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Male vs. Female Gaze In Lingerie

There has been much discussion recently over what the male gaze and female gaze mean to consumers. 

The male vs. the female gaze can be boiled down to the difference between what appeals to men (usually subject matter revolving around women) and what appeals to women (usually revolving around self and self-care). 

Let’s discuss how this directly correlates to lingerie, and how you can find out which style works for you.

Women’s Lingerie…and Star Wars?

Let’s look at Star Wars as an example (stay with us). 

Adam Driver plays dark-haired, dark-eyed Kylo Ren in the newest Star Wars installments, and many women responded to his character as a romantic figure. The long black hair, that shirtless scene, and carrying Daisy Ridley’s Rey in his arms over his ship’s threshold.

Many have compared the character of Kylo Ren with a less murderous Mr. Darcy. This is a perfect example of the female gaze. Both fictional men are brooding and saturnine, both men ‘propose’ to their ladies in the rain while sopping wet, and both men ultimately find redemption through love.

What does this have to do with women’s lingerie? Well, contrast that shirtless scene featuring Kylo Ren and Rey with the iconic gold bikini sported by Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia in The Return of The Jedi. 

Like mother, like son! 

Yet, that bikini moment was for men. The macho heroics and muscle in the first Star Wars films were all meant to appeal to men. This is the male gaze.

We also see female characters with interesting backstories take center stage in the new films, rather than focusing on the coming-of-age of a boy from a sandy planet who ended up living in solitude after betraying his nephew. We see the consequences of the male-dominated original trilogy play out in the new films.

When we bear this in mind, we also bear in mind Carrie Fisher’s eschewment of the bikini. The discomfort she felt. The lack of storyline that the bikini contributed to the film. We like to think (and some do, and that’s okay!) that it was her coming of age, but it does appear that this storyline was really tied to the rescue of Han Solo, and how this bikini moment and she as a woman affected him. 

We really see Leia’s coming of age when she becomes a general at the head of the resistance as opposed to a princess wielding a gun in a metal bikini. 

The Female Gaze In Lingerie

Imagine, for a moment, that Valentine’s Day is around the corner. You know that for you this may mean an extended trip to the salon, waxing and shaving, new lingerie, and full glam.

For many, this is sheer joy and something they do for themselves. For many, this is a day of discomfort and the end result is how pleased their male partner will be.

Many lingerie brands in particular cater to men. The lingerie is an adornment and an enhancement of the body – which can be an amazing thing! Hello, we love lingerie!

But there are many emergent brands now created by women, for women that place the style and cut of their lingerie on women’s preferences. These brands find that many women prefer comfort and style over lacy g-strings. 

Fabrics include cotton, silks, and satins rather than scratchy lace or polyester. Even the advertising consists of soft color palettes and textures as opposed to hot pinks, bunny ears, and reds. 

[Read – Why Do Women Wear Lingerie? 7 Sexy Reasons]

Which Is Right For You?

We can analyze and speculate all we like – but the gaze that matters is yours. Whether you like the hot pink vibes or the soft, warm tones – we love that for you!

The female gaze is partially about the female perspective free of objectification. The female gaze is also about women finding and enjoying the content that makes them happy and helps them feel comfortable. 

[Read – Best Italian Lingerie Brands – Timeless Quality and Luxury]