80s Underwear Trends Making A Comeback!

By Jane Duncan, freelance writer

Aug 26 2022

If you check out the latest fashion shows by luxury underwear brands like Agent Provocateur, Pleasurements, Bluebella or La Perla, one thing will probably catch your eye: lace is in, almost to the extent that it was in the 80s. Back then, belles like Linda Evans and Joan Collins donned lacy slips and teddies that exuded glamor, sophistication, and femininity.
Of course, 80s lingerie was a trailblazer in the fashion scene in many ways, presenting wearers with a wide array of new styles to choose from—ranging from practical to elegant. Below are just a few trends from this decade that are currently holding sway.

Corsets, Courtesy of Madonna

When it comes to intricate, lacy corsets worn as outerwear, Madonna was (and is) undoubtedly the Queen. Madge paired up her Jean Paul Gaultier corsets with layer upon layer of rosaries and silver jewelry, sparking a ‘more is more’ trend that is still very much in vogue today.
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Slideshow inc. Madonna's infamous "Boy Toy" look

Currently, celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, and Rihanna are all lending curviness to their shape with the help of fashionable corsets. Some corsets occupy the top half of the body, others the hip area, while still others function as corset dresses. Hailey Baldwin is a big fan of the latter, having recently lit up her Instagram feed with a sexy pic of her dressed in a ‘Barbie pink’ Versace corset dress. That’s right, it’s the season of ‘Barbie pink’, with fans across the globe waiting with bated breath for the release of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

High-Waisted Briefs and Sporty Tops

Celebrities like Kim Kardashian are to be thanked for bringing back sexy supportive shapewear, comprising sporty tops and high-waisted briefs. From bandeaus to plunge bras, cotton bras to bralettes, lingerie that is practical and beautifully designed all at once have made a big comeback. Nude, cream, coffee, and black are the hues to go for, since this is the ultimate look for lovers of classic quality underwear. High-waisted briefs also have the added bonus of providing extra support. Boy shorts, boxers, and high-waisted thongs are also trending this season.

Silk Chemises

If you are into 80s series, then you probably recall stars like Michelle Pfeiffer lounging in their boudoirs in beautiful silk chemises and teddies trimmed with lace. This type of nightie is stunning yet comfortable, since few materials are quite as soft as satin.
If you would love to sleep in ‘next-to-nothing’, check out the latest chemises by brands like La Perla, Jane Woolrich, or Victoria’s Secret. These brands pair classic styles with transparent bodices, delicate lace details, and pretty lace-up backs. 
Michelle Pfeiffer in a silk chemise with lace detail 1980s

Michelle Pfeiffer in the 80s

Metallic Looks

Bling is in, with modern designers adding a touch of sparkle to inner and outer wear. In the 1980s, metallics were everywhere. Gold metallic bodysuits, bra tops, and bottoms abounded, in materials like lamé paired with lace and velvet details. The whole look is very Moulin Rouge indeed. It is ideal for those who love pairing chick bodysuits, corsets, and bras up with sexy jackets for a night out on the town.

The 80s were filled with glamor and magic, thanks to divas like Madonna and Joan Collins. Today, many styles that were popular back then have made a big comeback. Lace, satin chemises, corsets, casual underwear and metallics are just a few items to watch out for if you wish to be on-trend.