Despite that legendary stiff upper lip, Brits do in fact have intimate lives which involve more than profusely apologising to total strangers. Sex is something that everyone does but is hardly ever talked about… so how do we know what’s really going on between the sheets in the UK? Hunkemöller, who specialise in sexy lingerie, took the plunge as they took a UK-wide poll and further quizzed 2,000 Brits on their saucy habits in the past year, with some intriguing results.
Given the country spent most of 2020 to 2021 in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic and intermittent lockdowns, the extra time at home has inevitably impacted sexual relationships in unique ways. For those who are in established relationships and living with their partner, this year may have proven lucrative for their sex life. This could well have been the case for the over 9 million Brits who reported more intimate activity in the last year, with 10% deeming their pursuits to be “more exciting” or “more adventurous” than they had been before.
Unfortunately for some, the last 12 months have been disappointing: the poll results show that Manchester residents have been the least enthused in the bedroom of all locations polled and 22% of overall UK respondents have seen their sex lives diminish. Due to lockdowns and government restrictions inhibiting or confusing singletons’ activities, a disproportionate number of single people may well make up this frustrated cohort. Likewise, with more constant childcare required and a lack of variety inhibiting the spice of life, long-term relationships have also likely felt the strain.
Experts have consistently blamed the pace of modern life for sexual dissatisfaction or infrequent liaisons, so the more limited social interactions presented by the pandemic led to fewer commitments outside the home and may have partly contributed to an uptick in sexual activity for many couples. As some people have therefore been able to dedicate more time to their sex lives, a whopping 7.9 million Brits invested in sexy underwear for the cause.
And with British people topping the list for the most reluctant Europeans to talk about sex, more subtle methods of seduction may be the most effective solution to a dry spell. It is probably no accident that London took gold for the sexiest city, with 43% reporting a more exciting sex life and 25% of locals reporting more interest in sexy lingerie. This link is perhaps unsurprising for many: it’s no secret that the right lingerie is a mood and confidence-booster in the bedroom and a stronger seduction technique than that used by the 37% of respondents who made their partner a cup of tea.
