Polka dot lingerie feels instantly vintage, but the familiar spotty print was already more than a century old when it reached the height of its popularity in the 1950s. Its appeal has always rested on a rather useful contradiction: polka dots can look neat and innocent, yet a change of colour, scale or silhouette can make them decidedly flirtatious.
That combination makes the print a natural fit for Revival Lingerie, particularly now that our red and black Ladybug lingerie has joined the collection.
Why Are They Called Polka Dots?
The name appeared during the nineteenth-century craze for the polka, a lively dance that became enormously fashionable across Europe and America during the 1840s. Everything from hats to fabrics borrowed the fashionable “polka” name, although most of those expressions disappeared when the craze passed.
The dots were the exception. The first known printed use of “polka dot” dates from 1857, and the name has remained with us ever since.
By the 1940s the print was firmly established in popular culture, appearing in fashion as well as the title of the 1940 song “Polka Dots and Moonbeams”. During the following decade, dots became closely associated with the playful femininity of 1950s fashion.
Why Were Polka Dots So Fashionable In The 1950s?
The fashionable female silhouette of the 1950s emphasised a defined waist, shapely bust and carefully coordinated accessories. Polka dots worked beautifully with the decade’s fitted bodices, full skirts, swimsuits and curve-defining foundation garments because the regular pattern drew attention to the shape and movement of the fabric.
Hollywood helped enormously. Marilyn Monroe was photographed in a polka dot bikini in 1951, while Lucille Ball, Jane Russell and other screen stars wore dotted dresses, separates and swimwear. The print could appear wholesome in a day dress, glamorous in couture and distinctly cheesecake on a pin-up model, often without changing anything except the cut of the garment.
That versatility is one reason polka dots are still so closely connected with 1950s style. They are recognisably retro without being difficult to wear, and bold dots remain wonderfully effective in lingerie because the pattern follows and emphasises the curves of the body.
Meet the Red and Black Ladybug Collection
Our newly arrived Red Ladybug lingerie uses oversized black dots on a vivid red ground, finished with black straps, trims and bows. It is a bolder, saucier interpretation of the classic 1950s print, designed and made in Nottingham, England.
The non-wired Ladybug bralette has lightly padded cups for a smooth, rounded line, along with adjustable straps and a comfortable black underband. It is easier to fit than a traditional cone bra, making it a good introduction to retro lingerie for anyone who wants vintage character without a sharply pointed bust.
Matching stretch knickers have a cotton gusset and are available in UK sizes 8–24. The coordinating suspender belt combines the printed front panel with black powernet at the sides and back, then adds six adjustable straps with metal clips to keep stockings secure.
Which Ladybug Girdle Should I Choose?
There are two red and black Ladybug girdles, and the best choice depends on the type of support you prefer.
The Red and Black Polka Dot Roll-On Girdle is made from smooth, medium-weight stretch fabric. It pulls on without fastenings and provides comfortable support while six adjustable suspender straps help anchor the hem and hold up stockings.
The Red Ladybug Criss-Cross Panel Girdle offers medium control with additional panelled support across the front. It gently smooths and defines the figure and also has six metal suspender straps. This is the better choice if you prefer a firmer girdle or want a little more control through the tummy.
Both styles are designed to be worn with stockings, although the criss-cross girdle provides the more structured of the two fits.
More Polka Dot Colours
Ladybug red and black might be the latest arrival, but it is not alone. The Revival Polka Dot Lingerie collection also includes:
• Black and white polka dots for classic pin-up contrast
• Red and white polka dots for a bright 1950s look
• Yellow and black Ladybug lingerie for maximum sunshine and minimum shyness
Depending on the colour, the collection includes non-wired bralettes, matching knickers, six-strap suspender belts and a choice of pull-on or medium-control girdles. The pieces can be worn as coordinated sets or mixed with plain black lingerie and stockings when head-to-toe dots feel a little too well behaved.
Polka dots have survived every passing fashion cycle because they can be endlessly reinterpreted. In the 1950s they adorned elegant dresses and playful swimwear; at Revival, they come with lightly padded cups, supportive stretch fabrics and enough suspender straps to do a proper job.