01. The First Modern Bra Was Made from Handkerchiefs

In 1913, a young New York socialite named Mary Phelps Jacob was getting ready for a debutante ball. Her corset was uncomfortable and kept poking out from under her gown. So she did something revolutionary: she took two silk handkerchiefs, a pink ribbon, and some cord—and created the first modern bra.

She enlisted the help of her French maid, Marie, and together they fashioned a backless brassiere from two handkerchiefs, ribbon, and cord. She patented the design in 1914 under the name “Backless Brassiere.” The design was simple, comfortable, and nothing like the rigid corsets of the era. It marked the beginning of the end for the corset and the birth of the bra as we know it.

02. Garter Belts Were Originally Worn by Men

It’s true. Before garter belts became a symbol of feminine lingerie, they were worn by men. The garter belt originated in 15th-century Europe as a male accessory, used to hold up knee-length stockings. During Elizabethan times, men wore garters with their hose—it was a functional necessity for anyone who wore stockings, regardless of gender.

The garter belt as we know it—a waistband with suspender straps—evolved much later. It wasn’t until the 19th century, as long trousers became standard for men, that garter belts became primarily associated with women’s lingerie. Today, garter belts are enjoying a fashion comeback, worn by people of all genders as a styling piece.

03. Black Lace Started as Mourning Wear

Black lace has become synonymous with seduction, but its origins are far more somber. In the 19th century, black became the standard color for mourning after Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, died in 1861. Victoria wore full mourning dress until the end of her life, and the trend spread across Europe.

Chantilly lace—the best known of the black laces—was made in Chantilly, France, and was often worn by widows. It was fashionable to emulate the mourning of Queen Victoria for prescribed periods by the wearing of black clothing. It took decades—and a cultural shift toward more liberated attitudes about sexuality—for black lace to shed its funereal associations and become the symbol of allure it is today.

04. The Pearl Thong Became Famous Because of Sex and the City

In one memorable episode of Sex and the City, Samantha Jones discovers a pearl thong—and the audience discovers it right along with her. The scene turned a niche luxury item from Spanish brand Bracli into a global talking point.

The Original Pearl Thong was created by Bracli Lingerie in Spain in 1996, making it a revolutionary product in terms of intimate fashion. Its secret lies in a single string of pearls, strategically placed on the bottom of the thong, offering a unique experience of pleasure and sophistication. After its appearance in Sex and the City and Grey’s Anatomy, it became a pop culture touchstone. Today, lace pearl thongs are a steadily growing bestseller, proving that one pop culture moment can create demand that lasts for decades.

05. Red Lingerie Has a Psychological Effect

Red is more than just a color—it’s a psychological trigger. Research has shown that the color red can improve mood and increase confidence. Red lingerie symbolizes passion, self-assurance, and a bold temperament.

That’s why red lingerie isn’t just for Valentine’s Day. Many women choose red when they want to feel bold, empowered, or simply more like themselves. It’s not about pleasing someone else—it’s about tapping into a feeling. Wearing red underwear can be a personal act of empowerment, a positive ritual that reinforces self-esteem and confidence.

06. The Cup Size System Was Invented by a Bra Company

Before the 1930s, bras came in just a few sizes—and they were mostly adjusted with elastic and straps. The concept of cup sizes as we know them today was introduced by S.H. Camp & Company in 1932, a bra manufacturer that developed a system of A, B, C, and D cups based on bust measurement.

Interestingly, the letters originally represented how pendulous the breasts were—not their volume. The system was refined over the decades, and today cup sizes range well beyond D. But the basic idea—that a bra should fit both the band and the bust—comes from that early innovation.

07. Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Changed How We See Lingerie

When the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show first aired, it wasn’t just a fashion show—it was a cultural event. First streamed online in 1999, then televised in 2001, the show became a sex-charged spectacle that turned lingerie into entertainment, models into stars, and wings into status symbols.

The show’s impact went beyond television ratings. It made lingerie a mainstream conversation topic, normalized buying lingerie for yourself, and helped turn lingerie into a fashion category rather than just a functional necessity. Love it or critique it, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show changed the lingerie industry forever.

08. Lace Was Once More Valuable Than Gold

Before the Industrial Revolution, all lace was made by hand. It was incredibly time-consuming and required immense skill. A single piece of fine lace could take months to complete. In the late 1700s, it was said that lace was more valuable than gold. Fortunes were squandered and estates were mortgaged to acquire it.

Lace was an essential part of a lady’s attire and often given as a present. Sellers measured lace in ounces or carats as if it were a piece of gold or a diamond. It wasn’t until the invention of lace-making machines in the 19th century that lace became accessible to the general public. Today, lace is one of the most popular fabrics in lingerie—and it’s still prized for its beauty and craftsmanship.

Why Ohyeah Loves Lingerie (and Its Stories)

At Ohyeah, we’ve been making lingerie for over 15 years, and we never get tired of its history. Every piece we design is a small part of a much bigger story—one that stretches back centuries and continues to evolve.

What we offer retailers:

• Classic categories with a story: Lace, satin, garter belts, pearl thongs, corsets, and bodysuits—the styles that have defined lingerie history
• Modern designs with timeless appeal: Pieces that honor lingerie’s past while fitting today’s customers
• Inclusive sizing: Extended sizes across our core collections, because lingerie is for everyone
• Flexible ordering: Mixed orders and flexible MOQs make it easy to test new categories
• ODM/OEM services: Custom designs, fabrics, and packaging to build your brand’s own lingerie story

Lingerie isn’t just fabric—it’s history, culture, and personality. Let Ohyeah help you share that story with your customers.