Bras on show Fashion for exposure travels from red carpet to high street

They usually form the underpinning of a look. But now bras are going from invisible to visible. Out are seamless T-shirt bras. In their place? Lace, sheer and mesh versions.

- Chloe Mac Donnell

M&S, the home of sensible lingerie, is championing a sexier aesthetic for spring. The high-street giant holds 38.2% of the bra market in the UK and in 2023 sold more than 20m, with under 30s making up nearly a third of sales.

At a preview of its new collection on Wednesday, a £10 lace bra with bow detailing was spotlighted as a key piece.

Soozie Jenkinson, the head of lingerie design, says: "For years it was all about a T-shirt bra but now it's about the return of lace."

While the bras are not specifically designed to be worn exposed, their popularity marks a shift from T-shirt bras designed to disappear beneath clothing.