Underwear – 1970s

In the early and mid decade short sleeved scoop necked vests called ‘cosy tops’ and ‘Demi-john’ pants sometimes known as thigh warmers were worn.  They were in strongly coloured stretch nylon such as red or tartan or baby blue or pink nylon lace and the Demi-johns reached mid thigh or even to the knee.  Considering the liberation everywhere else these seemed to be an aberration even at the time.  But they were much loved in winter to give extra warmth under short dresses which were not necessarily mini dresses.  They could be worn under maxi dresses with ease.

Once central heating became more or less universal in the UK they disappeared to be replaced by thermal underwear mainly bought from sports outlets.

By the 1970s seamless underwear was essential to wear under T-shirts to give a no bra natural look. Manufacturers became more adventurous and bras could be bought in mini print pattern fabric such as a purple and pinks mix or autumn leaves colour mix.  Natural flesh tone bras also became desirable.  Although it seems manufacturers never quite get the tone of flesh quite right as we come in so many shades.  What’s right for you in a so called flesh tone is probably wrong for your friend.