Straps and hooks: sexy lingerie knows no age, size or shape

CHENNAI: Lingerie is a tad more than just a piece of clothing for support. It’s about comfort, style and sex appeal (awkwardness aside) Let’s take it slow from the beginning.

Centuries ago, it may have been used only for covering the breasts, but over the years, these undergarments have turned into a fad — as a means of boosting your own self-esteem, and of course, impressing a certain someone.

Putting all that aside, let’s focus on the changing trends of lingerie from cotton and white to lace, net, padded, push-ups, thongs and countless others. City Express got in touch with Jennifer Kapasi, head of operations, Triumph International (India), to talk about what’s in vogue. “Full coverage, non-padded bras and bras without under-wire are popular comfort choices. There are popular options like backless, multi-way bras for parties, weddings and events. Seamless panties are popular for tight fitted dresses or track pants.”

We asked a few college students what they liked and the most common answer was push-up bras because it made their breasts look bigger. However, it turns out that they’re actually low in demand. (Now you know why this discussion is important).

“Push-up and underwire bras provide good support but are low in demand,” says Jennifer. “Shapewear is the ultimate option to get the perfect figure women dream of! Today’s Indian woman turns to shapewear to enhance her body and to lift her confidence too.”

We spoke to staff at a prominent e-commerce website who has been working in the lingerie department for about a year. Asked about mos-preferred lingerie, he says, “People buy translucent and netted fabrics. Many women also prefer thongs and also the ones with thin and nylon ones woven with lycra spandex.”

Women of all ages are buying lingerie, and the biggest reason for this, say some of the women we spoke to, is Zivame — the online portal that has undergarments of all shapes and sizes. “I’ve been married for over 32 years and I have never owned any undergarment that’s lacy or sexy…until I came across Zivame over 2 years ago. I never knew there were so many varieties in bras, and also the colours…my god, it was a revelation,” smiles 53-year-old Janaki.

A mother of two daughters and a son – all of whom are married with kids — Janaki’s trip into the world of lingerie shopping added a much-needed boost to her otherwise dull marriage. “I wanted something silly and frivolous for myself but I never anticipated my husband’s reaction. Suffice to say, our sex life has never been better,” she laughs. “There’s no age or size or shape that should prevent you from looking and feeling sexy and beautiful.”

Sarah, her neighbour and best friend, butts in with this nugget of wisdom: “Don’t ask your husband to buy you lingerie. If you do, be very specific about what you want. Men rarely understand what’s comfortable for us, and always end buying stuff that suits their fantasy.”

No conversation on lingerie is complete without talking to men, of course. Akash, from the IT industry, says, “I gift my wife lingerie just before a vacation or on our anniversary but it’s difficult to choose. I like her wearing black and red, thin straps with a velvety feel.”

Fair enough, but do they know specifications about what’s good, the right size and comfort? “Most men are clueless about the comfort, colour and other aspects of the styles available in market. They mostly go for something really fancy or something that would make their women feel special and loved. An expensive lace collection would be their first choice,” chuckles the e-commerce staffer. Also, some fabrics may not be skin-friendly.

Lingerie has indeed become a fad, but whatever you go for, make sure it’s the right size, comfortable. Make sure to drop in hints to your lover about your size and preferences. Did you know, someone from Jaipur is also making a lingerie collection with real coral? Fancy!

I have never found lingerie that fits me. I have been in a relationship for the last two years, and I want to surprisehim next week for our anniversary. If I don’t get any by then, I will tell him to get me some when he goes abroad in July

— Anisa, a call centre executive who wears a Size 18 dress

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