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Mideast Loves Syria's Weird, Sexy Lingerie

Moms stock up on skimpy goodies for soon-to-be-married daughters

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 18, 2009 6:50 PM CDT

(Newser) – After picking up dishes and washing powder at local markets, Syrian women love to purchase something more intimate: edible, fruit-flavored underwear, Der Spiegel reports. Naughty skivvies have been hot for years in Damascus, where veiled mothers regularly buy maid’s costumes, musical negligees, and remote-controlled undies for their betrothed daughters—hoping to encourage their future sons-in-law to stick with just one wife.

The trend, which has spread throughout the Middle East, began about 4 years ago when the Internet connected Syrians to the sartorial tastes of other countries. Now families spend up to $1,000 on items like leather outfits—whip included—and magnet-controlled lingerie. “Palestinian women are the most interesting,” said one shopkeeper. “They want sexy stuff. The saucier the better.”

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Naught underwear is doing big business in Syria. (Shutter Stock)

MILAN, ITALY - MAY 29: Items from the Parah Noir Autumn/Winter 2008-09 new womens lingerie collection displayed on May 29, 2008 in Milan, Italy. (Getty Images)

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Mothers believe their son-in-law will be less interested in other women if his wife surprises him with new gimmicks at home. There should be at least 30 sets, if the parents of the bride don't want to be seen as stingy. - Abu Adnan, shopkeeper

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Mideast Loves Syria's Weird, Sexy Lingerie