The Lingerie Most Wanted List Autumn/Winter

There’s no doubt about it, summer is leaving and Autumn is taking its place. Boots replace sandals, coats come out of the closet and the nights are drawing in. The changing weather means putting the lightweights away and bringing out the glamour.

Every Autumn and Winter there are new trends to enjoy on the catwalk and in the media and the lingerie industry is no exception.  The big trade fairs have already taken place, and London, Milan, Paris and New York are all anticipating their forthcoming back to back fashion weeks in September.  From the lingerie catwalks, several clear trends have already emerged.  The good news is that busty women are being catered for far more than they were in the past, and the current designs lend themselves well to the larger cup size.

Here are some of our favourites.

Leather trim

Heavier fabrics such as leather add substance to winter lingerie, but as with many things, less is more. Leather piping and leather trims on bras and briefs are emerging as a new trend. Metallics and plain leather are just two of the choices available. The contrast of leather and lace is a particular favourite for Autumn 2018.

Old Hollywood Glamour

The glitz of old Hollywood has never really gone away and this season the golden age of glamour is making its presence felt.  With luxurious loungewear making a splash, this trend is all about draped satin falling in gleaming folds, generous bell sleeves and acres of silk. It all points to luxury nightwear and silky slip dresses. This look is all about bias cut gowns, waterfall satin and figure skimming fabrics.

Mesh and lace

Mesh and lace panels can offer continuity between the top and bottom half of your lingerie as well as a touch of peekaboo intrigue. You may find that many full cup bras are designed to have a half and half opaque/transparent contrast. Several bodies and teddies also contain this contrast.  Mesh and lace both covers and reveals adding a classy flash of not quite bare skin, giving you a look that’s both tantalising yet elegant. Mesh and lace can join bra to brief and can take your underwear into outerwear territory. Just add a skirt or palazzo pants to prove that even in winter it’s okay to flash the flesh.

Ruffles

The trend for ruffles shows no sign of slowing down.  Inspired by the decadence of Versailles and the Belle Epoque, where glamour met elegance, this elaborate trend is still going strong after a strong presence throughout Spring and Summer. Ruffles appear along the top of bra cups, along the side panels of briefs, and along the under strap of bralettes.

Velvet

Velvet makes for a perennial statement of glamour in colder months. Its thick pile and silky feel make for a classic choice in Autumn and Winter. It’s a fabric that can take intricate detailing and which has a sensuous feel.  Velvet applique is a popular look, especially in bras and you may see velvet flowers appliquéd over bra cups and onto briefs.

Velvet bras and camisoles can translate well as outer wear. With a weight that feels heavier than airy summer fabrics, velvet adds substance and a coverage factor to lingerie. It’s the perfect fabric for the outerwear and underwear fusion. A flash of velvet offers a touch of timeless glamour to any outfit.

Appliqué

Appliqué is the term for pre-embroidered motifs that are added to clothing as embellishment. It is particularly suited to lingerie since it does not damage fine and flimsy fabrics such as silk or chiffon in the same way that heavy embroidery might. Appliqué is big news in lingerie this season, with the emphasis on flowers and femininity. Applique can be seen on the side panels of briefs as well as bra cups, bra straps and under bands. Colours vary from bright contrasting jewel colours to same-colour blending and detailing.

Patterns and Florals

Patterns are big news this season, and not just the usual florals. This season, lingerie patterns range from big bold abstract colours to whimsical animal prints and graphics. Repeat motifs are popular, with leaves, feathers, mythical figures, Toile de Jouy and animal prints featuring strongly.

Colour

There are two big colour trends this season and both are looking popular in the run up to the party season. The first one is burgundy, which may also be called claret, berry, maroon, wine or crimson. This goes a shade deeper than the traditional seasonal scarlet, and adds depth and luxury to the look of winter lingerie.

The second colour is flesh or blush pink. This is distinct from the sorbet pastels of say, baby pink or powder pink, as there is a fusion of flesh tone and pink together.

Other colours that look set to make a stand are shades of dark blue, namely air force blue, petrol blue and deep indigo. Alongside the deep blues are the shades of green, including emerald green and bottle green, which add a seasonal verdant touch that goes especially well with lace and velvet.

Bondage

The bondage trend is another style that shows no signs of slowing down. With a touch of edgy glamour and audacity, the bondage trend features ties, straps, binding, buckles and intricate lacing. Leather or PVC is often, but not always, heavily featured and the most popular colour for this trend is black.

Back in Black

As the season of the Little Black Dress is upon us, so is the insatiable appetite for black lingerie. Black is a long-time classic in any wardrobe, but especially so as party season descends. When lingerie is all black, the devil is in the details and this is where half and half mesh and opaque bra cups come in, or plain black briefs with lace side panels. Black lingerie can encompass a vast array of designs from plain utility styles to flamboyant embroidery, daring cut-outs and luxurious textures and fabrics.  It also adds the perfect accent to animal print and jewel colours. Black lingerie looks set to be a perennial fixture in every lingerie wardrobe.

Over to you

How about you? What trends will you be wearing as the weather turns colder? Do you have different lingerie for special occasions? Do let us know. We always love to hear from you.