Maybe this goes without saying, but lingerie really is some of the most fun you can have with clothing. I completely understand the arguments against: “it’s too expensive,” “why to buy it when you’re just going to take it off,” “I don’t want to buy lingerie for a man,” “my boyfriend barely notices.”
Indeed, my boyfriend does barely notices, but that really isn’t what it’s about. If amazing lingerie makes you feel confident and sexy, that is literally all that matters. I know it doesn’t have the same effect on everyone, but personally, it does make me feel both luxurious and powerful. I’m not even talking about crazy intense corsets and garters (if you like it, go for it), but even just sets that are a step up from your typical daily bra and underwear. Wearing an unnecessarily sexy, lacy, double cup bra to work makes me feel Beyonce-level powerful, and also like I have a secret which is unsurprisingly, very enjoyable.
(Related: 30 Perfectly Legit Reasons To Not Wear A Bra Today)
If you’ve never delved into the world of lingerie and think it might be fun (it is), the time is now! Yes, lingerie is expensive, but if it makes you feel like a badass, it might be worth the investment. It’s also wise to snag something from one of these brands as they’re gaining popularity because the prices are only going to go up from here.
1. Nubian Skin
Oh, the ludicrous concept of the “nude” bra. Considering the widespread use of “nude” to describe a pale pinky peach or beige color, it’s obvious that the lingerie industry has never been known for its diversity. Nubian Skin was created in the hopes to give women of color the nude lingerie options they’ve never had. Their Organic Cotton collection, which comes in four different shades of “nude,” is particularly gorgeous and only about $60. Sizes range from 30 to 40, B through G.
2. Affinitas & Parfait
Between these two sister lines, they cover bra sizes 28 through 40, A through K, and that’s something to celebrate in itself. Then you see how gorgeous the pieces are. Then you realize that you can actually afford it. There is no downside. Go peruse these collections and I all but guarantee you’ll find something you love.
3. AnaOno
I can’t say there’s been another time that lingerie moved me to tears, so here goes. It was the day before her 28th birthday when Dana Donofree was diagnosed with Infiltrative Ductal Carcinoma. With that came a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, grueling rounds of chemo, recovery, and finally, a new body that wouldn’t fit into any of her former bras. A fashion and design graduate from Savannah College of Art and Design, Dana set about creating a lingerie line specifically for women who have had breast cancer-related surgeries. That she certainly did. Oh, and did I mention that all the models are breast cancer survivors and 10% of every purchase goes to breast cancer foundations? Yeah. AnaOno is beautiful in concept, mission, and execution, and it was honestly an honor to meet Dana. Every woman can purchase a gorgeous (and affordable) AnaOno bra and support the cause, so get on it! I know I’m going to.
4. The Giving Bride
Looking for something a bit more bridal? Congratulations! And I’ve got it right here. The Giving Bride was founded by Maggie Gillette in 2012 as a way to combine her two loves: fashion and philanthropy. Most importantly, 10% of Maggie’s proceeds go to an Illinois-based nonprofit dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence. Maggie is clearly passionate about this cause, and her creativity and design prowess will help raise money for A Safe Place for years to come. Because honestly, how ridiculously pretty and girly and shimmery and lacy and OMG-I-WANT is this ensemble? I talked about it on Twitter and I’ll talk about it again: If there is a day in my life when I’m just lounging around my house in this exact outfit, I’ll know I’ve made it.
5. Naja Lingerie
You may have seen Naja designer and CEO Catalina Girald make her pitch on Shark Tank a few weeks ago. She overvalued the company which turned off the investors, but for me, the most telling moment was when Daymond John said, “I don’t think I’ve seen better design.” Color me sold. Girald’s colorful, detailed designs are surprisingly affordable, especially considering that part of each purchase funds her Underwear for Hope program, which empowers and employs single mothers in Colombia. Underwear runs from XS to XL and bras run from 32 to 36, B through DDD.
6. Nevaeh Intimates
This is Old Hollywood-inspired lingerie that is definitely meant to make someone’s jaw drop. By all means, wear it to work, to play, to roam around the house. But this stuff is clearly meant for the bedroom, and sometimes that is exactly what you need. The thing I liked most about Nevaeh was the double-cup bra design, like the one pictured above. They also have some panties coming this spring and summer with the most adorable little cutouts in the back. It’s on the pricier side for the brands on this list, but the pieces were just too stunning to resist. Bra sizes go from 30B to 40D.
7. Relique
True life: this bra alone was enough to make me fall in love with Relique. It’s an incredibly unique design without being over-the-top or completely unwearable. It’s interesting and minimalist at the same time, which is THE holy grail clothing combination as far as I’m concerned. This style is also phenomenal because the double closure lends more support than you would typically get from a soft cup. Comfortable, wearable, and sexy—hello and thank you very much.