The Luxurious Brands Behind the World's Most Sought-After Lingerie

As style people, we're meticulous about curating our wardrobes and are constantly on the lookout for the coolest pieces to complete our outfits with. But if it's true that what we wear underneath our clothes is just as important, then I'll be the first to admit that I've been lacking in my top drawer. I'm talking about clinging onto the same bras until they begin to quite literally fall apart (not something I'm proud of, to be sure). It got me thinking: When was the last time I really invested in my lingerie collection?

The key to a well-rounded closet starts with the foundations, and I can't think of anything more essential than the bras and underwear we wear day in and day out. As such, it's time that I—along with anyone who has yet to experience the joy and confidence that a luxurious lingerie set can bestow—give my underwear drawer the special treatment it deserves. As for where to start, well I see no use in cutting corners, so I'm starting with some of the most iconic lingerie brands out there.

Here, I've put together a master list that represents some of the world's most sought-after labels, from an Instagram favorite for French-inspired pieces to a household name for silk robes and sleep sets. This may have started as a selfish endeavor, but now that I'm sharing the wealth of knowledge I've amassed, I'm considering it a selfless act because everyone deserves to feel like a luxury. Ahead, discover the 14 best luxury lingerie brands, according to me.

Best for Silky Sets: La Perla

Since its conception by corset maker Ada Masotti nearly 60 years ago, La Perla has established itself as the pinnacle of luxury lingerie. The name is synonymous with the excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail that comes with its coveted "Made in Italy" tags, especially signature La Perla pieces like the silk slip dresses and robes that come in a range of colors, lengths, and iterations.

Best for Matching Sets: Agent Provocateur

Iconic British brand Agent Provocateur calls itself "high glamour with an edge," and that's exactly what you can expect from its playful approach to lingerie that includes everything from its pretty matching sets to its striking boudoir pieces.

Best for Celebrity Favorites: Fleur du Mal

Cult NYC label Fleur du Mal counts everyone from Bella Hadid to Kristen Stewart among its legion of loyal fans who shop here for flirty, made-to-be-seen lingerie.

Best for Scalloped Designs: Coco de Mer

If you like pretty things, you're going to want to earmark the name Coco de Mer the next time you shop for lingerie. The brand is known for its signature scalloped edges that bring an elegant feel to all its delicate pieces.

Best for a French-Girl Vibe: Yasmine Eslami

Yasmine Eslami is the epitome of effortlessly cool French style, and it's no surprise that Parisians are all over the pretty pieces. It offers everything from triangle bralettes to bodysuits, all featuring a sheer mesh fabric that lends a sexy-without-trying-too-hard vibe.

Best for Seductive Pieces: Kiki de Montparnasse

Kiki de Montparnasse is lingerie with a capital L. The luxury label is rooted in the spirit of sex positivity and aims to inspire confidence with each of its handcrafted pieces. Each piece is made in NYC couture-like precision for a range of bras to bustiers and garter belts to dresses that are subtly provocative but designed to be worn every day.

Best for Cotton Classics: Cou Cou Intimates

Cool girls wear Cou Cou Intimates, and that's a fact. The British brand is serving up 100% cotton pieces in dainty pointelle that are sweet, delicate, and tap into a certain coquette aesthetic. It aims to bridge the gap between traditional lingerie and underwear, and you'll find everything from thongs to boxer shorts that are so comfy you'll want to show them off.

Best for Minimalist Staples: Eres

Known for its iconic cuts, innovative colorways, and high-tech materials, French label Eres might be known for its swimwear. Since 1998, its lingerie has proven itself to be just as good.

Best for Comfort-First Designs: Else

Instagram-favorite brand Else is a line of sustainable luxury lingerie that feels like it was made for the female gaze. In other words, it's all muted color palettes and comfort-first designs that prioritize ease over achieving a certain look. Each piece is crafted by female artisans in the brand’s Istanbul atelier.

Best for Pieces That Are as Pretty as They Are Sustainable: Cosabella

Aesthetics meets sustainability at Cosabella, a brand committed to producing beautiful lingerie with minimal impact on the environment. Translating to "beautiful thing," the family-run label has been making luxurious lingerie in Italy since 1983. It's renowned for its exceptionally comfortable seamless lace, especially the best-selling Never Say Never bra, crafted with padding but without underwires.

Best for Colored Lace Pieces: I.D. Sarrieri

I.D. Sarrieri might not be your first thought when it comes to lingerie shopping, but the Italian lingerie brand definitely should be. It's an excellent source for pretty pieces that are definitely worth the splurge.

Best for Everyday Essentials: Wolford

Like its famed tights and bodysuits, Wolford's lingerie will quickly become the workhorses in your collection. The attention to detail can't be overstated once you feel the quality and fit of the pieces.

Best for Everyday Bras: Simone Perèle

Everyone has that one bra that gets much more wear than all the others because it's clearly the comfiest. Well, all of Simone Perèle's lightweight, classic-style bras and underwear were made to become the lingerie you not-so-secretly love the most.

Best for Refreshing Your Staples: Hanro

One of the most iconic lingerie moments in cinematic history, IMO, is Nicole Kidman in Eyes Wide Shut with her '90s high-cut briefs and spaghetti strap tank. Swiss label Hanro is behind the memorable set and nearly 20 years later, the intimates brand is still celebrating Kidman's skimpy white tank, offering it in plenty of colors. The famous tank top has remained one of Hanro’s bestselling items and everyone from Sharon Stone to Kate Moss has been photographed in it.