Posted by Globo
on November 11, 2025
Your innerwear is like Cinderella’s glass slipper; it didn’t fit Anastasia, Drizella, or even the whole town. It was made specifically for Cinderella, and it fit her like a glove. Confused? What we’re trying to say is: how can we expect one type of bra to work for everyone when clothing is shaped by centuries of culture, climate, and style? From the drapes of the Indian saree to the layers of a Japanese Kimono, outerwear has always dictated what lies beneath, yet innerwear choices are still treated as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ in a world full of unique needs. But lingerie isn’t just an accessory; it’s the “Invisible Architect of Fashion”, lifting, sculpting, and supporting women, allowing them to adorn themselves in the best clothing while providing premium comfort.
Let’s peel back the layers to see how. Let's take the saree as our first example, one of the oldest surviving garments that was worn not only by women but also by men, making gender fluidity a concept even before it was a thing. This garment, however, was draped differently than it is today; it was worn without a blouse or bra, making the saree itself the outfit. And given the beauty of the fabrics and the way it fell, it didn't need any additions, just like a Hermès Birkin; the garment was complete on its own, no embellishment required. However, with the advent of the colonial era, owing to the Victorian idea of modesty, everything changed. The blouse (choli) became non-negotiable, and with it came the need for structured support underneath. Thus came the birth of the ‘Saree Bra’, a design different from its Western counterparts. It had higher coverage, wider straps, reinforced sides created to hold up heavy silks, pleats, and pallus while still looking seamless under a saree, making it the best innerwear choice.
The saree bra was all about functionality, unlike Madonna’s iconic cone bra (which was designed to turn lingerie into performance art), its only problems to solve were drape, fabric, climate, and providing premium comfort. In Japan, women wore Kimono made from fine silk and layered them with obi belts. And underneath this, they wore the hadajuban (inner robe) and susoyoke (underskirt), which, rather than shaping the body, protected the garment itself while also ensuring premium comfort. Unlike most lingerie, the innerwear in Japan took its duty of protecting the Kimono more seriously than a goalkeeper in the World Cup final; they absorbed sweat, prevented staining, and regulated temperature across Japan’s extreme seasonal shifts, ensuring that the Kimono could last generations. The saree bras were functional, and Japan’s underlayers were protective, but the lingerie in Europe was theatrical.
Innerwear here was about controlling silhouettes and projecting elegance, making lingerie not just functional, but aspirational. Outerwear silhouettes, from the Tudor gown to the Victorian bustle, were only possible because of what was underneath - the corset. This sculpting tool nipped waists, pushed busts, straightened backs and acted as a double-edged sword that both restricted as well as empowered women.
France, of course, being the drama queen that she is, elevated lingerie into art. Lace, silk, and ribbons transformed what could have been dull understructures into objects of seduction and sophistication, making Parisian lingerie iconic with a maximum range of designs to suit every taste.
In the Middle East, the fashion heavily prioritized modesty, just like the outerwear, abayas and hijabs; even the innerwear was required to maintain the same. The objective of their innerwear wasn’t to exaggerate curves but to smooth them. Shapewear and slips became essential, creating clean lines beneath flowing garments, and cotton blends dominated the fashion landscape here because it was breathable, light, and suited to desert heat, offering premium comfort. Africa, on the other hand, tried to reflect their vibrancy even in their lingerie. Not only did their outerwear use bold colors and prints, but so did their innerwear, making them the avant-garde poets of the fashion world.
The patterns and prints they used may have aimed to symbolize community ties, status, or celebrations. Lingerie here became an extension of personal and collective expression, proving that even the best innerwear here could tell stories. Heading westward to Latin America, home to the queen herself, Shakira, we find the unapologetic push-up bra. Sensuality in this culture was celebrated, and the outer as well as innerwear reflected just that.
Lingerie in Latin America offered women a maximum range of designs while maintaining premium comfort. Vivid colors, bold cuts, and padding became signature. The push-up wasn’t just about cleavage; it symbolized modern Latin femininity grounded in confidence, celebration, self-expression and premium comfort. Lingerie is like a cultural language; it varies, and each society adds its own tweaks and twists to enhance it. This foundation of fashion can no longer be treated like a footnote in a bestseller because the right kind of innerwear can enhance the way you look, feel and express yourself. So really, how could we ever expect one size to fit all?
