When did women start wearing bridal lingerie on their wedding day?

Women’s underwear has a long history dating back millennia – from ancient Roman bandeaus, to the Indian kanchuka, and into the corseted Victorian era. Most examples of earlier “lingerie” garments are looser and less structured than what we think of as lingerie today. Over time, underwear has been refined for function and (eventually) comfort. Lingerie like we wear today is a relatively modern indulgence.

The 19th century saw the popularisation of “everyday lingerie”, and the corset emerged as a key piece in any fashionable woman's wardrobe, especially in France. Constructed from whalebone and other rigid materials, corsets cinched the waist and accentuated the bust, to create the desired silhouette of the era. This undergarment, though restrictive, introduced an intimate dimension to bridal wear.

Around the same time, the French trousseau (meaning “to truss, tuck, or bundle”) became a tradition. These gift bundles were given to new brides on their wedding day to mark the transition from woman to wife, and many included underwear for the wedding night. Over time, this tradition has shifted to become more about just packing glamorous underwear for your honeymoon!

In the early 20th century, fashion trends started to move away from the rigid designs of the past. Innovators like Herminie Cadolle reimagined women's lingerie, prioritising comfort without sacrificing design. Cadolle's work in the late 1800s led to the creation of what we’d recognise as a modern bra, and just a few decades later, Paul Poiret “banished” the corset, replacing it with elastic waistbands within garments that allowed for far more freedom of movement.

By the 1920s, lingerie materials like silk, chiffon and batiste became the fabrics of choice, transforming underwear from functional to luxurious. It was this era that really set the foundation for the exquisite bridal lingerie we see today.

Bride and prejudice – From corsets to shapewear

The journey from the corsets of the past to the shapewear of today is a symbol of female liberation.

The 1920s and 30s were all about bias-cut silk slips and dainty bralettes, garments that celebrate the natural shapes and contours of women’s bodies. This move away from more rigid structures allowed women to embrace their femininity with grace, ease and excitement – think flapper dresses and feathers.

It was at this time that lingerie houses started to cater specifically for brides, offering stunning white pieces with delicate lace and intricate embroidery. This was the beginning of bridal lingerie as we now know it.

But by the 1950s, the pendulum swung back towards more structured aesthetics. The hourglass figure of pin-up girls dominated fashion and led to the resurgence of form-fitting undergarments. Luxurious silk bullet bras and waspies became staples for brides, for a sensual and sculpted wedding night.

Then came the 60s and 70s, which was a period characterised by sexual liberation and feminism. Since then, society has favoured a woman’s right to make her own choices, and style by her own rules – and this is no different when it comes to bridal fashion. 

What’s the difference between wedding shapewear and bridal lingerie?

Every bride wants to feel flawless on her wedding day, and what’s worn underneath her wedding dress can be as important as the dress itself.

Wedding shapewear is designed for sculpting and support. From corseted bodices to seamless bodysuits, these pieces create a smooth, contoured look beneath your wedding dress. Whether it’s waist-defining, bust-enhancing or tummy-toning – shapewear is all about structure.

On the other hand, bridal lingerie is more sensual and luxurious. Whether it’s for the wedding night or honeymoon, bridal lingerie is an intimate celebration of romance. Think silk camisoles, delicate lace suspenders, feather-light slip dresses, and unforgettable matching lingerie sets; these pieces are designed to make a bride feel confident and gorgeous as she enters into married life.

Altered by Love: The Promise Collection

Bridal lingerie has come a long way, and while its essence is steeped in tradition, it has never been more diverse or luxurious.

At Scarlett Gasque, we understand that luxury is personal. That’s why our founder, Chloe, designed a bespoke bridal lingerie collection for her own wedding last year, for her big day and every intimate moment before and after.

This inspired her to create a new collection specifically for brides – Altered by Love: The Promise Collection. It features a delicate lace slip dress, a waist-defining waspie, a matching bra, thong and suspender set and an ethereal robe. Now, brides everywhere can shop these exquisite designs and feel like a million bucks on their wedding day.

Because, let’s be honest, the perfect wedding night begins with gorgeous lingerie!