The Capsule Underwear Collection You'll Find in Every Grown-Up Lingerie Drawer
For many of us, underwear mainly serves as an afterthought when it comes to compiling an outfit. However, as any person who takes fashion as seriously as we do will likely tell you, every great ensemble should start with equally impressive lingerie. Now, that's not to say that every bra and briefs you wear should be of the fancy variety. Of course, lacy styles have a time and a place (as do practical pieces), but the key is having items at your disposal that you can employ at a moment's notice to enhance your outfit. We like to call this a lingerie capsule wardrobe.
A well-rounded lingerie capsule will serve you well and make your outfits work harder.
However, with so many options out there, it's difficult to know the underwear you'll get the most use out of as opposed to the styles that can sit for years on end without a single outing. To help, we've rounded up the items everyone needs in their lingerie capsule wardrobe that not only look good but will also make you feel even more confident in your clothes. And who doesn't deserve a little ego boost once in a while?
1. T-Shirt Bra
A lingerie staple if there ever was one, a T-shirt bra is unrivalled in comfort and will provide your basic jersey tops with a flawless finish. This particular style has tonnes of five-star reviews.
2. Lace Bra
Much like silk lingerie, lace underwear is soft on the skin and will make you feel sexy regardless of what you're wearing on top. Our favourite lace bra accompaniment? A cashmere cardigan.
3. Nude Bra
A must under white shirting and dresses, find a nude bra that perfectly matches your skin tone and you'll never have to worry about unsightly shine-through again. This pretty style from Calvin Klein comes in an array of hues.
4. Plunge Bra
For dresses and tops with a low-cut front, a plunge bra is a must. Skin-coloured, sculpted cup, strapless… The plunge bra comes in many guises, including this luxe mesh number, which will look chic peeking out from underneath a V-neck knit. I have a bigger bust, and this is easily the best plunge bra I’ve tried.
5. Strapless Bra
Find a good strapless bra, and it opens up a world of sartorial possibilities. This Wacoal bra comes with so many impressive reviews.
6. Soft-Cup Bra
After a working week of wearing structured undergarments, there's nothing we love more than slipping on a soft-cup unwire bra on the weekends. Wear under a loosely buttoned shirt tucked into cigarette trousers for a gorgeous after-dark look.
7. Jersey Thong
If your thong-wearing days are behind you, we suggest reinstating at least one into your lingerie drawer. In our experience, they're the only pair of under that actually offer the no-seam look, making them the perfect pants to wear under slip skirts or dresses that are cut close to the body.
8. High-Waisted Knickers
Unlike Bridget Jones, we wear our high-waisted knickers like a badge of honour. Look for luxe textures or cool prints to banish any frumpy connotations.
9. Shorts
Akin to a hoodie or joggers, short underwear is ideal for days when comfort is required above all else.
10. Hipster Briefs
For day-to-day wear, hipster or Brazilian briefs are our go-to—mainly because the VPL effect is minimal and you're still provided ample coverage.
11. Silk Camisole
No stylish woman's lingerie drawer is complete without a silk camisole. Olivia Palermo has said time and time again that she wears one underneath every outfit for extra warmth. It's also ideal for layering underneath woolly jumpers, which are notorious for being itchy on bare skin.
12. Lace-Trim Slip Skirt
Slip skirts might be a major trend, but we're also fans of the lingerie iteration. We always have one on standby for dresses that come up slightly sheer upon wear whilst lace-trimmed styles look chic peeking out from underneath short hemlines.
12. Slip Dress
Much like its skirt counterpart, the slip dress is essential for layering under sheer fabrics. If you dare, wear it as a garment in its own right—perhaps with a silk blouse or a chic blazer.
13. Bodysuit
Bodies are more popular than ever, with many brands creating tops versions, too. As far as lingerie goes, we love nothing more than wearing them in tandem with unassuming garments, like jeans and and unbuttoned shirting.
14. Sculpting Pants
If desired, a pair of supportive pants will enhance your natural shape while giving you additional support than traditional undergarments. Personally, I swear by these.
15. Streamline Shapewear
Give your silhouette a smooth-over with this firm slip. Unlike slinky styles, this dress fits neatly on your frame, making it more suitable for wearing underneath tighter clothing.
16. Tights
Tights trends come and go but black opaques are for life. This pair from Heist offers ample coverage without looking too blocky on your legs whilst boasting a chic, matte finish.
17. Posh Socks
Much like tights, we could discuss socks at length. Be it trainer, ankle or knee-high socks, we recommend investing in cotton, wool, or cashmere pairs. More breathable than synthetics, you'll find they last significantly longer, too.
18. Luxe Robe
Okay, so we know it's not technically lingerie, but we believe every woman needs a luxe robe in her life. Sling it on over your underwear to enjoy your morning coffee, and then wear it once again in the evening as you start your nighttime skincare regimen.
Next Up: These 19 Strapless Bras Have the Best Reviews
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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