From Bedroom to Brunch: When Lingerie Hit the Streets

Not so long ago, lingerie and nightwear were things you slipped into after a night out—not what you wore to it. But times have changed, and so has fashion. Today, we’re seeing everything from silk slips to pyjama sets being worn out and about—on runways, on city streets, and especially among the style-savvy younger generation.

I remember the first time I really clocked the shift. My nephew had just started uni and came home for the weekend, bringing his new girlfriend with him. Lovely girl—smart, warm, confident. But what caught my eye? She was wearing blue and white striped pyjama bottoms in broad daylight! Not in a rushed “just popping to the shop” kind of way, but styled—deliberate. A tank top, trainers, the works. I was… intrigued. And then I realised: this is a trend. And honestly—why not?

Alexander Wang Milan April 2025

I actually saw this idea long before, when I lived in Shanghai. It wasn’t uncommon to see locals wearing their pyjamas out on the streets in the evenings—running errands, walking the dog, chatting with neighbours. At first glance it seemed casual, even odd to some—but there was meaning behind it. After the Communist era, owning proper pyjamas was once a luxury. Only the well-off could afford dedicated nightwear, so wearing them in public became a subtle symbol of success. And in the nicer parts of the city, there was another message being sent: if I’m out in my pyjamas, I must live nearby. It was, in its own way, a quiet flex.

A woman in Shanghai in her pyjamas

I love this evolution. As a designer, there’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing your pieces out in the world, being lived in. I still remember a night in Tokyo—tucked in a cosy restaurant—when I saw a young woman being gifted a camisole and French panty set I had designed. Her friends were all gathered around, excitedly unwrapping the gift, and when I recognised the set, I nearly jumped out of my seat. That’s one of mine! I rushed over to tell them and left with a big smile and an even bigger heart.

Now, with this streetwear-meets-lingerie movement growing stronger, those moments are more likely than ever—and I couldn’t be happier.

So how did we get here?

The roots go back to the early 2000s with the rise of underwear-as-outerwear (hello, Madonna’s cone bras), but the modern take is softer and more wearable. Think silk pyjama sets as co-ords, bralettes under oversized blazers, and slips as dresses paired with boots or knitwear. The pandemic blurred the line between homewear and streetwear, and fashion, as always, adapted with flair.

Zara Milan April 2025

It’s more than a trend—it’s a shift. A quiet rebellion. Wearing what was once considered “private” in public challenges the rules of dressing—and that’s the exciting part. It’s comfort with confidence. Ease with edge.

Would I design a collection that blends bedroom elegance with street-ready style?

Already happening.