The word lingerie is derived from the French word lin which means linen. The two languages use the word to connote entirely different things. The word, in French, is a synonym for all undergarments of either sex; in contrast, the word, in English, refers to women's fashion undergarments. Apart from nylon, common materials used to make lingerie include polyester, satin, and silk.



About a century ago, underwear was bulky. Because of this, women chose lingerie for reasons of hygiene. Six decades later, in the 1960s, manufacturers first thought of imparting sexual appeal to lingerie, to use as a marketing tool.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, there was a lot of innovation in the hosiery sector, whether it was in new fibers that got introduced or in new products that were launched. But the innovative thinking has appeared to run out of steam within the first decade of this century.

Experimentation with radical design changes has characterized even the corsetry sector; take a look at the Bioform bra, for instance. But design changes have been few and far between, and innovation, if any, is mainly seen in the use of textiles and finishings. The lingerie sector which has been growing leaps and bounds is no different.

It is in light of this backdrop of the lingerie industry that we must appreciate any attempt to innovate.

Many modern undergarment manufacturers claim to design beautiful, romantic lingerie. They boast extremely fine detailing and quality fabrics. Their avowed aim is to find something to suit every woman, from the virgin to the vixen, and everyone in between. They want to be able to help women find their own personal lingerie style, from a well-fitting bra to an amazing silk set.

The innovative bug has bitten the manufacturers, and the result is theme based lingeries, e.g., holiday themes. There are several costume options for Halloween.

You might actually fancy yourself and your partner in one of their 'his and her' costumes, if you are planning to attend a costume party, on Halloween.

Or, if you are male, you might fancy yourself as a Roman Emperor - Julius Caesar, no less - and sport a tunic, a breast plate, a gold leaf crown, a cape, etc. With luck, you might bump into a Cleopatra, who owes her innovative attire to one of these designs, like you.

There's no sexual discrimination, as both men and women can actually make fashion statements with the products of modern undergarment manufacturers, who have gone beyond lingerie, to party wear as well. And if you missed wearing it to a Halloween party, this year, then there's always Christmas!

Is this all a marketing trick? 'Trick or treat?' might depend on how well you carry the clothes off.