Chemises are among the most flexible of sexy lingerie. A chemise can be worn as a beautiful and soft undergarment, or dressed up with a matching jacket and skirt to serve as an elegant top. Of course, the chemise has also found a home in the bedroom, offering style and comfort as well as sex appeal. Chemises have been in use as undergarments since the Middle Ages, but only in recent times have they morphed into the sexy lingerie items that they are today.
Historically, chemises were worn as undergarments to protect outerwear items from absorbing sweat and body oils. In the days before easy laundering, the chemise was the only item that was washed on a regular basis. At that time, chemises often featured sleeves and were made of simple, durable fabrics that could be easily washed. Naturally, the rich wore chemises of higher quality and beauty, but the chemise was not designed to be seen in public. Both men and women wore these functional chemises, which served much the same purpose as today’s men’s undershirts.