A sponsored collaboration with Ouh La La, who bring over 20 years of expertise in supplying luxury lingerie.
When it comes to our wardrobes, the best pieces are often the most expensive ones. Yet when it comes to the garments that sit closest to our skin, this approach fails us spectacularly. We’ll happily invest hundreds in a handbag we carry a few times a week, but baulk at spending the same amount on a bra we wear every single day. It’s a curious contradiction that leaves many of us trapped in a cycle of ill-fitting, uncomfortable undergarments that neither flatter nor support us properly.
It shouldn’t be this way.
There’s an undeniable confidence that comes when you elevate your lingerie game. It’s about doing something for yourself that sparks self-confidence, that makes you feel good – a little bit of luxury you can incorporate into your everyday wardrobe. If you buy nice underwear, you’ll naturally look after it better, meaning you’ll feel better too – no more mismatched sets and wearing that same bra that you haven’t washed for a month.
There’s something magical about having truly nice things close to your skin. It’s not about showing off to anyone else – it’s about that secret smile you get when you know you’re wearing something beautiful,” says luxury lingerie experts Ouh La La. We couldn’t agree more.
With that in mind and the help of Ouh La La, here’s how to choose luxury lingerie that will transform your underwear drawer and last a lifetime…
Fit: Your Most Important Investment
Here’s the truth that might surprise you: the most expensive bra in the world is worthless if it doesn’t fit properly and is uncomfortable to wear. For us, an ill-fitting bra won’t last the night, let alone a lifetime.
Professional fitting services, offered by luxury lingerie boutiques, are worth their weight in gold. A skilled fitter can identify your true size and shape, which often differs significantly from what you think you know.
“It’s estimated that roughly 80% of women wear the wrong bra size, when in reality, taking time to find the perfect fit can make all the difference in giving you the right support, as well as streamlining your shape and ensuring that your clothes hang just right,” says Ouh La La.
If you don’t get the right fit, you’re less likely to wear the bra and more likely to give it to the charity shop, no matter how expensive it was.
Top Tip: Remember that luxury lingerie sizing can vary dramatically between brands. European brands run differently than American sizing, and some brands cater to specific body types or breast shapes. Don’t be surprised if you’re a different size in each brand you try – this is perfectly normal and why professional fitting is so valuable.
Pick Out a Bra Style You Love to Wear
There’s no point buying luxury lingerie if you’re not going to wear it. In our experience, most of us won’t wear a bra because the style wasn’t quite right. So pick out a bra style that you love to wear.
If you’re looking for something supportive and sexy, consider a balcony bra. Also known as balconettes or half cups, these are designed to give you a natural lift and are created to show off some cleavage. “This style tends to cut straight across the bust line, giving you more of a shelf effect. This can be incredibly flattering on your physique, especially when worn with a low-cut top or dress,” says Ouh La La. “We would recommend a flirty balconette style for nights out or paired with a gorgeous dress or evening gown,” they go on to say.
However, if you’re looking for luxury pieces to wear every day, consider a full cup bra designed to focus on full coverage, support, and comfort. When it comes to this design, “the Prima Donna Deauville bra, a bestseller across the world, provides unparalleled support and comfort,” suggests Ouh La La.
Push-up bras do exactly what the name suggests. “The push-up bra is designed to lift and enhance cleavage, incorporating padding or moulding to push your breasts inwards and upwards, creating the appearance of fuller, larger breasts. This style can be a little less comfortable if worn on a daily basis, but it’s an excellent choice for nights out,” says Ouh La La.
Investment-Worthy Brands
Luxury lingerie is designed to make you look and feel your best, and there’s a whole host of heritage brands that have earned their reputation through decades of craftsmanship and innovation. It’s these brands that you should spend your money on if you want your luxury lingerie to last.
“At Ouh La La, we’ve chosen brands like Empreinte, Aubade, Lise Charmel, Chantelle and Wacoal,” they explain. “These brands command premium prices because they’ve mastered the delicate balance between beauty, comfort, and longevity. When you invest in pieces from established luxury houses, you’re not just buying lingerie – you’re buying decades of expertise and innovation, plus the assurance that comes with proven quality,” they add.
There are, of course, other well-known brands. La Perla’s Italian artisanship creates pieces that feel like wearable art. Aubade combines French sophistication with technical precision. Agent Provocateur brings theatrical glamour with surprising comfort.
However, don’t overlook newer luxury players making waves in the industry. Brands like Fleur du Mal and Lonely Lingerie offer fresh perspectives on luxury intimates, often with more inclusive sizing and modern sensibilities whilst maintaining impeccable quality standards. These contemporary brands understand that luxury should be accessible to all body types and lifestyles.
Choosing The Right Luxury Lingerie Fabrics
When choosing luxury lingerie, it’s all about how you feel in the pieces you purchase. Do you want something you’ll feel feminine in? Then consider lace, which is elegant and romantic, adding a touch of femininity to any ensemble. Alternatively, silk offers luxurious smoothness and feels gentle against the skin, making it perfect for those who prioritise comfort alongside beauty.
Consider other materials that luxury brands employ: Italian mesh provides breathability with sophistication, French tulle adds delicate texture, intricate embroidery creates visual interest, and even faux fur can add unique textures and looks for special occasions. Each fabric choice should align with both your comfort preferences and the occasions you’ll be wearing the pieces.
Consider Seasonal Pieces For Year-Round Luxury
Your lingerie should change with the seasons, just like your wardrobe. Luxury brands know this isn’t just about staying comfortable – it’s about feeling indulgent all year round. There’s also a practical benefit: rotating your collection seasonally means each piece gets a proper rest, helping your luxury investment last much longer.
Summer calls for something special beyond basic cotton. The t-shirt bra is the perfect addition to refresh your wardrobe and prepare for the warmer months. But we’re talking about t-shirt bras crafted from Egyptian cotton or Swiss blends that feel like silk whilst keeping you cool. “Empreinte’s summer pieces prove that practical doesn’t mean boring – even their seamless bras feature hand-finished details and delicate lace,” suggests says Ouh La La.
The best summer lingerie works harder than you’d expect. Premium fibres absorb moisture brilliantly without showing it. “Due to their unique molecular structure, these fabrics can soak up to 20% of their weight in moisture before any signs of dampness become visible,” says Ouh La La. It’s the difference between surviving a hot day and gliding through it.
Winter luxury lingerie is where things get really indulgent. Think cashmere blends, silk-lined cups, and fabrics that wrap you in warmth without adding bulk.
“We love Empreinte and Marie Jo for their seasonal expertise. Their summer cottons breathe beautifully, whilst their winter silk-cashmere blends provide gentle warmth without sacrificing elegance,” Ouh La La offers. The real luxury? These pieces maintain their shape and beauty through every season and wash, especially when you’re not wearing the same bras year-round.
Colour Choice Matters
“What is the colour of your favourite lingerie piece, and how does it make you feel when wearing it?,” asks Ouh La La.
“Colour choice has been proven to hold unique power over our psyche. Blues and greens evoke feelings of tranquillity and peace, whilst fiery reds and sunny yellows infuse energy into our activities. The psychology of colour extends to our intimate wear, affecting not just how others perceive us, but more importantly, how we feel about ourselves,” they explain.
Consider starting your luxury lingerie collection with versatile neutrals – nude, black, and white – that work seamlessly under any outfit. These foundational pieces will serve you well in countless situations. Then add colours that make you feel confident and beautiful.
Whether that’s a soft blush pink that makes you feel feminine, a bold emerald that makes you feel powerful, or a deep navy that exudes sophistication, choose colours that enhance your mood and complement your personality. Soon you’ll have a lingerie drawer full of sumptuous sets – now that’s luxury.
The Bottom Line
Luxury lingerie means different things to different people. For some it’s comfort, for others it’s about quality. And for us? Investing in luxury lingerie isn’t about extravagance – it’s about recognising that the garments closest to your skin deserve the same consideration as the rest of your wardrobe. When you choose quality pieces that fit properly, feel beautiful, and suit your lifestyle, you’re investing in your daily comfort and confidence.
Remember that luxury lingerie is meant to last for years, not months. With proper care, a well-made bra from a reputable brand will maintain its shape, support, and beauty far longer than cheaper alternatives. This longevity makes the initial investment worthwhile, both financially and emotionally.
