Lingerie isn’t about dressing for someone else. The best lingerie will feel comfortable, supportive and genuinely good to wear, whether that’s an everyday staple or an investment piece.
The design of lingerie has never been better, with a wide variety of brands focusing on comfortable materials, breathability and support, as well as style. From ultra-soft lace that moves with the body to wireless bras that actually stay up, sometimes the best lingerie is all about subtle design details rather than extra frills.
Whether it’s supportive bralettes and sustainable sets or elegant slips, we’ve compiled lingerie from brands that prioritise how you feel as much as how they look.
The best lingerie for women
Affordable everyday sets
Lemonade Dolls Signature lace bralette
Lemonade Dolls Signature lace high support bralette
Lemonade Dolls Signature lace Brazilian knickers
Starting as an Instagram account focused on body confidence, Lemonade Dolls is one of my favourite lingerie brands because of its inclusive sizing, quality fabrics and designs that prioritise you.
This pink bralette is a brand signature, with a flattering plunge neckline, and made with recycled nylon and stretch lace that feels light against the skin. It’s available in both standard and fuller-bust fits, with the latter (D-DD to FF-G) subtly adjusted to offer more support without ruining the style, via hidden mesh lining, double-width straps and a padded hook and eye fastening.
Cut from the same stretch lace, the matching Brazilian knickers sit high on the waist with a dipped front that lengthens the leg. Soft and flexible, this set is easy to wear under everyday clothing.
Bra sizing: 30A to 44G; knicker sizing: UK 6 to 24
Triumph balconette wired bra
Triumph hipster knickers
In a soft porcelain shade, this balconette bra from heritage lingerie brand Triumph nods to classic French styles. Made from at least 75% recycled fabrics, mesh side panels create shape without padding, keeping the fit lightweight and natural. The matching hipster knickers offer medium coverage, with a barely there elastic waistband designed to sit smoothly without digging in.
Bra sizing: 32A to 40E; knicker sizing: UK 8 to 18
Boux Avenue satin plunge bra
Satin flutter Brazilian knickers
Boux Avenue is a high-street favourite for good reason. These flutter-cut Brazilian knickers drape softly over the hips for a relaxed fit. In deep berry and contrasting cream, they look elegant while remaining breathable and easy to wear, thanks to their looser fit. The coordinating bra offers proper support, softened by pretty decorative lace and a subtle push-up.
Bra sizing: 30B to 38G; knicker sizing: UK 6 to 18
The best lingerie sets for special occasions
Intimissimi babydoll slip
Intimissimi French knickers
Refined and minimalist, this tulle slip is typical of Italian brand Intimissimi. Cut from a lightweight, fluid mesh fabric, it will skim rather than cling to your body. The black-and-white palette is timeless, while the fabric is comfortable enough to relax in. The knickers are soft, stretchy microfibre, avoiding any of the stiffness typically associated with laced lingerie.
Slip sizing: S to L; knicker sizing:S to XXL
Lounge Underwear Valentina bodysuit
This striking red bodysuit is carefully designed to shape the body. With strategically placed seams for contour, it’s confident and bold without the rigidness that can come with more structured bodysuits. Although it won’t offer as much support as a classic two piece, two hook-and-eye fastenings let you adjust the fit.
Sizing: XS to XXL
The best sustainable lingerie sets
Stripe & Stare eco-lace triangle bra
Eco-lace original knickers
Stripe & Stare makes cool, ultra-comfortable underwear with sustainable materials. This beautifully delicate triangle bra is from the brand’s Eco Lace range and is made from a combination of soft Tencel fibres that are biodegradable under soil and in freshwater and marine environments, and 85% recycled lace. It feels barely there, offering gentle support with plenty of stretch for everyday wear. The knickers are equally flexible and match the colourful aesthetic.
Bra and knicker sizing: XS (6-8) to 4XL (20-22)
Dora Larsen lace and tulle underwire bra
Dora Larson lace and tulle thong
Dora Larsen is known for its playful use of colour alongside responsible production practices, creating only two collections a year across lingerie and sleepwear, with a focus on recycled fabrics. This sheer bra and matching knickers are made from recycled nylon in contrasting pink and red. With soft lace and flexible trims for comfort, the sweetheart cut bra looks fresh, and the knickers are in a cheeky thong cut.
Bra sizing: 32A to 38D; knicker sizing: UK 6 to 16
The best plus-size sets
Savage X Fenty floral corded lace balconette bra
Savage X Fenty floral corded lace Brazilian knickers
Founded in 2018 by Rihanna, Savage X Fenty has established itself as a role model for the rest of the lingerie industry when it comes to inclusive sizing. Alongside its unique designs, it consistently offers diverse sizing across all its products. This romantic-looking and bold balconette bra has wide straps and additional fastenings for enhanced support, while the rosy floral lace keeps it firmly in the Valentine’s Day spirit. The Brazilian knickers are equally as flattering in shape, with a mid-rise and V-cut finish.
Bra sizing: 30A to 46G; knicker sizing: XS to 5XL
M&S Boutique Magda embroidery wired balcony bra
Magda embroidery Miami knickers
Marks & Spencer is a firm favourite for underwear, and its Boutique range shows off its playful side without sacrificing practical details. Designed for fuller busts, this classic black balcony bra has delicate eyelash lace detailing and contouring straps. The matching Miami-cut knickers sit somewhere between a Brazilian and a full brief.
Bra sizing: 30F to 42H; knicker sizing: UK 6 to 20
The best luxury lingerie
Simone Pérèle plunging underwired bra
Shorty knickers
This rich red bra from French lingerie house Simone Pérèle is crafted with luxurious-feeling guipure lace that’s thicker and more durable than other types of lace, adapting to the body to provide support without stiffness. The matching knickers mirror the bra’s attention to detail with the same floral guipure lace and a smooth tulle finish to avoid knicker lines.
Bra sizing: 32B to 38G; knicker sizing: 1 (XS) to 5 (XL)
Agent Provocateur short slip dress
This slip is typical of Agent Provocateur’s bold, statement-led designs, feeling indulgent without being impractical. It even has 24-carat gold adjustable sliders, for heaven’s sake. The slip is cut from a vintage-inspired black lace adorned with the “AP” logo, and the split skirt, finished with an adorable satin bow, stops it from feeling restrictive.
Sizing: UK 6 to 16
How to look after your lingerie
Every piece of lingerie comes with its own specific care instructions, and they’re not to be taken lightly if you want them to last. The delicate nature of many fabrics popular in lingerie design – such as lace, silk and satin – means you can’t just throw in the wash without thought. Lace often can’t be washed above 30C, whereas others are hand-wash-only due to their intricate open-weave structure. While silk and satin can sometimes be machine-washed on a delicate cycle, it’s recommended to use a wash bag to prevent any snagging.
Drying lingerie has one major rule: avoid the tumble dryer. The heat can cause the wiring in bras to warp. It’s best to hang bras from the centre gore (the bit in between the cups) to air dry, as this will stop the straps from overstretching.
Lingerie wash bag
For more, read the best Valentine’s Day gifts for 2026 and the best flower delivery for every budget
Charlotte Gornall is a fashion assistant and writer at the Guardian
