The fashion world is a perpetual mirror, reflecting societal shifts and cultural zeitgeists. For decades, the sight of underwear peeking out from beneath an outfit was a wardrobe malfunction, a sign of carelessness. In places like Africa, where traditional values and cultural norms often hold sway, the sight of underwear peeking out could be met with disapproval or even shame.

Women in such environments might find themselves facing unsolicited “adjustments” to their clothing, such as having their bras pulled up or their tops covered, as a way to maintain perceived societal standards of modesty. This phenomenon, often enacted with well-intentioned but misguided zeal, highlighted the pervasive societal expectations placed on women and the ways in which their bodies were often treated as public property. But times are changing, with fashion becoming increasingly daring. The once-taboo undergarment is now a bold statement, a playful wink, or simply a comfortable reality.

 

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The underwear-as-outerwear trend has been simmering for years, with glimpses of it in streetwear, high fashion, and celebrity culture.

 

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During the punk and grunge movements of the 1980s and 1990s, fashion was a form of rebellion with nonchalant layering. The Y2K aesthetic, which first gained momentum in the early 2000s, has seen a resurgence in recent years, and the underwear-as-outerwear trend is one of its key elements.

 

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At its core, Y2K fashion is all about bold, experimental self-expression, where rules are made to be broken. This ethos is perfectly encapsulated in the trend of visible underwear. From exposed thongs peeking out of low-rise jeans to bras worn as tops, Y2K fashion embraced a sense of rebelliousness and defiance.

 

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Moreover, the athleisure trend which came about in the 2010s made it perfectly normal to wear traditionally “indoor” clothing items, like sports bras and yoga pants, just about anywhere. was fueled by a number of factors. The rise of casual culture and the blurring of lines between work and play made it more acceptable to wear such comfortable, functional clothing. And while some may still raise an eyebrow, the majority of us are simply shrugging and saying, “Why not?”

 

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This evolution is more than just a style update as it works as reflection of broader cultural changes. We’re more confident, more comfortable in our bodies, and less bound by restrictive fashion rules. 

The underwear-as-outerwear trend has evolved in various ways, catering to different tastes and styles. Some women opt for more subtle interpretations, pairing lingerie pieces with tailored jackets or jeans. Others embrace the trend with full force, confidently flaunting their bodies in sheer bodysuits or lace bralettes. The lingerie-as-outerwear sub-trend, while not entirely new, experienced a significant resurgence in 2020, coinciding with the global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. “The concept of underwear-as-outerwear is most commonly associated with the 1980s, but the look of lingerie has long served as inspiration for fashion garments,” stated the Museum at FIT’s Exposed: A History of Lingerie exhibition from 2014.

With celebrities, designers, and consumers alike embracing this daring style, it’s likely that we’ll see even more innovative and exciting interpretations in the years to come. Whether it’s a sheer bodysuit, a lace bralette, or a silk slip dress, the underwear-as-outerwear trend offers endless possibilities for self-expression and style.