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Great Gatsby Fever: 20 Pieces of Vintage 1920s Lingerie

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?

1920s silk chiffon lace teddy, via Vintage Textile Archives

1926-27 silk nightgown, via The Met Museum

1920s lace chemise teddy, via Salon of the Dames

1920s lace bra and tap pants, via Vintage Textile

1920s silk charmeuse and cotton lace teddy, via The Arizona Costume Institute

1920s blue silk chiffon and lace teddy, via Vintage Textile Archives

1920s silk and lace teddy, via Met Museum

1920s silk and lace peignoir, via Vintage Textile

1925 Lace Trimmed Silk Teddy, via Vintage Textile

1920s silk pajamas, via The Met Museum

1920s lace dressing gown, via eBay

1920s silk bra and tap pants, via Vintage Textile

1920s french satin and lace nightgown, via Vintage Textile

1920s silk pajamas, via The Met Museum

1920s pink and black lace bra, via Planet Claire Vintage

1920s silk and linen lingerie, via The Met Museum

1920s satin bra, via The Kyoto Costume Institute

1920s silk robe, via Dronning Vintage

1920s hand-embroidered mint chemise

1920s velvet robe, via Live Auctioneers


Cora Harrington

Founder and Editor in Chief of The Lingerie Addict. Author of In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie. I believe lingerie is fashion too, and that everyone who wants it deserves gorgeous lingerie.