From frilly and lace sets, to practical and comfortable underwear, lingerie is a universal wardrobe essential – it is, after all, your first layer each day. Whatever your relationship status, there is something undeniably indulgent about a brand-new set, whether you’re buying it as a treat to yourself or as a present for a partner. Thankfully, the best lingerie brands cater for everyone.
From wired to non-wired, cupped to mesh or cotton, the best set for you is entirely down to personal preference. Some prefer skimpy silhouettes, while others look to elasticated waistbands and generous brief styles that still offer some support. Classic red pieces are perfect for special occasions, while black, beige and white lend to everyday wear.
The lingerie world is brimming with brands for every taste, budget, shape and size – from fuller-bust bras to flattering small-cup silhouettes. Beyond reliable favourites such as Boux Avenue, Pour Moi and M&S, the high street has upped its game with more size-inclusive options that don’t scrimp on style (Asos, New Look and Next are all pleasingly affordable).
Others, such as Dora Larsen, Fruity Booty, Stripe & Stare and Nudea, have embraced the need for more functional lingerie, growing a loyal following for their flattering sets that are still supportive and comfortable.
Here, I’ve rounded up all the best lingerie shops and retailers to know, from affordable favourites to luxury labels.
Read more: A fashion writer’s guide to the best high street clothing shops
Best online lingerie shops in the UK
Skims
Skims has become synonymous with sculpting lingerie. Its founder, Kim Kardashian, consistently goes viral for her bold launches, be it a nipple bra, butt-lift pants or knickers with hair (yes, really). But beyond the headlines, its lingerie is truly great. Designed with buttery soft fabrics with form-flattering silhouettes, its underwear offers everyday comfort, while smoothing, sculpting and lifting at the same time. What more could you want?
Skims teardrop T-shirt bra
Buy now £68, Skims.com
Skims unlined demi bra
Buy now £37, Skims.com
Skims unlined scoop bra
Buy now £58, Skims.com
Skims brief
Buy now £24, Skims.com
Boux Avenue
Boux Avenue has long been a go-to on the British high street. Stocking everything from cosy nightwear to swimwear, loungewear and more, it’s bestsellers include the Mollie bra and various red sets. You can turn to the brand for just about every occasion, whether you want a sexy set, a trusty two-piece or cosy, comfortable separates. It won’t fail you.
Boux Avenue Faye spot mesh balconette bra
Buy now £40, Bouxavenue.com
Boux Avenue Evangeline embroidered balconette bra
Buy now £45, Bouxavenue.com
Boux Avenue padded microfibre plunge t-shirt bra
Buy now £25, Bouxavenue.com
Boux Avenue Veronique sheer lace balconette bra
Buy now £40, Bouxavenue.com
Dora Larsen
Dora Larsen is a firm favourite for mood-boosting sets that don’t compromise on comfort or wearability. From its pretty tulle sets to organic cotton everyday underwear, the brand’s styles are a standout additions to any lingerie collection. Its sensual sets are designed with everyday wearability in mind – there’s a reason why Dora Larsen is one of the most covetable lingerie brands around. Catering to a huge range of body shapes and sizes, these beautiful designs are far from mass-produced.
Dora Larsen Ruben lace padded triangle bralette
Buy now £56, Doralarsen.com
Dora Larsen Eira lace and tulle underwire bra
Buy now £68, Doralarsen.com
Dora Larsen tove floral lace underwire bra
Buy now £68, Doralarsen.com
Dora Larsen Astra floral lace strapless bra
Buy now £70, Doralarsen.com
Pour Moi
Pour Moi is a go-to for everything from everyday basics to luxury-looking sets, all at an affordable price point. Ranging in bra sizes from 32A to 40J, there’s something to suit almost everyone and no short supply of vibrant colours to subtle shades. Suspender belts, stockings, bikinis and nightwear are also available, making it a one-stop-shop for everything that can be included in your underwear drawer.
Pour Moi Sofia lace embroidered side support bra
Buy now £36, Pourmoi.co.uk
Pour Moi Fleur lightly padded high apex underwired bra
Buy now £28, Pourmoi.co.uk
Pour Moi Sofia Embroidered Full Coverage Lightly Padded T-Shirt Bra
Buy now £34, Pourmoi.co.uk
Pour Moi St Tropez full cup bra
Buy now £30, Pourmoi.co.uk
Intimissimi
Specialising in premium-looking pieces without the luxury price tag, Italian label Intimissimi counts the likes of Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid among its fans. Stocking both men’s and women’s underwear, the brand is best known for its lace triangle bras, seasonal sets and bodysuits, all in beautiful fabrics and silhouettes.
Lounge
With soft cotton sets, delicate lace styles and seamless T-shirt bras, Lounge is kitting out your lingerie drawer for every occasion. The brand’s signature lace sets are perfect for Valentine’s Day or special occasions, but printed and pretty underwear packs offer stellar value for money. Fuller-bust options are also available (up to 40E/F), making the brand accessible to a wider range of shapes and sizes.
Lounge Marcelina Intimates Set
Buy now £90, Lounge.com
Lounge Adorn Balcony Bra
Buy now £40, Lounge.com
Lounge Rêve Balcony Bra
Buy now £40, Lounge.com
Lounge Days of the Week Thongs
Buy now £40, Lounge.com
Calvin Klein
The enduring appeal of Calvin Klein’s lingerie lies in their subtle sexiness, embodied in the brand’s monochrome ads reaching back to Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg’s iconic 1990s campaign. Proving that there’s nothing sexier than a pair of #Mycalvins, the name is synonymous with underwear. It doesn’t get more classic than the white colourway of the bralette and matching thong, with the well-crafted cotton design a must-have in your lingerie collection.
Calvin Klein demi T-shirt bra
Buy now £40, Calvinklein.co.uk
Calvin Klein unlined triangle bralette
Buy now £35, Calvinklein.co.uk
Calvin Klein Bikini Briefs
Buy now £23, Calvinklein.co.uk
Calvin Klein 5 Pack Low Rise Bikini Briefs
Buy now £65, Calvinklein.co.uk
Best high street lingerie
Asos
With underwear from as little as £6 and bras starting from £10, Asos is a one-stop-shop for budget lingerie. But it’s pieces don’t scrimp on style: think mesh polka dot sets or statement leopard print designs. A great spot to pick up seamless T-shirt bras and simple thongs, the pieces
Asos deisgn fuller bust Ella
Buy now £22, Asos.com
ASOS DESIGN Robbie lace cut out longline bra in red
Buy now £16, Asos.com
ASOS DESIGN moulded non wired padded bra
Buy now £22, Asos.com
ASOS DESIGN Fuller Bust Lola lace underwired bra in forest green
Buy now £18, Asos.com
M&S
M&S has been synonymous with lingerie for a century. The stalwart remains a go-to for bra fittings, while its huge collection of underwear really does have something for everyone. Be it the new sculpting, invisible and seamless ‘Body’ line that rival Kim Kardashian’s Skims, or its £10 cup bras, £12 lace bralettes or multipack knickers, affordable prices combine in high-quality styles (think anti-odour or antibacterial technology, and cotton gussets).
M&S embrace embroidered wired full cup bra
Buy now £22, Marksandspencer.com
M&S Ida Lace Wired Plunge Bra
Buy now £15, Marksandspencer.com
M&S the Demi cup bra
Buy now £24, Marksandspencer.com
Marks & Spencer Jasmine lace non wired maternity nursing bra
Buy now £10, Marksandspencer.com
New Look
Matching the purse-friendly prices of its trend-led fashion, the high street label New Look is a stellar spot to stock up on affordable underwear. Pants are £3.99 and bras start from £12, with various styles available – from invisible thongs and lace bralettes to embroidered high waisted knickers. The brand also stocks Ann Summers and Nude Intimates (the latter is great for stick-on and backless pieces, and nipple covers).
New Look White Floral Lace Thong
Buy now £5.99, Newlook.com
New Look Blue Floral Lace Thong
Buy now £7.99, Newlook.com
New Look Brown Non Padded Triangle Microfibre Bralette
Buy now £9.99, Newlook.com
New Look Oatmeal Rib Lace Thong
Buy now £6.99, Newlook.com
Next
In addition to its core line, Next stocks lingerie labels including Victoria's Secret, Pour Moi, Boux Avenue, Spanx, Calvin Klein and Chantelle, so you’re bound to find a set to suit. Among the literally hundreds of lingerie pieces to browse through, the British brand sells handy sets of bras and knickers in black, neutral and white finishes, with fuller bust options available. Packs start from £28, offering great value for money.
Next 3 Pack Non Padded Full Cup Bras
Buy now £38, Next.co.uk
Next firm tummy control wear your own bra slip
Buy now £19, Next.co.uk
Next White DD+ Non-Padded Strapless & Multiway Bra
Buy now £16, Next.co.uk
Next Praline Nude DD+ Non-Padded Minimise Strapless & Multiway Bandeau Bra
Buy now £22, Next.co.uk
Best luxury lingerie
I.D. Sarrieri
Luxury-lingerie-lovers, let us introduce you to I.D. Sarrieri. These beautiful pieces are rather pricey, sitting around the £100 to £200 mark, yet are sure to satisfy those with expensive tastes. Handmade by a team of 10, the attention to detail is unmatched.
I.D. Sarrieri Padded Push Up Bra in Camel
Buy now £225, Sarrieri.com
I.D. Sarrieri Gia Balconette Bra in Black
Buy now £115, Sarrieri.com
I.D. Sarrieri Love Potion Balconette Bra in Black
Buy now £225, Sarrieri.com
I.D. Sarrieri Parisian Mystique Underwired Triangle Bra in Teal
Buy now £225, Sarrieri.com
Ann Summers
Ann Summers needs little introduction. Founded in the 1970s, it was the first brand to bring sex toys to the British high street. The stalwart remains a giant in the lingerie world, especially when looking for sexy separates for Valentine’s Day. From heart-embroidered silky sets to crotchless thongs, suspenders, bodysuits and more, it’s a one-stop shop for your collection.
Ann Summers Hold Me Tight Lace Lingerie Body
Buy now £30, Annsummers.com
Ann Summers Tangerine Dream Padded Plunge Bra
Buy now £24, Annsummers.com
Ann Summers Sexy Lace Two Tone Padded Plunge Bra
Buy now £18, Annsummers.com
Ann Summers sexy lace thong - White/Lilac
Buy now £9, Annsummers.com
Agent Provocateur
Few brands do Valentine’s Day quite like Agent Provocateur, as the brand has a designated range each year solely for the big day. Think love hearts, feathers, sheer fabrics, robes and lace, as well as role-playing costumes. The label’s pieces are always glamorous and decadent – they might not be a set for everyday use, but you’re sure to reach for it well beyond Valentine’s Day.
Agent Provocateur Mercy Corset
Buy now £495, Agentprovocateur.com
Agent Provocateur Lorna Plunge Underwired Bra
Buy now £115, Agentprovocateur.com
Agent Provocateur Mariann Balconette Underwired Bra
Buy now £195, Agentprovocateur.com
Agent Provocateur Molly plunge Underwired Bra
Buy now £200, Agentprovocateur.com
Gilda & Pearl
This is another perfect pick for luxury lingerie lovers – it excels especially with bridal lingerie and Valentine’s Day designs. It’s another pricey pick, which, for material girls, only makes it more appealing, and is sure to make a perfect present for one sexy surprise. My favourite pieces are the ribbon-tied sets, all of which are made in the UK.
Gilda & Pearl Rita Sheer Leavers Lace Bra
Buy now £110, Gildapearl.co.uk
Gilda & Pearl Ava Boudoir Bra
Buy now £170, Gildapearl.co.uk
Gilda & Pearl Diana Soft Bra
Buy now £195, Gildapearl.co.uk
Gilda & Pearl Harlow Gold Lace Boudoir Bra
Buy now £170, Gildapearl.co.uk
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
As a senior shopping writer at The Independent, Daisy specialises in reviewing clothing, so she knows what makes a worthwhile investment. Keeping an eye out for comfortable and durable materials, she knows the brands to turn to for high-quality, flattering designs while still keeping budget and everyday wearability in mind.
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