WHAT IS LINGERIE AND IT ORIGINS

Lingerie is a generalised term used in English to refer to women's undergarments. It is borrowed from the French. In France, the term is used more generically, to refer to undergarments in general, which is actually the original usage of the word. Within most English speaking nations, lingerie is associated with garments which enhance and flatter the female figure, making the wearer seem more attractive or sexually appealing. However, they can also be designed with comfort or even modesty in mind. In the 18th century, French courtesans started to realize the potential appeal of undergarments that were designed to titillate the viewer. Most other members of society continued to wear plain lingerie in the form of corsets, petticoats, and slips. It wasn't until the 1960s that companies started to manufacture lingerie with specifically ornamental purposes in mind, alongside more conventional undergarments.