fabrics. Wealthier people enjoyed supple chemises made from silk or other luxurious fabrics.

Chemises Today

Today’s chemises are luxury items, crafted of rich materials such as silk and designed to enhance sex appeal. Some chemises retain practical value, offering a sleek, clean line under thinner dresses and blouses. Others are designed strictly as nightwear or naughty lingerie, offering such daring options as lace and fishnet.

Today, there is little difference between chemises and camisoles, and many people use the two terms interchangeably. Chemises may also resemble negligees, particularly the babydoll style. Chemises historically provided sleeves, although many of today’s more risqué styles are sleeveless.

Fitting chemises is extremely easy, making them popular gift items. A chemise is designed for a loose and flowing fit, as opposed to the precise measurements that are required for pieces such as corsets. Chemises are generally sized according to dress size, although some are marketed as “one size fits all.”

Chemises have undergone many changes since their debut in Ancient Rome, but the basic structure of the garment remains the same. A comfortable, thin piece that can be worn as naughty lingerie, underwear or sleepwear, the chemise of today is a luxurious and multifunctional addition to any woman’s wardrobe.

Chemises can be traced to Ancient Rome, although they have undergone many changes since that time. The chemises of today are luxurious and multifunctional. Today’s chemises are thin, comfortable and appropriate for sleepwear, naughty lingerie or simple underwear, offering a range of uses for any woman.

Chemises have enjoyed a long, rich history since their first appearance in Ancient Rome. Today’s chemises are thin, comfortable and multifunctional. From naughty lingerie to underwear to sleepwear, chemises are versatile additions to any woman’s collection.

Discover Sexy Elegance With Romantic Chemises

Wednesday, February 27th, 2008

Traditionally, chemises have been worn underneath dresses as simple functional undergarments. However, in more recent years, the chemise has become a very romantic piece of naughty lingerie. Chemises appeal to women of every taste, as they are available in styles ranging from demure to blatantly sexy. Here is what you need to know about this very versatile piece of women’s lingerie.

Chemises were traditionally worn as simple undergarments underneath dresses. However, chemises are now an important part of many women’s lingerie wardrobes. Chemises are available in many styles, including both demure and naughty lingerie. Here is a first-timers guide to these very versatile garments.

Traditional chemises were simple, loose fitting pieces of functional women’s underwear. Today, however, chemises are both romantic and naughty lingerie items. Styles range from wild to sweetly innocent. Provided here is a guide to this most versatile type of women’s lingerie.

What is a Chemise?

Chemises are loose yet skimming women’s undergarments. The chemise is actually the very first known example of women’s lingerie, dating to at least the Ancient Roman period. At that time, chemises were simple tunics that served to protect clothing from sweat and bodily oils. Although the designs have changed dramatically since then, the idea of a skimming undergarment continues to appeal.

Chemises date to at least the Ancient Roman times. Traditional chemises are the first known example of women’s lingerie. At that time, they were simply tunics that were designed to keep sweat and body oils away from clothing. Today’s designs have changed, but the loose yet skimming design continues to hold appeal.

A chemise is a loosely fitted, skimming undergarment. The chemise is the earliest known example of women’s lingerie, dating to at least Ancient Rome. Traditional chemises served a practical purpose, keeping body oil and sweat away from clothing. Although times have changed, the universal appeal of a loosely skimming garment remains powerful.

Historically, chemises were made of rough, common fabrics. However, today’s chemises are most often made from silk or other soft, romantic fabrics. You can even find sexy chemises in lace, mesh and other racy choices. A short chemise that is worn with matching panties is also known as a camisole.

Modern chemises are sometimes similar to babydolls or short nighties, offering a fully-covered but daring body-skimming look. Labels can be confusing, so be sure not to rule out possible choices based only on their labels. Shop in several categories of lingerie to find the garment that is best for you.

How are Chemises Sized?

Chemise sizing is quite simple. Traditional chemises do not have built-in cups, although some more daring modern styles contain this feature. Consequently, chemises are generally sized according to dress sizes. Look for a fit that is loose enough to be comfortable but tight enough to present a sexy silhouette.

Because sizing is so easy, chemises make excellent gift ideas as well. Consider giving a sexy chemise to a bride to be or a soft and elegant piece to a young girl who longs to feel grown up.

What Styles Are Available?

Chemises are available in a wide range of styles from mild to wild. Choose a pretty full coverage chemise with long sleeves and a demure neckline for a sweet, slightly old-fashioned look. If your tastes run more toward hot lingerie, choose a sleeveless short style in a daring fabric such as lace or mesh. If you will wear the chemise as an undergarment, be sure to find a simple style that lacks elaborate detailing, which may show under tight fitting clothing.

Chemises are a romantic and versatile lingerie option. You can wear a chemise in place of a slip or even a bra under a wide variety of clothing. A beautiful and soft chemise makes a romantic piece of nightwear. Chemises range from demure to racy, allowing you to choose the look that you want. Sizing a chemise is fairly easy, making it a breeze to order online. Many women develop collections of these soft and luxurious items, providing a wide range from which to choose for every occasion.

Chemises are among the most romantic styles of lingerie. A chemise is extremely versatile as well, taking the place of a slip and even a bra. At night, a soft and beautiful chemise makes an excellent bedtime garment. You can find chemises that are as racy or demure as you prefer, making them an excellent choice for women of all tastes. It is easy to shop online for chemises due to the ease of finding the correct size. Many women choose to collect chemises in a variety of styles that are appropriate to different occasions.

Chemises are both romantic and extremely versatile lingerie items. By day, consider wearing a chemise in place of a slip and even a bra. At night, slip into a soft yet seductive chemise before slipping into bed. You can find chemises in styles ranging from racy to demure, allowing you to choose the look that you prefer. However, many women choose to develop a small collection of chemises in varying styles, allowing them to customize their look for differing occasions.

The Chemise: Sexy and Comfortable For Every Woman Every Night

Sunday, November 4th, 2007

Like most lingerie, chemises have a long history as a part of women’s garments. The chemise originally started out as a shift, a long smock worn close to the skin under dresses to protect the outer clothing from body oils and sweat. During the old days, both men and women wore these garments. Some people believe the chemise first came around during Roman times in the form of a tunic and carried over into the Middle Ages, becoming very popular in Europe. The chemise was always one piece of clothing, worn and washed on a daily basis. Chemises were worn well into the middle of the 20th century, eventually replaced by more modern undergarments like bras, panties, slips and girdles. For men, chemises evolved into the modern day t-shirt.

Chemises have a long and storied history as a significant part of women’s undergarments. Starting out as a long smock worn under dresses to protect the outer clothes from wear and tear, the chemise was worn by both men and women. Most historians believe that the chemise started out as a tunic and wound up becoming very popular throughout Europe. Always worn as one piece of clothing, most chemises were washed on a daily basis. Nowadays, people still wear chemises, but for a much different design purpose.

Chemises started out as protective undergarments in the Middle Ages, essentially. They were worn under dresses as long smocks, protecting the body from oils and sweat. Men and women alike wore chemises, typically as a one-piece. Chemises originated around the time of the Roman Empire and carried over into the Middle Ages as a popular choice for undergarments. Currently, people continue to wear a version the chemise, mostly as the modern T-shirt.

Today’s chemises are made from a variety of materials for women. They come in all kinds of lengths. Some have fitted tops with long flowing skirts and others are short and flirty with matching panties. These loose fitting garments have lost their full sleeves in favor of thin straps and delicate styling puts the chemise at the top of the list for naughty lingerie. Among the different choices for materials are:

Mesh: Leave something to the imagination with a sheer mesh material. Still feel like you’re covered, but naughty enough for a peek here and there.

Silk: The ultimate in pampering, silk feels so good next to your skin and men can’t resist it either.

Satin: The look and feel of silk, but much cheaper and easier to care for.

Lace: For the ultimate in elegance and femininity, lace is a timeless classic.

Chiffon: Light, airy, and oh-so-glamorous. Bring out the diva in yourself with sexy lingerie of chiffon.

Chemises are a popular choice for sexy lingerie. Whether you are petite or plus size, chemises flatter practically any body type. One source says “The beauty of chemises is their ability to cling to the good curves, and ignore the bad”. With qualities like that, who could resist? Chemises come in all styles from mild to wild. Why not try a chemise with lacing up the sides and a matching G-string? Or take the soft and innocent route with pale pink satin printed with tiny hearts? Chemises are as playful or sexy as you want them to be.

It’s no surprise that the chemise is a fashionable choice for sexy lingerie. Regardless of the size of the woman, chemises can compliment any body type. With terrifically comfortable material and a sexy, classy look, chemises are flying off the shelves at most retailers and are revolutionizing the way women wear their undergarments.

Chemises are ideal for those women looking to explore the world of women’s undergarments with a safety net. A chemise can be anything and everything in the world of seduction, from wild, tormenting flare to delicate, sensual discretion. Chemises can work to provide sexy cool to any body type and are available in virtually any price range, making them the model seduction device for today’s modern woman.

If you want to add to your naughty lingerie without going broke, chemises are a quick and easy way to do it. And the best part? Chemises are comfortable enough to wear on a regular basis. Far too many women have a misconception about sexy lingerie and think that in order to look sexy they have to suffer with tight fitting garments. But chemises aren’t just for wearing in the bedroom, like camisoles, there are some chemises designed as dresses. One of the best ways to enjoy sexy lingerie is to wear it simply because it makes you feel good. Everyone wants to feel beautiful, whether or not they have someone to share it with. Go ahead and treat yourself to something naughty – or nice!

Chemises are economical and sexy options to add some zing to any collection of lingerie. With comfort that makes them ready to wear on a daily basis and affordability to match, the chemise may well be the world’s perfect undergarment. The magnificence and comfort of a chemise makes it a terrifically precious and gratifying purchase.

Buying chemises for your wardrobe is a valuable and rewarding experience that will brighten up your life. With chemises in your closet, you can add a special spark to the bedroom or just experience day-to-day comfort in style. Chemises may well be the greatest undergarment in the universe.