Choosing lingerie for a particular person, on a particular night, is all part of the fun of planning for a sexy date, isn't it?
I like to think of lingerie as the wrapping on a beautiful gift.
One thing I notice when I meet with women, either solo or as part of a couple, is that, universally, part of the fun is in the preparation for the date. When it comes to being excited shopping for an occasion and getting all dressed up, I can certainly relate! So I thought I’d put together a little list of my favourite lingerie designers for a little bit of date-night inspiration.
Of course, I have no expectations of you one way or another — this is by no means an outfit request! Whatever you choose to wear will be great, and I’m excited to see you regardless of what you’re wearing.
But I know from experience that treating yourself to a little shopping trip and trying on lingerie can really increase the anticipation and the butterflies. And personally, wearing new lingerie puts a real spring in my step.
(And if this list also serves as gift-giving inspiration for our next date, well, so be it!)
And one little side note: I don’t think that lingerie should necessarily be gendered. I know all sorts of people who enjoy the feel of silk and lace and wearing the kind of styles I refer to here. So however you identify, I hope you enjoy this post.
So the next time you’re getting ready for a date with me, planning a sexy surprise for your partner, or just treating yourself to a knicker-drawer update, here are a few designers to check out.
British designer Dora Larsen makes pieces that are really feminine and fun. With surprising colour combos and flirty lace designs, they have really pretty pieces for special occasions as well as for everyday wear.
I do suggest trying on in person if you can (Harvey Nichols or the Pantry Underwear in Islington both stock them) or ordering a variety of sizes to try on at home, as I tend to find a bit of variation in their sizing. They have a fit calculator tool on the website, but it isn’t accurate for me: it tells me I should wear my normal size, when I know from experience that I have to go up a back size in their designs.
But their stuff is so cute and comfy that it is worth finding your perfect fit!
This Australian brand is known worldwide for its sexy styles. Be aware that I find that some of the quality falls short: gems fall off, threads come out, and the fabrics aren’t always the nicest. That said, HB is on this list because when they get it right, they really get it right, with fun designs that appeal to men and women alike.
Plus, if you visit one of their boutiques (I like the one in Covent Garden) they give you Prosecco! Let’s go try stuff on together?!
Their cuts suit me perfectly, and I always wear my usual size. One word of warning: I have found the fitting service in their boutiques to be pretty bad — they will try to convince you that the wrong size fits you perfectly when it blatantly doesn’t.
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The Whitney set in particular is one of my favourites: it is sexy, playful, and genuinely comfortable. The Whitney comes in a variety of fun colours which they update seasonally and which I cannot resist collecting (I have been very tempted by this spring’s Romance colourway…).
HB also have amazing sales where you can catch past season favourites at crazy discounts. If I see a sale is on, I’ll text you! (And they do gift cards — just saying…)
I really like the contrast of the EOB embroidery, soft lace, and bright colours with their signature bondage-y black strapping. It’s playful and lively and feminine, and I find their whole vibe fun and sexy! Their designs are true to size on me, and the fit is very adjustable.
Check out the trailing roses of the Charlotte, or the playful parrots of the Pina which I have been admiring for years. Parrots? On lingerie?? Why the hell not.
The most luxurious — and ruinously expensive! — on the list, Bordelle might be my favourite lingerie designer of all time. But just look at how good I look in it!
The bondage-inspired strapping is silk with gold-plated hardware, and is surprisingly comfortable. In person, the colours just glow, the embroidery sings, and it’s all a delight to look at and touch.
The sizing isn’t the most inclusive, as they don’t go especially big — I wear a large or extra large to accommodate the girls.
And don’t worry — despite the strappy look, they do up with little zips, so it’s all super easy to take of. They’ve thought of everything!
I love, love, love the pieces made by this New Zealand brand. With super soft lace and supportive, comfortable styles, I find them effortlessly sexy and so easy to wear. The colours are so beautiful and the lace has a soft sheen which really glows in person. A lot of my go-to pieces for everyday wear are my Lonely pieces, but they also make me feel sexy enough to wear on a date.
I do find that Lonely sizes very generously — I tend to go for a cup size smaller than normal.
I have the Bonnie style in a few colours, and if there is something more comfortable in the world than that soft, stretchy lace, then I haven’t come across it!
A final few thoughts...
There are many others that are not staples of my lingerie drawer, but I know people who swear by them. You might want to check out Dita Von Teese, Agent Provocateur, and Coco de Mer. Studio Pia is beloved by our community, too, and Playful Promises is a great option for bigger cup sizes.
Fleur du Mal have some very pretty things and a very cool, playful vibe, but personally I find their sizing an absolute nightmare. Godspeed to you should you choose this route.
The only company I will warn you away from is Bluebella. While they have some cute designs, they are a toxic company which gives money to anti-sex work organisations which actively campaign for policies harmful to those of us in the industry.
If you do decide to take yourself shopping for something, then I hope this list is helpful. I can’t wait to see what you pick out!
Oh — and if you need a second opinion, then please feel free to send me cheeky snaps from the dressing room…
Rachel
