Lingerie is an exciting area of the world of fashion and it’s come under some heavy change in the past few years. Changing attitudes on gender and what it means to look a certain way in fashion have led to lingerie becomes genderless, according to Vogue magazine, and increasing numbers of catwalk houses and major brands are looking to prioritise comfort while still remaining exciting. With that in mind, it’s interesting to see how modern lingerie trends are rejecting the idea of vintage while still holding on to some of the key design trends from history.
Discarding the wire
One of the most impactful events in recent fashion history has, undoubtedly, been the pandemic. The Guardian highlighted how major retailers such as Bravissimo, UK, saw a 30% drop in sales through 2020-21, as the consumer market en masse started to embrace relaxed styles. The fashion world leads the consumer market, but it reflects it, too, and responds. Wireless bras offer a tremendous comfort compared to their old-fashioned cousins, and take some of the tiredness and fatigue associated with the clothing item. That doesn’t mean they have to be unfashionable, however. Items like the ultra-casual nipple pastie have started to become out, not in, as women liberate themselves from the cultural norms of what should, or shouldn’t, be on show; Cara Delevingne and Doja Cat are among those stars to have presented these fashion choices on the big stage.
Embracing the underwear
Similar acts of casual wearing have been put to the world stage by the likes of Kourtney Kardashian. As highlighted by Town and Country Mag, the US-based entrepreneur surprised the world when she tied the knot in, quite literally, her underwear and corset. This has been hailed as yet another taboo breaker. Critics praised her look; she looked fit for the occasion while still showing off her style. Breaking down stigma over what a woman should and shouldn’t be expected to have on show, and what can also be considered fashion, this huge act will be a barrier breaker for years to come.
Moving in to men
Lingerie has typically been seen as the domain of women. The idea of men wearing lingerie has been associated with drag acts, or the gender non-binary. However, as the New York Times highlights, lingerie does not need to have a strict purpose for men, and neither does it need to be anything but high fashion. It’s about feeling good, and showing the artistic interaction of clothes to the human form. Indeed, one noted male lingerie designer, LaQuann Dawson, is not rejecting femininity in his designs, but has given a clear nod towards what he says is the accentuation of the masculine.
For that reason, it’s exciting times ahead for lingerie. Taken out of the unfair background and reputation it has historically had, it’s now seen as a vehicle for real change, and an arena in which fashion can flourish.