Inflatable bras an expanding market

An unsinkable swimsuit and a blow-up bra were among the beachwear and lingerie innovations that made "inflatable" a buzz word at this Autumn's Lyon Mode City trade fair. The swimsuit, a one-piece available at the moment in children's sizes only, comes from the Plouf range by Greystone. The secret of how it keeps the wearer afloat lies in the construction of the fabric which employs a branded inflatable fibre called Eliotex. This traps air against the body, allowing the fabric - though little thicker than a normal suit - to act like water wings.