There are many misconceptions surrounding lingerie and the purpose it should serve in our lives. While we have, for the most part, societally squashed the notion that lingerie is to be worn for someone other than yourself, many women are still on the fence when it comes to incorporating "fancier" lingerie into their everyday negligee drawer. The word fancy in relation to lingerie instantly makes me assume that wearing said pieces will make me uncomfortable, but that is actually not the case at all. Sometimes, "fancy" lingerie can simply mean choosing undergarments in a more intentional way versus digging through your drawer and grabbing the first thing that your hand touches. Don’t lie—we’re all guilty of that.
Intrigued but not sure where to start? That’s where we come in. To give you an idea of what is going on in the lingerie market this year, we tapped some of the most well-respected experts in the industry to tell us what the biggest lingerie trends are in Paris, London, and New York—three places that I would say have a pretty good sartorial reputation. Ahead, read up on the trends the pros at Journelle, Victoria’s Secret, Coco de Mer, Simone Perele, and Implicite claim are blowing up in their respective locations, and shop the perfect product to go along with each. Hopefully, you’ll exit this story with a few more festive lingerie items and a boost of confidence to wear them in your day-to-day.
Sophisticated Cutouts: "A subtle transition from the overtly sexy cutout shaping previously featured in lingerie trends, styles are moving towards a more complex, subtle manipulation of shape and design using cutout detailing and soft overlays to contour the curves." — Lucy Litwack, CEO at Coco de Mer
Asymmetric Designs: "Striking shapes are characterized by playful asymmetric designs, creating a fresh take on wired and soft styles and adapting in line with outerwear trends." — Litwack
A Return to Craftsmanship: "Rich and intricate embroideries signal the revival of the decadence and luxuriousness of the craft. Ornate designs featuring lurex threadwork and metallic tones adorn simplistic yet beautiful styles, each piece unique in itself." — Litwack
Brights and Neon Pops:"Once Memorial Day arrives, we find consumers are super eager to embrace summer style. This season, they have lots of fun and whimsical pieces to choose from, as brights, neons, and citrus tones have been a huge trend. What’s great is that there are lots of ways to style it. My personal favorite is to let a fun and bright bra peek through a sheer top or even a plain white tee. Our Journelle Collection Romi Scooped Demi and the Simone Perele Citadine are my go-tos right now. For the less adventurous who still want to get in on the trend, we are loving our assortment of Stripe + Stare cotton knickers. They are super soft and ridiculously comfortable, and they come in a rainbow of fun brights and whimsical embroideries. My favorites are the avocado and hot pink!" — Sandra Rose, vice president of merchandising and brand at Journelle
Brazilian Panties: "The Brazilian high-cut-leg panty is officially the panty of the summer at Victoria’s Secret. The low-rise, high-cut-leg style with minimal back coverage is flattering on any body type. The crystal-embellished logo straps are meant to be shown off." — Monica Mitro, EVP of public relations at Victoria’s Secret
Breathable Cotton: "Customers are loving cotton year-round, but it’s particularly popular during summer. Cotton briefs offer optimal breathability and are a must for the NYC summer heat. Skin is a great resource for easy cotton, and their 100% cotton brief and thong are very popular. We also love their cotton pj sets. Another great piece is the high-cut brief from fan favorite Only Hearts; it gives a flirty spin on the basic cotton panty, and I love the higher rise under jean shorts and summer dresses." — Rose
Convertible Bras: "Whether it’s a summer wedding, a racerback tank, or a cold-shoulder top, summer dressing sometimes requires special accommodations. NYC girls need a bra that can work as hard as they do and take them from day to night and beyond. For this reason, we always make sure to have a great assortment of convertible bras that can be worn in multiple ways and adjust to their needs. From a strapless with removable straps to J hooks and racerbacks, or even adhesive bras for a barely there look, we can solve pretty much any summer wardrobe troubles." — Rose
Innerwear as Outerwear: "Innerwear as outerwear will continue to be a trend, especially during the summer months. Victoria’s Secret’s bodysuits, camisoles, lacy bras, and high-cut panties are made to be shown off and look great paired with a summer power suit, jeans, or a satin jacket. Our slip dress is perfect to be worn all on its own." — Mitro
Dainty and Romantic: "Paris is lingerie’s heart and soul, and we’re seeing a throwback to its iconic feminine silhouettes and details. This season’s trend calls for flowing, ultra-feminine details like scalloped trim, eyelash lace, intricate embroidery, bows, and embellishments." — Adrienne Coléon Gaskell, lingerie style expert at Simone Perele and Implicite Lingerie
Back Detailing: "We often forget about how sensual a woman’s back is. This season is showcasing stunning details across the shoulders and back that are too pretty not to reveal. Look for flattering silhouettes with lace, dainty straps, and fabrics like sheer mesh. Bodysuits with pretty backs are also in—and make for a super-chic layering piece.” — Gaskell
All-Lace Bralettes: "The bralette of the moment is all about lace and texture. Reveal a peek of scalloped lace along your neckline, or under a semi-sheer top for an effortlessly chic and sexy allure." — Gaskell
Source: Who What Wear – Lauren Eggertsen