What to Design Now: 5 Must-Have Lingerie Trends for Your Autumn/Winter 2025 Collection?
Summer's lightweight fabrics are fading, and your design team is facing the annual challenge: how do you make Autumn/Winter lingerie that is cozy, chic, and desirable? You're looking for that spark of inspiration to create a collection that doesn't just sell, but captivates.
For Autumn/Winter 2025, the winning formula is a blend of "sensory comfort" and "dramatic expression." The five key trends are: elevated "Warmth Aesthetics" with luxe-touch fabrics, a dive into "Vintage Glamour" with rich textures and jewel tones, playful "Structural Games" with cut-outs and asymmetry, the rise of "Innerwear as Outerwear," and the evolution of "Seamless Loungewear" into all-day comfort pieces.
As a manufacturer, the shift between seasons is a tangible thing on our factory floor. The spools of airy, pastel-colored mesh are replaced by deep, rich velvets and cozy ribbed knits. We see the future of retail in the fabric orders and tech packs that arrive on our desks. For A/W '25, the message from smart brands is clear: consumers want lingerie that provides both physical warmth and an emotional mood. At HAVING (China) Ltd., we've been proactively sourcing these next-generation fabrics and perfecting the techniques needed to bring these trends to life. This is your guide to what you should be designing, right now.
Trend #1: Is "Warm" the New "Sexy"?
When the temperature drops, the desire for comfort skyrockets. But your customers don't want to sacrifice style for warmth. They're tired of bulky layers and are looking for intimate apparel that feels like a cozy embrace.
Yes, "Warmth Aesthetics" is a major trend. This is about using new-generation, luxe-touch thermal fabrics that are both warm and chic. Think fine-gauge merino wool blends, cashmere-touch modal, and brushed ribbed knits that offer breathable warmth without the bulk of traditional thermals.
The innovation in this space is incredible. This isn't your grandfather's itchy wool underwear. We are sourcing some amazing new textiles for our clients. Imagine a delicate bralette made from a Merino wool and Tencel™ blend—it's incredibly soft, naturally temperature-regulating, and moisture-wicking. Or consider a long-sleeved bodysuit in a brushed modal fabric that has the luxurious softness of cashmere but is completely machine washable. These fabrics allow you to create a new category of "thermal lingerie" that is elegant enough to be a key part of a fashion-forward wardrobe. This trend perfectly embodies our "body-before-fabric" philosophy, prioritizing the wearer's sensory experience above all else.
Your Palette of Warmth
- Merino Wool Blends: Ultra-fine, non-itchy wool blended with fibers like Tencel™ or nylon for softness and durability. Naturally odor-resistant and breathable.
- Cashmere-Touch Modal: Specially finished modal or modal-blend fabrics that are brushed to create an exceptionally soft, cashmere-like feel.
- Brushed Ribbed Knits: Classic ribbed fabrics, updated with a light brushing on the surface. This traps a thin layer of air, providing insulation while remaining lightweight and stretchy.
- Heat-Generating Tech Fabrics: Yarns infused with special minerals that absorb body moisture and convert it into heat, offering a high-tech approach to staying warm.
Trend #2: Is It Time for a Return to Glamour?
After seasons dominated by minimalism and clean lines, there's a growing appetite for drama, richness, and texture. Consumers are looking for special pieces that feel like a decadent treat on a cold winter's night.
Absolutely. A major trend is "Vintage Glamour," a return to opulent and romantic styles. This is expressed through rich textures like velvet and jacquard, intricate details like metallic Lurex threads, and a deep, moody color palette of wine reds, forest greens, and midnight blues.
Velvet is the star player for A/W '25. We're seeing huge demand for stretch velvet for everything from soft bras to bodysuits. It has a beautiful depth of color and a plush feel that is perfect for the season. But it's not just about velvet. We're also working with intricate jacquard laces that have a textured, almost tapestry-like quality. Another key detail is the use of gold or silver Lurex threads woven into elastics or lace to give a subtle sparkle. The key is to balance this opulence with modern comfort. For example, a client of ours is developing a beautiful collection of bras and panties using a velvet front panel with a breathable microfiber back for the perfect mix of glamour and everyday wearability.
Building Your Vintage Glamour Collection
| Element | Key Materials & Colors for A/W 2025 |
|---|---|
| **Textures** | Stretch Velvet, Jacquard Lace, Devoré (burnout) Fabrics, Plissé (pleated) details. |
| **Colors** | Burgundy/Wine Red, Forest/Emerald Green, Midnight/Sapphire Blue, Rich Plum, Espresso Brown. |
| **Details** | Gold or Silver Lurex threads, decorative gold hardware, subtle crystal embellishments. |
Trend #3: Can Lingerie Be Worn as Outerwear?
The line between what's worn underneath and what's meant to be seen is blurring more than ever. Your customers are looking for versatile, statement pieces that can be a secret just for them or a key part of their outfit.
Yes, "Innerwear as Outerwear" is moving from a niche trend to a mainstream concept. Smart brands are designing bodysuits, bralettes, and corsets with the intention of them being visible. This means using fashion-forward details, structured silhouettes, and high-quality finishing.
This trend requires a shift in mindset during the design and manufacturing process. A bodysuit that's meant to be seen under a blazer needs to be constructed with the same precision as a blouse. As a manufacturer, this means we focus on impeccable finishing. Seams must be perfect, hardware needs to be high-quality and jewelry-like, and fabrics need to have enough substance to look and feel premium. We're seeing a huge rise in demand for structured bodysuits, longline bralettes that act as crop tops, and even modern interpretations of corsetry. Our expertise in complex garments like shapewear and bodysuits gives us a major advantage here, as we have the technical skills to handle boning, complex seams, and structured cups.
Trend #4: Is It Time to Play with the Rules of Design?
In a crowded market, a unique detail can make a product stand out. Consumers are tired of basic, symmetrical designs and are drawn to pieces that have a clever, unexpected twist.
Definitely. We're calling this trend "Structural Games." It's about playing with asymmetry, using strategic cut-outs, and adding convertible or removable elements. These details add a high-fashion, customisable feel to the lingerie and increase its versatility.
This is where designers can really have fun, and it challenges us as manufacturers in the best way possible. We are seeing tech packs with one-shoulder bralettes, panties with an asymmetric waistband, and bodysuits with artistic cut-outs at the waist or back. Another key aspect of this trend is convertibility. Think straps that can be worn multiple ways, or decorative elements like chains or strap details that can be completely removed. This adds huge value for the customer, as it's like getting multiple products in one. Executing these designs requires incredible precision in pattern-making and cutting, something our experienced technical team excels at. It's a fantastic way to elevate a simple silhouette into a true statement piece.
Trend #5: Is "Loungewear" the New Everyday Uniform?
The home has become the center of our universe for work, relaxation, and life. The traditional lines between sleepwear, loungewear, and underwear have completely dissolved.
Yes, the ultimate A/W trend is "Seamless Loungewear" designed for 24/7 comfort. This is about creating collections of ultra-soft, seamless or minimally-seamed pieces—bralettes, tanks, leggings, shorts—that can be layered and lived in, blurring the lines between underwear, sleepwear, and clothing.
This trend is the commercial powerhouse of the season. It’s the evolution of the comfort trend into a complete lifestyle concept. As a factory with advanced seamless knitting capabilities, this is a huge area of focus for us. We are producing entire collections of ribbed seamless pieces in soft, heathered yarns. The key is the fabric and the fit. It needs to be non-compressive, incredibly soft, and breathable. Modal blends and soft, brushed microfiber are the go-to materials. The silhouettes are simple and clean, designed to be mixed and matched. Brands are selling these not as individual items, but as a complete "comfort system." It's the perfect uniform for a cozy winter weekend, and it's what your customers will be living in.
Conclusion
The Autumn/Winter 2025 season is about rich sensory experiences and thoughtful design. By embracing these five trends, you can create a collection that is not only on-trend but also deeply resonant with the modern consumer's desire for comfort, glamour, and versatility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the key colors for Autumn/Winter 2025-26?
Alongside the jewel tones mentioned (burgundy, forest green), expect to see a rise in warm, earthy neutrals like espresso brown, caramel, and muted terracotta. Deep, calming blues and sophisticated greys will also be very important.
2. Is lace still in style for winter?
Yes, but the type of lace is changing. For A/W '25, look for heavier, more textural laces like jacquards and those with metallic or velvet accents. Delicate, summery floral laces are taking a backseat to more opulent, substantial designs.
3. What is the difference between loungewear and sleepwear?
The lines are very blurry now. Traditionally, sleepwear was designed specifically for sleeping (e.g., pajama sets). Loungewear was designed for relaxing at home and could be more versatile. Today, the trend is towards hybrid pieces that serve both functions—comfortable enough to sleep in, but chic enough to wear while working from home or relaxing.
4. How can I make my lingerie collection feel more "premium"?
Focus on the details. Use high-quality, coated metal hardware instead of plastic. Ensure your stitching is neat and dense. Choose a fabric with a beautiful, soft hand-feel. Even a simple design can feel luxurious if it is executed with high-quality components and expert craftsmanship.
