How to Choose Lingerie You'll Actually Want to Wear.

August 15, 2026

How to Choose Lingerie You'll Actually Want to Wear

There is lingerie you buy because it looks beautiful.

And then there is lingerie you actually reach for.

The best pieces should be both.

I've never believed beautiful lingerie needs to be saved for a particular date, dress or person. A great set can be completely unseen and still change the way you carry yourself. But if something is uncomfortable, doesn't feel like you, or requires endless adjusting, it will eventually find its way to the back of the drawer.

So before choosing your next set, forget the idea that there is one type of lingerie you should wear.

Start with you.

1. Decide how you want to feel

This is where I would begin.

Not with cup shape. Not with colour. Not even with size.

Ask yourself what you want from the piece.

Maybe you want something soft and effortless enough to wear on an ordinary Tuesday.

Perhaps you're looking for something dramatic.

Maybe elegant.

Minimal.

Playful.

Or unapologetically seductive.

There isn't a correct answer.

Your lingerie drawer can contain different versions of you, and that's part of the fun.

If you're buying your first beautiful set, however, I would avoid choosing something purely because it looks spectacular on a model. Look for something that still feels recognisably yours.

You'll wear it more.

2. Start with the silhouette

Once you know the mood, think about shape.

A soft bralette creates a very different feeling from a structured underwired bra. A high-waisted brief changes the silhouette again. Bodies, preferences and outfits are different, so don't assume that the style everyone else is wearing is automatically the right one for you.

A few places to start:

Bralettes

Soft, relaxed and easy to wear.

I like them when comfort matters, but I still want something more interesting than everyday basics.

Underwired bras

A good choice when you prefer more structure, shaping or support.

The important word here is good. Underwire shouldn't mean spending the entire day waiting to take your bra off.

High-waisted briefs

Elegant, slightly vintage and wonderful with the right set.

They can also create a beautifully balanced silhouette when paired with a delicate bra or bralette.

Thongs and minimal briefs

Useful when you want fewer visible lines beneath clothing or simply prefer a more minimal style.

Bodysuits

One of my favourites because they cross the line between lingerie and clothing.

Wear one privately, under tailoring, beneath a sheer blouse or with high-waisted trousers and suddenly the same piece has an entirely different personality.

The rule?

Choose the silhouette you enjoy wearing rather than the one you think you're expected to enjoy.

3. Think about fabric

Fabric changes everything.

Lace

Romantic, intricate and timeless.

But not all lace feels the same. If you're sensitive to texture, look for softer lace and pay attention to the areas that sit directly against the skin.

Mesh

Lighter, cleaner and often more contemporary.

Black mesh in particular can look striking without needing complicated decoration.

Satin

Smooth, luxurious and beautifully reflective under low light.

It's especially effective for slips, camisoles and pieces where movement is part of the appeal.

And you don't need to choose just one.

Some of the most interesting lingerie combines textures—lace against mesh, satin with sheer panels, or something delicate contrasted with stronger straps and hardware.

4. Don't underestimate colour

Yes, I have an obvious weakness for black.

This is Lara Noir, after all.

Black lingerie is easy to return to because it can be understated, dramatic, elegant or provocative depending entirely on the design.

But don't let black become a rule.

Deep wine, ivory, emerald, midnight blue and softer neutrals can completely change the mood of the same silhouette.

If you're building a lingerie collection from scratch, though, I would usually start with one beautiful black set.

It earns its place.

Then experiment.

5. Fit matters more than the label

A beautiful design becomes considerably less beautiful when you're constantly adjusting it.

Your lingerie should sit securely without feeling punishing.

Watch for straps that repeatedly fall, bands that ride upwards, cups that gape or dig in, and briefs that constantly shift position.

And don't become emotionally attached to a particular number or letter on the label.

Sizing can vary between styles and manufacturers. What matters is how the piece actually fits you.

When in doubt, check the individual product sizing information rather than automatically ordering the same size you've always bought.

6. Consider what you'll wear it with

Lingerie doesn't exist in isolation.

Think about your wardrobe.

A smooth bra may disappear underneath a fitted dress.

A lace bralette can deliberately appear beneath an oversized shirt.

A bodysuit can become part of an evening outfit.

A beautiful black bra underneath a slightly sheer blouse changes the lingerie from something hidden into part of the styling.

Sometimes the most useful question isn't:

"What will I wear underneath this?"

It's:

"What could I wear over it?"

7. Buy for your real life

This might be my most important rule.

Don't create a lingerie drawer for an imaginary version of your life.

If you love elaborate pieces, buy them.

But if most mornings involve getting dressed quickly for work, you'll probably appreciate beautiful pieces that are comfortable enough for the real world too.

The ideal collection has both.

Everyday pieces that don't feel ordinary.

And a few pieces that exist purely because they're wonderful.