Best lingerie for women, as recommended by Mumsnet users

The right lingerie 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 20223

Here are the best lingerie, bras, briefs and sets to buy this year, according to Mumsnetters

Still in need of wardrobe essentials? We've got roundups of the best shapewear, best swimsuits and the best tights for you that are all tried and tested by real women, too.

Best lingerie for women: a quick glance

• Best overall lingerie set: M&S Rosie Lunaria Bra & Knickers, £45

• Best lace briefs: Iris & Lilly Women's Lace Cheeky Hipster, £10

• Best padded lingerie bra: Sexy Lace Planet Padded Plunge Bra, £15

• Best push up bra: Aubade Women's Push Up Bra, from £44

• Best lace lingerie set: Tivoli Mesh Wired Full Cup Bra Sets, £36

• Best bra for large breasts: Glamorise Women's MagicLift Support Classic Bra, from £32

• Best lingerie for a small bust: Ann Summers Sexy Lace Planet Moulded Boost Bra, £20

• Best designer lingerie set: Savage X Fenty Mesh Strappy Bralette, £85

• Best lingerie for curvy women: The Hero Full Support Non-Padded Bra, £36

• Best sexy lingerie body: The Hold Me Tight Body, from £13

1. Best overall lingerie set: M&S Rosie Lunaria Bra & Knickers

RRP on writing: £30 (bra), £15 (knickers) | Buy now from M&S

Key specs

Size: 6-20 | Material: Cotton blend

What we like

• Brazilian style sits comfortably on the hips

• Great variation in size

• Lacy details

What we don’t like

• Could be a more neutral colour

What Mumsnet users say:

"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

Our verdict

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. 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. We particularly love this silk one set with a floral print, complemented by lace trims.

It's worth noting though, that the bra and knickers are sold separately (not as a set).

2. Best lace briefs: Iris & Lilly Women's Lace Cheeky Hipste

RRP on writing: £10 (pack of three) | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Size: 8 - 20 | Material: Stretch lace | Colour: Black, red, white, tan, navy, beige

What we like

• Lots of colours to choose from

• Reasonably priced

• invisible beneath mid-rise trousers

What we don’t like

• A little bit low rise

What Mumsnet users say:

"Iris and Lilly on Amazon are good" - recommended by MNer Doughnutdiva

"Amazon’s Iris and Lily brand knickers are very good" - as loved by Mumsnet user Suprima

Our verdict

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, too!

3. Best padded bra: Sexy Lace Planet Padded Plunge Bra

RRP on writing: £15 | Buy now from Ann Summers

Key specs

Size: 30A to 44G | Material: Lace blend | Colour: Black, white, red, neon green, blue, green, nude 03, nude 04

What we like

• Lots of colours to choose from

• Padded for extra cleavage

• Lots of sizes available

• That sexy Ann Summers feeling!

What we don’t like

• Slightly confusing new sizing system

Our verdict

For everyday prices, this bra from Ann Summers offers a stylish and supportive option to wear during the day or at night time for when you want to get 'in the mood'. With loads of colours to choose from and plenty of sizing options, you’re sure to find the right fit. They’ve also added softer foam to the cups for extra comfort. Don’t miss this excellent fusion of practical and sexy.

4. Best push up bra: Aubade Women's Push Up Bra

RRP on writing: from £44 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Size: 30D to 38B | Material: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane | Colour: Blossom, phoenix schwartz

What we like

• Adjustable straps

• Plunging neckline

What we don’t like

• Hand wash only

What Mumsnet users say:

"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

Our verdict

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.

5. Best lace lingerie set: Tivoli Mesh Wired Full Cup Bra Sets

RRP on writing: £36 | Buy now from M&S

Key specs

Size: 30-42 A-E | Material: 59% polyamide, 25% polyester and 16% elastane (exclusive of trimmings)| Colour: White, green, charcoal , dark purple |

What we like

• Machine washable

• Added stretch

• padded

What we don’t like

• A bit pricey

What Mumsnet users say:

 “Autograph lingerie is brilliant” - as loved by Mumsnet user OlennasWimple

Our verdict

Mumsnet users love the Autograph range from M&S and for good reason! This sleek and sexy lace set is a great choice for anyone looking to freshen up their underwear choices. The lace is overlaid by traditional fan designs while discreet metal hardware adds a lovely finishing touch.

6. Best bra for large breasts: Glamorise Women's MagicLift Support Classic Bra

RRP on writing: from £32 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Size: 36B - 56J | Material: 50% polyamide, 40% polyester, 10% elastane | Colour: Blue, blush, mocha, teal, gray, white, black, pink, brown, violet

What we like

• Hook and eye fastening

• Machine washable

• Magiclift technology

What we don’t like

• Some reviews say it doesn’t fit to size

What Mumsnet users say:

"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" - AtopAHighHill

Our verdict

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.

7. Best lingerie for a small bust: Ann Summers Sexy Lace Planet Moulded Boost Bra

RRP on writing: £20 | Buy now from Ann Summers

Key specs

Size: 32A to 38DD | Material: Lace: delicate, patterned fabric | Colour: Black, white, red

What we like

• Plunge style with graduated padded cups for a cleavage boost

• Underwired for added support

• Mix and match with other sets

What we don’t like

• Might be just a tad too much padding for larger busts

Our verdict

Designed to give you the ultimate cleavage boost, Ann Summer's Sexy Lace Planet Moulded Boost Bra is a great choice for smaller busts. With adjustable straps, underwire for added support and a plunge style cut with graduated padded cups, those of you on the smaller size will no doubt enjoy the lift these sensual bras provided.

8. Best designer bra: Savage X Fenty Savage Not Sorry Cheeky 2-Piece Set

RRP on writing £26 | Buy now from Savage X Fenty

Key specs

Size: XS - 3X | Material: 88% nylon, 12% elastane | Colour: Caviar, iridescent sunset, juicy purple

What we like

• Anything to do with Rihanna

• Stretch lace for comfort

• Supportive, adjustable straps

What we don’t like

• Hand wash only

What Mumsnet users say:

"I've bought Savage X Fenty knickers and bras - the quality is wonderful. I love the colours and designs” - as recommended by Mumsnet user bingohandjob

Our verdict

When she's not standing under an umbrella or launching new lipsticks, Rihanna is designing lingerie for her underwear brand, Savage X Fenty. While she may have stepped down as the brand's CEO, she's still involved in designing and promoting their products. Featuring bras, knickers, sets and bodysuits, 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 lace lingerie set which combines a sassy style and a comfortable fit.

9. Best lingerie for curvy women: The Hero Full Support Non-Padded Bra

RRP on writing: £36 | Buy now from Ann Summers

Key specs

Size: 32 - 44, DD-H | Material: 100% polyester mesh : 63% polyamide 37% elastane | Colour: Black/red

What we like

• Non padded

• Comes in matching set

• Great for bigger busted - accentuating natural curves

What we don’t like

• Doesn’t come in smaller sizes

Our verdict

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.

10. Best sexy lingerie: The Hold Me Tight Body

RRP on writing: from £13.00 | Buy now from Ann Summers

Key specs

Size: XS - XXL | Material: Polyamide, elastane, cotton | Colour: Various to choose from

What we like

• Wide choice of skin tone colours

• Brazilian back cutout - barely there coverage

• Hook and eye fastening

What we don’t like

• One piece might be a bit difficult to get in and out of

Our verdict

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 Hold me tight body offers the perfect balance between imagination and tastefulness - with a delicate back cut out and a wide choice of skin tone colours. We think this is sexy, reasonably priced and we love it!

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 of a bra?

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 Ann Summers, 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.

How we chose our recommendations

Recommendations from real Mumsnet users

Mumsnetters have certainly put lingerie brands through their paces when dressing up for nights out and special events, with many Mumsnet users sharing experiences (both good and bad) of the lingerie sets they’ve personally tried and tested.

First up, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users to get their feedback on their favourite bras and knickers, as well as the brands that they have tried, rated, and would recommend to their friends.

We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality, ineffective, didn't fit or simply failed to be supportive.

Expert opinions

We then cross-checked our recommendations with the lingerie sets praised by top stylists, fashion industry experts, and tastemakers, to ensure we were bringing you the best products that are rated across the board.

Authentic consumer reviews

Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best lingerie for women, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, John Lewis, Next and independent sites to get broader consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. After birthing and breastfeeding two babies in two years, Rebecca knows all too well how hard it is to find a bra or bralette that actually fits after spending months in maternity underwear. So, you can trust her opinion when it comes to finding the best bralette for you.

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog.