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. Whether you're splurging on a new set for a special occasion or just because, we've got you covered with picks from some of the top lingerie brands. Though lacey bustiers, thin-strapped teddys, and shockingly deep hues generally fill the top section in our dressers, sometimes we feel like our best selves in T-shirt bras and cotton undies.
Whatever the case may be for you, we huddled together and found the best places to buy lingerie for everyone 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.
With ambassadors like Jennifer Lopez and Chiara Ferragn, Italian brand Intimissimi doesn’t need much of an introduction (especially if you’ve scoured our recommendations for the best pajamas orbras). But, for those unfamiliar, the loungewear brand specializes in affordable, luxury-looking, and -feeling lingerie. 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. The brand’s Valentine’s Day edit kicks things up a notch, particularly the vibrant pink Sweet Like Sugar Garter Belt, an innocent and feminine floral design with unforgettable strappy, alluring details.
Music sensation turned serial entrepreneur, Rihanna creates brands with inclusivity at their core, which is notoriously missing from many traditional lingerie brands on the market. Just like her music, there's a little bit of something for everyone — and every body (their bras go up to 46DDD and bodysuits up to 4X). We love to spend lazy Sundays lounging in these insanely fuzzy and cozy Fleece Classic Sweatpants, but for nights we want to bring the glamor out on the town, we've been known to pair this spicy bustier with a blazer and leather pants. We adore that the top is sultry, but the playful pattern and bright colors tone down the bedroom vibes for a look that is carefree and fun.
Similar to its skimpy swimwear, Bali-born loungewear brand Gooseberry Intimates lingerie 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. The brand’s loungewear collection is equally tempting, especially these colorful and comfortable silk shorts which look just as enticing while we’re lounging in a big T-shirt as they do pair under a sheer balconette bra.
Someone is meant to see every piece Bluebella meticulously constructs, even if it's just you admiring your reflection. We consider the careful floral embroidery on the sheer Colette Bra to be a true work of art, and the Emerson Body Suit features enough dramatic detailing to hold court under museum lights. One thing is for certain, whether you slip into a pair of thigh-high tights or simplify your look with a gorgeous silk pajama set, each piece guarantees you feel like a ten.
Calling all leading ladies, or anyone in need of a main character moment. Agent Provocateur and its array of fearless designs are flush with cheeky details, peek-a-boo cut-outs, and so much personality we’ve spotted Doja Cat and Elle Fanning wearing them on the red carpet. However, 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 playful Gena Corset, but can appreciate spending a chill night relaxing in these silky men’s boxer shorts.
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. Each item is breathable and buttery soft courtesy of the brand’s patented, and sustainable, Tencel fabric. We’re most fond of the Rosalia Modal Chemise and its elegant silhouette that instantly makes us feel more fabulous. And, similarly, the Naya Longline Bralette is 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 giving us even more reasons to shop for this brand alongside our significant other.
We’ve spent practically entire days shopping the extensive collection of bras, panties, and intimates from Lounge Underwear. We can enter the British lingerie brand’s site with a more modest budget and still find a sexy, unique set, like this dreamy mesh basque or sheer floral bodysuit. Even its Soft T-shirt Bra, with its satin fabric and subtle lace design, looks more luxe than our run-of-the-mill underwear. As a bonus, we appreciate how the brand not only shows models as they are, devoid of Photoshop, but that many of the items feature an inclusive size range up to 3XL.
Ever since AdoreMe, now under the Victoria’s Secret umbrella, launched 10 years ago the intimates brand made it their mission to provide size-inclusive, gorgeous lingerie that doesn’t compromise style for functionality. The full-coverage Nare Contour Plus bra, for example, has supportive underwire and adjustable straps but still has a flirty edge thanks to its lace trim, adorable bow, and an array of playful prints. Their 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.
Instead of mass marketing countless styles, CUUP, a minimalist brand we’ve spotted on Kendall Jenner, sticks to what they are good at comfortable, classic silhouettes with a modern twist. We’re completely charmed by the Balconette Mesh Bra, notably subtle details like embroidered mesh cups and coordinated colored straps that make the piece look expensive (not to mention its floral pattern is incredibly romantic). And, 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.
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. A lot of the designs are offered in regular and curvy sizing and boast thick bands and wide straps, 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.
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 the T-shirt bras, 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. Plus, the brand offers the same comfortable design in a coquettish little lace and panty set asking us to whirl it about town, or better yet, in the bedroom. 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!)
Hanky Panky designs some of the most comfortable underwear we’ve tried. Trust us, we tested dozens of options and found that the Original Rise Thong has the same lace design as our special-occasion lingerie, but boasts the buttery soft, barely-there 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. The party doesn’t stop here, either, we’ve shopped some of our favorite pajamas, swimwear, and loungewear from the brand, including options for more affordable lingerie like the Retro Plunge Chemise, a sexier, extended version of the triangle bralette.
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?) Luckily, the brand streamlines the process and presents only the crème de la crème from some of our most cherished brands, so it’s impossible to make the wrong decision. We found our favorite little matchmaker, the Only Hearts Whisper Coucou Underwire Bra searching the site and have uncovered, multi-wear angelic gems from Free People, including the Lots of Love Underwire Cropped Corset.
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. Heck, it even makes cotton underwear sexy — we could seriously run a marathon in Organic Cotton Thong thanks to its velvety and breathable fabric, and the sneaky cutout and lace adornment design 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.
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 one of the Kardashian’s red carpet looks or its unforgettable and finely-crafted luxurious silk designs. We’re wholly captivated by the luxury brand’s upscale, simple silhouettes, such as the Exotique balconette bra whose semi-sheer floral panels leave little to the imagination, or its short silk robes oozing with lush, rich fabric. Even if you don’t have the penthouse suite booked at the Ritz, there’s no doubt in our minds that slipping into one of the barely-there lace bustiers and sweet camisoles will add a five-star luxury appeal to your evening.
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. Even the pieces with longer hemlines have an ethereal, fairy-tale quality to them, 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 something a bit more playful 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 and touts expert construction so that you can keep the timeless sets in your wardrobe forever.
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 crochet tops or rose-dotted bodysuits. Sweet, charming, and plenty sexy, each lingerie item incorporates soft colors, frills, and bows in a unique way. The Izzy Babydoll Top, for instance, draws us in with its sky-blue hue and holds our attention with charming details like crystal bow embellishments and mini dot pinpoints. We’re convinced the celebrity-worn brand is out to dominate all of our wistful daydreams, especially with pieces you can wear outside the house, like this dazzling Glitter Slip Dress. No, we won’t be tucking these pieces away anytime soon.
If less is more then LaSette’s collection of barely-there, body-hugging nighties and bras are overflowing with potential. The clothing may feature soft mesh materials and neutral colorways that remain discreet and comfortable under everyday workwear, but be prepared to turn up the heat once clothes come off. The Back to Basics G String is inherently sexy simply because, well, it's about an inch of fabric, and its velvet lining turns up the heat by about 200 degrees.
Yes, even if you’re not fully ready to walk the streets in your skivvies à la Kendall Jenner, there’s still such a thing as transitional lingerie meant for the streets and the sheets. Female-founded brand Negative Underwear is brimming 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.
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.
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