The best lingerie feels like a second skin – and after years seeking out the comfiest knickers and supportive bras, here at RUSSH we think we've got a good grasp on the subject. But shopping for lingerie is personal. There's so many factors to consider before getting anywhere near check out.

Do you want something made with a sustainable approach? Do you require underwire or prefer bralettes that go without? Do you detest visible panty lines and seek out the ultimate seamless fit? Is your shop for a unique occasion, to feel sexy or be seen by someone special? Or is this the routine panty shop, switching out your old cottons for refreshed sets?

Like we said, it's personal. We all have different body shapes, style, and needs. So without further ado, here's a list of our tried-and-tested favourite lingerie brands. There's something for every top drawer.

CUUP

Founded on the basis that the majority of women wear the wrong bra size due to unrealistic fits and archaic sizing. As someone with an E cup, CUUP are the only bras I'll wear. They're buttery soft, with material that scoops and supports, and straps that (I swear to god) don't dig in. Catering for cups between A to H and band sizes 30 to 44, with styles and colourways this beautiful... you'll never feel frumpy again.

 

DORA LARSEN

Knickers you'll want to dance in. Dora Larsen is the small, family run business behind our overflowing underwear draw. Intimates arrive with all the trimmings or with no frills at all: think chic tulle, the softest of cottons, and classic lace. Plus, 83 per cent of all the materials used throughout Dora Larsen's collections are responsibly sourced, containing either recycled or organic and natural fibres.

 

SIREN BASICS

 

CALVIN KLEIN

A classic. The name speaks for itself. If you need a workhorse in your top drawer, underwear that will bend with you, endure and look good for years to come, this is a no-brainer. It's an icon for a reason.

 

SIMONE PÉRÈLE

Simone Pérèle has long been a pioneer in the 'innerwear' space, blending elegant and comfortable designs with their particular vision of Parisian grace. Since the late 1940s, Madame Pérèle has been crafting lingerie adapted to the post-war woman; an ever-evolving ideology that continues to keep up with the modern-day woman's needs, even now, in 2024.

 

PARADE

As the name suggests, Parade makes getting dressed feel like a celebration. Staunch on diversity and soft on fabrics (these bralettes and underwear are as plush as they come), not only has the American label managed to create affordable, sustainably-made lingerie, but they've created a community around it too.

 

AGENT PROVOCATEUR

When Bridget Jones isn't wearing her essential granny pants, she is donning a sexy set of Agent Provocateur (probably). Founded in 1994 in Soho, the lingerie label burst onto the scene with a punk spirit and a desire to subvert the male gaze with its irreverent approach. Designs are fatal (to anyone who sees them) and teeming with personality. Dressing to impress? This is the place to go for an all-out approach: we're talking suspenders, pantyhose, corsets and more.

 

LA PERLA

Founded in 1954, La Perla is as classic as they come. A household name in all lingerie lover's vocabulary, La Perla is the height of luxury, and the go-to choice for wedding lingerie.

 

KYE INTIMATES

Made with sustainability and eco-conscious production, Kye takes inspiration from creating timeless pieces on a personal level. Inspired by real people, real bodies, and real connection, Kye Intimates are designed and handmade in Los Angeles in close partnership with a local, family-owned factory and are made of carefully select deadstock or renewable materials to minimize their impact on the environment.

 

CHOU CHOU INTIMATES

An Australian label founded by Tina Grasso in 2019, the lingerie label sits at an affordable price point and challenges our understanding of what "sexy" actually is. Arriving in saccharine pastels, cherry red and never afraid to harness the power of leopard print, this is a label tapping into cartoonish lingerie fantasies. Betty Boop would approve.

 

ERES

Eres is a favourite of ours for swimwear, and when it comes to lingerie the French label rises to the top of our list. Given it's spent over 50 years in the game, it just makes sense. Pretty lace and silks are moulded into classic feminine balconette and triangle bras. If we could make one wish, it would be that they catered to bigger sizes.

 

ARAKS

A long-standing favourite of the RUSSH team. Araks straddles the line between nostalgia and innovation, with streamlined, sensual designs made from both cotton and silk in the USA, and in the sweetest colour combinations. We only wish they were more size inclusive. Only offering a size L or D/DD doesn't quite cut it anymore.

 

NALA

"We’re bored of being told we need to look a certain way to be sexy. We’re done with whoever decided sustainable means dull designs. We’re sick of sacrificing comfort and fit or paying way too much just to buy clothes that don’t cost the planet. We were wasting time and money waiting for brands to be better, so we decided to do it ourselves." We think Nala's mission statement speaks for itself. Oh, and their cater to cup sizes A through to H.

 

NICO UNDERWEAR

A respect for the environment greatly informs the garment-making process at Nico. Using GOTS certified organic cotton, these are then coloured by group of artisans in India with chemical-free plant-based dyes and using minimal water. With all this in mind, the scoop bras are durable, soft and comfortable, with steadfast colours.

 

COU COU INTIMATES

Designed in London and made in Portugal, Cou Cou Intimates creates the sort of underwear you want to lounge around the house in or wear on a long-haul flight. Crafted from OTS Certified Organic Cotton Pointelle and decorated with frills, bows and lace trims, this is coquette dressing to the max.

 

BASERANGE

Founded in 2012, Baserange offers a line of simplified undergarments that are constructed in line with its own minimal-minded clothing lines. The brand is extra conscious of its environmental impact, with innovative producers at every stage of the process  to develop high-quality textiles from natural fibres and recycled content. Tonal colours and high cuts make everyday briefs, bralettes and bodysuits feel elevated and luxurious.

 

SAVAGE X FENTY

Would it be a lingerie roundup sans Savage X Fenty? Not really. Fun and affordable underwear from cup sizes A to H and briefs and g-strings from XS to 4XL. Need we say more? Rihanna wins the commercial lingerie game without question. When Victoria's Secret said "we can't," Rihanna came through and showed the corporation how it's done, changing the game for all to see with t-shirt bras, balconettes, maternity options – you name it.

 

THE GREAT EROS

A celebration of pleasure in all its forms. The Great Eros cares as much about minimal, sensual silhouettes as it does craftsmanship and lived experience. Because of this, they partner with carefully selected family-owned factories and studios in Italy, China, Japan, Peru and New York to ensure their garments uphold our values of ethical and sustainable production.

 

LOVE STORIES

The brainchild of Marloes Hoedeman, Love Stories emerged as a solution to the strict binary that plagued lingerie at the time of the brand's invention. Shoppers could either buy into ultra-sexy, frou-frou underwear or built for purpose, sports bras and briefs. With styles for A to F cups, the brand is known for its playful wire-free bralettes, love of colour and lace.

 

THE UNSEEN

Underwear that is inspired by all kinds of bodies. A simple mission statement to promote inclusivity is all we need to know. Clean lines and soft fabrications The Unseen is rooted in a desire to provide underwear for all. With a mission statement that reads as follows: "An underwear label that stands for all that your underwear should; our diversity; our planet and everyone’s right to underwear."

 

SKIMS

What makes Skims so successful is its ability to speak to a wide audience. Kim Kardashian has taken the concept of shapewear and evolved it, with lingerie basics that snatch the body, feels soft and taut, suits a spectrum of skin colours and is engineered for every occasion (and corresponding outfit). A workhorse of our wardrobes.

 

SYRUP

A lockdown passion project that flourished into handfuls of soft, lace undies. Each Syrup piece is handmade in Surry Hills with a vintage Bernina and deadstock vintage fabric, and features an organic cotton gusset. They feel weightless on your skin and are flattering on all body sizes and shapes.

 

FRUITY BOOTY

A lingerie label that is celebratory and fun! Using deadstock materials, Fruity Booty utilises a single pattern to create limited run undergarments, be that lingerie or swimwear made in Portugal. We love the nostalgic cuts and colourful textiles that breaks down the idea that what lies underneath should be quiet and monotonous.

 

NAT'V BASICS

If you're on the hunt for great basics, look no further than Nat'V. The brand makes hypoallergenic knickers and bras from the softest natural fibers, with a size range offering of S to 3XL. Perfect for lounging about, these are the no-frills designs ever wardrobe needs.

Image: @araksofficial @cuup @kye.intimates