Vintage Glamour: The Legacy of Formfit Rogers, RealSilk, and Mojud Lingerie
The world of vintage lingerie is a landscape of innovation, fashion heritage, and feminine allure. Among the iconic names that graced women's wardrobes in the 20th century, few stand as tall as Formfit Rogers, RealSilk, and Mojud. Each brand brought its own distinct mark, elevating intimate apparel from purely functional to beautifully fashionable.
Formfit Rogers: The Art of Elegance and Innovation
Founded in 1917 in Chicago, Formfit began as a maker of foundation garments—mainly corsets and girdles—before expanding into a full line of bras, briefs, and intimate apparel. In the early 1960s, the company merged with Rogers, creating Formfit Rogers—a brand that epitomized mid-century glamour.
Designer Collaborations: In the late 1950s and 1960s, Formfit Rogers partnered with Italian designer Emilio Pucci, who introduced vibrant prints to their lingerie, most famously the “Viva” panty-girdle, combining lightness and support with striking design.
Manufacturing Scale: At its peak, Formfit Rogers operated one of the largest intimate apparel facilities in the world, headquartered in an 8-story Chicago building.
Later Years: The brand thrived into the 1970s under new ownership but faced challenges in quality control after its manufacturing was moved to Mexico in the 1980s. This, coupled with evolving fashion trends and competition, eventually led to its decline.
Despite these changes, the legacy of Formfit Rogers endures, cherished by collectors for its craftsmanship and Pucci’s iconic prints.
RealSilk: The Luxury of Everyday Elegance
Unlike mass-market brands, RealSilk specialized in making luxury underwear accessible. The brand celebrated natural materials—especially silk—offering undergarments with a sensuous feel and superior comfort. RealSilk pieces often exemplified:
Classic Materials: Emphasis on pure silk for softness, breathability, and a touch of luxury.
Finest Craftsmanship: Designs focused on finishing and fit, combining timeless style with everyday practicality.
Enduring Appeal: RealSilk lingerie was seen as an indulgence for women who wanted both comfort and sophistication, a sentiment echoed by today's luxury silk brands.
RealSilk’s approach contributed to a broader shift where lingerie was designed as an expression of self—not just a functional garment.
Mojud: Where Style Meets Mid-Century Confidence
Mojud made headlines in the 1940s and 1950s thanks to its innovation and stylish marketing. While the brand is best remembered for hosiery—especially its “Magic Motion” sheer stockings—it also produced a wide variety of ladies’ lingerie.
Iconic Outlets: Mojud opened one of America’s first outlet stores in 1938, drawing crowds eager for its elegant lingerie.
Hollywood Influence: With stars like Rita Hayworth and Ginger Rogers in advertising campaigns, Mojud reinforced the link between glamour and beautifully crafted lingerie.
Modern Materials: After wartime restrictions curtailed silk and nylon production, Mojud adapted with rayon hosiery. Post-war, the company rebounded by delivering millions of nylon stockings and high-quality lingerie.
Midcentury Designs: Mojud’s pieces—such as peignoirs and chiffon nightwear—remain sought-after for their romantic, feminine details and distinctive fabrics.
Enduring Influence
Formfit Rogers, RealSilk, and Mojud each played a transformative role in lingerie history:
Formfit Rogers brought high fashion and innovation to everyday women through designer collaborations and technical advancements.
RealSilk elevated silk lingerie into daily wear, making luxury attainable and personal.
Mojud bridged Hollywood glamour and everyday confidence, pioneering marketing strategies and retail concepts still relevant today.
Collectors and vintage fashion lovers continue to hunt for pieces from these legendary brands, drawn by their stories and enduring appeal.
I often have these brands in my shop, so feel free to look at Lulubellesvintagecloset.com for your favorite vintage lingerie makers~