There doesn’t need to be an occasion to invest in your underwear collection, although special events like Valentine’s Day and birthdays give the perfect excuse.
The gift that keeps on giving, there’s nothing like a brand new set of undies to give you a confidence boost, even - and especially - if you’re the only one that’s going to see them. When they’re matching you’ll feel unstoppable: a coordinating combination has the unique ability to make you feel instantly put together.
Whether you’re purchasing for yourself or a loved one, spice up the process by stepping out of your traditional comfort zone. You may opt for neutral, muted or all-black when it comes to your clothing but that doesn’t need to be the case for what you layer beneath. Daring shades of red, pretty-in-pink hues or playful patterns, the options are endless and the same goes for embellishments, from intricately embroidered lace to flirty ruffle trims.
Much like shopping for swimwear has not always been the most pleasurable experience for many, lingerie has, in the past, been a stressful process but online shopping means you can have a whole host of different styles, sizes and colourways sent directly to the privacy of your own home to find the ones that make you feel empowered and sexy, leaving stuffy changing rooms out of the equation.
According to Boux Avenue, 81 per of women aren’t wearing the right bra size. Find the one in your collection that you’re the most comfortable in and match it, or opt for one of the many free bra-fitting experiences that are available on the high street. Make sure you check size guides to see the difference between numbered and lettered sizing and those tricky S, M, L and XL alternatives. Typically, you will find sizes like 30C, 32DD and 40E where the number references your underband size (get out the tape measure around wrap it around your ribcage where the bra will sit) and the letter determines the cup size.
Lingerie comes in every shape, size and silhouette. There are bras and briefs but also bodysuits, suspenders, harnesses and thongs – and finding the right one is simply a matter of securing a fit that makes you feel your most confident.
Shop our favourite sets below
Lounge Nelly Intimates Set
High street hero, Lounge’s lingerie is as striking as it is affordable, proving you need not spend a fortune to get some truly statement pieces. The premium selection includes classic colourways but also unique combinations like the pretty pink and yellow pictured. The set includes the underwired bra, matching thong and suspender belt and leg straps, the latter of which is adjustable.
Buy now £85.00, Lounge
Understatement Chili Cheeks Set
This fiery Chili Cheeks Set will bring the heat. Whether you choose to share with someone else or keep it for yourself, this confidence-giving selection includes the balconette, thong and two playful heart-shaped nipple stickers.
Buy now £101.00, Understatement
Scarlett Gasque Kiss-Me-Quick Bra
Pretty in pink and as romantic as it gets, Scarlett Gasque’s bra and thong set is embroidered with hearts, elasticated ruffle satin trims and adorable little bows that will put a smile on your face every time you slip it on (and anyone else that is lucky enough to catch a glimpse).
Buy now £140.00, Scarlett Gasque
Intimissimi Pretty Flowers Gioia Super Push-Up Bra
One of the many feminine styles in the Intimissimi collection, this bra is embroidered with a floral pattern, stitched with either a contrasting hue or in a tonal colourway - depending on which you select. The padded style can be matched with a thong in the same design with a see-through mesh and lace trim.
Buy now £49.00, Intimissimi
Savage x Fenty First Crush 2-Piece Set
As she proves each year with front-page-worthy catwalk shows, few do lingerie like Rihanna. The Amazon Prime special showcases the hottest stars of the moment, leaving little to the imagination while modelling her daring designs. If it’s nipple-flashing that you’re after you’ve come to the right place, but there are also less itsy bitsy styles.
Less revealing but just as NSFW is Ruffle - a two-piece in a daring red hue for something different to your typical muted underwear collection. The balconette top has lace all over and is paired with the matching thong. Join the VIP club and watch the RRP drop.
Buy now £61.00, Savage x Fenty
Fruity Booty Chocolate Lacie set
Chocolate brown hues are dominating the trend cycle and this lingerie set from Fruity Booty taps into the colour scheme, setting the neutral shade with a pale pink embellishment. The two-piece set is made up of a bra in a classic shape and a thong in which both have a lace motif and a sumptuously soft skin feel.
Buy now £50.00, Fruity Booty
M&S Lace Padded Plunge Wired Bra Set A-E
One of the bestsellers in the M&S collection, it is clear to see why this set is so popular. While the duo of the padded bra and briefs can make a special occasion set, it is also classic enough for everyday use where design details are fairly minimal save for the lace trim.
Buy now £20.00, M&S
Agent Provocateur Lorna Plunge Underwired Bra
We can’t think of a better gift to unwrap on Valentine’s Day and beyond than this luxury lingerie set from legendary label, Agent Provocateur. The British brand excels in its sensual designs: Lorna is the ultimate case in point.
The scallop trim is universally flattering, while the tulle construction and pretty bow are equal parts playful and sexy bringing a more interactive detail into your boudoir apparel. Go for the full look by adding suspenders too.
Buy now £90.00, Agent Provocateur
Bluebella Valentina Fuchsia Pink Lingerie Set
Bluebella boasts well-construction underwear and pyjamas, good materials and accessible price tags. The trend-led label has taken inspiration from February 14 for this lovestruck creation with heart-shaped embroidery set on the bra, thong and suspenders. The latter of which can be added when you’re looking to impress - and impress you will.
Buy now £19.00, Bluebella
Coco de Mer Marella satin-trimmed Chantilly lace set
While you’ve got Coco de Mer on your mind, may we just take a second to mention the brand’s array of sex toys that may need to be added to basket with the purchase of this enticing triangle bra.
Whether used in tandem with tech or not, this style demonstrates the signature high-octane sensuality of the British brand’s collections. While it is ready for a special occasion, you need not save it purely for those moments as the supportive construction will keep you feeling secure no matter what the night holds. The satin trims and French Chantilly lace bring the intrigue, which is replicated at the bottoms
Buy now £98.00, The Outnet
Playful Promises Mayla Blue Floral Embroidered Plunge Bra
Boost your confidence and your mood by donning your best knickers and bra where the Mayla in its soft blue hue and sexy peach embroidered detail will do the trick and then some. Playful Promises’ MO is all about making you feel your best in your own skin and these designs have a knack for putting a smile on your face. It’s as pretty as it is sexy with sheer overlays on the cups giving a floral detail to protect your modesty. There’s the bra, brief, suspender, high-waisted thong or open-back brief as part of the collection.
Buy now £30.00, Playful Promises
Kat the Label Sofia Bra
Kat the Label is an Australian import: intimates are imported from its Melbourne HQ. The delicately created sets include bodysuits and two pieces with full bustiers and elegant camisoles, but you’re here for lingerie so let the Sofia set be the latest addition to your ever-growing collection with its floral embroidery. This is not only to add an interesting detail to the silhouette but it has a way of flattering the bust.
Buy now £59.00, Kat the Label
Stripe & Stare Lace Lavender Set
When comfort is king, call in the cosiest underwear you will ever wear from Stripe & Stare. The brand has the once-contradicting ability to be sumptuously soft and yet sustainable. In fact, one feel of this beautiful fabric will have your jaw on the floor that it is actually made from a trademarked TENCEL Modal derived from beechwood trees that the brand says is twice as soft as cotton.
Day or night, you’ll relish laundry day when these are fresh once again to slip on. The playful bralette with its lace trim is fitting for romantic occasions but there are 18 colourways and prints available including leopard, cherry and florals.
Buy now £35.00, Stripe & Stare
Dora Larsen Arella embroidered recycled-tulle set
Dora Larsen is injecting vibrant colourways into your lingerie rotation with its pastel-hued pieces. The collections are made up of unexpected shade combinations that mean each and every bra and bottom is unique. The Arella bra and matching thong (£19) set a dainty green floral embroidery on a pale pink backdrop with contrasting purple straps and trims.
Buy now £32.50, Dora Larsen
I.D. Sarrieri A Night In Marrakech Set
If you’re not yet familiar with I.D. Sarrieri, consider this your crash course. The lingerie label is known for its use of the finest materials put together with expert craftsmanship.
A Night In Marrakech Set proves that muted colour palettes can be equally decadent in their aesthetic. Whether it’s for a special occasion or to give you confidence underneath your clothing, the lace embroidery is timeless and intricate.
Buy now £225.00, I.D. Sarrieri
This Belongs To Ruby Femme Fatale Silk Ruffle Bralette Set
This Belongs To makes each of its silky separates in its London studio. Handmade to perfection, there’s a reason why it’s already a celeb favourite with the likes of Iris Law, Rita Ora and Lila Moss flashing its signature ruffle bralettes.
The Femme Fatale, alongside the rest of the collection, is crafted entirely from silk so feels like a true indulgence on the skin. The brand uses elasticated hems to achieve the edging, mirrored on the bottom half too.
Buy now £64.00, This Belongs To
Cou Cou Intimates The Balconette
Cou Cou Intimates is an underwear brand to have firmly on your lingerie radar. Feminine pointelle designs are married with classic neutral colourways to create durable intimates to stand the test of time, like the brand’s ditsy print balconette which is etched into our brains.
Each adorable piece is finely crafted from 100 per cent certified organic cotton, which is kinder to your skin and the planet.
Buy now £58.00, Cou Cou Intimates
