Florence Pugh walked onto the Valentino red carpet in Rome wearing a bright pink tulle gown that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. The internet exploded. People were angry. Others were inspired. But mostly, it sparked a massive conversation about why women in see thru clothing still make headlines in an era where we thought we’d seen it all. Honestly, it’s not just about the shock factor anymore.
It’s about control.
When we talk about sheer fabrics, we’re looking at a history that stretches from the "Coan silks" of Ancient Rome—which were so thin they were basically a scandal in thread form—to the "naked dresses" worn by Cher and Rihanna. It’s a polarizing look. You either love the audacity or you think it’s a cry for attention. But if you look at the actual data from fashion search engines like Lyst, searches for "sheer tops" and "transparent dresses" have climbed by over 50% year-over-year. People are buying this stuff. They’re wearing it to dinner, to weddings, and definitely to festivals.
The Reality of Wearing Sheer in 2026
The vibe has shifted. A few years ago, transparency was reserved for the avant-garde or the "Instagram baddie" aesthetic. Now? It’s everywhere. High-end designers like Saint Laurent and Prada have integrated organza and mesh into their core collections, making women in see thru clothing a standard sight on the runway and, increasingly, the sidewalk.
It’s tricky to pull off. You’ve got the technical challenge of undergarments, for one. Do you go with a tonal bodysuit? High-waisted briefs? Or do you just lean into the exposure? Stylist Maeve Reilly, who works with Hailey Bieber, often uses sheer layers to create depth rather than just showing skin. It’s about the "peek-a-boo" effect.
Layering is the secret sauce.
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If you throw an oversized blazer over a sheer mesh turtleneck, the look goes from "club wear" to "editorial." It’s that contrast between the heavy wool and the gossamer-thin fabric that makes it work. Most people think wearing transparent clothes is about being "naked," but it’s actually more about the silhouette. You’re highlighting the frame of the body while keeping a physical barrier of fabric present. It’s a paradox.
Why Transparency is Trending Right Now
Fashion doesn't happen in a vacuum. After years of loungewear and being hidden away, there is a literal "look at me" movement happening. Psychologists often point to "revenge dressing" after periods of restriction. We saw it in the 1920s with flapper dresses after WWI and the Spanish Flu. We’re seeing it again.
But there’s also a body positivity angle that’s hard to ignore.
The sheer trend doesn't care about your size. Whether it’s Paloma Elsesser on the cover of a magazine or a creator on TikTok, transparency is being used to reclaim the narrative around the female form. It’s a way of saying, "This is my body, and I'm not hiding it for your comfort."
Styling Tips That Actually Work (And Won't Make You Feel Exposed)
You don't have to go full Rihanna at the 2014 CFDA Awards to try this. Most humans want a bit more coverage.
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- The Mesh Base Layer: Buy a high-quality mesh long-sleeve. Wear it under a vintage band tee or a sleeveless dress. It adds texture without making you feel like you're on display.
- The Shadow Play: Opt for darker colors like navy, forest green, or black. Darker sheer fabrics are much more forgiving and look more expensive than light neons.
- Fabric Matters: Silk chiffon moves differently than polyester mesh. Chiffon has a weight to it; it floats. Mesh clings. Choose based on how much "movement" you want your outfit to have.
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is choosing the wrong bra. A standard T-shirt bra under a sheer top usually looks clunky. You want something that looks intentional. Think lace bralettes or a sporty cropped camisole. If the underwear looks like part of the outfit, the "sheer" part looks like a design choice rather than an accident.
The Red Carpet Influence and the "Naked Dress" Legacy
We can't talk about women in see thru clothing without mentioning the OGs. Marilyn Monroe’s "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" dress was the blueprint. It had 2,500 hand-sewn crystals and was so tight she had to be sewn into it. It created the illusion of nudity while being incredibly heavy and structured.
Fast forward to Kate Moss in 1993. That silver slip dress. She famously said she didn't realize how transparent it was until the camera flashes hit it. That’s a lesson in lighting! What looks opaque in your bedroom mirror might disappear under the harsh LEDs of a restaurant or a streetlamp.
Technical Challenges: Static and Care
Transparent clothes are notoriously fragile. Most are made of silk, nylon, or fine polyester. One snag on a ring and the whole thing is ruined. You also have to deal with static cling, which is the enemy of sheer fabric.
Pro tip: Use a static spray or even just a bit of unscented lotion on your skin to keep the fabric from sticking to you in weird places. And never, ever put these items in the dryer. The heat will melt the fine fibers, and you’ll end up with a crunchy, misshapen mess. Hand wash only. It’s a pain, but it’s the only way to keep the clarity of the fabric.
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The Social Implications of Transparency
There is still a double standard. Let’s be real. When a celebrity wears a sheer gown, it’s "art." When a woman wears a sheer top to a grocery store, she might face harassment or judgment. This tension is why the trend remains a form of protest for many.
It’s a rejection of the idea that women’s bodies are inherently "shameful" or need to be covered to be respected. By choosing transparency, women are navigating the line between being seen and being observed. There is a difference. Being seen is an act of presence; being observed is being an object. The sheer trend, when done with agency, is about being seen.
Actionable Steps for Incorporating Sheer Into Your Wardrobe
If you're looking to experiment with this aesthetic, don't just jump into a transparent dress. Start small and build the confidence.
- Start with sleeves. Find a blouse with sheer organza sleeves but an opaque bodice. It gives you the "look" without the vulnerability.
- Check your lighting. Before you head out, stand in front of a window with a handheld mirror. See what happens when the sun hits the fabric. If you're uncomfortable with the level of visibility, add a slip.
- Invest in "skin-tone" undergarments. Not just "nude"—find the shade that actually matches your specific skin tone. This creates the most seamless look under sheer white or cream fabrics.
- Balance the proportions. If the top is see-thru, keep the bottoms heavy. Denim, leather, or thick wool trousers ground the outfit and keep it from feeling too "lingerie-adjacent."
The trend of women in see thru clothing isn't going anywhere because it taps into something fundamental about how we present ourselves. It’s about the tension between what we show and what we keep for ourselves. Whether it's a sheer panel on a workout legging or a full-blown gala gown, transparency is a tool for self-expression that's finally being decoupled from purely "sexy" connotations and moved into the realm of high-concept style.
To master the look, focus on the quality of the fabric and the intentionality of what's underneath. When the under-layer is as well-thought-out as the over-layer, the outfit becomes a cohesive statement rather than a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen.