Lingerie trade ban has Russia's knickers in a twist

MOSCOW — A trade ban on lacy lingerie has Russian consumers and their neighbors with their knickers in a twist.

The ban will outlaw any underwear containing less than 6 percent cotton from being imported, made, or sold in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. And it has struck a chord in societies where La Perla and Victoria's Secret are panty paradises compared with Soviet-era cotton underwear, which was often about as flattering and shapely as drapery.

On Sunday, 30 female protesters in Kazakhstan were arrested while wearing lace underwear on their heads and shouting "Freedom to panties!"

The ban in those three countries was first outlined in 2010 by the Eurasian Economic Commission, which regulates the customs union, and it won't go into effect until July 1. But a consumer outcry against it already is reaching a fever pitch.

Photos comparing sexy modern underwear to Soviet goods began spreading Sunday on Facebook and Twitter as women and men railed against the proposed changes.