Suspenders hold up well in recession

Mistress of suspense: stars such as Lily Allen wearing trompe l’oeil tights have inspired a surge in stockings sales
12 April 2012

After years in the fashion wilderness stockings and suspenders are staging a comeback.

According to London retailers, couples are choosing to spend nights in during the recession, with women splashing out on more adventurous lingerie for the bedroom.

Stars such as burlesque model Dita Von Teese are also thought to have inspired a surge in sales. Recently, Katy Perry was pictured wearing stockings with suspenders.

Retailers say sales of stockings, hold-ups and suspender belts have increased by up to a third in recent weeks.

Online underwear store Figleaves has seen a 35 per cent jump in sales of stockings and hold-ups since August. Meanwhile, sales of suspender belts and knickers with suspender belts have climbed 40 per cent. Agent Provocateur has seen stockings sales up 14 per cent, and silk stockings with seams are a best-seller. Jess Burnett, head of marketing at Figleaves, said: "It's the Dita Von Teese effect. In the recession, women are buying something sexy to improve their mood."

In 2007, figures showed profits from stockings sales halved in four years, falling from £10million to £5million a year. But some women are faking the look. Henry Holland's trompe l'oeil tights with an embroidered suspenders motif have proved the best-selling item of his collection for Pretty Polly at Selfridges.

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