I couldnʼt help but overhear eavesdrop on a conversation the other day, they were talking about how lingerie today doesnʼt only fulfill a purpose of supporting your chest, having underwear, or hosiery to wear to work anymore. Instead, there is this whole new realm where everything is decked out with embellishments, bows, lace, even peep- holes. Pretty much anything goes. Upon hearing this, I was already imagining my favorite pieces and getting excited, but instead the women discussing it asked, “Whatʼs the point?”
Although I became a little defensive at the direction their conversation took, I can understand why some people ask that. Besides having a special occasion with your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse many do not see why your underwear should be so darn fancy, sometimes even nicer than the clothes you put on top of it! So I asked myself, whatʼs the point? Why do I choose to spend money on fashionable undergarments? And what exactly am I doing in my underwear that I need them to be so pretty?
I came up with about ten different answers for each of those questions. I buy the products because sometimes I actually need that specific type of panty to wear with something. Maybe my favorite bra that Iʼve had and worn for years has seen better days and I need a replacement. Or sometimes whatever I happen to be looking at is so cute, feminine, flirty, romantic, and/or sexy that itʼs too perfect to pass up. And of course, boudoir shoots are the perfect excuse for new garments. As far as what Iʼm doing in my underwear, it could be exercising, working, sleeping, going to parties, itʼs pretty much as unpredictable as the weather these days.
Yet, does it matter what Iʼm doing? After a lot of deliberation, I found that what it boils down to is that while some see underwear as purely functional, I see it as a statement as well. After all, clothing started out as just being functional, but look how that industry has evolved. Underwear and lingerie went in the same direction, and just because not everybody sees it on a daily basis doesnʼt mean it should be neglected. I could be wearing sweatpants and an old t-shirt, but I still feel feminine and sexy because my matching bra and panties are made of lace and bows. If Iʼm going to a fancy party and have a killer dress on, wearing my sexy lingerie underneath just shoots my confidence through the roof. I even have a friend who says that when she has to wear the same boring work uniform everyday, choosing her underwear in the morning is her way of still being fashionable. And thatʼs why I love doing boudoir shoots–what better way to feel awesome about yourself than to star in a photo shoot that aims to express you sexuality?
Although this all started with me (innocently) overhearing someoneʼs conversation, it raised a very valid point. I already have an appreciation for fashionable lingerie, but there are also many people who question why this industry has become what it has. My final answer? Itʼs for the customer. Lingerie is something personal to each individual and can make you feel confidence you never knew you had. So why limit everything to blacks, whites, and nudes; straps, or strapless; briefs, or thongs? We clearly have functionality covered, so even if thereʼs no scheduled “special occasion,” throw on the jewels, add a little oomph with a push up, get a matching garter belt! Why? Because you can. And letʼs be honest, a pretty bra never made anyone feel bad about themselves right? I donʼt think Iʼm completely alone in these thoughts, so tell me–what do you love about your lingerie, and why does it matter to you?
