Underwear of the 19th Century.

Brief overview of 19th century underwear. Timeline
This summary covers both women’s and men’s underwear, with a primary focus on women’s garments. Men’s underwear remained largely unchanged throughout the 19th century, typically consisting of a shirt and underpants.

In contrast, women’s underwear became increasingly elaborate. The foundational elements remained consistent: a chemise, stockings, and a corset. In the 1810s, drawers (loose underpants) were introduced for women and were worn over the chemise, adding a new layer of modesty and warmth. By the mid-century, the crinoline, a cage-like structure made of steel hoops, dramatically expanded skirt volume. Later, the bustle shifted the volume to the back, creating exaggerated silhouettes often compared to centaurs.

The corset was the defining feature of 19th-century women’s fashion. Early in the century, it was relatively soft and designed mainly to support the bust. From the 1830s onward, corsets became more structured, cinching the waist and shaping the torso into the fashionable silhouettes of each era. With each passing decade, the corset adapted to the changing ideals of femininity and style.