Originally the chemise was a simple shirt or smock worn under the clothes. It was designed to keep sweat and body oils from staining and spreading to the outer garments. It developed from the Roman tunica in the medieval times. In the European Middle Ages chemise was popular in both men and women. Women wore chemises as shirts beneath their gowns while the men wore chemises with their trousers and covered them with doublets or robes. Today only women wear a chemise almost always as a part of her lingerie ensemble.
Chemises are worn as lingerie under formal clothes and also as a simple sleepwear. They are made of comfortable fabrics like cotton, silk or satin. They are considered quite a fashion statement for women who love the beauty of sexy lingerie. Designer chemises are quite a fad these days. Earlier chemises were mostly stitched by the wearer themselves at home. Gradually the store bought readymade chemises made their way into every woman’s wardrobe. Today they are not just ready made but are branded and are also designer wears with a difference.
Chemises are popularly called slips these days. It is a light or flimsy piece of garment that is available at all retail or branded stores. They are made of different materials, styles and designs and colors. Brands and individual designers churn out amazing designs in chemises, which are exclusive and make the wearer feel like the most special person on earth. It makes a lovely prelude to every love scene. There are numerous international brands available today of different makes and feel. These give the buyer umpteen choices to meet their money’s worth.
Some chemises are made of crushed velvet, silk, satin, lace, and mesh. The simple sexy crushed velvet chemise is a classic with its soft texture and seductively flair. Silk and satin chemises are soft and sensual and can be found with a combination of other materials lace, mesh, embroidery or sequins. Coupled with various colors, these designs strive to create a chemise, which is the perfect wear for an intimate night.
Chemise remains popular even five hundred years after it was introduced into the clothing scene. They have evolved from being objects of mere comfort to being the essential part of the lingerie ensemble to make a woman feel sexy and beautiful. The advent of movies and the visual portrayal of chemises have nurtured their romantic and sexy image. They have been shown in every aspect from the femme fatale image to the sweet and innocent baby doll idea.
Even romantic books have portrayed chemises as an integral part of their heroine’s wardrobe. Fact and fiction has been so similar before as with the choice and popularity of the chemise. And since a woman’s love for beauty and luxury will never die, chemises will always be in fashion. Who knows the fashion may revert to even men again some day in the future.
Source by Gregg Hall