Why Intimatewear Is No Longer Just Underneath

What was once hidden between layers is now center stage: lingerie has broken free of the boudoir and become a full-fledged fashion movement. From sheer slips on the sidewalk to corsets under blazers, intimatewear is being reimagined—and its rise reveals some deeply personal things about confidence, identity, and empowerment.

Victoria Beckham

Photo: Getty Images

Lingerie as Outerwear: Transparency Is In

One of the most visible shifts in recent fashion has been underwear-as-outerwear. Designers are leaning into sheer fabrics, delicate lace, and structured corsetry, turning lingerie into statement pieces meant to be seen. 

At runway shows, bralettes, slips, and bustiers are layered under jackets, tailored blazers, or even worn alone. 

Street style has followed suit: in cities like Copenhagen, you’ll spot lace camis and bralettes styled with oversized coats or sheer skirts. 

This isn’t just about exposure, it’s about reclaiming intimacy. Lingerie becomes a form of self-expression, both vulnerable and powerful.

The Psychology Behind It: Why We Want to Wear Lingerie

Lingerie isn’t just about sex or seduction, it’s emotionally loaded. According to psychological perspectives, intimate wear can influence how we feel, how we present ourselves, and how we relate to our own bodies. 

Wearing lingerie—even if no one else sees it—can be an act of self-care. Silk, lace, or soft cotton remind wearers of their own value and sensuality.

When lingerie becomes visible, it sends a signal: “I am comfortable with myself.” That visibility can be an assertion of agency, not just aesthetics.

In a world where fashion is often about performance, lingerie-as-outerwear flips the script: the most intimate clothes are now part of the performance.

Fashion’s Functional Reinvention

It’s not just about looks, there’s a practical dimension too. The modern lingerie trend is as much about versatility and innovation as it is about beauty.

Designers are creating hybrid pieces that blur the line between lingerie, loungewear, and outerwear. 

Corsets and structured bras are being redesigned for daily wear. Today’s corsets may have soft boning, stretch, or breathable fabrics, making them more than just decorative. 

Sustainability is also in play: lingerie brands are experimenting with natural materials, biodegradable packaging, and ethical production. 

Photo: @lefevrediary

Aesthetics That Celebrate the Body

Lingerie fashion isn’t just about what’s underneath, it’s about texture, color, and visual narrative.

Lace, mesh, silk, and sheer panels are back in the spotlight. These fabrics offer depth, movement, and a tactile quality that’s emotionally rich. 

Colour trends in lingerie are bold: from fuchsia and citrus hues to deeply saturated blues, designers are moving beyond traditional neutrals. 

They are also prioritizing inclusive and adaptive designs, lingerie that fits more bodies, feels better, and doesn’t hide in shame. 

Cultural & Empowerment Dimensions

There’s a larger cultural undercurrent pushing lingerie into everyday wardrobes.

The “hidden-to-seen” trend parallels a broader shift in fashion: clothes are becoming more personal, less performative.

By wearing lingerie outwardly, people reclaim control over how they present their bodies. The delicate meets the powerful, a corset under a business jacket, for instance, becomes a layered statement. 

This trend also aligns with changing beauty standards: lingerie doesn’t have to conform to what’s “sexy for someone else”; it's an act of personal affirmation.

What This Means for Style

If you want to tap into this lingerie-wave, here are some styling ideas and take-homes:

• Layer wisely: Try a lace bralette under a suit jacket, or a silk slip under a knit dress.

• Mix textures: Pair delicate mesh or lace with rougher materials like denim or wool to create contrast.

• Go sheer: Use transparency strategically — sheer skirts or tops allow glimpses without full reveal.

• Choose with intention: Invest in lingerie pieces that make you feel both seen and secure, not just exposed.

Embrace hybrids: Look for bodysuits, corsets, or bras designed to be worn publicly, they’re more versatile than you think.

Why It’s Not Just a Trend

Lingerie fashion feels more like a movement than a seasonal fad. It’s deeply tied to how we think about our bodies, our privacy, and our confidence. As designers continue to blur the lines between what’s intimate and what’s outerwear, lingerie is becoming a powerful tool in self-expression.

In 2025, wearing lingerie isn’t just about seduction, it’s about visibility, choice, and reclaiming the narrative of your own skin.

XOXO, The Fashion Stock Market

Cover Photo: Stella Maxwell modeling lingerie at Vetements/Getty Images

Editor: Felicity Field