Fetish Friday: Lingerie and Underwear Fetishism
A fetish defines the object of one’s sexual fantasies, whether it is a living being or an inanimate object. On the other hand, a kink describes the less conventional sexual practises that a person takes part in or fantasizes about. When considering either definition, both are usually viewed as drifting from mainstream social norms.
Luckily, recent years of adaptability and modernization have allowed the world to become progressively sex-positive and, as a result, many fetishes and kinks are accepted. Though, not every fetish that a person has is understood by the general population. This is partially because of varied subcultures that often branch from a single fetish or kink. It can leave outsiders unsure of what it actually entails.
To eliminate any misinterpretations and doubts, today, we’ve decided to explain the topic of underwear fetishism. We hope that it will give you a better idea of what it’s like to experience these fantasies, as well as what someone who takes part in it is into.
What is underwear fetishism?
Underwear fetishism is a broad term, referring to a sexual attraction to undergarments in a general sense. However, lingerie fetishes are a more specific subculture. They describe the attraction to lingerie itself, or a partner wearing sexier pieces of underclothing, including undergarments like bras and panties, sleepwear, lightweight robes, and stockings. This fetish can often have overlap with another, such as a foot fetish with stockings or role-playing when themed undergarments are used.
Common misconceptions
Not everyone with an underwear fetish identifies as male. Like any other fetish or kink, anyone can be attracted to undergarments, including lingerie worn themselves or by someone else. That said, the garments don’t have to be described as ‘traditionally’ sexy, with the inclusion of sheer material and lace trimmings. Instead, someone with an underwear fetish could have a thing for specific colours, cuts, and styles.
How to talk about it with your partner
This ultra-common fetish is something that you can be open with to your partner. Let them know the fantasies that you have regarding their undergarments, whether you’d like them wearing lingerie — in a corset and stockings — or a specific style of boxers. To make things appealing to both of you, chat about fun ways that you can take things a step further, like getting matching underwear patterned in the theme of your favourite TV show or movie.
Things to try
Are you looking to endeavour to do something fun? This can go beyond what we mentioned above, by getting matching underwear in the theme of your favourite TV show or movie. How about helping your partner (or have them help you) get into your favourite pieces before slowly appreciating the body with your (or their) hands, mouth, or whatever other body parts you both feel like using. Afterwards, you can decide who undresses who.
Are there risks to consider?
In terms of typical underwear and lingerie — things like panties or boxers, bras, and stockings — there are no hazards to their enjoyment. However, do keep in mind that there are associated risks, such as loss of breath and faintness when tight-lacing a corset. Worn long-term, corsets can also cause the shape of the torso to change permanently.
With lingerie and other undergarments acting as a turn-on, this visual foreplay can often lead to sex. In this case, be aware of the possibility of spreading or contracting STIs, in addition to the risk of pregnancy (if that is a concern to either partner). Make sure that you practise safe sex by using protection and exploring all of your birth control options.
How can I learn more?
There are so many resources to enjoy your underwear fetish to its full extent. Pop into your local sex shop or lingerie boutique and speak to their employees about what you’re looking for. Specialty stores can also help find pieces that are the perfect fit for you and your partner, meaning that what you wear will be comfortable and looking its best.
Online, you can also find a large number of images and videos, as well as suggestions of others’ favourite shops to purchase underwear from, based on their particular kinks. You may come across something you love that you never knew existed!
In reading this breakdown, we hope that you have gained a deeper understanding of what a lingerie fetish encompasses. If ever the topic were to come up in conversation, you will feel emboldened to speak about it. Whether it’s learning more about the fetish from someone who experiences it first-hand or educating a person who may be closed off to the idea, we feel that we have done our job to help make the world more sexually inclusive.
Have you asked your partner to wear particular bras or stockings before? Do certain cuts of underwear turn you on? Is wearing lingerie something that you would be willing to try? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
