A new report from Capstone Investment Banking predicts that the fashion industry - including the lingerie sector - will see at least 75 major deals close in 2026, marking a sharp uptick in acquisition activity. The forecast signals a shift in who's buying, with brand-management companies increasingly stepping in where private equity once dominated.
According to the report, these brand-management firms are now the primary drivers of consolidation, particularly in categories like intimate apparel and luxury foundations. They bring specialized marketing and operational expertise that smaller lingerie labels often lack, making them attractive partners for heritage brands and direct-to-consumer startups alike. The trend suggests a more strategic approach to growth rather than pure financial engineering.
For the Lingerie Museum, this wave of dealmaking means more iconic collections could change hands - and potentially find new homes in exhibitions. As established lingerie houses get acquired, their archives and vintage pieces become valuable cultural artifacts. Curators are already monitoring the market to secure artifacts before they disappear into private hands. With deal volume expected to rise, the museum plans to expand its acquisition fund to preserve the history of intimate fashion.
Originally reported by WWD