During two trend-spotting sessions hosted by Ms. Jos Berry in early 2026, the "Female Engineering" series from the Nordic brand Lindex appeared repeatedly. This was not merely due to the stunning nature of the designs themselves, but rather because—hidden beneath the surface—lay a more fundamental shift in the underlying system of materials and construction.

Who is defining "functionality"? And for whom is it being defined?

01 When "Functionality" No Longer Just Fights the Environment, But Responds to the Body

For the past few decades, "functional fabrics" have been virtually synonymous with athletic and outdoor textiles—characterized by properties such as quick-drying, moisture-wicking, waterproofing, and lightweight construction. At the core of these metrics lies a singular objective: to help the body combat internal and external factors encountered during sports or outdoor activities—specifically wind, rain, sweat, and snow.

The source of these issues is not external weather conditions, but rather the internal physiological changes occurring within the female body. Consequently, the discourse surrounding "functionality" has undergone a significant reorientation:

Shifting from *performance* to *problem-solving*.

When fabrics begin to address issues such as fluid management, thermoregulation, and hormonal fluctuations, the entity they serve is no longer an abstract "standard human body," but rather a specific—and constantly evolving—female body.

02 From "Category Logic" to "Life-Cycle Structure."

Lindex structures its product lines according to distinct *life stages* (or "life-stage zoning"). Menstruation, adolescence, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause—needs are no longer defined by the product itself, but are instead driven by the actual chronological phase the body is currently experiencing.

While this structural approach aligns more closely with the lived experiences of women, it also introduces a more complex commercial reality.

Secondly, supply chain and inventory management become significantly more complex. The coexistence of high-frequency repurchase cycles (such as during menstruation) and low-frequency, stable demand (such as during menopause)—each with its own unique rhythm—makes it challenging to apply a single, standardized operational model.

Therefore, a "life-cycle structure" represents more than just product innovation; it simultaneously serves as a stress test for the agility and flexibility of the supply chain.

03 Menstrual Underwear vs. Overnight Sanitary Pants: The Chinese Market Perspective?

From a functional standpoint, the capabilities it delivers overlap to some extent with those of the "overnight sanitary pants" (or "sleep shorts") widely used in the Chinese market: high absorbency, leak protection, and the ability to absorb menstrual flow much like sanitary pads or tampons.

Menstrual underwear is a reusable apparel product, whereas overnight sanitary pants are merely an extension of disposable sanitary products.

Driven by rising awareness of sustainable consumption and the growing movement to "destigmatize menstruation" among the younger generation, discussions surrounding "reusable menstrual products" on social media platforms have garnered increasing positive support, expanding beyond niche eco-conscious circles into the mainstream.

The High Threshold of Sanitary Trust

Deeply Ingrained Habits Regarding Disposable Products

Deeply Ingrained Habits Regarding Disposable Products

In China's humid and rainy southern regions, underwear takes a long time to air-dry after washing—and may even develop unpleasant odors—presenting a very real pain point in daily usage. In this context, the sheer convenience offered by disposable products remains incredibly difficult to replace.

Therefore, menstrual underwear is unlikely to serve as a direct substitute for disposable sanitary products; instead, it will likely function as a complementary option within specific scenarios—such as during the tail end of a menstrual cycle (when flow is light and high absorbency is unnecessary), for overnight use at home, or as a "psychological safety net" to provide peace of mind when venturing out. 

04: It’s the Materials Industry’s Turn to Answer

• How can they manage bodily secretions?
• How can they regulate fluctuations in body temperature?
• How can they adapt to the physiological changes that occur across different life stages?

In other words, the role of materials is undergoing a transformation: shifting from being mere "performance tools" to serving as the very "underlying logic" of the body itself.

Conclusion

While the industry remains focused on debating the performance boundaries of product positioning, a select group of brands has already begun to redefine what constitutes a "function" truly worthy of being addressed.

For an industry centered on materials and supply chains, this paradigm shift suggests that future competition will hinge not merely on the enhancement of technical specifications but rather on the depth of one's understanding of the human body.

As a professional platform dedicated to closely monitoring the evolution of the intimate apparel industry, Interfilière Shanghai continues to capture these pivotal, ongoing shifts—spanning everything from material innovation to technological advancement—thereby encouraging the industry to fundamentally rethink the concept of "functionality."

On October 13–14, 2026, Interfilière Shanghai will once again open its doors at the Shanghai Exhibition Center, joining forces with the industry to explore the boundless possibilities for the future development of intimate apparel.