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The 90s were an iconic time and the most relevant form of vintage that inspires what we’re wearing today. From large brand logos to neon undies here are signature, era-defining pieces that make 1990s Lingerie styles and trends.
The 1990s Lingerie Trendsetters
From Jennifer Lopez to Jennifer Aniston and Pop Princess Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, the 1990s had its fair share of trendsetters. And while it was undoubtedly their talent that made them center stage, their wardrobe choices were award-winning.
Innerwear became outerwear with bustiers, girdles, and even garter belts being worn as fashion statements. Layered over a top or paired with jeans, even bralettes had their moment.
1990s lingerie styles and trends did not shy away from sexy. These starlets brought the heat by flashing thong strings. With the low-rise jean came the bright thong straps that peaked just above the belt loops.
Popular 90s lingerie brands included Calvin Klein, Agent Provocateur, Victoria’s Secret, and La Perla. Each had their own take and all inspired decade-defining lingerie trends.
The 90s was the age of the thong. What was originally just for practicality on the catwalk soon became essential to get rid of panty lines. Eventually, granny panties were frowned upon. The only trending full-coverage undies were the boy-short briefs. Similar to wearing your boyfriend’s boxers but way sexier, shorties were the only appropriate alternative to thongs.
Underwear
There was something for everyone in the 90s when it came to underwear. You had barely-there thongs and full coverage cotton control briefs. Boy shorts and hipsters were also trending.
90s Wonderbra
The best lift bosoms have ever seen, the beloved Wonderbra was a groundbreaking push-up bra that made the girls high and perky with a perfectly rounded cleavage. The marketing for the Wonderbra was pretty spot on, featuring a scene where one of the most cherished of the 1990s lingerie styles and trends was turning heads.
The Wonderbra was a stark contrast to the unstructured bras that are popular now and the unpadded ones from decades before it. Many versions of the Wonderbra exist today. Some extend down for extra abdomen contouring and most have some level of padded for extra fullness and shape.
Minimal Cotton Camis
Soft, sexy, and inspired by beauty on the silver screen, cotton camis were a 90s staple.
1990s lingerie styles and trends are decorated with minimal pieces that actually made bold statements. Cotton Camis were worn like slip dresses, paired with PJ pants, or on their own for a simply sexy number.
Calvin Klein had a key role in creating the decade’s finest minimal pieces. Casual cotton was paired with denim for a signature Klein ad that influences millions.
Thigh-High Stalking & Garter Belts
From simple to striking, 90s lingerie never lacked sex appeal and non more seductive than garter belts and stalkings. This combo was usually paired with stilettos. Everyone loved a towering diva. This vintage look was popularized by the burlesque scene which was always pushing the lingerie envelope. Legend Dita Von Teese was sure to leave her mark and women thanked her for it.
Fashion shows were everything in the 1990s, perhaps even more so than now. And there wasn’t a show in sight that didn’t, at some point, feature thigh-high stalkings, garter belts, and suspenders. Today, the fashion industry is heavily influenced by socialites, influencers, and what they wear on their social media posts. Well, the runways were the Instagram of the 90s and what was on the catwalk was the leading source in 1990s lingerie styles and trends.
Silk Animal Prints
If you weren’t in your white, preppy Klein cotton, you were rocking silky animal prints, another signature 1990s lingerie style, and trend. Animal print was everywhere from robes, pajama sets, nighties, and panties. And people couldn’t get enough of silk. These days silk isn’t considered the most comfortable, but it was all about the look of luxury then. Silk bedding was just as popular.
Animal print did become popular in the late 80s, but in a 1996 Victoria Secret runway show, Tyra Banks made it iconically 90s. Strutting in a bold, high-cut satin green animal print bra and panty set helped solidify this trend (and brand!).
Shapewear
So shapewear isn’t exactly what you think of when you think vintage lingerie. But shapewear did help shape the 90s undergarment scene. Spanx was released in the 90s and remains the most popular shapewear available. The seamless shapewear erased panty lines controlled the tummy, and thighs, and enhanced a woman’s natural figure. They were an absolute must and were primarily popular with women over 30.
Logos
Sporty logos were bold and a notorious 1990s lingerie style and trend. Featured on sportswear, loungewear, bras, and panties, logos were often in a large, bold, black, print and were anything but subtle. The designer wanted you to know who you were wearing and you wanted the world to know.
The logos were commonly found on the waistband, printed all over, or a single large print in the center.
Corsets
Another era, another corset. These things were never out of style. A 90s corset had nothing to with functionality and everything to do with being a sexy statements piece. Corsets in the 90s were commonly worn as outer were paired with low-rise jeans and a small, shoulder purse.
If Madonna had anything to say about it, corsets in the 90s were meant to fit like a bralette and be worn with oversized, high-waisted black slacks, heels, and red lip with a cigarette dangling from it.
Oh, the rebellious 90s. Some looks were as controversial as their smoking habits but everyone looked so good at being bad. The unforgettable 90s lingerie styles and trends are making a comeback, everything from bomber jackets, ripped jeans, graphic T’s to slip dresses, and animal print have us turning back the clock in style.
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