London, July 6 (ANI): Recession-hit UK couples are increasingly heading towards lingerie shops, and have boosted the sales of racy underwear by almost 50 per cent ever since the economy has slumped.

New figures have revealed that fishnet stockings, suspenders, basques, and cleavage-boosting bras are all selling at a “record rate”.

Department store Debenhams, which conducted the survey, has said that with the increased unemployment rates, thousands of British couples are now rediscovering the benefits of nights in.

“Losing a job is never good news, but our lingerie sales suggest that many people are using the opportunity to become fully employed at home,” the Telegraph quoted Annette Warburton, the store’s head of lingerie buying, as saying.

Traditionally Christmas happens to be the peak season for sales of sexy underwear, with men being the biggest buyers as they choose risque clothing, which their partners may not think to buy for themselves.

However, for the first time, figures have shown that the Christmas peak has continued till May.

In fact, initial figures for June have indicated that the upward trend is still on.

Sales of fishnet stockings are up 83 per cent, suspenders by 50 per cent, and basques by 45 per cent.

Garters are also up by 71 per cent and cleavage-boosting bras up 61 per cent.

Silk, satin, black lace and animal print are the most popular materials. (ANI)