Ancient Greek women and breast support: In ancient Greece, women used undergarments known as "apodeme" for breast support. These early predecessors of modern lingerie were designed to provide comfort and shape.

The French term for lingerie: Interestingly, in French, the term "lingerie" refers to both men's and women's undergarments. It encompasses a wide range of intimate apparel.

Corsets and whalebone: In the 1800s, corsets were often constructed with whalebone, specifically the baleen whale. This material provided structure and support to the corsets of that era.

The trend of the monobosom: In the early 1900s, the monobosom became a popular lingerie trend among women. This fashion involved lifting and supporting the busts in a way that made one breast appear larger than the other.

The first bra above the corset: The world's first bra was designed to be worn over the corset. It marked a significant departure from the traditional undergarments and offered more freedom and comfort.

Rudi Gernreich and the thong bikini: Fashion designer Rudi Gernreich introduced the thong bikini in 1974. Originally designed for exotic dancers, it provided minimal coverage while maintaining a sense of allure.

The French and the modern bra: The French played a pivotal role in introducing the modern bra design, featuring two separate pieces. The bottom wear resembled a high-waisted brief, providing both support and style.

The lifespan of a bra: On average, the lifespan of a bra is only six months. Regular use and washing can cause wear and tear, making it necessary to replace bras regularly for optimal support and comfort.

Bra sizes around the world: Women's preferences for bra sizes vary across different countries. Women in the United Kingdom tend to wear the largest sizes, while women in Malaysia often wear the smallest bra sizes, with the average of AA cup size. 

Red undergarments for good luck: In Italy, it is believed that wearing red undergarments on New Year's Eve brings good luck for the year ahead. This tradition is rooted in symbolism and cultural beliefs. Same comes to in Malaysia during Chinese New Year. 

Lingerie color preferences: According to surveys, the most liked lingerie colors by women are blue, purple, and lilac. However, white holds the record for being the best-selling color globally.

G-strings and sexual confidence: Women who prefer to wear G-strings are often associated with being sexually confident and liberated. This choice of lingerie reflects their self-assuredness and comfort with their bodies.

White lingerie and low maintenance: On the other hand, women who choose white lingerie are often seen as low maintenance. They prioritize simplicity and practicality in their intimate apparel choices.

Changing bra sizes throughout a woman's life: It is common for a woman to wear different bra sizes at various stages of her life. Factors such as puberty, pregnancy, and aging can lead to changes in breast size, necessitating adjustments in lingerie choices.

The wrong bra size epidemic: Shockingly, approximately 80% of women worldwide are wearing the wrong bra size. Ill-fitting bras can cause discomfort, affect posture, and compromise breast health. Getting professionally fitted can make a significant difference in comfort and support.

Popular styles of underwear: Based on recent surveys, 23% of women prefer full briefs for comfort, while 37% opt for bikini panties. Additionally, 19% of women choose G-strings, and the remaining percentage goes for other styles like hi-cut, French cut, and hipsters. There's even a small percentage of women who choose not to wear underwear at all.

Preference for comfort: Comfort plays a crucial role in women's underwear choices. Many prioritize comfort over style when selecting their everyday undergarments.

Vogue and the term "brassiere": In 1907, Vogue magazine coined the term "brassiere" to describe a woman's undergarment. This term was later added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 1911.

Iconic lingerie designs by famous designers: Renowned designer Jean Paul Gaultier created Madonna's famous cone bra, which became an iconic symbol of the '80s. Additionally, the "bullet bra" from the '40s and '50s remains an influential and recognizable lingerie design.

The waist reduction ability of corsets: Dita von Teese, a burlesque performer and model, is known for her affinity for corsets. She has worn corsets for more than 20 years and has achieved a remarkably small waist, reducing it to just 16 inches.

A plus size bra isn’t just for the bedroom; it can enhance the way your everyday outfits look and feel. By presenting your natural body shape in its best light, you can instantly elevate your style and feel more assured.

The creation of the exercise bra: In 1977, Lisa Lindahl, together with theatre costume designer Polly Smith and her assistant Hinda Schreiber, developed the first exercise bra. Known as the "jockbra," it revolutionized the sports and fitness industry by providing much-needed support for active women.

The jockbra and its origin: The name "jockbra" was a combination of "jockstrap" and "bra." The designers recognized the need for comfortable and supportive undergarments during physical activities, leading to the creation of this groundbreaking product.

Lingerie is not just a collection of undergarments; it holds the power to make women feel confident, sexy, and comfortable in their own skin. Throughout history, lingerie has seen remarkable transformations and innovations. From ancient Greek breast support to modern bra designs, lingerie has evolved to cater to women's changing needs and fashion trends. By understanding the fascinating facts and cultural perspectives surrounding lingerie, women can make more informed choices and embrace the confidence that comes with wearing lingerie that suits their style and personality. So, indulge in the world of lingerie and discover how it can enhance your style quotient and boost your confidence.

Christina is a committed translator and copywriter who now based in Melaka, Malaysia. She enjoys the best about fashion and style of lingerie. She is also a busy mum yet loves to keep herself positive and motivated with healthy lifestyles.