# Functional Undergarment Modern underwear products incorporate secondary uses to boost value. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Aug 2, 2018 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-undergarment ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Functional Undergarment trend? **Functional Undergarment:** Responding to the heightened expectations consumers have today, emerging brands in the undergarment space are designing and popularizing underwear products that serve a secondary purpose. Whether doubling as menstrual protection or incontinence, the highly functional and innovative designs of these products are moving the fashion space forward. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 21, 2017 to Aug 1, 2018 - Published: Aug 2, 2018 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Examples of the Functional Undergarment trend 5 featured examples from Jul 21, 2017 to Aug 1, 2018. - [Leakproof Mens Undergarments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leakproof-underwear): The PantyProp 'PropHim' Leakproof Underwear Blocks Odors (Category: Fashion) Implication: Companies designing underwear or other types of leakproof apparel can capitalize on the growing demand for comfortable and functional fashion. - [Phone-Storing Underwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compression-shorts): The Wolaco Compression Shorts Keep Small Essentials Securely Stored (Category: Fashion) Implication: Manufacturers of sporting goods can incorporate wearable storage technology in their apparel offerings to appeal to consumers looking for enhanced convenience and performance. - [Stylish Incontinence Underwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incontinence-underwear): Willow Offers a Stylish and Functional Alternative to Adult Diapers (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Potential disruption in the healthcare industry by providing stylish and functional incontinence products that prioritize user experience. - [Reusable Menstrual Underwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wuka-period-wear): 'WUKA Period Wear' Offers a Hygienic Replacement for Tampons (Category: Fashion) Implication: The eco-friendly personal care industry can explore the development of innovative, sustainable menstrual products that align with increasing consumer demand for environmentally co… - [Antibacterial Radiation-Blocking Boxers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boxer-brief-underwear): RadiaShield Anti-Radiation Boxer Brief Underwear is Comfy (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The fashion industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by incorporating anti-radiation features into clothing and underwear designs. **Workshop question:** What's a secondary function your offering could provide? ## Themes within the Functional Undergarment trend ### Functional Undergarments Emerging underwear brands are designing highly functional products that serve a secondary purpose. ### Eco-friendly Menstrual Products Brands are creating more eco-friendly and hygienic ways to manage periods, such as reusable menstrual underwear. ### Innovative Athletic Compression Wear Compression shorts with pockets for storing small essentials and advanced sweat-free design are gaining interest among athletes. ## What the Functional Undergarment trend means for industry ### For Fashion Industry Undergarment brands are creating and popularizing highly functional and innovative designs. ### For Healthcare Industry Brands are designing underwear products for people with incontinence, and antibacterial fabric with anti-odor to maintain hygiene. ### For Athletic Industry New compression shorts with advanced design and pockets are providing better performance and on-the-go storage for athletes. ## Trend signals for Functional Undergarment Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 67%, activity 59%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 67% - Activity: 59% - Freshness: 8% ## Recent trend clusters - [Collaged Uppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/mixed-material-sneakers) (Fashion) - [Occasion Coding](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/commemorative-watch-design) (Fashion) - [Muted Motion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/earth-tone-runners) (Fashion) - [Material Mashups](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/unexpected-jacket-materials) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Jewelry Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-2026-advent-calendar) - [Weatherproof Mid-Top Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weatherproof-mid-top-sneakers) - [Football Throwback Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/football-throwback-sneakers) - [Fragrant Body Care Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-fridays-body-collection1) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)