Mad Men-style lingerie:The fifties figure is a cinch

Recently it's been all but impossible to think about clothes (we do that a lot, you know) without making reference to the TV drama. The latest evidence of the continuing epidemic is the news that Fifties and Sixties-inspired lingerie is making a comeback this autumn. 

From high-waisted tummy-trimming knickers to bullet bras, corsets and even waist-cinchers (or waspies, as your Granny probably called them), vintage-style underwear has been flying off the shelves. 

More pictures: Mad Men style: The autumn's hottest lingerie trend

"Last week alone we saw a 27 per cent increase in sales of our shapewear and Fifties-inspired styles," said Andressa Rando Favorito, junior buyer for shapewear and lingerie at Figleaves.com "and compared with last year, a 15 per cent increase in waist-cinchers and high-waisted briefs." 

This is a trend that's taking hold both on the high street and in specialist underwear boutiques. Dear old M&S has a vast range of uplifting lace-detail corsets and suspenders, while Rigby & Peller has structured basques and boned bras. Even Stella McCartney, a designer best known for her girlish, laid-back approach to lingerie, has included Sixties-inspired shapes in her autumn/winter collection.

And for anyone keen to adopt this season's hourglass silhouette — made desirable by Louis Vuitton and Prada particularly — the trend for structured lingerie is a godsend. Whether you're a Mad Men fan or not, wearing the right sort of underwear is more important than ever. 

So where to begin? Key to creating those covetable curves is the right pair of knickers. High-waisted girdle-style briefs made from stiff, smooth fabrics are undoubtedly best but those with reservations about looking more Bridget Jones than Betty Draper can opt for something in a softer fabric. As for bras, there are a few options: bullet bras that lift and separate work well under knitted sweaters and twin-sets, while a more structured style is necessary for those keen to create a little cleavage.

For a firm, slim waist, a waist-cincher or corset can work wonders on a slightly saggy tummy area, and if you're determined to adopt the Betty Draper look in its entirety, a pair of suspenders is essential.

Remember, while some of these styles may be a little on the revolutionary side as far as your greying M&S knickers and T-shirt bras are concerned, the golden rules of lingerie shopping still apply. So, be vigilant about size — only buy underwear that suits your shape, and when it comes to cheap red lace, avoid it like the plague.

More pictures: Mad Men style: The autumn's hottest lingerie trend