Underwear Was Everywhere at New York Fashion Week

Fashion has always thrived on breaking boundaries, rewriting norms, and turning the unexpected into the season’s must-have look. At New York Fashion Week (NYFW), the message could not have been clearer: underwear is no longer something to be hidden. Instead, it has become the star of the show, boldly stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight of ready-to-wear fashion.

From exposed bras styled with tailored blazers to dresses constructed from underwear waistbands, designers leaned into a new wave of transparency and boldness. What was once considered private apparel is now a statement piece, reshaping how we perceive everyday fashion.

The Rise of Underwear as Outerwear

While some may view this as a shocking turn, history proves otherwise. Fashion has long flirted with lingerie-inspired looks—from the popularity of slip dresses in the ’90s to the countless “naked dresses” worn by celebrities on red carpets. What differentiates this season is that underwear is no longer an accessory or subtle accent; it is the main event.

At Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors, exposed bra tops were styled with elegant suiting, creating a playful balance between business and daring. Meanwhile, Calvin Klein took things further, constructing entire gowns from woven underwear waistbands and showcasing long johns embedded with briefs that proudly displayed the iconic CK logo.

Key takeaway: Underwear is no longer hidden—it’s being celebrated as a design element in its own right.

Designers Leading the Charge

Several major designers leaned into the underwear-as-fashion trend, each with their own unique interpretation:

• Rachel Comey opened the conversation with red bras worn under matching shirts and jackets.

• Michael Kors emphasized bikini-style bras paired with summer-ready three-piece suits.

• Jonathan Simkhai shifted focus to the lower half, styling board shorts to expose boxers in an homage to skate and surf culture.

• Joseph Altuzarra returned to sultry roots with bra tops peeking beneath blazers.

• Maria McManus used her signature barn jackets to frame delicate bras underneath.

• Calvin Klein elevated underwear to art with gowns, long johns, and accessories built around waistbands.

• Sandy Liang embraced femininity with lace, gingham panties, and decorative lingerie details.

• Kallmeyer closed the week with chic crochet bras paired with trousers and skirts for a versatile day-to-night appeal.

Each collection proved that undergarments are no longer secondary—they are leading looks on the runway.

Why the Trend Doesn’t Come as a Surprise

Industry veterans know that fashion thrives on transparency—both literally and metaphorically. As Bloomingdale’s fashion director David Thielebeule noted, “Sheer organza skirts reveal briefs, lace-trimmed slips replace cocktail dresses, and sculptural bras hold their own under tailoring.”

This season is about making visible what was once hidden. In an age of bold self-expression, the rise of underwear as outerwear feels like a natural evolution rather than a sudden shock.

Celebrity Influence and Cultural Context

Fashion rarely exists in isolation. Celebrities have long pushed the boundaries of what is acceptable to wear in public:

• Dakota Johnson and Margot Robbie recently embraced barely-there gowns from Gucci and Armani Privé.

• Emily Ratajkowski helped popularize the naked-dress movement with her fearless styling choices.

While past seasons highlighted the body itself, this year’s spotlight is firmly on the garments we once considered private.

Retail Perspective: Why It Works

From a retail angle, this trend is a dream. Why? Because underwear-inspired pieces are versatile. A bralette under a blazer works for fashion-forward offices, while a crochet bra styled with trousers is chic for evening wear. Consumers can mix and match these pieces with items already in their wardrobe.

Designers like Ashlyn’s Ashley Park and Nicholas Aburn of Area capitalized on this by creating bralettes, cropped tops, and pieces with bra-strap detailing. These garments feel fresh and daring while remaining wearable for those who want to test the waters of the trend.

Styling Tips for Underwear as Ready-to-Wear

For women eager to embrace this look, the key is balance. Underwear as outerwear doesn’t mean overexposure; it’s about styling smartly.

1. Layer with tailoring: Pair a lace bralette with an oversized blazer for chic contrast.

2. Play with sheer fabrics: Let lingerie peek through organza or chiffon tops.

3. Contrast feminine with structured: Combine delicate underwear with masculine trousers or denim.

4. Day-to-night versatility: Crochet bras or bodysuits can transition easily from casual daywear to glamorous evening wear.

5. Focus on accessories: Underwear details draw the eye, so keep accessories clean and minimal.

The goal is confidence without compromise—turning hidden layers into bold, stylish statements.

Beyond the Runway: The Everyday Appeal

What makes this trend particularly powerful is its accessibility. Unlike avant-garde designs that rarely translate beyond fashion week, underwear-inspired looks are already part of daily wardrobes. Most women own bralettes, slips, or sheer camisoles—it’s about reframing how they’re styled.

The shift lies in perception: no longer confined to being base layers, these garments are seen as fashion pieces worthy of display. That accessibility means the trend will likely flourish in street style and retail markets alike.

The Future of Fashion: Transparency as a Theme

When we zoom out, this fascination with underwear aligns with broader themes in fashion and culture. Transparency, vulnerability, and boldness are qualities being embraced in art, media, and even personal identity.

In fashion, this manifests as sheer skirts, exposed waistbands, and sculptural lingerie worn unapologetically as daywear. Designers are no longer asking, “Should we hide it?” Instead, they’re challenging audiences to ask, “Why not show it?”

Final Thoughts: Rewiring Associations

As Rachel Comey wisely suggested, perhaps the first step to embracing this trend is to stop thinking of it as underwear. When bras, slips, and briefs step out of the shadows, they become fashion statements rather than taboo garments.

The collections at New York Fashion Week made one thing crystal clear: the rules have changed. What was once hidden beneath layers is now taking center stage. Whether you embrace it through a subtle bra under a blazer or go all in with waistband-focused gowns, the choice is yours.

Fashion’s message this season is bold yet liberating: wear what makes you feel confident—even if it was once considered underwear.