Fashion
Unwrapped: The Lingerie Lover’s Gift Guide
2018 was the year of the lingerie revolution
Tis officially the season for gift-giving. For us, that's a full month in which we'll be providing gift ideas for everyone on your list with our Unwrapped holiday gift guides. So make your holiday shopping a breeze this season, and let us help you find gifts for all the people in your life.
This year, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show made headlines before it even had a chance to air.
Following the taping of the annual event, Ed Razek, the chief marketing officer of the company's sister brand L Brands, made some transphobic comments to try to explain why Victoria's Secret has never cast a trans model. Not only that, but he also shaded Rihanna's Fenty x Savage show and took a dig at lingerie competitor ThirdLove. The backlash that ensued made one thing very clear: Consumers are no longer going to endorse brands that are sticking to outdated ideals of what a lingerie brand's ideal customer should look like (skinny, white, catering to the male gaze...).
Even before the VS drama, this year saw the rise of lingerie brands made by women for all women. There were brands attempting to create products that would fit every breast size and shape through innovative technologies and ways of measurement, and brands that solely create comfortable styles that ensure you won't see a battlefield of marks on your body following a full day of tight straps and restless strapless models. The year also saw an uptick in diverse campaigns and product colors that could actually match a range of skin tones.
Ahead, we've compiled a list of gifts that will satisfy any lingerie-lover on your list—whether they value style, inclusivity, fit, or sustainability. Some styles give back to and support important causes, some were created in response to a need in more sizes, some are festive (it's the holidays after all!), and some are just plain cute. If you're still interested in more, check out this list of the best genderless underwear brands.
Savage x Fenty, Satin And Lace Unlined Bra, from $49, and Lace Trim Satin Hipster, from $24, both available at Savage x Fenty.
No lingerie list would be complete without the mention of Rihanna's Savage x Fenty which, since its beginning, has made it a priority to incorporate women of all colors, shapes, and sizes into its designs, campaigns, and shows.
Only Hearts, Coucou Lola Tank Bralette, $48, and Coucou Lola Ruffle Bikini, $38, available soon at Journelle.
There isn't a polka dot design we don't like—this adorable set included.
ThirdLove, 24/7™ Lace Back T-Shirt Bra, $76, and Lace Back Cheeky, $24, both available at ThirdLove.
Following Razek's jab at ThirdLove—a brand with an actually inclusive mission of creating a design for every breast shape and size possible—co-CEO Heidi Zak responded by taking a full-page ad in The New York Times to call out his "demeaning comments about women," and left this burn: "We may not have been a woman's first love but we will be her last."
Knix, 8-In-1 Evolution Bra, $35, Athletic Leakproof Bikini, $23, available at Knix.
Known for its period-proof underwear, this brand is also responsible for some of the comfiest bras you'll find. If you're shopping for a younger giftee, check out knixteen, its sister brand, that tapped Jazz Jennings, one of the youngest transgender public figures and star of I Am Jazz, to create a bra.
For Love and Lemons, Cosmo Sequin Strappy Bra, $132, and Cosmo Sequin High Waist Panties, $106, both available at Amazon.
This is the perfect set for the most festive lingerie-lover on your list.
Everlane, The Tank Bra, from $16, and The Hipster, $12, both available at Everlane.
Our favorite direct-to-consumer brand has expanded into the intimates category this spring with a seven-piece line of cotton bra and bottoms. The tank bra has become our go-to since.
Lonely, Lieke Underwire Bra Pine, $75.90, and Lieke High Waist Brief Pine, $44.85, both available at Lonely.
This New Zealand-based lingerie label puts out some of the most inclusive campaigns (that actually dare to show body hair) out there—that has featured the likes of Lena Dunham and Jemima Kirke in the past—and raises awareness and donates to important causes like breast cancer research.
Reformation, Nikki Bra, $42, and Helena Thong, $15, both available at Reformation.
Eco-brand Reformation has recently expanded its offering to include underwear made from recycled lace and eco mesh.
Intimissimi, Sprinkle Stars Triangle Bra, $55, and Sprinkle Stars Cheeky Bottom, $22, both available at Intimissimi.
I've had my eyes on this set ever since I saw Sarah Jessica Parker promote the bustier version on her Instagram.
Fleur du Mal, Velour Bra Top, $42, and Velour Shorts, $159, both available at Intermix.
Velour is always in for the holiday, and we love this boxing shorts set that we the recipient can wear around the house.
Harper Wilde, The Base: Notorious RBG edition, $45, available at Harper Wilde.
Following the 2018 midterms, where more women were elected to Congress than ever before, Harper Wilde released a limited-edition version of its best-selling bra embroidered with the words "when there are nine," referencing Ruth Bader Ginsburg now-iconic statement: "There will be enough women on the Supreme Court when there are nine." Five percent of all sales will go to She Should Run, a non-partisan organization committed to getting at least 250,000 women to run for office by 2030.
Anine Bing, Winnie lace-trimmed leopard-print satin soft-cup triangle bra, $90, and Isla stretch-lace thongs, $70 for two, both available at Net-A-Porter.
Anine Bing puts out some of the most feminine pieces our underwear drawers have seen; we are partial to this set that combines two of our favorites: leopard print and lace.
Evelyn & Bobbie, The Everyday Bustier, $98, and The Retro Bikini, $28, both available at Evelyn & Bobbie.
Bree McKeen launched Evelyn & Bobbie—named after her two family matriarchs—after wearing yet another bra that pinched her skin, left marks, and slipped off. Built using a patented 3-D structure that moves and flexes with the body, and with no underwires, this is the most comfortable strapless bra I have ever worn. (It also opens and closes from the front which is a game-changer.)
Agent Provocateur, Marjorie Full Cup Underwired Bra, $190, and Marjorie Thong Ivory and Black, $95, both available at Agent Provocateur.
See slide two regarding our love for polka dots.
Kala, The Sheer, $80, and The Cheeky, $30, both available at Kala.
Another brand with sustainability and inclusivity in mind, all Kala items are made in America by local artisans who are paid a fair wage from all-natural and biodegradable materials.
Stance, Nylon Triangle Top, $30, and Nylon Cheeky, $18, both available at Stance.
We have loved Stance's socks ever since they came onto the scene five years ago. They have since expanded into women's underwear category, and it's just as comfortable.
Bluebella, Luella Bow Bodysuit, $64, available at Nordstrom.
For those who prefer a bodysuit, this piece can double as a top.
LOVE Stories, Love Lace Bralette, $70, and Ivy Bikini, $35, available at Shopbop.
We've discovered this brand, helmed by Dutch designer Marloes Hoedeman, last year and have since been slowly stocking up on all their printed designs—including this metallic set.
Dita Von Teese, Sheer Witchery Balconette Bra, $68, and Sheer Witchery Control Brief, $42, both available at Bare Necessities.
There's nothing we love more than a high-waisted set.
Adore Me, from $24.95 per set, available at Adore Me.
If you're uncertain about your giftee's taste in lingerie, save yourself the hassle and buy them a set which they can pick out after taking a personalized quiz.
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