The Complete Cami Buying Guide

The camisole, or cami, is one of the most widely used types of undergarments and recently, outerwear, in the world. The reason for the camisole's popularity is its combination of feminine allure and its practical nature. Women no longer have to choose between a functional garment and a sensual one, even on a regular workday.

This guide will explore the cami, from its original introduction to its modern day, widespread use; different camisole fabrics types will follow. Finally, the different cami types will be detailed, along with the usefulness of each kind, allowing the reader to consider what cami will benefit her the most.

Camis can be purchased from a huge variety of different online and offline sources, including boutiques, lingerie shops, department stores, and various clothing retailers. However, comparing and contrasting the different styles and prices can be difficult and confusing. For an easier, more efficient shopping experience, eBay can be the solution. The auction site is loaded with items, so finding the right cami is an easy and fun task.

At the end of the guide, the reader will know all about camisoles, from their earliest origins to their modern day manifestations. She will be able to choose a camisole to perfectly fit her body type and lifestyle, and know how to find and buy a cami on Nordstrom.

The Cami Defined
Camis are usually made from cotton, satin, silk, or nylon. Lace is a common trimming material; lace camis can also be found, though they are usually for show, rather than function. A camisole is often worn underneath a shirt, revealing only the very top part of the undergarment.

Origin of the Camisole
The word "camisole" was originally used to describe a type of jacket. Later, a camisole was defined as an overshirt, worn under a doublet if one were a man, and a négligée in the case of a woman. Interestingly, the word "camisole" or the term "camisole de force" is also used as a clinical term for a straitjacket.

The contemporary camisole was invented during the Victorian era as a light, short shirt to hide a corset under. Since corsets were meant to give the impression of a natural figure, they had to remain hidden to continue the ruse; camisoles provided a better solution than the traditional chemise.

During the first part of the 20th century, the camisole became much more popular, particularly as corsets fell out of favor. Soon, "teddies" were invented, which combined the camisole and bloomers into one undergarment. Then, in the 1920s, the teddy began to be separated into two items of clothing, heralding the arrival of camisole sets.

Particularly since the introduction of "grunge" fashion, camisoles have been increasingly popular outerwear items. The sensuality of a silk and lace combination has been used both as a complement to other tactile clothing, and as a contrast to heavier fabrics like denim, and leather.

Fabrics
Modern camisole fabric choices were developed in the 1920s and 1930s when designers began experimenting with the cami set. Shorter, tighter, more alluring sets began to appear, and with them the arrival of much more sensual materials. Popular camisole fabrics include:

Cotton
Natural fibers like silk and cotton tend to be more skin-friendly and make an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive dispositions. Satin is very smooth and sleek, so it can feel quite slippery and luxurious to wear.

Other cami materials include Nylon, Lycra, spandex or a combination of the three. Stretch fabric camis are popular because they have light controlling properties and often make the wearer feel secure.

Cami Styles
There are a large number of different cami styles available today; many of them are variations of the types in the table below.