Chemise-enveloppe (cami-knickers)

Originally, the French word lingerie is derived from linge or linen and included all household linens. From the mid-19th century, it was limited to women’s bodysuits or underwear. Gradually it was no longer made exclusively of linen, but also included cotton, silk, wool and, later, synthetic fabrics. From the beginning, lace – hand-made or machine-made – was favoured for decoration, as were embroidery, ribbons and bows.