17 best lingerie brands, according to a fussy fashion writer
Maturing is realising that the best lingerie brands aren't just the ones you whip out on special occasions, they're the ones you lean on every day too. The labels that make you feel your most confident and, ultimately, keep you comfortable in the process.
'Cos let's face it, there's absolutely nothing worse than leaving all your washing to the same day and then being stuck without your favourite cotton underwear and T-shirt bra to hand. It's always wise to stock up on a few spares.
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The 2026 lingerie trends to look out for:
I caught up with Sarah Shotton, Creative Director of Agent Provocateur, who spoke about the emerging trend of lingerie as outerwear. “Lingerie is everywhere on the catwalk at the moment, from smoking hot sexy Saint Laurent to the elegant Givenchy,” she says.
“Agent Provocateur has always been at the forefront of this trend. Corsets are still a major statement and a great way of showing a historic and iconic lingerie look. I’m also loving the visibility of the suspender belt either worn under a sheer nylon or lace skirt – Charlize Theron recently wore a leather micro mini with her suspender showing underneath the bottom of the skirt. Exposing the top of her stockings was super sexy but also very chic. Slips worn as dresses and French knickers worn as shorts are also hugely on trend and I think this might just be the summer of the bra – worn as tops, not underneath them… the Addison Rae effect!” She adds.
Contrary to outdated belief, women dress for themselves – and that includes their underwear – so if it's a pair of Bridget Jones-style period pants or a comfortable thong that you feel yourself in, you'll be wanting a roster of the best brands to browse when it comes to buying them.
Despite the fact that your underwear is the smallest thing in your wardrobe, it's also what packs the biggest punch. You make the wrong choice in bra or panties while you're getting dressed in the morning, and your whole day could be ruined (if you know, you know).
However, the lingerie market is pretty saturated and deciding which wireless bra/bralette/push-up bra to add to checkout is tricky enough without having to worry about where to get it from. Lucky I've taken one for the team by practically doing it for you, then.
Who makes the best lingerie? Here are my top picks from the best lingerie brands/underwear brands right now.
1. Lounge
Why Neamh loves: Since its very first (and viral) design, the Triangle Set, it has expanded into more daring territories – think sexy lingerie in sheer and lace fabrics – and has seriously gained traction. An influencer favourite, this brand is definitely one to update your top drawer with.
- Pros: Offer clothing, nightwear, loungewear and gymwear as well as beautiful lingerie and bedding.
- Cons: None from us!
- Size range: Bras from 30A-40G and undies from XS-3XL.
“Lounge has been my go-to brand for years; anyone would think I’m an ambassador for them by looking at my lingerie drawer. They are both comfortable and undeniably sexy.” – Neamh Randall, Glamour's Commerce Photo Editor.
2. Boux Avenue
Why I love: One high-street hero is Boux Avenue, the lingerie brand stocking underwire bras, wire-free bras and knickers in every size, fit and colour you could possibly dream of. Plus, they have a pretty incredible range of sleepwear too.
- Pros: “This is one of the most affordable yet great quality brands I've come across for underwear, and the designs are really pretty too.” – Georgia Trodd, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
- Cons: Their size range could be improved.
- Size range: Bras from 30B-40G and undies from UK 6-18.
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Save when you shop for the best lingerie brands with Boux Avenue discount codes at checkout.
3. Paire
Why I love: If you're seeking comfortable, practical and sustainable underwear, Paire is exactly the place to browse. The material is high-tech so the designs are fairly minimal – but that just makes them timeless enough to keep on rotation.
- Size range: Bras from S(A)-L(DD) and undies from XS-M to L-2XL.
Why I love: It's a luxury lingerie brand that does exactly what it says on the tin: it's provocative and sexy, celebratory of the female form and – though there's still a way to go – more diverse than it ever used to be.
- Size range: Bras from 32A-38E and undies from 1-7 (UK 6-18).
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Why Sophie loves: “I’ve got one key criterion when shopping for underwear — comfort. The thought of spending the entire day feeling uncomfortable down there makes my skin crawl. Stripe & Stare’s undies are, hands-down, the most comfortable things I’ve ever put on my body, thanks to the 95% biodegradable TENCEL™ Modal x Micro (otherwise known as trees).” – Sophie Donovan, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
- Pros: “The vibrant hues make me feel sexy.”
- Cons: None from us!
- Size range: Bras from XS-XXXXL and undies from XS-XXXXL.
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6. SKIMS
Why Mayola loves: For the simple fact that it champions everybody and every skin tone, with wearable designs that lend themselves to every area of your lifestyle.
- Pros: Inclusive.
- Cons: Stuff sells out all the time.
- Size range: Bras from 30A-44F and undies from XXS-4XL.
“I practically live in Skims underwear, but my favourite by far is the Fits Everybody stretch-woven T-shirt bra, which is perfect under camis/camisoles. The material feels incredibly soft on my skin, it's true to size no matter your cup size, and the flexible underwire and lightly lined cups strike the perfect balance between comfort and support. Plus, the adjustable straps make it a great fit for everyday wear.” – Mayola Fernandes, Glamour's Commerce Writer.
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7. Bluebella
Why I love: Bluebella lingerie is a firm favourite among Glamour editors for its trend-led, expensive-looking lingerie that doesn't cost your entire salary. They're a British lingerie brand, with underwear that aims to be both intimate and luxurious.
- Pros: “Most of the stuff I have from Bluebella has lasted me years – it's such good quality.” – Georgia Trodd, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
- Cons: Although they cater to a wide range of sizes, they don't feature any plus-size model images.
- Size range: Bras from 30A-42F and undies from UK 6-20.
8. Pour Moi
Why I love: Pour Moi sells one bra every 30 seconds – from full cup bras to plunge wired bras and more – that's no mean feat. Prices are modest, styles are sexy, and you can even get your hands on some nightwear, sportswear and swimwear while you're at it.
- Size range: Bras from 32A-44J and undies from UK 8-22.
Save when you shop for the best lingerie brands with these Pour Moi discount codes.
Why I love: Not only do Lemonade Dolls use materials which are responsibly sourced (all of the elastic it uses is recycled), but it also caters to a much wider range of sizes and body types. Think: bras for bigger boobs and curvy/plus size underwear sets that are actually sexy. Finally! Their newest bra launch, the All Wonder, is already going viral. It'd look great poking out from beneath a white shirt.
- Size range: Bras from 30A-44H and undies from UK 6-24.
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10. ASOS DESIGN
Why I love: Expensive-looking lingerie doesn't have to be a luxury. ASOS Design is one of the best lingerie brands around for speedy delivery, trend-led styles and affordable prices.
- Size range: Bras from 30A-40G and undies from XS-L.
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Save when you shop for the best lingerie brands in the United Kingdom with these ASOS discount codes.
11. Savage x Fenty
Why I love: Savage x Fenty is still flying the flag for inclusivity and body positivity, and has repeatedly sold out since hitting shelves three years ago. It started as a subscription service in 2018 and is now stocked by the likes of Amazon and ASOS. They even stock men's underwear, too.
- Size range: Bras from 30A-46G and undies from XS-XXXXL.
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12. Playful Promises
Why I love: This brand prides itself on making over 80 bra sizes as well as UK dress sizes 8-28 (or US 4-24). You'll find everything from stand-out, mischievous, and sexy designs to pretty and practical ones, but never anything boring or beige.
- Size range: Bras from 32A-44H and undies from UK 8-24.
13. Nudea
Why I love: Those days when you're working from home and want that naked feel but still need to wear something to feel appropriate? Nudea is your one-stop shop.
- Size range: Bras from 30A-40GG and undies from XS-XL.
14. Marks & Spencer
Why I love: There for your every lingerie need in every stage of your life, M&S stocks training bras, nursing bras, silk and lace sexy lingerie, cotton underwear, pyjamas, the best shapewear and more.
- Pros: Affordable.
- Cons: Not hugely adventurous styles.
- Size range: Bras from 30B-42E and undies from UK 6-28.
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Save when you shop for the best lingerie brands with these Marks & Spencer discount codes.
Why I love: Making shopping for lingerie online a total dream, you can filter styles to within an inch of their lives to find the very best style for you (underwired, strappy, non-wired, T-shirt bra, hip-hugger briefs, thongs and more).
- Pros: “I wear VS knickers every single day because they are, without fail, the comfiest and hardest-wearing I've ever tried. They're seamless under clothing too, which is a big must for me.” – Georgia Trodd, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
- Cons: They've broadened their sizes, but they're still not the best.
- Size range: Bras from 30A-38DD and undies from XS-XXL.
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16. Calvin Klein
Why I love: Founded in 1968, everyone and their mum knows the iconic Calvin Klein. The Modern Cotton collection (especially the bralettes and high-waisted knickers) is a bestseller and is oh-so comfy and really, really flattering.
- Size range: Bras from 30A-40E and undies from XS-XL.
17. SPANX
Why I love: It may be the OG in the shapewear game, but that's not actually what I love most about SPANX. Alongside their figure-smoothing briefs, control pants, slips and other high-quality undergarments, they stock what is – perhaps – the most comfortable bra of all time: the Bra-Llelujah.
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Meet the experts:
| Zoe Price-Smith | Chief Design and Product Officer at Boux Avenue. |
| Sarah Shotton | Creative Director of Agent Provocateur. |
What should you look for when shopping for lingerie?
Zoe says: “When buying lingerie it's all about personal preference, wearing colours that you are drawn to, and styles that make you feel empowered. When having a bra fit at Boux Avenue, for example, our expert fitters will be able to advise on which style of bra suits your bust; i.e. if you are top-heavy, a balconette style may be better suited for your bust shape.”
Sarah says: “Firstly, look for lingerie that fits well and makes you feel confident. It sounds cliché, but it’s the most important item that you put on everyday – it’s not only your under armour, but it can also be your alter ego – your little bit of you, which nobody needs to know about!”
Some quick signs to spot for a poorly fitting bra:
- Gaping or overflowing cups.
- ‘Double busting’ (think VPL for boobs).
- Straps that dig in or fall down after being adjusted.
- A band that rises up or digs in.
How much should you spend on lingerie?
Sarah says: “As much as you can afford to. Again, it’s about fit and what makes you feel great – you actually can’t put a price on that. It might be an entry-priced everyday bra or something that’s a bit more occasion/couture (and expensive) that you fall in love with, but really think about how and when you want to wear it before buying it.”
Zoe says: “Lingerie is an intimate piece that you wear every day and for the longest period, so you want to ensure you are investing in high-quality separates that will support your bust and, for larger bust women, help alleviate any extra pressure on the back. A great entry point is anything around the £25 mark – like the Padded Microfibre Plunge Bra from Boux Avenue, for example.”
The more intricate the piece the higher the price is likely to be, and the same goes for fabrics; pure silk will set you back more than satin, but it'll likely last you longer and feel more comfortable on your body.
Our guide to buying from the best lingerie brands:
- Know your bra size. Luckily, most of these designers offer tips and tricks on their websites to show you how to measure your bra size and pick something that'll fit like a glove, and lots of them have advisers who you can chat to live on site so you won't necessarily have to go for an IRL bra fitting.
- Buy something you like, and buy it for you. Lingerie is about empowering yourself, it's not there to satisfy others (that's just a benefit).
- Consider which shapes/styles will suit your body. Buy the silhouettes you know you'll wear most and that'll flatter your figure, and, remember, you're not made to fit into clothes they're made to fit you.
- Don't be scared of colour. Have fun with brighter shades under your outfit – its an instant mood booster.
How I tested the best lingerie brands in this guide:
When testing lingerie brands, I score against the following criteria:
- I first consider which category the brand falls into – and therefore how much use I'd get from them.
- Next, I consider the colour and size range. There needs to be choice in size for obvious reasons, and choice in colour to ensure the lingerie either matches your skintone or doesn't show up under your outfit if you don't want it to.
- The next scoring criteria are perhaps obvious. I consider comfort (on first wear and fifth), as well as how effectively the piece appears invisible/seamless under clothes (if I'm planning to wear them under clothes that is…).
- Lastly, I consider how well the brand's pieces wash and whether there are any additional features that made my life easier (think: adjustability or multi-way straps).
In a bid to be more inclusive however, I roped in a fair few colleagues to try a few brands at the same time. I'm a UK size 12 and 6ft tall, so the styles that work for me/I love might not necessarily be everyone else's top picks. We all have such varying tastes and requirements at Glamour, and it's because of that that you'll find a broad range of labels in this round-up – from sexy lingerie brands to practical ones and everything in between. We've tried and tested the majority of them so you don't have to, taking things like fit, wearability, cost and style into consideration while wearing them for a multitude of events (from everyday to date night). Read more about how we test things here.
Why you can trust me/why I've created this guide
I pride myself in knowing about the best lingerie brands, because being a woman myself means I literally wear them day in and day out. It also helps that I've been working at Glamour, a female-empowerment magazine, for over five years now, so it means more to me to practice what I preach. Because of my job, I often get to try new pieces before they launch online, so you'll often hear about what's hot and what's not before it even goes to market.
It's important that women have strong foundations to their outfits and lingerie is the best way to create such. If you're uncomfortable in your underwear, chances are that'll translate throughout the rest of your ensemble and – if you're anything like me – put you in a bad mood for the rest of the day. The lingerie brands I've recommended above are all ones I, or another member of the Glamour team, love and rate – because we don't gatekeep here; every body deserves to look and feel good with size-inclusive/comfortable/flattering styles.
If you're after something a bit more specific, here's where to head:
- 9 of the best bras of all time to fill your underwear drawer with.
- Strapless bras have solved the ancient lingerie dilemma: they're comfy and supportive (no, really).
- These are the best push-up bras that will make you feel so confident.
- The best sleep bras that you'll actually be able to get a good night's kip in.
- These are the dreamiest plus size lingerie sets to treat yourself to RN.
- The best sports bras for support while you work out.
- The best bridal lingerie for after you've said 'yes' to the dress.
- If you've got B-cup boobs or smaller, these are the very best bras for small boobs to try.
- The best bras for big boobs that'll serve up all the support you need.
- 11 mastectomy bras that are supportive, comfortable, pretty and flattering.
For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
