Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This book follows the development of underwear fashion for men, women and children, from 1500 to the present day. The book includes illustrations that include advertisements, cartoons, photographs, engravings and paintings of various articles of underwear. Topics covered include the art of dressing and undressing, the garments themselves, underwear for specific lifestyles, and technical innovations in materials and manufacture such as elastic, art silk and lycra.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Thoroughly modern Carter traces the development of the undergarment industry as she melds fashion, social, and industrial history, focusing primarily on women's undergarment fashions from 1490 to 1990. Her chronicle is straightforward with only a soup,con of the inevitable erotic and male fetish overtones. She highlights trends in fashionable silhouettes as undergarments moved in lock step with outer garments, providing their structure. Cycles of concealing and revealing show that the current revival of innerwear as outerwear is not so new as it may seem at first blush. Carter classifies undergarments as second skin, fulfilling functions of modesty, warmth, and hygiene; and as second skeleton, architectural contraptions, distorting natural contours by constricting or enlarging. She traces 360DG sea changes from the obligatory fig leaf to early body coverings through tight lacing, returning to nonrestrictive, minimalist yet highly inventive lingerie of the 20th century. Indentifying manufacturers and designers she describes garments (and their mutations) ranging from chemises, camisoles, petticoats, and knickers to stays, S-bend corsets, hoops, bustles, and both men's and women's padded garments. Surviving garments and 107 illustrations (32 in color) from paintings, catalogs, advertisements, cartoons, and photographs authentically document her study. She includes details of fabrics, cut, construction, colors, ornamentation, health concerns, dress reform movements, and technological innovations. Also included are a glossary, bibliography, and list of companies and trade names. Recommended for academic costume and fashion history collections. M. F. Morris; East Carolina University