Swanky Pins Lingerie Blog

Plus Size Vintage Foundation Wear Guide

February 21, 2026 / 27 / 0

Summary: Finding authentic-looking plus size vintage shapewear in larger sizes can often feel like a lost cause, but the secret to that iconic retro silhouette isn’t about shrinking – it’s about engineering. At Swanky Pins, we’ve moved past the “sausage... Continue reading

1930s girdles and foundation wear examples

Retro Lingerie

1930s Girdles: Shaping the Modern Silhouette

October 14, 2025 / 711 / 0

Introduction: The 1930’s Girdle The 1930s marked a profound transformation in women’s fashion, signaling a departure from the slender, boyish “flapper” aesthetic that characterized the 1920s. This new decade ushered in a preference for a more natural, yet meticulously sculpted,... Continue reading

the main differences between corsets, corselettes and basques

Retro Lingerie

What is the Difference Between a Corset, a Corselette and a Basque?

September 17, 2025 / 854 / 0

When it comes to vintage-inspired lingerie, few garments cause as much confusion as the basque, the corset, and the corselette. These structured undergarments all shape the figure and add an element of glamour, but each has its own unique history,... Continue reading

Sleepwear and loungewear of the 1940s and '50s

Retro Lingerie

1940s & 1950s Women’s Loungewear and Sleepwear Styles

September 16, 2025 / 755 / 0

“Summary: Looking for vintage style sleepwear inspiration? This guide examines the key differences between 1940s and 1950s women’s loungewear. Learn about the transition from 1940s rayon nightgowns and button-up pyjamas to the high-glamour 1950s era of lace-trimmed negligees, peignoirs, and... Continue reading

choosing the right size for your stockings

Hosiery

How to Choose the Right Size Stockings | Vintage vs Modern Sizing Guide

September 11, 2025 / 652 / 0

Finding the right size stockings can make all the difference to both comfort and style. Whether you’re recreating a glamorous 1950s look or slipping into modern hosiery, the fit of your stockings affects how they look, how they feel, and... Continue reading

Choosing the right stockings to pair with your outfit

Hosiery

Choosing the Right Stockings for your Outfit

September 11, 2025 / 638 / 0

When it comes to vintage style, no accessory transforms an outfit quite like stockings. In the 1950s, women embraced stockings not just as a necessity but as a finishing touch to create elegance, glamour, and femininity. Today, whether you’re recreating... Continue reading

Retro Lingerie

1950s Lingerie Trends: Shaping the Feminine Silhouette

September 6, 2025 / 767 / 0

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... Continue reading

Hosiery

The Rise of Seamed Stockings in the 1940s

September 4, 2025 / 676 / 0

Few fashion items capture the glamour of the 1940s quite like seamed stockings. With their elegant back seam running the length of the leg, they became more than just a practical garment—they were a symbol of femininity, resilience, and allure... Continue reading

FAQ / Q & A. The ultimate guide to Suspender Belts / Garter belts

Guides, Tips & Advice

Suspender Belts – The Ultimate Guide

August 2, 2025 / 2400 / 0

Quick Reference: The Ultimate Guide to Suspender Belts Key Feature Technical Specification / Recommendation Core Function: A suspender belt (Garter belt) is a foundation garment designed to support non-elasticated stockings and hosiery. Daily Wear Recommendation: 6-Strap Belts are the industry... Continue reading

Retro Lingerie

The Golden Age of Girdles 1930s – 1960s

July 25, 2025 / 886 / 0

The 1930’s Girdle 1930s girdles replaced the rigid, heavily boned corsets of previous eras and tended to feature angled seams, hidden boning, and side hook-and-eye fastenings. Materials like cotton twill, linen, cotton twill tape, and various elastic fabrics were used,... Continue reading