The 1960s were a revolutionary decade, and the world of fashion was no exception. Cultural norms were shifting and clothing was evolving, and the delicate undergarments that women wore changed alongside it. From the beginning of the decade, the structured silhouettes from the 1950s were still worn, but this moved into carefree and playful designs by the late 1960s, lingerie reflected the changing times.
The Early 1960s: Classic Glamour and Structure
The beginning of the 1960s still echoed the style of the 1950s, with structured, figure-enhancing lingerie still reigned supreme. This was the era of bullet bras, girdles and corsetry designed to help women achieve that iconic hourglass figure. Lingerie was all about supporting and sculpting the body, with emphasis on a lifted bust, cinched waist and smooth hips. Women were expected to have the “perfect” silhouette, and lingerie was designed to help achieve that ideal.
Bullet bras, known for their distinct conical shape, were a signature of early 1960s lingerie. This gave women the exaggerated “torpedo bust” that was popularised by the icon herself Marilyn Monroe, among others. These bras were often worn alongside girdles and waist cinchers that controlled and streamlined the body, ensuring that the tight, wiggle dresses of the era fit perfectly without any unwanted lumps and bumps.
Stockings came in various shades, with “nude” tones being the most popular. Women would also opt for black or even pastel shades depending on their outfit and occasion.
Mid-1960s: Shifting Silhouettes and Changing Attitudes
As the decade progressed, societal attitudes began to shift. The rise of the feminist movement, coupled with a growing youth culture, brought about a new approach to lingerie. The focus moved from rigid structure to comfort and a more natural shape. The idea that lingerie had to be restrictive or designed to mold the body began to fade.
In response to the change in attitude, lingerie designers started to embrace softer, more natural shapes. Bras with less padding and structure became more popular, allowing for a more relaxed fit. This trend reflected the changing fashions of the time, with looser-fitting clothing, and simpler, streamlined designs.
Late-1960s: The Rise of Playfulness and Self-Expression
The late 1960s saw lingerie take a bold and playful turn. The “Youthquake” movement, driven by fashion icons like Twiggy and designers like Mary Quant, brought bright colours, bold patterns, and a sense of fun to everything, including underwear. Lingerie became less about sculpting the body and more about expressing individuality and freedom.
Sheer fabrics, lace, and vibrant hues replaced the heavy, padded styles of earlier decades. Babydoll nighties, known for their playfull and flirty aesthetic, became a staple in women’s lingerie wardrobes. These nighties often featured short hemlines, sheer layers, and feminine embellishments like bows and ruffles.
With the sexual revolution in full swing, lingerie also began to embrace a sense of empowerment and body positivity. The traditional view of lingerie as merely a functional item was challenged as women began to view it as an expression of their personality and expression.
Bullet Bras
One of the most iconic lingerie pieces of the 1950s and early 1960s, bullet bras featured pointed, conical cups that created an exaggerated “torpedo” shape. These bras were heavily structured, with circular stitching to enhance the cone-like effect. This helped women to achieve the popular “hourglass” silhouette inspired by Hollywood starlets like Marilyn Monroe.
Girdles
Girdles were essential in the early 1960s for creating a smooth and controlled figure. These firm undergarments extended from the waist to mid-thigh, shaping the waist, hips and thighs to produce the desired streamline effect. Often paired with stockings attached via garter straps, girdles were an everyday staple for many women seeking the polished, cinched-in look that was synonymous with the decade.
Longline Bras
Longline bras were designed to provide both bust support and torso shaping. Extending below the bust to cover part of the ribcage and sometimes reaching down to the waist, these bras would smooth the upper body, making them perfect for wearing under fitted dresses. With built-in boning and elastic panels, they provided support and structure while also giving a streamlined finish.
Babydoll Nighties
By the mid-to-late 60s, the babydoll nightie emerged as a playful and flirty alternative to more traditional nightwear. These short, loose-fitting nightgowns featured an empire waist and often included sheer, flowing fabrics, lace trims, bows, and ruffles. Babydolls became a symbol of the youthful, liberated fashion movement of the late 1960s, embodying the sense of fun and femininity that was seen in everyday wear too.
Sheer and Lace Bralettes
Reflecting the shift toward a more natural body shape and everyday comfort, sheer and lace bras became popular towards the end of the 1960s. These bras often features delicate lace or mesh cups with minimal padding and no underwire, offering a softer, more relaxed fit. They celebrated the body’s natural curves, embracing femininity and elegant designs.
High-Waisted Briefs and Bikini Pants
While the early 1960s favored high-waisted briefs for their full coverage and smoothing effects, bikini panties gained popularity later on in the decade. High-waisted briefs offered support and control, while bikini pants introduced a lower-rise, more modern silhouette that worked well with miniskirts and low-rise trousers. Both styles came in bright colours and playful prints, reflecting the decade’s embrace of fun, expressive lingerie.
Garter Belts and Stockings
Although tights / pantyhose began to gain popularity towards the end of the decade, garter belts remained a classic lingerie item. Often made of lace or satin, garter belts were used to hold up sheer nylon stockings. The combination of a delicate garter belt with stockings was considered functional and seductive, contributing to the evolving idea of lingerie as a symbol of sensuality.
Slip Dresses
Slip dresses became versatile garments that were worn both as nightwear and as undergarments. These dresses were typically made from silk, satin or nylon, featuring spaghetti straps and a loose, flowing fit. As fashion became more daring, slip dresses were sometimes styled as outerwear, reflecting the decade’s trend of mixing intimate apparel with everyday fashion.
Patterned and Colourful Lingerie
The late 1960s brought a burst of vibrant colours and bold patterns to lingerie. Psychedelic prints, florals and vivid shades replaced the more traditional pastel and neutral tones of the previous decade. Lingerie sets with matching bras and knickers became popular, allowing women to express their personality even in their undergarments.
Coloured Tights
Coloured tights became a fashion sensation in the late 1960s, driven by the rise of the miniskirt and youth-driven mod movement. Designers like Mary Quant popularised vibrant, eye-catching hues like electric blue, hot pink, and lime green. No longer just functional, tights evolved into key elements of self-expression, allowing women to mix colours and patterns. Embraced by fashion icons like Twiggy, coloured tights reflected the era’s spirit of freedom, fun and individuality.
The Impact of the 1960s Lingerie Revolution Today
The 1960s was a transformative time for lingerie, paving the way for the expressive and diverse designs we see today. The decade broke down the barriers of rigid structure and conformity, allowing lingerie to become a canvas for self-expression, comfort and individuality. From structured glamour to free-spirited playfulness, the evolution of lingerie in the 1960s reflects the broader societal shifts and remains an influential chapter in fashion history.
It’s clear that the lingerie revolution of the 1960s wasn’t just about style – it was about liberation. It set the foundation for modern lingerie, where comfort, diversity and self-confidence are celebrated. Whether you’re a fan of bullet bras or a babydoll nightie, the 1960s have something for you.
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