underdress

Underdress refers to a garment worn beneath an outer layer of clothing. Its primary functions can include providing modesty, warmth, or a smoother silhouette for the outer garment. Historically, undergarments played a significant role in fashion, evolving with changing social norms and textile technologies.

In Western fashion, the shift from elaborate medieval and Renaissance undergarments to simpler styles reflects broader societal changes. The development of new fabrics and manufacturing techniques in the industrial era made undergarments more accessible and varied. Today, underdress encompasses a wide range of items such as slips, camisoles, petticoats, and bras, each serving specific purposes depending on the intended outfit and occasion. The term can also be used colloquially to describe a garment that is less formal or elaborate than expected for a particular event.