Lingerie, a term derived from the French word for “underwear,” has evolved far beyond its functional origins. Over the years, the lingerie industry has evolved significantly, moving from restrictive corsets to modern, body-positive, and sustainable designs. Today, leading brands are redefining lingerie by embracing inclusivity, comfort, and innovation.
The market is witnessing major trends like size diversity, eco-friendly materials, and AI-powered fit technology. In this blog, we explore the evolution of lingerie, key market trends, and the top companies shaping the future of intimate fashion.
Lingerie has come a long way from the restrictive corsets of the 16th century to the comfortable yet stylish designs available today. Over the decades, lingerie has reflected societal changes, embracing women’s empowerment, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Inclusivity and Body Positivity: Brands are shifting towards diverse representation, offering a variety of sizes and shades to cater to all skin tones and body types. The rise of brands like Savage X Fenty and Aerie has challenged traditional beauty standards, promoting self-love and confidence.
Comfort Over Aesthetics: With the work-from-home culture and casual fashion trends, consumers are prioritizing comfort. Wireless bras, soft bralettes, and breathable fabrics like modal and bamboo are gaining popularity.
Tech-Infused Lingerie: Fast fashion has faced backlash, and lingerie brands are responding by using recycled fabrics, ethical production practices, and sustainable or green packaging.
Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) and Customization: Online shopping has revolutionized the lingerie industry, with brands offering AI-powered fit measurements and customizable designs to enhance customer experience.
Sustainability and Ethical Production: Fast fashion has faced backlash, and lingerie brands are responding by using recycled fabrics, ethical production practices, and sustainable packaging. Companies like Parade and Organic Basics are leading the charge in eco-friendly lingerie.
Headquarters: Reynoldsburg, Ohio, USA
Established: 1977
Victoria’s Secret has long been a market leader in lingerie. Once criticized for its lack of inclusivity, the brand has rebranded in recent years, expanding its size range and shifting its marketing strategy. The company sells lingerie, women's clothing, and beauty products. While its dominance has declined, it remains a significant player in the industry. The brand has shifted its image from push-up bras and skinny models to sports bras and a more body-positive image.
Headquarters: El Segundo, California, USA
Established: 2018
Savage X Fenty is a lingerie brand that celebrates inclusivity, confidence, and fearlessness. Rihanna, a singer, actress, and fashion icon, is the majority owner and founder of Savage X Fenty. The brand is known for its inclusive and bold designs and for celebrating all body types. They have put a major emphasis on inclusivity, bold and trendy designs, and diverse representation. Savage X Fenty operates on a subscription-based model that offers monthly boxes of lingerie in a variety of styles and sizes.
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Established: 1954 (in Bologna, Italy)
La Perla is a luxury fashion brand that sells lingerie, swimwear, nightwear, perfumes, and more. The La Perla brand is well-known for its legacy and artistry, employing more than 1,100 people globally. The brand caters to high-end consumers looking for elegant, handcrafted designs. La Perla embodies the new sexual revolution, which highlights a sophisticated and playful approach to eroticism, by launching the La Perla black labels, a distinctive collection of corsetry and "sexy-chic" items.
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Established: 1994
Agent Provocateur is a private company in the luxury goods industry and is known for its lingerie and other eye-catching pieces. The brand is known for its provocative attitude, exceptional design, exquisite fabrics, and playfulness, aiming to empower women and celebrate sensuality. The brand remains inspired by its rebellious roots and continues to push the boundaries of the ordinary, offering lingerie that screams confidence, sensuality, and irreverence.
Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA
Established: 2013
ThirdLove has revolutionized the lingerie market by offering half-sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for every body type. Their bras focus on comfort, functionality, and a wide range of nude shades. They implement AI-driven sizing technology, an extensive size range, and memory foam cups, which make them and their products unique.
The lingerie market is set for further transformation in the coming years. Sustainability, inclusivity, and technological advancements will continue to shape trends. More brands are focusing on gender-neutral lingerie, smart fabrics, and personalized fitting experiences to enhance customer satisfaction. With brands prioritizing inclusivity, sustainability, and innovative designs, the market is becoming more accessible and forward-thinking than ever.