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Best lingerie for women: our favourite wearable and flattering underwear
From sexy lace sets to comfy briefs and strapless bras, we've highlighted the best lingerie styles that are sure to make you feel your very best.
By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated Jan 19, 2022
The right underwear can make all the difference to an outfit. From giving you support and lift at the bust to streamlining your curves and keeping you comfy, it can change the way you feel in an instant. Let’s face it, no one wants to spend the day in a scratchy pair of knickers and an ill-fitting bra. That’s why we've taken to the forums to seek out top lingerie recommendations from Mumsnetters to ensure you only add the good stuff to your underwear drawer.
From sexy pieces to everyday underwear sets that are as pretty as they are comfortable and available in a wide range of sizes for every body shape, we've rounded up the best lingerie to buy in 2022.
Here are the best bras, briefs and sets to buy this year.
1. Best overall lingerie set: Rosie Silk & Lace Set, M&S
Price: £28 (bra), £14 (briefs) | Buy now from M&S
"M&S is my go to. The Rosie HW range is beautiful" - recommended by Mumsnet user, stalachtiteorstalagmite
"Another vote here for the Rosie range" - seconded by Mumsnet user, Happylan
"I also rate the M&S Rosie range. The more expensive M&S ones are worth getting" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, MargosKaftan
Is there a Mumsnetter in the land that doesn't have an item of M&S underwear in their knicker drawer? A dependable go-to for comfy everyday separates, M&S also sells a range of pretty lingerie sets and the pieces designed by English model, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are extremely popular on the forums. We love this silk and lace balcony bra with its vintage-inspired floral print and lace trim. There are a bunch of different bra and brief styles to choose from within the same range so you stock up on different combos to suit different occasions.
Need to know
- From 30A to 42E
- Non padded
- Wired with added stretch
- 43% polyamide, 35% silk, 13% polyester, 9% elastane
- Vintage-inspired lace trim
2. Best lace briefs: Iris & Lilly Women's Lace Cheeky Hipster, Pack of 3
Price: £10 (pack of three) | Buy now from Amazon
"Iris and Lilly on Amazon are good" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Doughnutdiva
"Amazon’s Iris and Lily brand knickers are very good" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, Suprima
Made from sheer stretch lace, these hipster shorts are comfy and classy and at £10 for a pack of three, they look far more luxurious than the price point might suggest. The scalloped edge means that you don't have to contend with a VPL under clothing and the low rise cut means they stay hidden under mid-rise trousers. They wash well so they're good for daily wear.
Need to know
- Hipster short style
- Scalloped lace edge
- Machine washable
- 91% polyamide, 9% elastane
3. Best strapless bra: Fiercely Sexy Balcony Bra
Price: £34 | Buy now from Ann Summers
Named the Fiercely Sexy Strapless Balcony Bra, you’d be forgiven for thinking this popular Ann Summers’ style was just for special occasions – or for times when you want to feel, well, fiercely sexy.
But on closer inspection, you’ll find that it’s as versatile as it is pretty. The straps are detachable so it can be worn as either a full bra or a strapless style, and has padded, underwired cups that enhance your cleavage, making it great as a shapewear option too.
It’s also beautifully detailed with an applique eyelash trim, floral lace and sequin embellishments and cascading jewelled charms. We think it makes a lovely everyday choice as well as an extra-special option when teamed with the matching briefs.
Need to know
- Removable shoulder straps
- Hook-and-eye fastening
- Matching lingerie available
- Available in ivory and sizes 32A to 38G
4. Best push up bra: Aubade Women's Push Up Bra
Price: From £25 | Buy now from Amazon
"My favourite is Aubade, they are just so beautiful, last forever and definitely machine washable!" - recommended by Mumsnet user, grapefruitish
"Aubade is a nice French brand. Very classy" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, Gonnagetgoing
There's a lot of love for Parisian underwear brand, Aubade on the Mumsnet forums. Beautifully made in France, the pretty bras, briefs and basques feature delicate lacework and are designed to enhance your silhoutte. This push up bra has a plunging neckline with a scalloped edge to accentuate your cleavage. While many push up bras are padded and bulky, this dainty option features cherry blossom embroidery and would make a luxurious addition to your lingerie stash.
Need to know
- Plunging neckline
- Scalloped edges
- 76% polyamide, 24% elastane
- Adjustable straps
- Hand wash recommended (or place in a wash bag at 30 degrees)
5. Best lace lingerie set: Timeless Affair Plunge Bra and Brazilian Briefs
Price: £15 (bra), £6 (briefs) | Buy now from Ann Summers
"I find their lace padded bras really comfortable and they fit me very well. The matching briefs are also comfy and don't dig in or create unflattering lumps and bumps on the hips! I also like that they are both sexy and ‘everyday" - reviewed by a Mumsnet user
If you want to update your lingerie collection with just a few pieces, you can’t go wrong with a classic lace set. Ann Summers’ Timeless Affair Plunge Bra and Brazilian Briefs rated highly on our list due to their balance of comfort and prettiness.
The briefs, for instance, have a full design with a high – but not too high – waist and a delicate lace construction. A little cut-out at the back adds a signature touch of Ann Summers sexiness.
The matching plunge bra is equally wearable with underwired, padded cups that sculpt a great cleavage. In short, it’s the ideal everyday set.
Need to know
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Hook and eye fastening
- 60% Polyamide, 32% Polyester, 8% elastane; foam cup: 100% Polyurethane; cup lining: 100% Polyester
- Available in four colours and sizes 32A to 44H
6. Best bra for large breasts: Glamorise Women's MagicLift Support Classic Bra
Price: £12 | Buy now from Amazon
"I'm a J cup and love the Glamorise bras, I can't wear underwired ones but their nonwired bras really do give exceptional support and comfort" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, AtopAHighHill
With padded straps and a crisscross design for sturdy support, this Glamorise bra is a popular choice for women with large breasts. It features a cushioned band rather than uncomfortable wiring and is available in sizes up to 56J. Supportive, non-wired designs can often look like functional sports bras but this range comes in flattering colours like mocha, blush and burgundy and the subtle lacework adds a pretty touch.
Need to know
- Non-wired
- Cushioned band provides lift and support
- 50% polyamide, 40% polyester, 10% elastane
- Machine wash
- Hook and eye fastening
7. Best lingerie for a small bust: Sexy Lace Push Up Extreme Boost Bra
Price: £18 | Buy now from Ann Summers
"Ann Summers bras are the only ones I wear at the minute because they're cheap, comfortable and wash well" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Trinpy
For smaller cup sizes, Ann Summers’ Sexy Lace Push Up Extreme Boost Bra is top of our list. It’s just been re-released with a new and improved fit with gradual padding that offers twice the cleavage boost, and a wider single strap for more lift and support.
While you may not want this kind of push-up look every day, we think it’s a great option for wearing beneath more form-fitting dresses and tops when you want to enhance your silhouette.
Need to know
- Hook-and-eye fastening at the back
- Wider adjustable shoulder straps
- Gradually padded and underwired cups for the perfect push-up effect
- Cup shell: 87% Polyamide and 13% Elastane; wing: 78% polyamide and 22% elastane; Cup lining: 100% polyester, excluding trims
- Available in three colours and sizes 30B to 38DD
8. Best designer bra: Savage X Fenty Mesh Strappy Bralette
Price: £30 | Buy now from Amazon
"I've bought Savage X Fenty knickers and bras - the quality is wonderful. I love the colours and designs. I've got the bralettes which are really good quality and fit" - recommended by Mumsnet user, bingohandjob
When she's not standing under an umbrella or launching new lipsticks, Rihanna is designing lingerie for her underwear brand, Savage X Fenty. Featuring bras, knickers, sets and bdoysuits, the inclusive range is designed to suit a range of shapes, sizes and skin tones. It's hugely popular with teens so if you're looking for a pressie for your DD, you may want to consider a piece from this range. We love this strappy bralette which combines a sassy style and a comfortable fit.
Need to know
- Non-wired with sheer mesh cups
- Front closure with a strappy back
- 88% nylon, 12% elastane
- Buckle fastening
- Hand wash cold
9. Best lingerie for curvy women: The Hero Full Support Non-Padded Bra
Price: £34 | Buy now from Ann Summers
“Ann Summers is somewhere that has a selection of ‘nicer’ products at a more purse-friendly price so why not?” - Mumsnet user
The Hero Full Support Non-Padded Bra is all about the fit, and designed to enhance and support beautiful curves.
Part of the Hero Collection, it’s made from a delicate red floral Ciré embroidery and sheer mesh, designed with underwired cups that are sculpted with flexible boning and a soft underband.
This style caters for up to a 44H cup so it’s a great option for the bigger busted.
Need to know
- Non-padded
- Underwired, flexible boning
- Embroidery: 100% Polyester; mesh: 63% Polyamide and 37% Elastane
- Available in red and sizes 32DD to 44H
10. Best sexy lingerie: The Limelight Bra
Price: £26 | Buy now from Ann Summers
Whether you’re planning a date night, a just-for-you night or simply want to give yourself a boost, it can be nice to have a piece or two of sexy lingerie in your drawer.
We think The Limelight Bra hits the mark with its delicate lace frame design and exposed satin boning that leaves just the right amount to the imagination. In addition to being a pretty in design, it’s also a really beautifully crafted piece of lingerie – the kind you’d be thrilled about if you were given it as a gift.
On first glance, you might be a bit confused as to how it fits (it took our Mumsnet tester a few goes to master it), but the model shots on the Ann Summers website show that it’s not as complicated as you may think, with underwired quarter cups covered by an eyelet-secured sheer overlay.
Sizes range from extra small (dress size 4 to 6) to extra-large (dress size 26 to 28) so it’s designed to look great on a wide range of body shapes. Music to our ears.
Need to know
- Underwired quarter cups
- Eyelet fastenings at front overlay
- Lace: 100% Polyamide; mesh: 96% Polyester and 4% Elastane
- Available in extra small to extra large
How to choose the best lingerie for you
It can be very easy to let your underwear collection fall to the wayside, sticking to the same old bras and pants that you’ve had on rotation for years.
But, once you update it with a piece or two of beautiful lingerie, you’ll remember very quickly just how good a set of new underpinnings can make you look and feel.
Start by thinking about what kind of lingerie you want. Do you want to feel sexier, better supported or more comfortable? Or are you specifically looking for a bra that will boost your confidence with an enhanced cup size, or bring some excitement to date night?
How important is the fit?
First things first, it’s really important that you go and get measured properly before investing in a new bra.
It’s thought that around 90% of British women are wearing the wrong size which can be easily rectified by a quick appointment to a store. Shops like M&S, Bravissimo and John Lewis offer online services, guidance and bra size calculators.
You can spend a fortune on new underwear but if it doesn’t fit you correctly, you’ll never get the end result you want.
What style of bra will suit your body shape?
There's a huge range of bra styles on offer including plunge, balconette, underwired, non-underwired and padded, and the type you choose is totally down to personal preference and the look you’re going for. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your chosen style and that it makes you feel good while supporting you correctly.
What should you look for when choosing briefs?
Whether you favour a barely-there thong or a full pair of high-waisted briefs, comfort should always be key when choosing new pants.
The truth is, if you go for anything that digs in, makes you itch or leaves marks, you’ll just stop wearing them (we’re looking at you scratchy red Valentine’s pants that live at the back of the drawer).
So, look for soft, breathable fabrics and flattering shapes that will make you feel good without resulting in a trip to the chemist.
What’s the best lingerie to buy?
You can't go wrong with an M&S lingerie purchase and Mumsnetters rave about the Rosie Huntington Whiteley range for its variety of styles and pretty designs, making it the top buy on our lingerie list.