Japanese women are among the most adventurous when it comes to lingerie. They are generally more open to trying styles and designs that are deemed too bold or outrageous by women of other nationalities. They are also more willing to shell out a bigger amount for their lingerie. Because of this, Japanese lingerie designers dedicate a considerable amount of time and resources to come up with classy, elegant, and creative designs. Their lingerie is therefore more than just pieces of undergarments; they are also works of art.
French Influence
The French were deemed leaders in the lingerie industry for decades, and their designs continue to be very popular in Japan. In fact, many Japanese designers get inspiration from French lingerie designs. They strive to create lingerie that are sexy and exude the kind of romance for which the French is known all over the world. They tend to veer away from basic, functional designs, which they generally consider cheap and tasteless. To them, lingerie shouldn’t just be comfortable; it should also be attractive and alluring. It doesn’t matter if no one sees your lingerie but yourself, the Japanese woman understands the power of beautiful undergarments, especially on confidence.
What Sets Japanese Lingerie Apart
Perhaps the one thing that sets the Japanese apart when it comes to lingerie is their attention to detail. They spend a lot of effort into each phase of the lingerie-creation process, including the selection of the fabric and the development of the design. They do everything they can to ensure not only comfort, but also appeal. There are even experts who believe that the popularity of the thong was revived primarily because the Japanese continue to use them and designers have made them a lot more comfortable. Fishnet stockings have also remained popular in Japan, even as they are deemed scandalous in other places.
A Japanese fashion label has even recently developed a lingerie line that is set to blur the lines between genders – lingerie for men. Floral panties, silky nightgowns, lacy garments – these aren’t just for women anymore. Dubbed “mentimates,” this new line of intimate apparel is designed especially for the larger frame of men. The line even includes bras for men! Much to the surprise of many, the new line of men’s lingerie actually gained immense popularity in very little time. In just one night, more than 8,000 people have posted their opinion about the line on Japan’s top social networking site. Whether they’re making lingerie for men, women, or both, Japanese manufacturers tend to veer towards soft hues such as pink, lavender, and peach. They also love to play with dimensions. As far as volume is concerned, you’ll notice there’s a lot going on in Japanese bras and panties, unlike the smooth designs you tend to find in American lingerie brands. It is common for you to find padding, ruffles, frills, and charms in Japanese designs. They truly take loft and femininity to a higher level. You could say lingerie is serious business in Japan.
Japanese Expertise
Another big plus for the Japanese in the world of lingerie is their expertise where fitting is concerned. Wherever you are in the world (except Japan, I reckon), there are probably a lot of women around you – maybe even yourself included – who are wearing the wrong size of bra. When you get the chance to be fitted by a Japanese fitter, you’ll quickly see just how much of an expert they are. They even notice when some women have one breast a bit bigger than the other!
The degree of care and precision applied to bra fitting and measurement is akin to that of say, Jujitsu and Shiatsu. The bras they make will not only create shape through padding; they will actually give your entire upper body a new shape and provide ample support to your natural figure. When you wear lingerie made by a Japanese manufacturer for the first time, you’ll be amazed at the shapeliness of your bust contour.
The 3 hallmarks of Japanese bras are a wide band, underwire and sturdy shoulder straps. Designed to refine your silhouette, these components help reposition the tissues from your back, underarms, and lower breasts to the center and upwards. The result: a perky, full bust shape without any of the fat “rolls” that typically bulge out from behind.
Now you know why it is definitely a good idea to look to the Japanese if you’re on the lookout for beautiful lingerie. After all, lingerie isn’t just a piece of fabric. It isn’t just something you need to wear under your clothes for comfort and protection. It is often a source of added confidence and a personal form of self-expression. If you have to express yourself, why not do it in the most attractive way possible?