These past few years, a new lingerie item has unexpectedly entered the chat. Something a little unusual considering what we are talking about. The lingerie sleeve has arrived! First notably seen at Studio Pia, it’s now popping up across various lingerie brands and collections.
As everything with fashion, nothing is a new idea. Variations of the sleeve have been seen many times before. You would have seen jewelled capes, lace cover ups and jersey or mesh shrugs. The later most recently as part of rave culture. The current trend is focused on the use of embroidery and lace as a matching addition to a lingerie set.
What is the driving force behind this new direction of lingerie accessories? These are some of my theories…
Avoiding textile waste
A lot of brands need to order above what they need to meet minimum fabric purchases. This mainly adversely affects smaller independent brands. One way to not waste it is to use it in a more full coverage design.
Showing off the full textile
Lingerie is notoriously small and sometimes the textiles don’t have their moment to truly shine. By usuing them on a larger surface it allows their beauty to be on full display.
Lingerie as outerwear
I think everyone under the sun knows that one of the biggest lingerie trends in the past 20 years has been Lingerie as Outerwear. The sleeve adds a new element beyond a strappy bra poking out the top of an outfit.
The art of the upsell
The pessimist in me says that this is just another way to bump up the order total, a 3 piece set turns into a 4. These are business after all.
Conservatism and censorship in social media
With the rise of censorship on social media it gets harder and harder to advertise lingerie. Is the introduction of sleeves and similar styling pieces a way around the algorithm detecting as much skin?
Discussions I’ve seen online have been mostly positive in regards to this newest trending item. People have stated feeling more confident while wearing them if self conscious about arms or scars.
I’d love to know your thoughts! Leave a comment below on why you think this newest lingerie styling piece has taken off.
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Lace and Haze 