Strap In: The Bondage Trend

Love it or hate it, the strappy lingerie trend is still going strong!

Typically only seen in the BDSM/fetish world, bondage (a constraint used for sexual pleasure) has entered mainstream fashion over the last few years. Although not a new addition to the lingerie world (strappy lingerie has been around in certain forms since the 1940s or possibly earlier!), 50 Shades of Grey certainly had a powerful influence on the rise of bondage themes within fashion.

Music videos now have an age rating as bondage has become more glamorized, mainstream and socially acceptable, with female musicians donning the garments. Although being constrained is typically a submissive trait, these women are anything but submissive, in fact, they seem to use the garments to exert power and strength. 

In "traditional" society, if you exposed your underwear it would have been frowned upon, whereas in this day and age you could turn your underwear into outerwear and nobody will bat an eyelash. Whether its body harnesses, cuffs or lingerie strapping decor, has this generation became more liberal to experiment with elements of BDSM?

As Playful Promises love all things playful, flirty and a little bit dirty we opened our arms to the curious and naughty. Our Cristina Black Satin and Mesh Longline Cage Bra with matching briefs features layers of strapping and a harness brief. The bra is a classic longline style which is both sexy and sophisticated. 

One of our guest brands, Hopeless Lingerie, is a specialist in bondage inspired lingerie. For the more daring wearer their Jennifer Frame Ouvert Knickers are perfect; with adjustable strapping giving a made to measure feel.

For a more subtle introduction to strapping why not try the Hopeless Lingerie Suzy Bralette. This is a less provocative but still strong piece with a soft jersey cup, which can be worn as lingerie or out and about as outerwear.

Fl*sh You & Me also create their own harnesses, which are at a slightly lower price point than Hopeless, with a more colourful approach. The Ruby Harness in Mint is a personal favourite, which brings colour to any summer outfit in the daytime or spice up an outfit in the evening.

For those who are more angelic and pure, but hold a secret love for strappy pants, the Fl*sh You & Me White Double Cross bra with matching garter belt and briefs is ideal as it's sweet and seductive. When wearing the garter belt with the briefs this is a killer combo highlighting the waist, and the multiple strapping on the briefs emphasizes the curve to the hip.

With imagery and video so accessible, and with more lingerie brands than ever before, will this bondage trend continue to grow? I hope so!

Do you love this trend? How do you style strappy lingerie as outerwear?