What if the government told you that you could not buy lace underwear anymore? Russia, along with other post-Soviet countries, like Ukraine and Kazakhstan, are doing just that by kissing acrylic sexiness goodbye thanks to a new ban, according to NBC. The ban was introduced by the Customs Union between Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus in 2010 and will go into effect this summer on July 1 (aka primetime panty-wearing season). In Kazakhstan 30 women were arrested for wearing panties on their heads and shouting "Freedom to Panties," according to Fox News.
The reason behind it seems to be health related: the ban states that underwear needs to have a certain threshold to absorb moisture, while cotton is the most breathable, lace and synthetic underwear only reaches 3 to 3.6 percent. We wonder if a ban will soon follow restricting men from wearing tighty whities for fear that those underwear will generate lower sperm counts, therefore preventing the country from proliferating.
The consumer undoubtedly will not be pleased — underwear sales are at $4 billion dollars annually in Russia, and analysts estimate that 90 percent of the product will disappear from shelves.
Women should be in charge of their own vaginal health and of course, what underwear they choose to wear. Plus, have you ever seen Soviet-style underwear? Probably not. No one wears it anymore because it is out of style—somewhat like a government telling women what they can or cannot wear.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Olivia Rodrigo Finds the Perfect Spring Dresses at Reformation
She's worn the brand twice in the past week.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Curiously, Just as Meghan Markle Sends Samples of Her New Strawberry Jam Out, the Buckingham Palace Shop Starts Promoting Its Own Strawberry Jam on Social Media
The clip promoting the Buckingham Palace Shop’s product—we cannot make this up—is set to Mozart’s “Dissonance Quartet.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Zendaya's Latest 'Challengers' Serve Is Nearly a Century Old
The 1930s-era dress may have been pulled months ago.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
20 Trending Shoe Styles From Sam Edelman’s Major Spring Sale
From sandals to pumps to sneakers, the footwear brand now has over 500 markdowns to shop.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Fashion Editors' Full-Proof Formula for Elevated Going-Out Outfits
Part of growing up is realizing that style and comfort can coexist.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published