There were two important advances which occurred in the 1950's but which had a great influences on design and colours of women's underwear in the 60's. The first was the development in 1956 by ICI of reactive dyes which allowed a greater variety of colours and printed patterns. Initially the colours used were merely more intense version of those used in the 50's such as bright yellow, deep reds, dark blues. But by 1969 it seemed that makers had tried every vivid colour available, even day-glo fluorescents and in a bewildering range of patterns including multi-coloured gingham, paisley-swirls, squares, circles and especially bright floral designs.
The second development as was the invention in 1959 by DuPont of fibre-K which was re-named Lycra. Its elastic properties allowed the designs to be simpler and lighter yet retain the same figure control.
The desired body shape was waif-like and the girdles and corsets were worn to slim the hips. Hemlines rose steadily until culminating in 1965 with the mini-skirt and in response girdles became briefer too with the panty style predominating.
This decade saw the demise of the full-fashioned stocking, in 1962 more they accounted for more than 80% of hosiery sales but by 1970 this had fallen to less than 5% being replaced by the more utilitarian tights (US.pantyhose). In response girdle with detachable or even no suspenders began to be produced.
There were attempts to make fashionable girdles to appeal to younger women, Youthlines produced a range designed by Mary Quant featuring her distinctive flower motif. However the biggest influence had been the social and fashion revolutions of this era meant, that for the younger market, the panty-brief had largely replaced the girdle.
These girdle and corselet images from the late 1960's, most of them are by the German manufacturer Triumph International.
The company was founded in 1866 and adopted the name Triumph in 1902 and now manufactures around the world.
They also produced the Doreen the worlds best selling bra.
The fashion trends are reflected in some of the girdles which show the floral patterns and bright colours that were typical of this era.
These trends are not evident in the corselets as they were aimed at the older and hence more conservative customer.
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| 1969 | 1969 | 1969 | 1969 | 1969 | 1969 |
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| 1968 | 1968 | 1968 | 1968 | 1968 | 1968 | 1968 |
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