The Indian knitwear industry has entered the global fashion scene in a big way. Knitted lingerie exports are doubling by the year with production houses churning out innovative designs. Though hand-knit lingerie is also available, knitted lingerie is mostly mass-produced with machines. The word 'lingerie' has its origin in French, and refers to women's fashion underwear/intimate wear/undergarments. Knitted lingerie is made from natural and synthetic fibers.

Materials Used
Over the years, women's knitted lingerie has evolved in terms of texture, weight, and use of fabric. Knitted lingerie is soft, lightweight, and available in various blends of fabric. Some of them are listed below.

• Nylon
• Polyester
• Cotton
• Silk
• Acrylic
• Wool
• Spandex
• Rayon

Types
Knitted lingerie is a general term used for women's luxury undergarments. They can be classified as follows:

• Camisoles: A camisole/cami refers to the undergarment meant to cover the top part of a woman's body. They have a tight fit, and are worn under outerwear like tops, tunics or shirts. The materials used range from soft to stretchy. Though camisoles usually have spaghetti straps, at times they come with adjustable straps or a built-in brassiere.
  
  
• Slips: A slip/chemise refers to women's underwear which has shoulder straps, and is meant to be worn under dresses. Its length ranges from knee length and calf length, to ankle length. As their name suggests, they are simply meant to be slipped on, and provide a cosy, luxurious feel depending on the fabrics used to manufacture them.
  
  
• Petticoats: A petticoat is also known as an underskirt. It is an undergarment that is worn below the waist. Petticoats are worn under see-through skirts or saris. They are of various lengths. Petticoats/underskirts may have drawstring closures or elastic trimmings at the waist.
  
  
• Bodystockings: A bodystocking is an undergarment that covers the body from bust to feet. It is a one-piece undergarment, and is also known as unitard. The fabric used to manufacture bodystockings is stretchy like those used for stockings, hence the name. Bodystockings can be worn under clingy or close-fitting attire. A bodystocking may have long/short sleeves, or may be sleeveless.
  
  
• Brassieres/Bras: A bra is an essential part of women's underwear that is meant to cover and provide support to the bust. Other functions include elevating the bust, thereby providing a definite shape to the upper body of the wearer. Regular brassieres have adjustable straps and a hooked closure. There are many types of bras like padded bra, nursing bra, strapless/backless bra, self-adhesive bra etc.
  
  
• Panties: Panties form an integral part of women's undergarments. The word 'panty' refers to short underpants meant for women. Panties come in various styles. Briefs are worn at the waist while bikini panties are worn at the hips. Then there are other types like g-strings, French cut/high cut, and thongs.

Design and Style
Knitted lingerie is available in various designs and styles. Knitted lingerie is manufactured with the comfort of the wearer in mind. The difference generally lies in the cut, color, trimming, choice of fabric or innovations in technology. Manufacturers offer knitted lingerie in many colors and sizes, along with the buyer's choice of material and design.

Popular trimmings in women's lingerie include stretchy lace or knit elastic. Embroidered designs, intricate lacy patterns or little bows and ribbons are also added to the undergarments to enhance visual appeal. Technological innovations in knitted lingerie are forging ahead with a customer-centric approach with seamless undergarments and breathable synthetic knit fibers gaining popularity.

Buying Tips
Simple tips to consider before placing a bulk order of knit lingerie...

• Identifying market trends
• Specifying the fabric/fiber content
• Deciding on the color, cut, style, design, and size
• Choosing a manufacturer/supplier
• Ordering a sample/bulk items

Things to look for in the sample/bulk items ordered...

• Fabric content/structure of knit
• Manufacturing defects
• Quality and durability
• Size label
• Care label