Silk French Knickers
From LoveToKnow Lingerie
Silk French knickers, those elegant, romantic and oh-so-feminine predecessors of boy shorts hit their stride in the 1930s and, although they’ve lost much of the popularity, have never gone away. They’re just a bit harder to find. Fortunately, a number of lingerie designers know the value of these retro glamorous pieces and you can buy some as luxurious as those from Paris in the day.
Brief History of Silk French Knickers
Knickers are like lingerie shorts that skirt the hip. They are loose and lightweight. The French, always ahead of the game when it comes to designing lingerie, developed knickers from their previous longer incarnation during the 1920s, when hems shot up to the knee. At this time, they were part of a combination undergarment, comprising a camisole as well. It was in the 1930s that silk French knickers hit their stride. Many movies of the time will feature a “bad girl” wearing them – needless to say, plenty of young women snapped them up. They weren’t just for the racy set, though, but for everyone. Women continued to wear them in the 1940s, although they were far less embellished during the war years, and it was only in the 1950s that panties as we know them today began to be worn.
The looseness of the knickers may seem to suggest immodesty, but they did provide full coverage and were healthier to wear. This is still true – it’s better for your most sensitive skin to be able to fully breathe.
Modern Knickers
You can certainly find vintage silk French knickers in vintage shops and on eBay. As vintage lingerie goes, these can be great because usually the only thing wrong is that the elastic is worn out, and this is easily replaced.
However, the design of the knickers hasn’t changed, and you can get modern ones in a variety of colors and insets. A great place to begin shopping online is Simply French Knickers, a British company that makes nothing but French knickers. All the work, including the hand finishing, is done in Britain. The knickers are cut on the bias, so that they drape in the most flattering way. They have a flat front waistband that is elastic at the sides and back, making for a comfortable fit. They come in a range of sizes including those for plus sizes.
The knickers are 100 percent silk, making for maximum breathability and comfort in all weather. The lace trim is all from France and is sewn on by hand. Some knickers come with extra embellishments like crystals or diamante hearts. If you like, you can have customized embroidery.
Because they are pure silk and made in non-sweatshop conditions, the knickers are considerably more expensive than some you will find elsewhere. However, if you take proper care of them, they should last for many years. As luxury items go, these are some of the finest and you really will feel special wearing them. If you’re going to indulge in something different, you should indulge all the way.
Retro-Style Knickers
If you want a pair that really captures the 1940s feel, go to Sophistikitten, which make knickers based on a 1940s pattern. Instead of elastic, these have a wide waistband that fastens at the side with buttons. They have six panels, allowing for maximum comfort. You can also buy tie-side knickers, which have an extended waistband forming a bow on each side. These work best under a skirt with a crinoline.
Adapt Your Own Knickers
As knickers have a fairly simple design, you might try finding a vintage pattern and some lightweight silk and try making them yourself. If you have some sewing experience, you could probably make a pair in one day. And if they work out, you can end up with a pair for every day of the week!
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