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February2–8

Intimate Apparel Market Week – February 2-8, 2025

Intimate Apparel Market Week takes place four times every year, during the first weeks of February, May, August, and November. It aims to provide an avenue for people in the intimate apparel industry to come together and share ideas.

History of Intimate Apparel Market Week

Intimate Apparel Market Week is sponsored by the Underfashion Club, a non-profit organization founded in 1958. The club was originally called The Corset and Brassiere Women’s Club, Inc. but changed its name to the Underfashion Club in 1963. The mission of the club is to educate young people and equip them with useful opportunities in the intimate apparel industry.

According to Tina Wilson, president of the club, “Taking responsibility for setting market week dates is a highly positive initiative for the UFC. We have become an organization that is relied on for networking, ideas, information, and supporting the future of the industry with student scholarships, grants, and internships.” She went on to say, “This is yet another way we are able to further support and engage our members and the intimate apparel marketplace.”

The term ‘intimate apparel’ was first used in the 1920s. Prior to this period, ‘underwear’ had been more commonplace, especially in England. Corsets, which had been the major garment among women’s intimate wear, fell out of style from the 1920s to the 1940s. This was caused by several factors, such as the rise of ‘flapper’ fashion and World War I, when the restrictive nature of corsets became an inconvenience for working women. However, they returned to the scene after World War II.

The 21st century has brought about more innovations and an increase in the comfort of women’s intimate apparel. No longer are strict rules followed that involve restrictive and oftentimes dangerous clothes, as the fashions are ever-changing to match the comfort and style of modern women.

Intimate Apparel Market Week timeline

1560s
Silkies

Queen Elizabeth I is gifted her first pair of silk stockings.

1907
The S-Curve

The S-curve, “big bust, big hips” trend is in vogue.

1914
Mary Phelps Jacob’s Supportive Invention

The invention of the modern bra is attributed to Jacob and is patented this year.

1947
Enter Padded Bras

Frederick Mellinger invents the first padded bra.

Intimate Apparel Market Week FAQs

What garments are called lingerie?

Lingerie are undergarments made of lightweight, smooth, stretchy, or sheer materials. Lingerie garments include corsets, chemises, gowns, robes, and bra/panty sets.

Is it okay to sleep without underwear?

According to experts, the answer is yes. Additionally, doing so might help prevent bacteria build-up.

Are men’s undergarments also called lingerie?

Lingerie typically refers to women’s underwear, though a few designers have branched into creating lingerie for men.

Intimate Apparel Market Week Activities

  1. Buy a gift

    Everyone loves cute, new underwear. Buy yourself or someone dear to you some lovely underwear to mark the special day.

  2. Learn some history

    Learn more about the colorful history of intimate apparel. You’d be surprised by some of the weird facts you might find!

  3. Use the hashtag

    Post about the week on your various social media accounts. Spread the word by using the hashtag #intimateapparel.

5 Weird Facts About Underwear

  1. Monobosoms

    During the 1900s, women wore monobosom bras, which gave the illusion of one large bosom.

  2. Red underwear

    Some Italian women wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve to attract good luck.

  3. Accidental inventions

    The modern bra was invented by Mary Phelps Jacob, who created it using two handkerchiefs and a pink ribbon.

  4. Funeral boxers

    Philosopher Jeremy Bentham wore boxer shorts at his funeral.

  5. Wrong bra sizes

    80% of women wear the wrong bra size.

Why We Love Intimate Apparel Market Week

  1. An opportunity for discussion

    As a layer of clothing that lies next to our skin, intimate apparel is vital for comfort and health. This week is a great opportunity to address issues and offer solutions.

  2. A learning opportunity

    Intimate Apparel Week is a time to demystify some of the myths surrounding intimate apparel. Honest and open discussions are the ideal way to do so.

  3. Industry summits

    The week gives industry leaders an avenue to swap ideas and information about the intimate apparel industry. It’s a great way to bounce ideas off one another.

Intimate Apparel Market Week dates

YearDateDay
2023January 29Sunday
2023April 30Sunday
2023July 30Sunday
2023October 29Sunday
2024February 4Sunday
2024May 5Sunday
2024August 6Tuesday
2024November 3Sunday
2025February 2Sunday
2025May 4Sunday
2025August 3Sunday
2025November 2Sunday

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