PARIS, Aug 31, 2006 (AFP) - Frenchwomen spend nearly 20 percent of their annual clothing budget on lingerie, pushing overall sales of the flimsy undergarments to EUR 2.6 billion, according to a study published Thursday.

The report, by the French Fashion Institute, showed that the lingerie segment of the clothing sector grew 1.3 percent last year compared to 2004, with a Frenchwoman spending, on average, some EUR 100 a year on bras, panties, stockings and other intimate apparel.

Revenues from so-called daywear lingerie — ie. more 'practical' underwear — were still recovering after a significant drop in 2004 caused by a flood of cheaper garments from low-cost countries such as China and Turkey.

The institute said 2005 showed a levelling off of the trend, with the study adding: "We even observed an average price rise in the purchase of panties."

The more exotic end of the market — frilly knickers, teddies, garters and the like — was showing signs of succumbing to the price competition, however, after having been spared in 2004, the institute said.

Copyright AFP

Subject: French news