French Maid Lingerie - How it Came About

French Maid lingerie is included in the list of top costume choices for Halloween. Why? Because it's simple to do, its cute and it pretty much fits anyone. But have you ever wondered how the costume came to be? We are all familiar with the French maid costume and the French Maid lingerie, but how did it all start? Well there are many theories, here are some of the more popular ones:

• The costume was supposedly inspired by Burlesque Theatre. A likely theory since many Burlesque dancers, both then and now, are often seen wearing "French maid lingerie" or something very similar.
  


• Another theory is that the idea for the French maid costume was derived from early French postcards, which in turn are the earliest forms of erotica.
  


• Some people say that the costume was inspired by the Commedia dell'Arte. More specifically by the stock characters of this 16th Century Italian Theatre.
  
  


• Another popular notion is that the costume represents what the English thought a French housekeeper would look like; as France is pretty much stereotyped as a highly sexualized country.


• In modern times, the French maid more often refers to a modified style of servants dress or uniform, which evolved from what was the usual black and white maid afternoon uniforms during the 19th century. It is mostly associated with fantasy play and sexual fetishism. There are also lingerie styles referred to as "French Maid Lingerie" which follow a similar design to that of the costume.

Common inclusions in the modern interpretation of the costume are the push-up bra, which helps enhance the bust, and a very short and revealing skirt. The French Maid Costumes aren't just limited to being a fetish item. In fact, in Japan, there is a style that is referred to as the "Lolita" which is heavily based on Victorian dressing as well as the French Maid Costume and the French Maid Lingerie which is worn by many modern day Burlesque performers.

The classic French Maid Lingerie is a short, body-hugging dress which is trimmed with shirred white lace and has a very revealing neckline. Typically, this dress would also include a white apron and the skirt is usually pleated. Common accessories include some frill which is worn like a headband on the hair, sometimes even a tiara is used, the all important feather duster and sometimes the costume can also include white lace cuffs and a collar.

The sleeves of the dress are usually puffed and if it has an apron, it is often shaped like a heart with some white lace fringes on the apron hems. If panties are worn underneath they are usually white in color and ruffled. A corset or a white layered petticoat can also be worn underneath the outfit. To complete the look, French maid lingerie is worn with fishnet stockings and black high heels.

The French Maid costume is one of the most versatile costumes out there. It can go from cute, to gothic to sexy with just a few changes in the hemline and styling. It also doesn't hurt that the costume has a colorful history behind it, enough to make it one of the top ten best costumes.