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Underwear-Inspired Outerwear : K-Pop Idols Drive Gen Z’s Bold Fashion Statement

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Underwear-Inspired Outerwear : K-Pop Idols Drive Gen Z’s Bold Fashion Statement
Type	Other	Genre	Fashion

Underwear-Inspired Outerwear :

K-Pop Idols Drive Gen Z’s Bold Fashion Statement

This article highlights how the ‘Underwearing’ and ‘Sagging’ trends, boosted by K-pop idols like Jennie and

Karina, are transforming intimate apparel into mainstream streetwear.

This signals new growth opportunities for Korean fashion exports targeting Gen Z consumers worldwide.

♦ Gen Z’s Embrace of Underwearing

• ‘Underwearing’ refers to styling lingerie-like pieces (lace camisoles, bralettes, slips) as outerwear,

driven by Gen Z’s preference for bold self-expression

• Celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Rosé and aespa’s Karina are amplifying the trend, increasing consumer

demand across online platforms

♦ Sharp Market Demand Surge

• Fashion platform Zigzag reported rising searches for ‘Underwearing’ and ‘Sagging’ between

July-August 2025

• Transactions surged: low-rise training pants (+902%), low-rise pants (+375%), lace camisoles (+232%),

and sports bras (+30%), with ABLY noting keyword searches rose nearly 10x

♦ Celebrities Fueling Sagging Revival

• Originating from 2000s skate/hip-hop culture, ‘Sagging’ is reemerging via K-pop idols like BLACKPINK’s

Jennie & aespa’s Karina going viral with boxer shorts looks

• The style, once male-dominant, is now embraced by female celebrities, expanding its audience base

significantly

♦ Hybrid Apparel Category Expansion

• Items once considered underwear-bralettes, camisoles, and sports bras-are being marketed as

multipurpose fashion items with capsule wardrobe appeal

• Products like built-in cup camisoles and crop-top/sports bra hybrids are driving sales growth,

with lingerie evolving into a lifestyle fashion category

Source

The SegyeTimes. (2025. 8. 17)

Source

The SegyeTimes