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If asked the age-old adage, "Can money buy happiness?" chances are you would already know the answer is, "No," broadly speaking. You've probably seen articles about shared on Facebook and of course the complete answer is much more nuanced... So how does that apply to daily life, and to lingerie?
Dita Von Teese "Madam X" Soft Bra and High Waist Brief | Model: Victoria Dagger | Photo © Max Johnson
Lingerie straddles the line between "material possession" and "experience." The studies have shown that money spent on experiences is, in happiness terms, better spent than money used to buy physical items. Of course lingerie technically falls into the category of "stuff," but wearing and hopefully buying lingerie does create an experience. The interaction with a boutique staff or online shopping cart is an experience (something that all business owners should try to keep in mind), and unwrapping a new purchase is also an experience. Lingerie given or received as a gift also creates a shared experience, which adds depth to its pleasure and increases the longevity of the happiness created. Actually, money given to or spent on other people creates more happiness than spending on oneself. So next time you see that bright yellow designer knicker that would be perfect for your best friend on sale, go for the surprise gift... you'll both be happier for it.
Longline bra from H&M | Model: Victoria Dagger | Photo © Chris Gaede
As for wearing lingerie, there are two main ways in which I think it can create an experience. First, there's the design maxim that good design is invisible. Like having a bad mattress or couch, having bad lingerie - panties that creep up, bras that cut into your shoulders to the point of causing numbness down your arms - creates a negative experience, day in, day out. By investing in quality and comfort for your basics, you create an experience that enables you to go through your day with a higher level of function and focus.
On the other end of the spectrum is luxury lingerie, which may be designed to create an experience through physical sensation. Whether it's the soft flow of a silk robe that whispers with each movement... the tingle of Made by Niki's string collection brushing against your bare skin... the heightened awareness of your body and breath from a tightlaced corset... or lubed-up latex thigh highs as you glide them onto your legs... the act of putting on and wearing luxury lingerie is unlike wearing "normal" clothing. And once it's on, you have the opportunity to cement the experience by doing something special, whether you take yourself out to the fancy craft cocktail bar you've always wanted to try, or have a romantic tryst. In order for this to be effective, the luxury has to stay special, creating a feeling of mindfulness each time your special pieces are worn. Don't allow the luxury to turn mundane. As cliché as it is, I like to occasionally remind myself of my nice things, and take a moment to appreciate them.
Made by Niki bra & brief set, latex stockings by Lust Designs | Model: Victoria Dagger | Photo © Max Johnson
As you can see, neither of those principles suggests that you should impulsively buy all the lingerie that catches your eye, nor should you have a vast horde of luxury or cheap lingerie. And of course, you definitely don't want to get into the habit of buying things you truly can't afford! But by allowing yourself, or gifting to a loved one, a carefully curated selection of pieces, yes, I think money can buy a little piece of happiness.
Which pieces from your personal lingerie collection make you the happiest? Do they have a story that accompanies them?