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Shakespeare famously said that "brevity is the soul of wit." Dorothy Parker amended that saying to "brevity is the soul of lingerie," and both, I think, are entirely correct. If you're a fan of the Bard, and all you want out of this life is to walk around the Earth in Shakespeare-themed lingerie, then I have good news for you: there is such a thing as Shakespeare themed-lingerie. And you can buy it for your very own underwear drawer. Here are a few beautiful, odd, and highly poetic lingerie sets (and other undergarments) based off of Shakespeare, for all of your intimate, thespian needs.
It's fitting that William Shakespeare has inspired a wide range of both sexy and funny (and even slightly tragic) lingerie out there in the world. After all, he is remembered for his comedy and his drama, for his romantic happy endings and his tragically star-crossed lovers. So whether you want a silly set of Shakespearean panties, a romantic lingerie set that'll make you feel like Juliet on her balcony, or even a historically accurate set of Elizabethan drawers, there's something out there just for you.
Here are a few options, if you're in the market for some underwear that could make Hamlet blush:
1Capulet teddy
Looking for something that says "I think you're sexy, but our dads hate each other?" Slip on this lovely "Capulet boudoir teddy," inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. It has a beautiful vintage feel to it, evoking one of the best-known love stories ever told (just try to forget the part where they die at the end).
Capulet boudoir teddy, $259.00, Popmap
2Ophelia corset
Corsets aren't for everyone but, hey... neither is dating Hamlet. This gorgeous corset is illustrated with the famous painting of Ophelia by Sir John Everett Millais, depicting our heroine just after losing her mind and drowning (because her lout of a boyfriend stabbed her father to death through a curtain). It's a tad on the morbid side, but it certainly makes for a beautiful piece of clothing.
Ophelia-Hamlet Corset, $315.00, RetroFolie on Etsy
3Shakespeare quote tights
Are tights technically lingerie? Maybe not, but I dare you to look at these beautiful Shakespeare quote tights without wanting a pair for yourself (I mean... you do wear tights under your clothes, which makes them underwear, right?). They're just so simple and yet incredibly cool, and a great subtle way to rep your love of the Bard in public.
Shakespeare Quote Tights, $25.00, MyTightsShop on Etsy
4Juliet bra and panties
It should come as no surprise that Romeo and Juliet has inspired multiple sets of lingerie—the very title is synonymous with passionate love. This matching, ruffled bra and thong manages to be sexy and sweetly romantic at the same time (just try to forget the Juliet is supposed to be around thirteen in the actual play).
Juliet bra, $169.00, Popmap, Juliet thong, $109.00, Popmap
5"Will Power" thong
Sometimes you don't want to shell out for a fancy set of lingerie. You just want a simple, elegant thong that reminds you to have Will Power. If wearing a thong makes you feel empowered, just imagine how much more powerful you'll feel wearing the face of the greatest playwright in the English language right on the front of your very own panties.
Will Power Thong, $14.99, ScarebabyDesign on CafePress
6Shakespeare boxer shorts
Everyone, of every gender, can enjoy the freedom and comfort of a good pair of boxer shorts. These boxers are emblazoned with the cutest, subtlest of little Shakespeares, almost as if to say, "What's that on my underwear, you ask? Oh, simply a tribute to the great Elizabethan poet, William Shakespeare."
Simple Shakespeare boxer shorts, $17.99, Sally McLean on Cafepress
7Elizabethan Corset
When you said you wanted "Shakespearean lingerie," you meant the kind of lingerie that Shakespeare would have actually worn, right? (Look, all I'm saying is that we have no proof that William Shakespeare didn't wear women's lingerie.) This historically accurate corset is only for the truest of Shakespeare fans, who actually want to feel like a lady of the Elizabethan court out on the town, watching the latest Shakespeare play.
Shakespearean corset, $297.00, PeriodCorsets on Etsy
