“Lingerie for more than just the bedroom.”
Lingerie has some complex connotations. Historically, it’s been sold as a tool of seduction, tailored to the male gaze—but not any more. Our favorite brands push back against this archaic idea and instead embrace lingerie with an introspective angle. We get to decide what’s sexy, as we’ve explored in a previous feature. Tight or loose, cozy or highly stylized; It’s up to us. Time at home with nowhere to go has created a focus on our relationship to not only what we wear, but what we wear underneath. The process of getting dressed can be playful, erotic, utilitarian, an artistic embodiment. Lingerie embodies the stories we tell ourselves every day. Our own forms become our fantasies in countless practices, slipping into lingerie included. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite lingerie brands, from focuses on sustainability to modern cuts to shapes that flatter every body. Because our own gaze is the one that counts.
Brooklyn Fox
Recommended by Tamara Santibañez
Brooklyn Fox is the place for cult classics carrying brands like Bordelle and Cosabella, and by taking a first look at the webpage, you will simply desire to be adorned by the lace delicacies proposed.
The high waisted Soire Bikini Cosabella undies ($30), or the Chantelle Opera Demi Bra in magenta ($105), are two of many timeless pieces for the body, made of unique transparent laces and materials making the whole endeavor of lingerie look effortless.
Shop collection here
The Great Eros
Recommended by Laura Lombardi, Beverly Nguyen and camille bertrand
Each piece designed by Christina Viviani is a clear vision of a well thought out design process where each collection is curated personally. You can shop by Canova mesh, Forma cotton, Lugano microfiber to name a few different materials, or by styles such as the Sonata Tie Thong, a thong that hasn’t been done by anyone else before. The Great Eros is undergarments comfortable enough to be worn to work during the day, and yet daring so sexy enough to be worn in private too.
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Araks
recommended by Erin Allweiss, Naima Abed
Creating her underwear brand, founder Araks Yeramyan thought of what she would have wanted to wear, cotton underwear which made her feel beautiful and natural. Being effortless and yet elegant with a surprising palette and choice of best italian yarns is exactly what you’ll find chez Araks.
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Dora Larsen
Dora Larsen combines the influence of colors with the practicality of fit. As a brand, they stand behind the statement of buying less and buying better, because shopping more sustainably depends highly on material and quantity! The color palette of the lingerie mixes pastel blues with a bright magenta. The lacy trims of the undies and bras produces an effortless look on the body, appropriate for everyday wear, or just for those special occasions.
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Blush
At Blush, everything is under $50 and the selection is diverse. The options remain more lowkey, but there is absolutely no doubt that something a little quieter can be even more surprising and revealing. There are options for the everyday undergarments, maybe just with a little more oomph than your average panty.
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Myla
recommended by Jameela Jamil
Myla Lingerie’s british inspired approach to intimates is iconic and fresh at the same time. Florals, pastels and playsuits add a hint of quirkiness to the whole, becoming instant mood boosters. You can shop by bras, briefs, suspenders, and bodies, with names like Piccadilly Thong, and Thistle Grove, as if each pair of underwear sort of has its own story to tell.
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Lonely Lingerie
recommended by fariha roisin
New Zealand’s brand Lonely is a love letter to every woman and to what she loves. Fariha Roisin tells us that the underwear Lonely sent to her while in quarantine has helped with focusing on her connection between herself and her body. Lonely inspires intimate moments even if it is just with yourself. The pieces clearly allude to colors of the sea, coral underwire bras and foam green sheer undies.
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Cuup
recommended by Marjon Carlos, nicole steriovski, Sybil Domond, Jenna Saraco and jameela jamil
In 2020 we might have forgot what bras are for. They should make a woman feel good. Cuup, feels like you’re wearing nothing but, provides full support. A made to measure guide is available on their website, and also has the option to book a fitting. All to support you in finding that ‘non-padded, non-minimizing bra. A completely natural, sheer and sexy support system.
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La Perla
recommended by Beverly Nguyen and Jameela Jamil
Italian Lingerie brand La Perla could be called the Ferrari of Lingerie. A black silk satin thong with frastaglio sounds luxurious enough to us. Wear it wherever you want, and yet you’ll feel in a Casanova like libertine Venice. For those looking for more elegance and grace to accompany their sexy lingerie, La Perla serves with class.
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Savage X Fenty
recommended by Annika Hansteen-Izora
It’s designed by Rihanna, as we have may have heard. Fenty puts a major emphasis on body positivity, affordability, and inclusivity. The large selection of styles, patterns, and details along with the affordable price range means you can have options and multiple pairs of your sexiest undergarments. Lingerie made for everyone to have confidence in their own way.
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Agent Provocateur
recommended by Beverly Nguyen and natassia dreams
Last, but surely not least, is the cult and most desirable Soho’s born label, which has long been the beating heart of the London’s counterculture. It was there, in 1994, that Agent Provocateur threw open the doors of its very first boutique. Instantly different, daring, and irreverent, the brand carved out its now notorious fearlessly feminine narrative. It still does, by proposing fits, materials and colors which will instantly inhabit your day (and night) dreaming.
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NOO
French lingerie brand NOO aims for effortlessness, confidence, and sustainability. They’re known for their quality and long-lasting materials. The sheer T-shirts, sheer pleated knickers, or lace bodysuits are made for the everyday lingerie pieces, dainty tops you could easily mix and match with undies from other matching sets.
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Kiki Montparnasse
recommended by Beverly Nguyen, natassia dreams and fariha roisin
Playful and provocative, Kiki de Montparnasse, celebrates intimacy with delicate and contemporary designs. From silk tank tops to matching lace bras and panties, this New York-based lingerie brand is named after model and actress Kiki de Montparnasse, a Parisian icon of the Roaring 1920s. Both the label and its namesake are known for celebrating female forms, so let’s all embrace the Kiki in us with them.
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Words by Amanda Ballerini