Everything about Lingeries - A Global Report Part I

Beauty of a woman is a matchless attribute; with nothing to surpass it. So long a time there have been the existence of women in this world, there have been lingerie's as well. This fashion serving luxury undergarment expresses her beauty loving feminine personality, apart from the basic need of supporting her physique. Though the word 'lingerie' normally describes both male and female undergarments, the term is commonly used to refer woman's intimate wear. Lingerie is a broad term and includes garments like bras, panties, stockings, thongs, garters, peignoirs, sheer night gowns, and exotic night wears.

Evolution of Lingeries:

Concept of the lingerie's dates back to the period when people lived in forests whose beginnings are lost in far antiquity. Women in those days bound their body with long scarves folded, looped, and cross folded so as to mould their figures and enhance their beauty. Sculptures of the classical age depict women wearing pieces of fabric to support their bust and waist. The applications of these fabrics were simple and functional, focusing more on support over appearance. Lingerie's evolved into a fashion icon during the 19th century. When men were involved in the First World War, women became the breadwinners of their family. This new identity beckoned them about the need for more practical undergarments that are lighter and breathable, and can be worn during industrial works.

Later during the 21st century manufacturers and fashion houses started expanding their manufacturing and marketing with sexy and fashionable designs and colors. There was a renaissance in the lingerie world seen with more focus on female curves, as women went to unforeseeable extremes to obtain the perfect 'hour glass' figure. Lingerie's were designed with lavish laces, embroidery and ribbons. Today, the intimate wears available in the market have more sex appeal as compared with the ones used in olden days. Exclusive boutiques are also becoming inherently popular in cities.

Designer and Branded Lingerie's:

Designer lingerie brands have an ever increasing demand in many countries as they are very fashionable and sensuous. They are considered the best due to their cutting edge designs, and the high quality materials used; subject to strict quality control standards. Thus the consumer can be assured that they are not only buying under garments of latest designs and trendiest fashion, but also a superior product out of their money. Manufacturers concentrated on the 'Artisan Matrix', the designing phase, knowledge of body shape, quality, appearance, tradition, and fusion for innovation. Retailers agree that lingerie market have a higher profit margin as compared with other apparels. From dazzling, bold colors, to the soft hues of the color palette, a wide range of collections are available to cater to the tastes of every fashion savvy woman. The most attractive feature of designer lingerie is its soft and delicate embroidery designs. Most popular color choices of women are pink, red, aqua, and pastel.

World's largest lingerie manufacturer 'Victoria's Secret' operates exclusively in North America. European market is dominated by brands like DB Apparel, and Triumph International. Top brands like Virgina Poppe, Groversons Apparel, Lotus Creations, TNT Fashion limited, sell a wide range of lingerie's in various colors, and designs to fit every customer's taste. Other brands like Cosabella, Felina, Fashion Forms, Chantelle, On Gossamer, Jezebel, Spans, Fleurt, and Mary Green also have their share in the global market. Brands like Calvin Klein, Vanity Fair, Jockey, Maidenform etc are renowned for their quality. Some special brands are available which can be worn for certain specific occasions like wedding lingerie etc.

Global Lingerie Market:

Global intimate wear market is estimated to be around $29.15 billion USD in 2004, $30 billion USD in 2007, and is further projected to increase at the rate of 9% to become $31.6 billion USD by 2012. Organized players constitute over 40% of the lingerie market currently. Branded lingerie market is further expected by industry experts to see a rise of 25% by 2010. Of the total global lingerie sales, bras account for 56%, briefs at 32%, and daywears make the remaining 12%. Retail lingerie market has grown by $770 million USD. The main concern in the marketing of lingerie's; worldwide, is the fight for market share between the global brands and the retailer's local brands. The leading global key player is Sara Lee, a US based manufacturer who also have a strong hold in the European market. Followed by this are other companies like La Perla, Truimph, Maidenform, VF, and Warnaco. In chain stores, Victoria's Secret of US, Knickerbox of UK, and Hunkemoller of Europe have a whiz market.

Global Lingerie Exports

The growing appeal of lingerie has driven the market into the designing of innovative products. Retailers concur with the fact that lingerie's have a higher profit margin than any other apparel. Vendors are now concentrating on having coalitions with lingerie specialty stores. A survey states that an average woman buys approximately five lingerie's in a year. It also states that an average woman has six bras and eight pairs of briefs in her wardrobe, which is normally more than what she requires. This implicates that lingerie sales are normally driven by style factors and current fashion more than its need. Growth in the level of disposable income, and increasing number of working women enhance intimate wear sales, and this situation favors the growth of the global lingerie market.

What's Hot in the Lingerie World?

During the past decades, women's fashion has progressed rapidly and lingerie is an apt example for this. Growing number of working women, changing fashion fads, increase in the income level, increased awareness due to exposure to media, entry of other foreign brands in the country have all given the lingerie industry a new dimension, and has made it to endure a transformational change. The market is manipulated by modern technologies, and fabrics resulting in innovative products like laser-cut seamless bras, apparels using laces, embroideries, and fabrics with vibrant and attractive colors.

Glow in the Dark Lingerie:

This garment is made of a European stretch lace that makes the fabric to glow in the dark. It is a point of intersection of technology, science, and fashion. Glow in the dark yarn is woven into delicate lace, which is made into fabric. Once the lights are off, the fabric starts to glow. A fluorescent dye and a phosphorescent compound are normally used in these fabrics. The phosphorescent material absorbs light and emits it slowly. This is then absorbed by the fluorescent dye and a bright fluorescent light is emitted in a color based on the dye used. Along with this fabric, few other extra fabrics like satin are added to enhance its alluring beauty.

Women at all ages of civilization have used undergarments in pursuit of the ideal of beauty. Intimate wears are beautiful and sultry and can boost one's self esteem. The ever green demand for fashionable intimate wears make the market crowded, and have many industry players review their market positioning. The matter of concern for international brands, manufactures and domestic retailers are the ways of cater to the needs and emotional aspirations of their female consumers. In the long run more brands will venture into the global scenario, heating up the current market situations. Lingerie is here in every form and shape, and is here to stay.

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