Frenchwomen love their lingerie

PARIS – Frenchwomen spend nearly 20 per cent of their annual clothing budget on lingerie, pushing overall sales of the flimsy undergarments to 2,6 billion euros, according to a study published yesterday.

The report, by the French Fashion Institute, showed that the lingerie segment of the clothing sector grew 1,3 per cent last year compared to 2004, with a Frenchwoman spending, on average, some 100 euros a year on bras, panties, stockings and other intimate apparel. Revenues from so-called daywear lingerie – more “practical” underwear – were still recovering after a significant drop in 2004 caused by a flood of cheaper garments from low-cost countries such as China and Turkey.The institute said 2005 showed a levelling off of the trend, with the study adding: “We even observed an average price rise in the purchase of panties.”The more exotic end of the market – frilly knickers, teddies, garters and the like – was showing signs of succumbing to the price competition, however, after having been spared in 2004, the institute said.Nampa-AFPRevenues from so-called daywear lingerie – more “practical” underwear – were still recovering after a significant drop in 2004 caused by a flood of cheaper garments from low-cost countries such as China and Turkey.The institute said 2005 showed a levelling off of the trend, with the study adding: “We even observed an average price rise in the purchase of panties.”The more exotic end of the market – frilly knickers, teddies, garters and the like – was showing signs of succumbing to the price competition, however, after having been spared in 2004, the institute said.Nampa-AFP