“Shapewear has become a fashionable statement.”

The importance of the bodywear segment for the textile industry, especially in the performance sector, was already evident in the fall with the debut of the newly integrated Bodywear Collective. Now, in spring, Nichole de Carle and her team at the London Contour Experts Group are focusing on shapewear, underwear, swimwear, Next On-Skin, and loungewear. It’s not just shapewear that is shaking up the market—there is a clear trend towards blending active sportswear with wellbeing underwear. Lingerie expert Nichole de Carle provides insights.

What are your key takeaways from the debut of the Bodywear Collective at the last PERFORMANCE DAYS?

Nichole de Carle: The Bodywear Collective revolutionized ON-SKIN baselayers at PERFORMANCE DAYS, merging active sportswear with wellbeing underwear. It highlighted cutting-edge fiber technology, sustainability, and skin-friendly innovations, such as hypoallergenic blends and pro-stretch garments with sweat-wicking and UV protection.
The Trend Forum emphasized body-sculpting designs, featuring LYCRA’s performance fabric innovations. Shapewear combined skin-enhancing tech, including caffeine-infused antioxidants and probiotic-based HeiQ Skin Care. Underwear showcased biodegradable and recycled fibers like carbon-neutral TENCEL modal silk. Swimwear promoted inclusivity with Lycra Adaptiv fabrics, while bras and leggings featured sustainable, high-performance materials. Yoga in Motion focused on flexible, ultra-soft fabrics with advanced dry-fit technology.

Sustainable practices should now be considered standard—where do you still see significant challenges in this area, especially for companies and startups in the bodywear segment?

While sustainability is becoming a core focus, the bodywear industry faces unique challenges in adopting sustainable practices. One of the primary hurdles lies in the reliance on synthetic fibers like Nylon, Polyester, and Elastane, which are not biodegradable. Although these materials are valued for their durability, stretch, and comfort, they leave a significant environmental footprint. Sustainable alternatives, such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and recycled fibers, are being explored, but they often face limitations in terms of stretch, durability, and performance. For example, organic cotton offers breathability but lacks the elasticity required for supportive garments, while recycled fabrics can be energy-intensive to produce.
Another challenge arises from the complexities of mixed-material garments, such as bras that incorporate lace, elastics, and multiple fabric types. These items are difficult to recycle effectively, posing further obstacles to achieving circularity. Despite these issues, progress is being made, with innovative sustainable fabrics showing promise. Many in the industry are working to integrate these materials into their designs while addressing the performance demands of bodywear.

Shapewear seems to be gaining a fresh, youthful image, which benefits the retail sector—how important is this trend in the bodywear segment?

The rise of shapewear’s youthful and celebratory image has been pivotal for the bodywear segment. This trend aligns with the Bodycon influence, which focuses on enhancing natural curves while blending style with support. Shapewear is no longer merely a functional necessity; it has become a fashionable statement, appealing to a broader, younger audience. Brands like Savage X Fenty, Aerie, and Skims have been instrumental in this shift by promoting body-shaping garments as part of an inclusive and empowering narrative.
Shapewear now represents a fusion of sculpting and comfort, providing seamless, smooth silhouettes without compromising on wearability. The movement has normalized the use of undergarments for body enhancement and support, encouraging a blend of practicality and aesthetic appeal. This shift has also pushed lingerie brands towards size inclusivity, reshaping the way bras and other bodywear are designed, marketed, and perceived.

Looking ahead to the spring fair, what can visitors expect? Which categories will be in focus, and what trends are emerging for spring?

At the spring fair, bodywear will continue to evolve, driven by sustainability, cultural shifts, and fabric innovations. By 2026, AI-driven sizing, 3D body scanning, and fit algorithms will enable highly personalized lingerie, ensuring a perfect fit. Companies like Bodywear Lab and Style3D are leading this transformation.
Sustainability will be a key focus, with advanced materials such as temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, and self-cleaning fabrics made from algae, mushrooms, and hemp. Responsive textiles will enhance functionality, as seen in Boselli’s bi-colour stretch fabric for swimwear and activewear. Biodegradable and upcycled lingerie will gain importance, promoting circular fashion. Innovations like LMA’s plant-based Creola Elastane with HeiQ Mint finish highlight the future of sustainable, high-performance designs.
Gender-fluid and size-inclusive bodywear will redefine comfort, with unisex undergarments embracing diverse body types. Seamless lingerie and ultra-lightweight materials will enhance comfort and versatility, supported by technologies like Bemis Everfit for a smooth, breathable fit. Sports-inspired lingerie will further merge fashion and function, integrating compression features and wellness-driven materials for everyday wear.

The spring fair will highlight how these evolving trends are shaping the future of bodywear, offering visitors an inspiring glimpse into a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative industry.

Visit the Bodywear Collective at PERFORMANCE DAYS in hall C4 A17-C10 // BW01-11