The impact lingerie has had on fashion

Over time, the influence of lingerie has expanded beyond private spaces and into the heart of fashion itself and now shapes how people dress and express themselves. 

This shift has been subtle and understanding how underwear has moved from the bedroom to the runway can offer insights into how looks continue to evolve. 

The 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s

In the 80s, designers like Vivienne Westwood and Jean-Paul Gaultier were already experimenting with exposing undergarments as part of their runway collections. The rise of the ‘power suit’ for women allowed bras, corsets and bustiers to be worn as part of everyday attire. This era also gave birth to the iconic push-up bra, which helped to redefine the way women’s bodies were shaped and perceived.

By the 1990s, brands like Calvin Klein were making minimalist designs trendy and pieces such as simple cotton bras became as much about comfort as style. Supermodels like Kate Moss, who was often photographed in barely-there lingerie, created a laid-back, effortless look that permeated the fashion world. This marked a shift towards “underwear as outerwear,” with items that were meant to be shown off, not hidden.

The 2000s saw lingerie’s rise as both a status symbol and a creative outlet. High-fashion brands like Dolce & Gabbana used corsets and sheer fabrics in their collections, while designers like Christian Lacroix played with luxurious silk and satin pieces that were as much about glamour as they were about the body’s shape. 

Cultural shifts

Its journey in fashion is also deeply connected to shifting cultural attitudes. The 1990s and early 2000s saw the rise of the “bra revolution,” where women became more vocal about what they wanted from their undergarments.

Rather than conforming to traditional norms of beauty, underwear became a means of defiance. Bold, brightly coloured bras and underwear emerged as symbols of confidence, challenging the idea that undergarments should only be subdued and invisible. 

This era also saw the emergence of a greater variety of sizes, with brands beginning to embrace inclusivity. The focus on comfort in modern designs has made a lasting impact, with pieces like bralettes and wireless bras reflecting a new desire for practicality alongside style.

Modern resurgence

In recent years, lingerie has come back stronger than ever. Today, fashion influencers and celebrities are increasingly incorporating looks into their everyday outfits. Street style has embraced visible underwear, such as a bralette peeking through a jacket or a top that reveals a bold statement bra underneath. 

The resurgence of vintage-inspired looks, such as silk slips and high-waisted knickers, shows how fashion circles back, often rediscovering and reinterpreting past styles.

With sustainability now a key factor in fashion, eco-conscious brands are creating lingerie with organic fabrics and ethical production methods, combining comfort, style and responsibility.