According to the fashion industry on August 11, lingerie-inspired fashion has emerged as one of this summer’s major trends, with bras becoming tops and slips being styled as dresses. The trend incorporates design elements traditionally associated with lingerie including lace, satin and sheer materials into everyday clothing.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie Puts a New Spin on the Bra Trend
One high-profile example came from BLACKPINK’s Jennie, who appeared at Governors Ball 2026 in New York in June wearing what was described as a “bra-on-bra” look. Rather than concealing the bra, the styling layered multiple bra-inspired pieces and placed them at the center of the outfit. Fashion media subsequently highlighted the look as one of the trends to watch this summer.
A fashion industry representative explained that bras are increasingly functioning as standalone outerwear. “These days, bras themselves are functioning as a type of outerwear.” The representative added that the extreme summer heat has increased demand for thinner and lighter clothing, prompting designers to explore pieces that turn traditionally intimate garments into actual clothing.
Brands Are Blurring the Line Between Lingerie and Outerwear
Fashion brands are also embracing the trend. Global SPA brand Zara has introduced dresses featuring lingerie-inspired details such as lace, satin and embroidery. Meanwhile, Aerie, an American Eagle brand, has released its “Show Off” collection combining sheer camisoles with bras.
The trend has also attracted international media attention. The Wall Street Journal recently examined the rise of “naked dressing,” noting that sheer and revealing fashion has expanded beyond luxury runways and into everyday street style.
Lingerie Fashion Is Expected to Continue Into Fall and Winter
The lingerie aesthetic is unlikely to disappear when summer ends. The trend is already visible in Fall/Winter collections from major luxury fashion houses. Saint Laurent’s Fall/Winter collection featured lace pieces and lingerie-inspired dresses that closely followed the body’s silhouette. At Paris Fashion Week, exposed lingerie, voluminous lace and satin were also prominent styling elements.
The ongoing balletcore trend could further extend the popularity of lingerie-inspired fashion into the colder months. Lace, ribbons, satin and sheer fabrics are common elements of both aesthetics, making the two trends particularly compatible.
One fashion industry representative noted that global sportswear brands have also been incorporating lace and ribbons into their designs as balletcore continues to gain popularity. The combination of balletcore and lingerie fashion could therefore allow the aesthetic to move beyond summer’s revealing looks and develop into a broader Fall/Winter trend.
Not Everyone Is Comfortable With the Rise of “Naked Dressing”
Despite its growing popularity, lingerie-inspired fashion remains divisive among consumers. Some view it as simply another form of fashion and self-expression, while others argue that certain outfits cross the line when worn in inappropriate settings.
There have already been several instances in which highly revealing outfits have sparked controversy, including performers wearing outfits resembling underwear on stage and wedding guests appearing in bikini-style tops and bottoms.
The debate largely centers on TPO time, place and occasion. While an outfit may work on a concert stage or fashion runway, some consumers question whether the same level of exposure is appropriate at weddings, workplaces or professional events.
The Wall Street Journal similarly noted that the growing popularity of “naked dressing” could create uncomfortable situations in everyday life. The publication cited an example of a keynote speaker at a business conference appearing in a bra top and black sheer skirt, with attendees reportedly focusing more on the outfit than the speech. One attendee described the situation as uncomfortable, saying they found it difficult to know where to look.
Ultimately, the rise of lingerie fashion highlights the changing boundaries between underwear and outerwear. As designers and celebrities continue to embrace sheer fabrics, lace, satin and bra-inspired silhouettes, the trend is likely to remain a major topic in fashion while the question of where to draw the line between bold fashion and inappropriate dressing continues to divide opinion.
Sources: Daum | 매일경제