1950s Lingerie Trends: Shaping the Feminine Silhouette

The 1950s marked a defining era in fashion, where glamour, structure, and femininity were celebrated in equal measure. After the austerity of the 1940s, lingerie in the fifties became more luxurious, playful, and designed to enhance the curvy hourglass figure that epitomised beauty at the time. From bullet bras to girdles and nylon stockings, lingerie trends in the 1950s reveal how undergarments shaped not just the body, but also the confidence of women in this decade.

Most women – no matter their age – know the look, even if they are not interested in re-creating it themselves – the pointed boobs and nipped in waist as portrayed by the fabulous Miss Monroe.

The Hourglass Silhouette

At the heart of 1950s lingerie was the desire to sculpt the perfect hourglass figure. Christian Dior’s famous “New Look” of 1947 had a lasting influence, with its cinched waists, accentuated busts, and full skirts. Women sought undergarments that could support this exaggerated silhouette, and lingerie brands responded with designs that were both functional and sensual.

The great thing is, you didn’t have to be born with the figure of those sex symbols of the time – you could just create it with your foundation wear!

High-waisted knickers, firm-control girdles, and longline bras became everyday essentials. These pieces didn’t just smooth the body – they created dramatic curves that aligned with the decade’s fashion ideals.

The Rise of the Bullet Bra

Perhaps the most iconic lingerie trend of the 1950s was the bullet bra. With its pointed, cone-shaped cups, the bullet bra lifted and projected the bust to create the exaggerated “sweater girl” look made famous by Hollywood stars like Diana Dors, Jayne Mansfield, Jane Russell and the previously mentioned Marylin Monroe.

Unlike the softer bras of previous decades, bullet bras were heavily structured with spiral stitching and could be worn with or without additional padding. They were designed not just for support but also for a bold, high-fashion silhouette. Today, bullet bras remain a symbol of 1950s vintage-inspired lingerie and are popular with vintage enthusiasts and pinup models who love the dramatic shape.

Other popular bra styles were the cone bra similar in shape but without the ‘rigidness’ of the ones worn by the sweater girls – the longline bra, strapless or ‘bralettes ‘ which were made of cotton, rayon or Nylon and more given to day time wear for comfort.

Read our Guide to Bullet Bras: How to wear one – getting the right fit – keeping your bra looking it’s best and more.

Girdles and Corsetry

While the Victorian corset had long since fallen out of daily use, the 1950s brought back the concept of shaping garments in a more modern way. Girdles – both open-bottom and panty-style – were essential items in every woman’s lingerie drawer.

These girdles were made from elasticated fabrics that offered firm control without the rigid boning of earlier corsetry. They smoothed the hips, tucked the tummy, and kept stockings securely fastened with built-in suspender straps. For evening wear, waist cinchers and longline girdles provided extra shaping, ensuring dresses ‘clung’ to the figure perfectly.

Stockings and Suspenders

Stockings were another daily staple throughout the 1950s. Made from Nylon rather than silk (thanks to wartime innovations), they were more durable and affordable, making them a must-have accessory.

Seamed stockings were still popular, especially for formal occasions, as they created a polished, leg-lengthening effect. These were held up by suspender belts or girdles, meaning they remained a crucial lingerie item of the time. Smooth, sheer stockings without seams also gained popularity towards the end of the decade, reflecting the growing influence of simpler, modern lines.

Fabrics and Feminine Details

The austerity of the 1940s gave way to more indulgent fabrics in the 1950s. Lingerie began incorporating satin, lace, tulle, and embroidery for a more glamorous appeal. Pastel shades such as pink, yellow, blue, and ivory were introduced and became popular alongside the ‘classics’ – beige, white and black.

Ruffles, bows, and lace trims added a sense of playful femininity, reflecting the cultural ideal of the perfect 1950s housewife who ran the house and raised the children whilst looking elegant and unflustered.

Lasting Influence of 1950s Lingerie

The lingerie of the 1950s was more than just functional – it symbolised a cultural shift towards embracing glamour and structured femininity. Many of these pieces remain timeless: bullet bras and girdles are treasured by vintage collectors, while suspender belts and seamed stockings continue to inspire retro lingerie designs today.

For those who love vintage fashion, recreating the 1950s lingerie look is a way of celebrating a truly glamorous era – one that shaped not only the female form but also the story of lingerie as we know it.