Fashioning the Bourgeoisie: sexy Victorian bedwear.

A follow-up to this post.

Something you might not expect, within marriage Victorian women actually wore what would now be descrived as sexy bedwear!
[…] the most winning of all [the chemises]: the conjugal chemise. Do not describe it to young girls – one must respect the exquisite and somewhat excessive modesty of the seraphim – but it must be placed in the bridal trousseau. They will not wear it immediately; but after a while they will understand the value of this oriental silk or batiste, with large lace inserts, all aquiver with valenciennes flounces that embellish it at the hem. they will become accustumed to this transparent network, which in front – from the beginning of the bosom to the belt – reveals the charming graces of a young and supple bust. (From page 166. This description dates from 1883.)