Just as the 00's have brought about a new millennium, they have also impacted the lingerie industry. The leading lingerie products of the current decade bear the mark of the new millennium in that they reflect more human, high-touch interactions. Today's lingerie industry speaks more than ever the language of seduction, emotion, and passion.



"Comfortable to wear" and "comfortable to touch" are essential. A piece of clothing that is worn on such intimate spots has to feel intimate to the skin. That intimacy has led to these recent textile revolutions (anti bacterial, bi-elastic, no-sew, breathable, thermochrome, form-fitting) that take advantage of the latest technological advances, particularly for what has come to be known as "lingerie for men". Fabrics that feel like a second skin, touted for their comfort, are now used as a support for the most daring a provocative underwear designs.

It's relevant to point out the g string's rise in popularity, as well as that of invisible, functional, and comfortable bras with adjustable, transparent, or multi-position straps. Underwear no longer necessarily goes under. It's becoming at once more comfortable, more discreet, and more functional. Believe it or not, it's been almost ten years since Sisqo sang his heart out about "that thong-th-thong-thong-thong" in his ode to skimpy women's undergarments.

It was about that time that these unmentionables became not-so-unmentionable anymore. Thongs were present everywhere -- from the bargain bins at Walmart to the aisles of Frederick's of Hollywood -- in one of the biggest lingerie trends in recent history. Thongs that ranged from the practical, purely anti-panty line versions to ones embellished with rhinestones, suggestive words and yes, even strings of beads or faux pearls, were available for consumers across the nation. They were overdue for a little love.

In Europe, they actually celebrate lingerie as if it is part of your outfit. Designers have a love affair with lingerie. The connotations of sex, the idle rich and silk-on-the-skin with fashion are strong and importantly, they sell. Making women look like sexual objects from the bedroom to the party is a tried and true fashion ploy that all the designers have employed from Armani to Donna Karan. And of course one of the big fashion trends currently is the return of the corsets.

Certain bra straps are adorned with colors and become ornaments of their own; bra fasteners become more discreet and more practical. Some (daring) bikini bottoms are instead used as lingerie. Women have discovered that lingerie can definitely compliment (or ruin) an outfit.