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With picks ranging from lacy corsets to buttery soft loungewear. period panties
Whether we’re spritzing on a luxury perfume or slipping into a strappy heel, several tools in our beauty and fashion arsenals can ramp up our confidence. Still, the lingerie we wear under it all is what makes us feel truly sexy. Though lacy bustiers and deep hues generally fill the top section of our dressers, sometimes we feel like our best selves in T-shirt bras and cotton undies. As stylist Jamie Grimstad Huth notes, many lingerie shoppers are “embracing a mix of comfort, versatility, and sustainability. They are looking for pieces that look and feel good to wear all day.” She typically opts for “calming and sophisticated” soft pastels, earth tones, and matching sets for the most versatility. “I think this is a smart way to buy—sticking to similar color palettes so your singlets can mix and match with each other,” adds Grimstad Huth.
Below are the best places to buy lingerie, from splurge-worthy ateliers to affordable brands. We also considered retailers that offer inclusive sizing and a deluge of styles, including pajama tops, nightgowns, and corsets.
Why We Love It: Instead of mass marketing countless styles, Cuup, a minimalist brand we’ve spotted on Kendall Jenner, sticks to a specialty: comfortable, classic silhouettes with a modern twist. We’re completely charmed by the Balconette Mesh Bra's thoughtful details, such as its colorblock straps, that make the piece look expensive.
Who It’s For: If you think Cuup is too fragile to support larger busts, then think again. Though its designs have a deceptively delicate appearance, we were surprised by just how supportive the bras are, especially the Scoop Bra. It’s not only the most comfortable bra we’ve ever tested, but it also perks up our larger chests, prevents spillage, and is insanely soft.
Why We Love It: With ambassadors like Jennifer Lopez and Chiara Ferragni, Italian brand Intimissimi doesn’t need much of an introduction (especially if you’ve scoured our recommendations for affordable lingerie brands or everyday bras). It is a great choice for anyone looking to refresh their underwear drawer with practical picks (such as a backless bra) or a few exciting options, without spending a fortune. One of the items that caught our eye was the silk lace slip for true-to-the-brand timeless appeal. We can slip into its criminally soft and comfortable 100 percent silk material and let the classic silhouette and sultry colorway do all the talking.
Who It’s For: “Intimissimi has classic lingerie for all occasions. If you’re looking for something that looks more luxurious with lace, it’s a great place to shop for lingerie for special pieces at a more affordable price point,” Grimstad Huth says.
Why We Love It: Finding the right essentials is surprisingly difficult, especially when you need underwear that won’t peek through a tricky silhouette. Wacoal understands that the right base layer can make or break your outfit. Its racerback bras stay hidden under tank top straps, and we’ve found that our button-downs layer seamlessly over its minimizer bras. Plus, its lightweight, breathable underwear collection is a lifesaver during the summer. And, when we’re feeling fancy, the Inner Sheen Collection contains smooth, slippery fabrics that feel amazing and remain hidden under thinner materials like silks and linens.
Who It’s For: “For beautiful T-shirt bras with smooth cups I can wear under most clothing and then special little details, I go with Wacoal,” says Kimmay Caldwell, an undergarment educator.
Why We Love It: The real wow factor of an Else piece reveals itself once you clasp on a balconette bra or shimmy into its lace bodysuit. The streamlined lace designs have a vintage appeal that feels as good as they look. And, they’ll remain that way. Its rich neutral tones and timeless silhouettes are expertly constructed to hold up through years of wear.
Who It’s For: Anyone will find a piece worth saving to their cart from Else, but small-chested shoppers are particularly lucky. They won’t feel overwhelmed by the thoughtfully constructed demi-cut bras and balconette styles. Even the lower-cut options, such as the Nano Plunge Bra are close fitting, have soft molded cups, and sturdy adjustable straps that stay put on small frames.
Why We Love It: No matter how close you stand to the Eiffel Tower, you won’t feel more Parisian than wearing a divine, silky set from Eres. The lingerie brand designs its one-piece swimsuits, delicately trimmed bralettes, and lattice-worked bodysuits to mirror the minimalist, refined French style.
Who It’s For: Consider this: Has French style ever not been en vogue? Splurging on an Eres piece rewards you with long-lasting, well-tailored lingerie that won’t end up in last year’s pile of forgotten trends.
Why We Love It: Music sensation turned serial entrepreneur, Rihanna creates brands with inclusivity at their core, which is notoriously missing from many traditional lingerie brands. We love to spend lazy Sundays lounging in these insanely cozy wide-leg sweatpants, but for nights we want to bring the glamor out on the town, we've been known to pair this spicy corset with a blazer and leather pants.
Who It’s For: Savage x Fenty offers a little bit of something for everyone, including plus-size underwear and bras. Its bras go up to 46DDD and bodysuits up to 4X.
Why We Love It: Whoever said having too many choices was a bad thing never shopped at the luxury multi-retailer lingerie brand Journelle. Female-founded and run, it knows shopping for intimate apparel is intimidating. (What even is the difference between a balconette, a bustier, and a corset anyway?) We love the subtle sexiness of Only Hearts' Whisper Coucou Underwire Bra searching the site and the more classic appeal of Simone Perele's Singuliere Half Cup Bra.
Who It’s For: Options are great, but digging through all the riff-raff? Not so much. Luckily, Journelle streamlines the process and presents only the crème de la crème from some of our most cherished brands.
Why We Love It: Somehow, Fleur Du Mal even makes cotton underwear sexy—we could seriously run a marathon in its underwear thanks to its velvety and breathable fabric. Seriously, the sneaky cutout and lace adornment designs would make us feel hot while doing it. But, paring it with the skin-baring Magnolia Lace Unlined Demi Bra? Well, that’s a match made in lingerie heaven. Say coucou.
Who It’s For: Someone who wants everyday lingerie that's both spicy and comfortable. Ask Emily Ratajkowski, Kendall Jenner, or our editors—Fleur Du Mal adds art to undressing with each of its expertly constructed floral balconette bras, slinky thongs, and neatly embroidered bodysuits.
Why We Love It: Arguably the most iconic lingerie brand out there, if you weren’t a part of the generation attuned to everything Blaire Waldorf wore, you likely recognize La Perla from its unforgettable silk designs. “Hand-cut leaver's lace, like the material used by La Perla, is renowned for its artistry and high-grade materials,” explains Caldwell. Take the Exotique balconette bra whose semi-sheer floral panels leave little to the imagination. Even if you don’t have the penthouse suite booked at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como, slipping into one of the barely there lace bustiers and a sweet camisole will add a five-star luxury appeal to your evening. La vita è bella.
Who It's For: La Perla is the ultimate brand for shoppers who want truly high-quality, iconic pieces. “I’m not one to typically splurge on lingerie personally, but when I do, La Perla is my absolute favorite. I did all of my bridal lingerie from here, and I love the brand’s use of more luxurious materials,” says Grimstad Huth. “Its pieces are definitely an investment, but ones that stand the test of time and are absolutely for special occasions,” she adds.
Why We Love It: Even NK Imode’s pieces with longer hemlines have an ethereal, fairytale quality, as evidenced by the Morgan Vintage Long Silk Gown. Hints of skin peek out from the lace detailing under the bust and the dress sits close to the body without giving too much away. Still, for more playfulness we’re fond of the Dylan Urban Silk Tap Pant for its flouncy silhouette and tempting teeny, tiny hemline. Beyond that, every item uses high-quality biodegradable silk fabrics so that you can keep the timeless sets in your wardrobe forever.
Who It’s For: If strappy sets and corseted camisoles make you nervous, NK Imode’s catalog is brimming with silhouettes that prioritize comfort without sacrificing a romantic edge.
Why We Love It: Maybe For Love and Lemons didn’t invent the cottagecore aesthetic, but it's certainly easy to emulate a flirty little forest nymph wearing one of its breezy minidresses or rose-dotted bodysuits. Sweet, charming, and plenty sexy, each lingerie item incorporates soft colors, frills, and bows in a unique way. Its baby doll tops, for instance, draw us in with pastel colors and charming details like crystal bow embellishments and mini dot pinpoints.
Who It’s For: We’re convinced this celebrity-worn brand is out to dominate all of our wistful daydreams. It makes pieces you can wear outside the house, like this floral slip dress, too. No, we won’t be tucking these pieces away anytime soon.
Why We Love It: Female-founded brand Negative Underwear tempts us with itty bitty tops, bralettes, and boxer shorts that lend wearers a dreamy, comfortable confidence you can carry with you into date night. The Whipped A-Top is a staple white tank top for us because its lusciously soft material is well-constructed for everyday wear and becomes daringly sexy paired with the cherry red Sieve Triangle Bra. And, if traditional strappy lingerie isn’t your normal cup of tea, the Whipped Cami and Mini Short are an ideal set to wear cuddled up on the couch.
Who It’s For: “Negative Underwear is perfect for everyday wear," says Grimstad Huth. "All of its pieces mix and match to make the perfect sets."
Why We Love It: The Body Collection from Hanky Panky is brimming with silhouette-enhancing shapewear that feels like a hug, not a squeeze. It’s easy to slip into one of the tummy-holding high-rise panties or thigh-saving shaper shorts and forget you’re wearing anything at all. Beyond this collection, it boasts buttery soft, barely there thongs with the feel of a granny panty. And for times we want to elevate a simple T-shirt or button-down, we like the peekaboo pop of color that the Signature Lace Padded Triangle Bralette provides, and how its plunging neckline wears well under low-cut tops.
Who It’s For: Hanky Panky designs some of the most comfortable underwear we’ve tried. The party doesn’t stop here, either. We’ve shopped some of our favorite pajamas, swimwear, and loungewear from the brand.
Why We Love It: Not only does ThirdLove provide a size-inclusive lingerie and activewear line, but it’s also one of the first brands to design bras that come in half-cup sizes, ensuring we get a fabulous fit without any awkward gapping or spillage. We own dozens of strapless bras from the brand, but practically live in the lightly padded 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra. We love its padded straps that don’t dig into our shoulders and the smoothing, flattering fit, which hugs close to our body in a non-constricting way. Additionally, we stocked our underwear drawer full of the ComfortStretch Thong, because its nylon-spandex construction gives it a second skin effect, making it one of the best thongs to wear under super form-fitting clothing (even bike shorts!)
Who It’s For: No matter what cup size you’re looking for (or if you genuinely have no clue—we’ve been there!), ThirdLove's virtual fitting room will help you find your perfect fit.
Why We Love It: Aptly named, Cosabella, which translates to “beautiful thing” in Italian, has no shortage of head-turning styles available. We’ve worn the sexy but comfortable Pret a Porter Bralette as lingerie, a T-shirt bra, and a going-out top, relying on its floral detailing and thin but supportive straps as a decorative addition under a button-down or with a leather jacket thrown over it.
Who It’s For: Many of the designs are offered in regular and curvy sizing and boast thick bands and wide straps, which are perfect for larger chests. The Magnolia Longline Underwire Bra is another one of our favorites because its mid-length style gives all the sexiness of wearing a corset without committing to the full bit.
Why We Love It: Calling all leading ladies, or anyone who needs a main character moment. Agent Provocateur and its array of fearless designs are flush with cheeky details, peek-a-boo cutouts, and so much personality we’ve spotted Doja Cat and Elle Fanning wearing them on the red carpet.
Who It’s For: No matter what’s on the itinerary, the splurge-worthy British brand has plenty of options ranging from traditional pajama sets to items meant for the honeymoon suite. We’re beholden to its more adventurous silhouettes, like the sculptural Scarlie Corset, but can appreciate spending a chill night relaxing in its silky boxer shorts.
Why We Love It: Don’t let the name fool you, Lounge Underwear is made for more than kicking your feet up. Scouring through the bridal edit, we found snowy-hued wireless bras, as well as ethereal frilly sets and baby doll dresses all ready to say “I Do.” There are less dramatic options to choose from, like a ribbed cotton thong and bras that are comfortable and sexy.
Who It’s For: We can enter the British lingerie brand’s site with a more modest budget and still find a sexy, unique set for our brides-to-be. As a bonus, we appreciate how the brand not only shows models as they are, devoid of Photoshop. Plus, many of the items feature an inclusive size range of up to 3XL.
Why We Love It: Similar to its skimpy swimwear, Bali-born loungewear brand Gooseberry Intimates has a collection of sexy and versatile lingerie far too stunning to cover up with clothes. We’ve layered its floral embossed Long Sleeve Crop Top with the matching Mon Cheri thong and used it to dress up our midi skirts.
Who It’s For: Many lingerie brands offer sets, but Gooseberry gets it right with more unique options than a traditional matchy-matchy bra and panty combo. We’re equally drawn to the loungewear collection, especially its colorful and comfortable silk shorts, which look just as enticing while we’re lounging in a big T-shirt as they do paired under a sheer balconette bra.
Why We Love It: Each Eberjey item is breathable and buttery soft, courtesy of the brand’s patented and sustainable Tencel fabric. We’re most fond of the Pointelle Tank Chemise and its elegant silhouette, which instantly makes us feel more fabulous. Similarly, its bralettes are fit for a special occasion, or simply to add a little extra pizazz to your everyday underwear. Then again, the more modest matching pajama sets for you and your honey come in charming prints and feature thoughtful piping detail.
Who It’s For: Understated, sophisticated, and effortlessly beautiful, Eberjey matches comfort with sexiness and designs bras, panties, pajamas (some of Oprah’s favorites), and loungewear that performs in the real world and the bedroom.
Why We Love It: AdoreMe provides size-inclusive, gorgeous lingerie that doesn’t compromise style for functionality. The full-coverage Paxton Contour bra, for example, has flirty lace, supportive underwire, and adjustable straps. Its lingerie section has even spicier options (hello, push-up bustiers), but we’re most obsessed with the versatile styles you can wear anywhere, like the Beau Corset top. We’re romanced by its scalloped edges, off-the-shoulder design, and dreamy lavender shade you can tone down with low-rise jeans or elevate with the matching garters.
Who It’s For: Whether you like to keep your underwear drawer stocked with the latest lingerie trends, or you’re simply lost in a sea of lacy corsets, Adore Me offers several subscription options for a more curated shopping experience.
Why We Love It: Since Kim Kardashian launched Skims in 2019, the shapewear brand has proven that flattering, sexy undergarments are not synonymous with discomfort—or, at least, they don’t have to be. And that certainly holds true with Skims’s lingerie. Its pieces range from push-up bras to lace onesies (made with the brand’s Fits Everybody Lace, a buttery-soft fabric). Molding to the natural shape of your body, the garments range in size from XXS to 4X, and the bras are available up to an F cup.
Who It’s For: Skims is ideal for someone who wants lingerie that feels like a second skin rather than a corset, offering support instead of constriction. Plus, Skims is always releasing limited-time drops alongside its basics, so this brand is great if you’re looking to build a collection of trendy and minimalist lingerie.
Why We Love It: Very few garments pass the test of time, but Natori’s Feathers Plunge T-shirt Bra has done just that—and the cult status it’s sustained since its 2009 release is no fluke. The bra has a sharp neckline that cuts down the chest, softened by Italian lace that contours to your body and shallow cups that pad your natural lift. We love that it comes in 32 sizes (with cups up to G) and a wide variety of colors, such as black or bright purple. Although this specific garment is a big claim to fame for the brand, it also offers plenty of other lacey, supportive, and sexy lingerie (including chemises and, yes, even a catsuit) for all body types and style preferences.
Who It’s For: Natori is made for women by women with comfort and support in mind. The pieces aren’t the most out-there in terms of style—you’ll notice that most come in neutral tones—so they might not be the top choice for someone looking to make a major statement. However, they’re flattering and look (and, more importantly, feel) great on bodies of all types.
Why We Love It: Since launching in 2008, Elomi has created sexy plus-size lingerie. We absolutely adore its vibrant sets, playful patterns, and overall variety—when it comes to bras alone, you can choose between banded, full cup, molded, soft cup, and so much more. It’s tough to go wrong when it comes to Elomi’s lingerie, but if we absolutely had to choose a favorite, we’re partial to the ethereal Charley Plunge Bra and matching High Leg Briefs.
Who It’s For: Someone who wants brightly colored, beautiful pieces that offer support during everyday wear and special occasions. Elomi’s bras come in cup sizes range from D to KK with bands in sizes 32 to 48, and its briefs range in size from 6 to 18.
“I always suggest using numbers as information and not a definition,” says Caldwell. “Use a soft measuring tape and get to know your bust, under-bust, waist, and hips so that you can make an informed decision using a size chart.” Beyond this, Caldwell recommends paying attention to “the stretch of the material, as measurements alone won't give you the full picture of fit.”
Additionally, Grimstad Huth suggests reading reviews more closely than you normally would. “This is particularly important when considering how true-to-size pieces fit, along with their comfort level,” she says. And, “If you can’t decide on a size, I suggest ordering a couple if the brand allows for an easy returns process,” says Grimstad Huth.
According to Caldwell, washing lingerie items in a machine is the “best way to ruin them.” She always recommends hand-washing lingerie with lukewarm water and using a detergent specifically made for these items. “The high heat from the dryer is death for the elastic in your undergarments and delicate fibers in lingerie, and using your regular detergent will cause elastic to become brittle and harm silks,” she warns. Instead, separate the garments by dark and light, swirl them in the water, and allow the pieces to soak for around 30 minutes. Then, “Lay out the item on a towel and firmly roll it up to press out water, or ball up the towel inside a contour bra cup to press out water without inverting the cup.” Remember, never wring the garment too tightly, and always hang dry your items. However, if you need to use a machine, “Wash in cold water on a delicate or hand wash cycle in a newer machine,” says Caldwell. “Make sure you hook the backs of bras and use a lingerie bag to avoid any snagging.”
Even delicate materials like silk can last for years when you properly care for them. For instance, “Never invert one contour bra cup into the other—this will warp and ruin the cup shape,” says Caldwell, who suggests stacking bras one behind the other, or hanging them to keep cups puffed up. Additionally, “Be sure not to ‘flip’ cups up or yank it around your torso when putting on your bra. This will cause wires to pop out and bands to stretch out.”
Finally, pay attention to how you put your bra on. Ideally, you will put the straps on first, then follow with the cups and hook in the back. “For a more mobility-friendly version, hook it on the side with the cups facing up, gently slide it over and up so the cups are just under the bust, and carefully slip on the straps and adjust,” says Caldwell. And don’t forget to rotate your bras, as overwearing them will stretch the band out too soon.
Before you check out, here are some other wardrobe staples you might need to take your lingerie outside the house.
weight loss corset Irene Richardson is a beauty and fashion commerce writer at InStyle. For this story, she scoured the internet for the most buzzy lingerie brands taking into consideration size ranges, unique designs, and wearability. She also relied on insights from our testing team for more insight into the best options from each brand, and consulted the following experts: