Underwear as outerwear is everywhere now, redefining how we think about style and confidence. Lingerie is stepping out from under your clothes and transforming into bold outerwear, allowing you to express your individuality.
The underwear as outerwear trend encourages you to break traditional fashion rules and celebrate your body, regardless of shape or skin tone. Designers and brands like Friendtex are elevating this movement with high-quality, sustainable pieces, making underwear as outerwear not just a layer, but a true fashion statement.
You have the freedom to choose how you wear it, blending comfort, empowerment, and style in every look.
Key Takeaways
Underwear as outerwear is a bold fashion trend that lets you express confidence and individuality by wearing lingerie-inspired pieces visibly.
This trend has deep historical roots and has evolved through many fashion milestones, from ancient times to modern celebrities like Madonna and Rihanna.
You can style underwear as outerwear in many ways, such as layering a bralette under a blazer or mixing textures like lace and denim for a fresh look.
Brands like Friendtex lead with sustainable materials and inclusive sizing, making it easy to find stylish, eco-friendly pieces that fit all body types.
Wearing underwear as outerwear supports body positivity and breaks old-fashioned rules, empowering you to choose styles that feel authentic and comfortable.
Underwear as Outerwear Trend
Historical Evolution
You might think underwear-as-outerwear is a new idea, but it has deep roots in history. Back in medieval Europe, people wore chemises and shifts—body linens that sat right against the skin.
These pieces weren’t always hidden. Sometimes, you could see them peeking out from under outerwear, showing that the line between underwear and outerwear was already blurry. Men’s fashion in the Middle Ages featured tunics and stockings that started as outerwear before becoming underwear by the 15th century.
The codpiece, which began as a simple flap on men’s underwear, turned into a bold, padded statement during the Renaissance. It became a symbol of wealth and power, and everyone noticed it.
If you look at China’s history, the dudou—a close-fitting, bra-like garment—was worn as underwear from the Ming through Qing Dynasties. Today, you see it making a comeback as outerwear, especially among young people.
Fast forward to the 1950s, and you’ll find underwear with fashionable prints designed to be seen. The idea of showing off your underwear started to catch on. In the 1970s and 1980s, tank tops, which were once just undergarments, became popular as outerwear.
You can see how the underwear-as-outerwear trend kept evolving, always pushing boundaries.
Tip: If you want to try this fashion trend, start with a simple bralette or camisole layered under a blazer. You’ll get a taste of history and style in one look.
Key Moments in Fashion
Let’s talk about the moments that made underwear-as-outerwear a true fashion trend. Ancient Rome and Greece saw women wearing bandeau-style bras called strophium, blending undergarments into everyday outfits.
In the 19th century, corsets moved from hidden support to visible fashion statements, showing off status and wealth. The 1920s flapper era brought slip dresses and camisoles out into the open, letting women rebel against restrictive corsets and embrace comfort.
Here’s a quick look at some major milestones:
Cultural Milestone / Designer | Description |
|---|---|
Ancient Rome and Greece | Women wore visible bandeau-style bras (strophium), mixing sensuality with daily wear. |
19th Century Corset | Corsets became outerwear, showing off wealth and changing fashion norms. |
1920s Flapper Era | Slip dresses and camisoles were worn as outerwear, celebrating freedom. |
1950s T-shirt Revolution | T-shirts moved from underwear to outerwear, thanks to stars like Marlon Brando and James Dean. |
1970s-80s Designer Influence | Vivienne Westwood and others reimagined corsets as outerwear. |
1990s Celebrity Impact | Madonna and Cher made underwear as outerwear mainstream, linking it to punk and grunge. |
Jean-Paul Gaultier | Designed Madonna’s cone bra, making lingerie a high-fashion statement. |
Alexander McQueen & Dolce & Gabbana | Used lace, bralettes, and corsetry in outerwear, blurring the lines. |
Madonna stands out as a true icon in this story. Her 1984 MTV VMAs performance featured a white lace bustier-style wedding dress and the famous ‘Boy Toy’ belt. She made lingerie-inspired fashion rebellious and empowering.
In 1990, her Blonde Ambition tour showcased the cone bra designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier. That moment changed everything. Suddenly, underwear as outerwear wasn’t just for shock value—it became a symbol of sexual liberation and self-expression.
You’ve probably seen pop stars like Rihanna and Hailey Bieber continue this legacy. Bieber mixes sheer satin camisoles and silk bloomers with tailored trenches, showing you how to balance boldness and sophistication.
Spring 2023 runways from Prada, Burberry, Versace, and Tory Burch all embraced lingerie dressing, proving that underwear-as-outerwear is here to stay.
Here’s a quick timeline to help you see how the trend grew:
In the 1920s, flapper dresses with slip-like shapes made underwear-inspired looks mainstream.
The 1950s saw t-shirts become outerwear, thanks to Hollywood icons.
Designers in the 1970s and 1980s brought corsets and lingerie details into outerwear.
Madonna’s 1990 cone bra and the ‘whale tail’ trend in the 1990s pushed boundaries even further.
Recent runway shows in 2023 made lingerie dressing a staple in high fashion.
You can see how underwear-as-outerwear redefined fashion norms. It challenged ideas about modesty and sexuality. It gave you the freedom to express yourself, whether you’re rocking pantsless dressing or layering a bralette under a jacket. This trend isn’t just about showing skin—it’s about confidence, empowerment, and making fashion your own.
Underwear-as-Outerwear in 2025
Runway and Celebrity Influence
You can’t ignore how underwear-as-outerwear has taken over the runway in 2025. Designers are pushing boundaries and making lingerie-inspired looks the center of attention. You see bustiers and bloomers front and center at Dior’s haute couture spring 2025 show.
Schiaparelli’s runway dazzled with gold gowns that let bras peek through plunging necklines. Valentino keeps the momentum going by turning classic lingerie details into bold outerwear pieces.
The Met Gala 2025 made headlines when Sabrina Carpenter and Lisa wore tuxedos with embroidered knickers, showing everyone that underwear as outerwear is now high fashion.
Celebrities are leading the charge. Rihanna and Beyoncé show off lingerie elements at red carpet events and in music videos. Their confidence makes you want to try the trend yourself.
Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty line brings underwear-as-outerwear to everyday style, making it accessible and glamorous. Hailey Bieber, Lisa, and Sabrina Carpenter all rocked pantsless looks at the Met Gala, mixing tailored jackets with visible underwear.
You see their influence everywhere, from social feeds to magazine covers.
Celebrity | Contribution to Underwear-as-Outerwear Trend in 2025 | Associated Brands |
|---|---|---|
Hailey Bieber | Popularized pantsless looks at the Met Gala, blending lingerie with jackets | Louis Vuitton, Givenchy |
Lisa | Showcased lingerie-inspired outfits at the Met Gala, setting the trend | Saint Laurent |
Sabrina Carpenter | Helped pantsless looks go viral after the Met Gala | N/A |
Social Media and Gen Z
You scroll through TikTok and Instagram, and underwear-as-outerwear pops up everywhere. Gen-Z loves to experiment with style, mixing bralettes, bodysuits, and pajama tops into everyday outfits.
You see creators sharing outfit ideas, layering tips, and confidence boosts. Social media makes it easy for you to join the trend, no matter your budget or body type.
Gen-Z doesn’t just follow trends—they set them. You watch as they challenge old-fashioned rules and celebrate individuality. Spring 2023 runways inspired many of these looks, but now you see them in street style and viral challenges.
You can try layering a sheer top over a bold bralette or pairing bloomers with oversized blazers. The underwear-as-outerwear movement feels fresh, inclusive, and fun because you get to decide how to wear it.
Tip: If you want to try underwear as outerwear, start with a simple bralette under a denim jacket or a pajama top tucked into jeans. You’ll feel stylish and confident.
Friendtex and Quality Innovation
Sustainable Materials
When you want to try the underwear as outerwear trend, you probably care about what goes into your clothes. Friendtex makes it easy for you to choose pieces that look good and do good for the planet. You get access to a wide range of sustainable materials in their collections. Here are some of the eco-friendly fabrics you might find:
TENCEL™/Lyocell
Recycled polyester (rPET)
Bamboo
Plant-based leathers like Piñatex
Modal and EcoVero
Econyl and recycled nylon
These materials help reduce waste and support a healthier environment. Friendtex also uses transparent supply chains, so you know where your clothes come from. You can feel confident that your bodysuit or bralette is made with care for both you and the planet.
Friendtex stands out because of its strong commitment to ethical production. The company holds certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, SEDEX, BSCI, and the Better Cotton Initiative.
These certifications show that Friendtex cares about safe materials, fair labor, and responsible manufacturing. You get peace of mind knowing your fashion choices support a better world.
Note: Friendtex even uses solar energy in their factories to cut down on carbon emissions. That means your favorite bodysuit can be both stylish and sustainable.
Customization and Design
You want your underwear as outerwear to feel unique. Friendtex gives you the power to create custom pieces that match your vision. You can design garments that fit your exact style and needs. Whether you want a bold print, a special fabric, or a new twist on a classic look, Friendtex helps you bring your ideas to life.
Here’s what you can expect:
Custom underwear options for brands and designers
Garments tailored to your exact specifications
Personalized experience from start to finish
Freedom to explore new designs, including outerwear-ready styles
You get to experiment with different colors, patterns, and fits. Friendtex’s team works with you to make sure every detail matches your brand or personal taste. This level of customization lets you stand out and express yourself, whether you’re wearing a bralette under a blazer or showing off a statement bodysuit.
Styling Underwear as Outerwear
Layering Tips
Layering underwear as outerwear is all about balance and creativity. You want to show off your favorite pieces while keeping your look polished and comfortable. Here’s a quick guide to help you master the art of layering:
Layering Technique | Description & Examples |
|---|---|
Balance Revealing & Concealing | Pair a lace bodysuit or bralette with high-waisted trousers or a loose jacket to keep things tasteful. |
Mix Textures & Fabrics | Try a delicate lace bodysuit under a chunky knit cardigan or a silk camisole with a structured blazer. |
Play with Colors & Patterns | Go bold with a patterned kimono over a simple black bralette, or mix bright colors for a fun twist. |
Choose the Right Silhouettes | Match a fitted blazer with a flowy lace bodysuit, or wear a figure-hugging skirt with a silk camisole. |
Specific Garment Pairings | – Lace bralettes with blazers |
Modesty Layering | Throw on a trench coat or long cardigan over lingerie-inspired pieces for extra coverage. |
Event-Appropriate Styling | For work, layer a camisole under a blazer. For a night out, try a teddy as a top with jeans or a skirt. |
Confidence | The most important layer is your confidence—wear what makes you feel good! |
Tip: If you’re new to layering underwear, start with a visible undergarment like a lace bodysuit under a blazer. You’ll get a chic look that feels both daring and put-together.
Outfit Ideas
You can style underwear as outerwear for almost any occasion. Whether you’re heading to a party, a festival, or just running errands, there’s a look for you. Check out these outfit ideas and see how you can make them your own:
Occasion | Outfit Ideas | Styling Tips and Pairings |
|---|---|---|
Night Out | Lacy bralette with high-waisted pants; sheer slip dress with matching bra underneath | Adds edge and sexiness; perfect for clubs or concerts |
Music Festivals | Sheer tops with colorful bralettes or a lace bodysuit | Go bold and experiment with layers and accessories |
Beach or Pool Parties | Swimsuit as outerwear paired with shorts or a kimono; one-piece with cut-outs | Layer with sheer blouses or kimonos for a chic, beach-ready vibe |
Fashion Events | Corset or teddy as a top with a skirt or tailored pants | Statement-making and fashion-forward |
Street Style | Bralette with high-waisted jeans and a leather jacket; bodysuit with sneakers and a blazer | Express your individuality and keep it cool and comfortable |
For a casual day, try a bralette under an oversized shirt with denim shorts.
For a polished look, wear a lace bodysuit under a tailored blazer and pair it with high-waisted trousers.
For a boho vibe, layer a bodysuit under a sheer maxi dress and add chunky boots.
Note: Mixing textures like lace, silk, and denim adds depth to your outfit. Don’t be afraid to play with visible underwear—just keep the rest of your look balanced.
Everyday Wearability
You might wonder if you can wear gorgeous lingerie or a lace bodysuit outside the house. The answer is yes! Friendtex makes it easy with comfortable, high-quality fabrics like satin, cotton, and mesh. These materials feel soft against your skin and look stylish all day.
Choose a seamless bodysuit for a smooth fit under jeans or a skirt.
Try a bralette with a longline cut for extra support and style under a cardigan or jacket.
Pick high-waisted cheeky underwear for a playful touch that stays invisible under your clothes.
Friendtex designs flatter every body type, so you always feel supported and confident. You can find inclusive sizing and custom options, making it simple to pick pieces that match your style.
Many Friendtex styles work as both underwear and outerwear, so you can go from lounging at home to meeting friends without changing your outfit.
Confidence is your best accessory. When you wear lingerie-inspired looks from Friendtex, you blend comfort, style, and empowerment in every outfit.
If you want to try layering underwear in your daily wardrobe, start small. Add a lace bodysuit under a blazer for work, or wear a teddy as a top with jeans for a night out.
You’ll discover that visible underwear can be both practical and fashionable. With Friendtex’s focus on comfort and fit, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds—style that feels as good as it looks.
Inclusivity and Empowerment
Body Positivity
You see the underwear as outerwear trend everywhere now, and it’s doing more than just making a fashion statement. This movement helps you embrace your body, no matter your shape, size, or skin tone.
When celebrities wore lingerie-inspired looks at the 2025 Met Gala, they showed the world that confidence comes in all forms. Social media has exploded with people of all backgrounds sharing their takes on the trend, using hashtags that celebrate real bodies and self-expression.
Fashion brands have stepped up, too. You can find expanded size ranges, from XXS to 4XL, and bra cups up to H and I. “Nude” shades now match a wide range of skin tones, so you can find something that feels made just for you.
Marketing campaigns feature models of all ages, sizes, and abilities, breaking away from old beauty standards. This shift makes you feel seen and valued.
Aspect of Inclusivity/Body Positivity | Description |
|---|---|
Expanded Size Ranges | Sizes from XXS to 4XL and inclusive bra cups ensure comfort and style for everyone. |
Diverse Skin-Tone Palettes | “Nude” shades now fit many skin colors, promoting racial inclusivity. |
Inclusive Marketing | Campaigns show real people—different sizes, ages, and abilities. |
Versatility and Self-Expression | Lingerie as outerwear lets you show your style and confidence. |
You also see body positive influencers like Winnie Harlow and Brittnee Blair encouraging self-love and acceptance. Their voices help you feel proud of who you are. Wearing underwear as outerwear can boost your self-esteem and help you feel comfortable in your skin.
Breaking Norms
You might notice that this trend doesn’t just celebrate bodies—it also challenges old ideas about gender and fashion. For years, clothing had strict rules about what men and women could wear.
Now, you see people mixing masculine and feminine styles, wearing what feels right for them. Coco Chanel made pants for women popular, and today, you see gender-neutral underwear and outerwear everywhere.
Coco Chanel helped women wear pants, breaking old gender rules.
During World War II, women wore structured, masculine clothes as they took on new roles.
The 1960s brought the miniskirt, a symbol of freedom and rebellion.
Modern fashion lets you mix and match styles, no matter your gender.
Some critics worry that underwear as outerwear might cross the line or sexualize bodies. Others see it as a way to celebrate confidence and personal choice. The real power comes from you deciding how to wear these pieces.
When you style a bralette or boxer shorts as outerwear, you’re not just following a trend—you’re helping to reshape what fashion means.
This movement has a positive cultural impact. It breaks down old boundaries, supports diversity, and lets you express your true self. You get to choose what feels empowering, stylish, and authentic for you. That’s what makes this trend so exciting and important for everyone.
Conclusion
Underwear as outerwear has changed how you see fashion, turning private pieces into bold statements of confidence and self-expression. Brands like Friendtex lead the way with sustainable fabrics and innovative designs, making it easy for you to look good and feel good. Want to try this trend?
Start with a comfy bralette under a blazer.
Mix textures for a fresh look.
Always choose what feels right for you.
Tip: Confidence is your best accessory—wear it proudly!
FAQ
Can you wear underwear as outerwear to work?
You can! Try layering a bralette under a blazer or a bodysuit with high-waisted pants. Keep the look polished and professional. Choose neutral colors and add a cardigan for extra coverage.
How do you style Friendtex pieces for everyday outfits?
Pick a lace bodysuit or a comfy bralette. Pair it with jeans, skirts, or under a jacket. You get comfort and style. Friendtex fabrics feel soft and look great all day.
Is the underwear as outerwear trend inclusive for all body types?
Absolutely! You find options in many sizes and styles. Brands like Friendtex offer custom fits and inclusive sizing. You get to express yourself, no matter your shape or size.
What fabrics does Friendtex use for sustainable underwear?
Friendtex uses organic cotton, bamboo, TENCEL™, and recycled polyester. You get eco-friendly choices that feel good and last long. Check their website for more details on materials.
Tip: Always choose pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable. That’s the best way to rock this trend!
