The Rise of the Visible Underwear Trend in K-Pop Fashion
In the ever-evolving world of K-pop, fashion is just as much a statement as the music itself. The stage outfits, airport looks, and social media fits are not just trends—they’re cultural movements. One of the latest style waves crashing over the K-pop industry is the visible underwear trend, where idols intentionally let their branded or styled underwear peek over their pants or skirts. And it’s not accidental—this bold fashion choice is becoming a full-fledged statement.
From Streetwear to Stagewear
The visible underwear trend isn’t exactly new in the global fashion scene—it’s been seen in Western hip-hop and streetwear for decades—but K-pop is giving it a sleek, curated twist. Idols are pairing luxury or street-branded boxers and briefs with low-slung jeans, cropped tops, and exaggerated silhouettes.
Take Tarzzan of ALLDAY PROJECT for example. His look, featuring a thick puffer jacket and oversized pants slung low to reveal Fila underwear, is part street, part high fashion. It nods to Y2K nostalgia while staying undeniably modern.
Girl Groups Redefining Feminine Edge
Female idols are also redefining sensuality and strength through this trend. A great example is the members of I-DLE, who recently performed in outfits that revealed strappy, high-rise underwear elements layered over or peeking through their skirts and pants. It’s an edgy visual—equal parts punk, street, and chic—that plays with the lines between costume and couture.
Meanwhile, HUH YUNJIN of LE SSERAFIM embraces the aesthetic with a twist—pairing classic men’s boxer briefs with feminine elements like an oversized white shirt and styled waves. Her look exemplifies gender-fluid fashion, where underwear becomes a bold visual element rather than a hidden layer.
Genderless, Playful, and Bold
Perhaps one of the most telling examples of how widespread and inclusive the trend is becoming is NEW of THE BOYZ. His delicate pose contrasts with the sharp styling—exposed waistband, cable-knit crop, and slacks—which creates a juxtaposition of softness and defiance. It’s a clear message: fashion isn’t about fitting into one box, and neither is gender expression.
This playful, boundary-pushing approach is being mirrored by others like Jennie of BLACKPINK, AESPA’s Giselle, and Won-Young of IVE showing us a bold fashion from day one.
Why It Works in K-Pop
- Narrative Power: K-pop idols don’t just wear clothes—they tell stories through them. The exposed underwear trend adds layers of visual rebellion, nostalgia, and style that fit perfectly with music videos, stage personas, and social media.
- Global Appeal: The trend resonates with international fans familiar with Western streetwear influences. Yet, K-pop idols reinvent it with their own signature polish.
- Brand Synergy: From Calvin Klein to HOMME GIRLS and Fila, the trend gives luxury and streetwear brands a perfect platform. Idol endorsements become walking billboards—authentic, stylish, and viral.
Not Just a Trend, But a Movement
What we’re seeing isn’t just a passing fad—it’s a fashion shift. The visible underwear trend in K-pop reflects the industry’s growing openness to experimentation and gender-neutral styling. It's rebellious yet refined, nostalgic yet fresh. Whether it’s on stage, at the airport, or in editorials, this trend continues to make waves—one waistband at a time.
Final Thoughts
As K-pop continues to evolve as a cultural powerhouse, its fashion choices are leading global conversations about identity, style, and boundary-breaking. The visible underwear trend is more than just a flash of fabric—it’s a flashpoint in fashion where confidence, culture, and cool collide.