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Comfortable undergarments are the building blocks of a wardrobe. When shopping for lingerie, you don’t have to sacrifice style, thanks to a variety of brands that create beautiful lingerie that feels (and looks) good on your body.
In addition, there are plenty of special occasions, weddings, bridal showers, and even birthdays that call for new lingerie for yourself or others. And don’t forget St. Valentine’s Day, when pretty undergarments are as ubiquitous as boxes of chocolate.
Whether you’re searching for a slinky chemise to celebrate cupid or simply want a pretty and supportive bra, we’ve rounded up the best lingerie brands to find what works for your budget, style, and size.
What to consider when shopping for lingerie
Like finding the best swimsuit, shopping for intimate apparel should be fun. Here are some ways to make sure you find the best piece for your body and your budget. Types of lingerie you need or want
Understand all the different types of lingerie available. Start with a set of basic items (bras, panties, slips, or bodysuits), and then build your wardrobe according to season and occasion.
Take your measurements
Make sure you (or better yet, a professional fitter) take your measurements, especially bust. Write down all your sizes before you purchase items online or in brick-or-mortar stores. Just like clothing, lingerie may differ in size depending on the designer.
Make sure you are comfortable
Gone are the days (well, we hope at least) of choosing fashion over comfort. With so many great lingerie designers out there, you can find well-fitting, sexy garments that are a pleasure to wear.
Choose quality if you can afford to
Well-made lingerie in breathable fabrics and materials is always a better choice, even if it comes at a higher price point. Well-made lingerie will last much longer than cheap garments.
Our picks for the best lingerie brands
Best lingerie for Valentine’s Day: ARAKS
We love these Cadel sheer washed silk slips in eye-popping hot pink or ruby red. Made with details like pintucks to shape your waist and flatter your curves, this sexy and subtle slip manages to be sexy without sacrificing comfort. Lingerie and swimwear from ARAKS is locally made in New York with a focus on sustainability. If you are searching for a Valentine for yourself or others, invest in this slip.
Specifications:
- Size range: XS to XXL
- Price range: $100-$400 (slip is $385)
- Shipping: 14 business days
- Return policy: N/A
- What it’s known for: NYC-made upscale designs
What we like:
- Beautiful, classic designs
- Great array of sexy and feminine slips
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
These gorgeous undergarments are expensive but with care will last for years to come.
ARAKS
These gorgeous undergarments are expensive but with care will last for years to come.
Best budget lingerie: Avidlove
This affordable line of lingerie is on Amazon, which means you can purchase cut-out bodysuit, pretty pajamas and sexy slips, plus lacey underthings for intimate moments, for under $30. Bright colors and creative designs for less, and since you are shopping on Amazon, you won’t wait long to stock your lingerie drawer.
Specifications:
- Size range: XS to 5X
- Price range: $13-$30
- Shipping: 2-day with Amazon Prime
- Return policy: N/A
- What it’s known for: Inexpensive lingerie
What we like:
- Affordable
- Great colors in slips
- Size inclusive
What we don’t like:
- Synthetic fabric
The bottom line:
Affordable and brightly colored designs but you get what you pay for, so buy for fun but don’t expect for items to last long.
Avidlove
Affordable and brightly colored designs but you get what you pay for, so buy for fun but don’t expect for items to last long.
Best nightgown lingerie on Amazon: Lu’s Chic Satin Nightgown
This satin slip nightgown is affordable and sexy in its simplicity. We love the range of 11 colors here, like red with black lace, for Valentine’s Day, and for the price (a mere $17.99), you could pick up a few for other holidays too. It’s 100 percent polyester, so if you are looking for vintage silk slips, this isn’t for you, but if you want a pretty long slip in a bold satin color under $20, snap this one up.
Specifications:
- Size range: XS to XL
- Price range: $17.99 for a long satin slip
- Shipping: 2-day with Amazon Prime
- Return policy: N/A
- What it’s known for: Inexpensive lingerie
What we like:
- Affordable
- Love the lace trim
What we don’t like:
- 100 percent polyester
- Only goes up to XL
The bottom line:
An extremely affordable long satin slip nightgown with pretty trim.
Lu's Chic Women's Satin Nightgown Long Silk Lingerie Chemise Lace Camisole V Neck Loungewear Red Small
An extremely affordable long satin slip nightgown with pretty trim.
Best sexy lingerie brand: For Love and Lemons
This female-owned brand initially focused on fashion and expanded post-partnership with Victoria's Secret to create lingerie—specifically, fairytale-esque feminine intimates. For Love and Lemons sells romantic pieces like embroidered thongs and bustiers, pink gingham bra and pantie sets, and floral-trimmed nightgowns. This may be your shop if you love colorful lace and garden flowers. One caveat, according to reviews, is that the sizes run small.
Specifications:
- Size range: XXS to XL
- Price range: $$
- Shipping: 2 to 5 business days
- Return policy: 21 days, and items must be unworn with original tags
- What it’s known for: Ultra-feminine lingerie
What we like:
- Creative, flirty designs
- Affordable options
- Great array of sexy and feminine slips
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t offer a line of plus-size lingerie
- Items reportedly run on the smaller size
The bottom line:
Sizes run on the small size, but this ultra-feminine lingerie is affordable.
Visit For Love and Lemons
Sizes run on the small size, but this ultra-feminine lingerie is affordable.
Best inexpensive lingerie brand: Victoria’s Secret
This may have been your first foray into lingerie as a young woman because you can find this retailer in malls across the country. Pretty, sexy, and affordable bras, panties, bodysuits, cami sets, babydoll nighties, and more are all available at Victoria’s Secret and can be an inexpensive (for the most part) way to build your lingerie wardrobe with quality items. This retailer has a robust selection of signature lingerie in bright, bold colors, patterns, and styles.
Specifications:
- Size range: 30A to 44B (bras) and XS to 4X
- Price range: $$
- Shipping: 6 to 8 business days (standard)
- Return policy: 30 days
- What It’s known for: Being the world’s largest intimates retailer
What we like:
- Wide variety of styles, sizes, and options of lingerie
- Easy to shop online or in brick-and-mortar stores
What we don’t like:
- Lack of specialty sizes
The bottom line:
Easy to shop online or in-stores for affordable basics and special occasion lingerie in a range of styles.
Visit Victoria’s Secret
Easy to shop online or in-stores for affordable basics and special occasion lingerie in a range of styles.
Best luxury lingerie brand: La Perla
La Perla lingerie remains one of the best luxury brands for quality designs that are sexy and sophisticated. La Perla offers a range of lingerie, from lacy bras and peek-a-poo bustiers to racy thongs and garter belts. Stunning satin slips and sultry nightgowns with artistic accents in luxury materials adorn their collection of sexy undergarments. The price tag isn’t for the faint of heart, however: One spectacular silk-lace nightgown goes for over $1600.
Specifications:
- Size range: 30 to 44 (A-F) bra sizes, XXS to XXL (most everything else)
- Price range: $$
- Shipping: N/A
- Return policy: Within 28 days
- What it’s known for: High-end and high-quality lingerie
What we like:
- High-quality materials
- Sexy and sophisticated designs
What we don’t like:
- Extremely expensive
The bottom line:
This high-end lingerie is renowned for its luxurious, sexy and sophisticated designs…and its high prices.
Visit La Perla
This high-end lingerie is renowned for its luxurious, sexy and sophisticated designs…and its high prices.
Best plus size lingerie brand: Glamorise
Support can be sexy with Glamorise’s line of bras from lacy, low-shelf bralettes and satiny front closure ones in bright colors and pretty patterns. Glamorise only sells bras and technically could be considered underwear versus lingerie, but we love the options designed especially for larger busted women.
Specifications:
- Size range: Band sizes 30 to 58, cup size B to K
- Price range: $$ to $$$
- Shipping: 3 to 5 business days (standard)
- Return policy: 40 days
- What it’s known for: Offering a wide range of bras
What we like:
- Great options for fuller busts
- Affordable
What we don’t like:
- Limited to bras
The bottom line:
A one-stop shop for bras with large cup and band sizes, so everyone can find their best fit.
Visit Glamorise
A one-stop shop for bras with large cup and band sizes, so everyone can find their best fit.
Best lingerie brands for petite women: Gooseberry
Bali-based Gooseberry offers 16 collections of intimate apparel, each one with distinct flirty styles, patterns, and colors so you have options for all your lingerie needs. The company is distinct in that its pieces are made-to-order and hand-dyed using local artisans and sourced material from Indonesia.
What stands out: We love Gooseberry’s shorts-as-lingerie apparel sporting cheeky cutouts in Indonesian lace and other materials that are comfortable and look sexy. Its colorful chemises can be worn alone or layered over a lacy bra. Petite shoppers will enjoy the wide range of extra-small sizes and slim cuts. Eco-friendly never looked so sexy.
Specifications:
- Size range: XS to large (in most items)
- Price range: $$ to $$$
- Shipping: N/A - orders are shipped out after two to three days
- Return policy: Free returns within 30 days
- What it’s known for: Offering a wide range of hand-crafted intimate styles, with a special focus on eco-friendly and fair trade practices
What we like:
- Beautiful designs
- Wide selections
- Focused on fair trade
What we don’t like:
- Could offer larger sizes
The bottom line:
Eco-friendly lingerie in handcrafted fabrics and designs like Indonesian lace.
Visit Gooseberry
Eco-friendly lingerie in handcrafted fabrics and designs like Indonesian lace.
Best quality lingerie brand: Intimissimi
This Italian clothing brand of intimate apparel boasts forms with sexy designs made from high-quality materials. Lace, silk, and tulle combine in sexy, intimate pieces of classically beautiful boudoir apparel. Trendy yet with traditional overtones, these pieces will stand the test of time. We love its line of satin nightgowns and lace-trimmed silk slips.
Specifications:
- Size range: XS to XL (34B to 48 B)
- Price range: $$
- Shipping: Three to eight business days ($9.00) standard
- Return policy: 30 days
- What it’s known for: High-quality fabrics and classically sexy styles from Italy
What we like:
- High-quality fabrics
- Subtly sexy designs
- Beautiful nightgowns and slips
What we don’t like:
- You have to pay for standard shipping
The bottom line:
Italian lingerie in subtly sexy designs and styles from satin nightgowns and silk slips.
Visit Intimissimi
Italian lingerie in subtly sexy designs and styles from satin nightgowns and silk slips.
Best lingerie brand for shapewear: Honeylove
Its tagline “where function meets fashion” is right on point. Honeylove is where you’ll find some of the best shapewear, offering comfortable and flattering options in a wide range of sizes. Lingerie is often delicate, which can translate into flimsy without the right design, but here, you’ll find simple intimates that hug your curves without squeezing them. The colors are mainly neutral black, white, and taupe with simple trim, and the selection is limited. For example, you won’t find a red bustier among this shapewear. You will find simple, sexy bodysuits, bras, and underwear for all sizes. We love the navy with black trim Boldness Bodysuit and the sexy lace crossover bra.
Specifications:
- Size range: up to 4XL plus petite and regular fit (depending on the item)
- Price range: $
- Shipping: 5 to 9 (standard) business days
- Return policy: 30 days
- What it’s known for: Functional shapewear for all sizes
What we like:
- Comfortable shapewear
- Size range
What we don’t like:
- If you are looking for trendy, sexy lingerie, this is more form and function than flirty
The bottom line:
Functional, comfortable underwear and shapewear in a wide range of sizes.
Visit Honeylove
Functional, comfortable underwear and shapewear in a wide range of sizes.
Best lingerie brand for panties: Hanky Panky
This company is known for its playful selection of panties in colors, trendy styles and cuts, and a range of sizes. It is also known for building comfort in all of its intimate apparel designs. Hanky Panky panties live up to their name, from “the world’s most comfortable thong” according to HP or a sexy low-slung, cherry red boxer briefs, high-cut bikinis in lace, or up the frisky factor with HP’s selection of crotchless panties and teddies.
Specifications:
- Size range: XS to 3X
- Price range: $25 to $125+
- Shipping: five to 14 business days (standard)
- Return policy: 30 days
- What it’s known for: Fun, flirty, and extremely comfortable intimate apparel and underwear
What we like:
- Great selection of cute, colorful and comfortable lingerie and underwear
- Fun lingerie options from crotchless to lace camisoles
What we don’t like:
- Could take up to 14 days with standard shipping for your items to arrive
The bottom line:
Flirty and colorful lingerie and everyday basics in trendy styles.
Visit Hanky Panky
Flirty and colorful lingerie and everyday basics in trendy styles.
Best lingerie brand for camisole bra tops: Cosabella
Cosabella’s comfortable and sexy camisole bra tops stand out in a sea of sexy lingerie offerings from this well-loved brand. Stretchy, breathable lace fabric in an array of colors should make Cosabella cami tops a staple in every woman’s top drawer. There is a camisole here for every occasion, like curvy deep-V bralettes, black lace halter tops, silk camisoles, and soft everyday lace trimmed options.
Specifications:
- Size range: XS to XL
- Price range: $$
- Shipping: Three to seven business days
- Return policy: 30 days
- What it’s known for: High-quality lingerie, swim, sleep, and loungewear from Europe
What we like:
- Range of camisole options
- High quality materials
What we don’t like:
- Can get expensive
The bottom line:
High-quality swim, sleep, loungewear, and lingerie from Europe that ticks all the boxes.
Visit Cosabella
High-quality swim, sleep, loungewear, and lingerie from Europe that ticks all the boxes.
Best lingerie brand for bras: ThirdLove
Third Love sells beautiful, well-constructed bras that keep your bust comfortable and secure. Pick up its lace plunge bra in a range of colors from black to pale blue, and team it with a lacy thong (also from Third Love) to make a boudoir-worthy set. We love the company’s body positivity message and the wide range of options for larger chest sizes, and its collection of sleepwear is cute and comfortable, too. Shopping tip: ThirdLove also made our list of the best cotton underwear for women.
Specifications:
- Size range: 32 to 44 (band size) (AA to H cup size)
- Price range: $ to $$$
- Shipping: 3 to 7 business days (standard)
- Return policy: 60 days
- What It’s known for: Marketing body positivity
What we like:
- Well-constructed bras in pretty colors
- Wide range of sizes and half-sizes
What we don’t like:
- Would love to see more options for bodysuits
The bottom line:
Pretty bras and underwear in a wide range of sizes from a company known for marketing body positivity.
Visit ThirdLove
Pretty bras and underwear in a wide range of sizes from a company known for marketing body positivity.
Best lingerie brand for special occasions: Agent Provocateur
Sexy and oh-so-irresistible Agent Provocateur lingerie can turn any night (or day) into a special occasion. You will definitely be provocatively stunning in any of these pieces. We love the wide range of edgy-meets-sexy lingerie, like lacey thongs, sheer bodysuits, peek-a-poo bodysuits, and sexy knickers and suspender sets. These intimates may look delicate, but they are high-quality and well-constructed garments that will last.
Specifications:
- Size range: 30A to 38G (bras); XS to XL
- Price range: $$ to
- Shipping: 5 to 7 days (standard)
- Return policy: 28 days
- What it’s known for: High-quality garments
What we like:
- The wide range of apparel and its one-of-kind collections like “black lace” and “bridal,” and “everyday” wear.
What we don’t like:
- Very expensive
The bottom line:
Known for its provocative and sexy lingerie and one-of-kind collections, this brand is expensive, but many customers say the quality warrants the price.
Visit Agent Provocateur
Known for its provocative and sexy lingerie and one-of-kind collections, this brand is expensive, but many customers say the quality warrants the price.
Best lingerie brand for everyday basics: Lively
Pick up cute boy shorts and briefs, bras, and bralettes at Lively. This popular, size-inclusive brand is well-known for its supportive yet sexy undergarments in pretty colors that lift and shape without constriction. Plus, you can pick up matching panties for these pretty bras. While you won’t find suspenders and corsets here, you can buy your basics, plus comfortable robes and jumpsuits for when you want to lounge around in your lingerie.
Specifications:
- Size range: 32DD to 42 DDD and XXS to XXXL
- Price range: $12 and up
- Shipping: 7 to 10 business days
- Return policy: 30 days
- What it’s known for: A size-inclusive collection of bras
What we like:
- Size inclusivity
- Wide range of colors and styles (in bras and panties)
- Affordable
What we don’t like:
- Would love to see more patterns
The bottom line:
A popular, size-inclusive brand is well-known for its supportive yet sexy undergarments in pretty colors that lift and shape without constriction.
Visit Lively
A popular, size-inclusive brand is well-known for its supportive yet sexy undergarments in pretty colors that lift and shape without constriction.
How we selected the best lingerie brands
We left no underwear drawer unopened, metaphorically speaking, to take a deep dive into quality lingerie brands. We considered everything from the variety, sizes, comfort, prices, returns and shipping policies, plus ratings and reviews. We also asked our fashionista friends and colleagues, both near and far, about where they love to shop for lingerie and why.
What are the different types of lingerie?
There are many different types of lingerie. The main pieces of a lingerie wardrobe usually include but are not limited to panties (thongs, for example), bras, bodysuits, slips, garters and suspenders, sheer stockings, camisoles, and bralettes.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How should I store my lingerie?
Hang up slips and gowns using padded hangers or ones with notches to keep slinky straps from slipping off. Consider keeping stockings, garters, and belts together (if they are sets), and consider using drawer dividers to house bras and underwear separately. Some people like to store special undergarments in mesh or other small bags.
How should I wash my lingerie?
Most lingerie should be hand-washed with gentle detergent, especially if it’s made from silk, satin, or lace. Let garments soak for up to 30 minutes and then rinse items thoroughly.
Many everyday bras and panties may be machine washable, preferably in a mesh laundry bag on delicate, and then (ideally) hang items dry. Always read the directions on the labels before tossing anything into a washing machine or dryer.
What is the difference between lingerie and underwear?
Underwear usually refers to the more functional undergarments like bras and bikini briefs and lingerie is usually casts a wider net to include not only bras and panties but also chemises, slips, stockings and suspenders, and pieces created with a specific aesthetic (often sexy, romantic or flirty).
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