With summer, clothing becomes lighter, an opportunity also to swap winter underwear for more delicate models. With an average annual budget of 100€ dedicated to lingerie, the Frenchwoman is one of the biggest spenders in this area. A look back at summer trends…
The silhouette of this season is the pin-up silhouette with its slim waist and strong bust. In 2011, curvy figures are no longer hidden, it’s the return of voluptuous forms, without complexes. In a cabaret and boudoir spirit, corsetry has its place. Far from constraining the woman, it instead liberates her sensuality.
The key underwear pieces are the vintage high-waist panties and the bullet bra. Retro, the latter was worn by Marilyn Monroe in the 1940s/50s and later by Madonna. We return to noble materials such as silk and lace.
Three major trends
This summer, three trends stand out: animal print (the nude second-skin leopard print), retro with liberty prints, and chic graphic with clean lines (minimalist style). Another theme remains relevant: the marine look with its blue and turquoise green colors. Alongside bright, even fluorescent shades, we find powdery tones such as nude, powder pink, and lavender-purple.
Innovation
Technology also nests in underwear. Thus, our grandmothers’ guipure lace is molded thanks to a new material fusion process and becomes seamless. The slimming panties can reduce up to 2 cm of thigh circumference after a month of use. They are crafted from a fabric containing caffeine and retinol, which is released upon contact with the skin and withstands 100 machine washes. Magical!
Care
Something that will relieve you, ladies, is that lingerie is also well cared for in the machine. Clasp bras or put them in a mesh bag to prevent damage. Also, ensure not to exceed the indicated temperature and use chlorine-free and perborate-free laundry powder. Fabric softener should be avoided as it embeds in fibers and causes fungal infections, allergies, and other skin irritations. For drying lingerie, ban the dryer (and hairdryer!). Gently lay the garments over a laundry rack on a cloth or towel. Finally, lycra and elastane hate ironing. Last tip: as sweat causes yellowing, wash underwear quickly after wearing.
