5 Women's Lingerie Trends Set to Dominate 2026

Women’s lingerie is undergoing a major transformation. Between 2026 and 2031, underwear will increasingly center on comfort, personal identity, and inner confidence—moving far beyond the old idea of shaping the body or appealing to others. This cultural shift is becoming a major economic engine: the global lingerie market is projected to surpass $140 billion by 2030, supported by a 6.1% CAGR.

This evolution is driven by empowered consumers who make purchasing decisions based on three core values: comfort and wellness, sustainability and ethical production, and inclusivity and authenticity. The body positivity movement, in particular, is pushing brands to serve all body shapes and skin tones

Trend #1: The Comfort Revolution—Bralettes & Wireless Designs Take Over

The Shift: Women are abandoning restrictive bras—like heavily padded or rigid underwire styles—in favor of lighter, more flexible designs. Both the underwire bra market (5.5% CAGR) and the bralette category (over $37B in 2023 and rising) reflect this transition, which has been accelerated by remote work and daily comfort needs.

Why It’s Growing: Wellness culture has made people more aware of how clothing affects the body. Many women now avoid underwire due to concerns like skin pinching, blood flow restriction, and lymphatic pressure. Innovations in fabric and construction now allow wireless bras to deliver support without discomfort, even for fuller busts.

Example Products:

• Wireless Bras & Bralettes: Evolving from simple lace pieces to performance-level designs with molded cups, supportive bands, and improved engineering.

• High-Waisted Briefs: Provide gentle shaping and a smooth finish, with a secure, comfortable fit.

• Seamless Underwear: Knitted in one piece for a soft, irritation-free feel while reducing waste—an 8% market growth projection underscores rising demand.

• Advanced Materials: Fabrics like TENCEL Modal and upgraded elastic waistbands give a soft, breathable, consistent, and high-quality feel.

Trend #2: Conscious Beauty—Sustainable Materials & Ethical Manufacturing

The Shift: Consumers no longer buy lingerie solely for style—they look for brands with strong values. With 85% caring about sustainability and 78% willing to pay extra for eco-friendly options, demand for sustainable lingerie has risen by 35%.

Why It’s Growing: Public awareness of fashion’s environmental footprint has heightened expectations for transparency. Brands that reveal their sourcing, materials, and production practices are gaining trust, while opaque brands risk losing relevance.

Example Innovations:

Sustainable Materials

• ECONYL® Regenerated Nylon: Made from waste such as fishing nets and carpets, identical in quality to new nylon but with major environmental savings.

• Recycled Lace: Luxurious, delicate lace created using recycled polyamide and elastane.

• Organic Cotton: GOTS-certified cotton that uses far less water and energy, grown without toxic chemicals.

Sustainable Processes

• Waterless Dyeing (Supercritical CO₂): Eliminates almost all water use and allows dyes and CO₂ to be reused.

• Natural Plant-Based Dyes: Derived from ingredients like indigo, pomegranate, and madder root—non-toxic, biodegradable, and sometimes offering extra fabric benefits.

  
  

Trend #3: Beauty for Everybody—Plus-Size Expansion & Diverse Skin Tones

The Shift: The industry is shaking off narrow beauty standards in favor of true diversity. The plus-size market alone is expected to reach $412.39 billion by 2030, reflecting both social change and a long-underserved customer base.

Why It’s Growing: Roughly 68% of American women wear size 14 or above, making inclusivity both a moral and a strategic imperative. Body positivity movements are pushing brands to represent real bodies and create products that genuinely fit them.

Example Products:

• Comprehensive Size Ranges: From XXS to 4XL (and beyond), and bra cups up to H or I—requiring better pattern engineering and real fit testing.

• Multiple “Nude” Shades: Expanding color ranges to match diverse skin tones.

• Authentic Marketing: Campaigns featuring models of different sizes, ages, ethnicities, and abilities.

This trend increases complexity for brands due to more SKUs, but agile manufacturing and data-driven D2C models help control risks and improve inventory accuracy.

Trend #4: Underwear as Outerwear—The Visibility Movement

The Shift: Lingerie is crossing into mainstream fashion. Wearing bralettes, corsets, and bodysuits as part of daily outfits is now intentional and stylish, not accidental. This trend is visible on runways and in global street fashion.

Why It’s Growing:

• Confidence & Self-Expression: A fashion-forward way to show empowerment and body positivity.

• Celebrity & Streetwear Influence: Major drivers of adoption.

• Versatile Wardrobes: Consumers value clothing that offers multiple uses, aligning with capsule wardrobe culture and conscious spending.

Example Products:

• Bodysuits: Combining luxe materials with ready-to-wear styling.

• Bralettes & Corsets as Tops: Often worn under blazers or on their own as statement pieces.

• Visible Waistbands: A 90s-inspired trend embraced particularly by Gen Z.

• Menswear Crossovers: Designer boxer shorts worn as casual shorts.

Because lingerie is now visible, construction quality—from seams to finishing—must meet outerwear standards.

Trend #5: The Renaissance of Romantic Femininity — Artistry & Luxury

The Shift: Alongside comfort, there’s renewed appreciation for lingerie as wearable art. Consumers want beautifully crafted, sensual pieces that bring joy and sophistication into their wardrobe. This complements comfort-focused products rather than competing with them.

Why It’s Growing: As people reject disposable fast fashion, they’re investing in fewer, higher-quality pieces. Luxury and premium lingerie—projected to grow at 8.9% CAGR—appeals to consumers seeking durability, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty.

Example Products:

Premium Materials

• Leavers Lace: Intricate, heritage lace often from Calais, signaling high craftsmanship.

• Silk & Satin: Known for their elegant drape and luxurious feel.

Sophisticated Craftsmanship

• Embroidery: Detailed artwork on fine mesh, often mimicking tattoo-like designs.

• Artful Silhouettes: Balcony bras, asymmetrical bodysuits, and precise cuts that enhance natural curves.

Reference: kggarment