The lingerie brands we’re loving, that make beautiful, affordable underwear

From the comfiest knickers to the sexiest bras, these are the best affordable lingerie brands to buy from now

Ali Belamant

4 May 2022

I’m a real sucker for pretty lingerie. And I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that I feel like I’m winning at life on the days when I manage to get a matching set on – even if it’s beneath yet another loungewear look. But, as much as I love my undergarments to look good, it’s not a part of my wardrobe I can bring myself to spend a lot of money on.

Fortunately, with a host of amazing and purse-friendly lingerie brands out there, I don’t have to – and neither do you. I’ve rounded up the six best affordable lingerie brands; whether you’re looking for everyday basics, want to add some colour and texture to your underwear drawer, or you’re on the hunt for something a bit risqué, I’ve got you covered.

Which brands do the best affordable lingerie?

The words ‘affordable’ and ‘lingerie’ used together might make you shudder, as memories of the ill-fitting, multipack knickers your mum used to buy you float back into your consciousness. But supermarket undies these are not. A new crop of exciting, on-trend lingerie brands have arrived, and these (together with a high street giant or two), will quickly become your go-to for chic, high-quality bras, knickers, camis, bodysuits and everything in between.

What about lingerie for wearing under clothes?

After all, what you wear under your clothes is just as important, if not more so, than the clothes themselves. That perfect slip dress can easily be ruined by a VPL, and forget wearing an on-trend bustier without the right support for your girls. Lingerie is an important foundation upon which to build the rest of your wardrobe – not to mention a very personal choice.

The best high-street and independent lingerie brands to shop now

Whether you’re all about comfort or looking to spice up your underwear drawer, these are the affordable lingerie brands worth knowing about.

Best for an extensive range: Marks and Spencer

When you think of M&S lingerie, you might only think of shopping here for your everyday basics – a good fitting t-shirt bra and a plain black thong. Yes, this high street lingerie stalwart has all the essentials (in an endless number of iterations), but its ever expanding lingerie section is now filled with colour, lace, silk and on-trend designs.

Their Rosie Exclusively for M&S collection, designed in collaboration with model and entrepreneur Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, is the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your underwear drawer without breaking the bank. Featuring printed sets and jewel-toned lace, this ongoing partnership also has silk camis and fancy French knickers. But a perennial customer favourite is the rose print padded bra. It has a vintage feel and is the perfect way to pretty up your lingerie game.

Rosie is available exclusively at M&S.

Best for properly nude shades: Nubian Skin

Lingerie brands have long boasted about their ‘nude’ coloured ranges, when in reality their offerings have often excluded people of colour. Enter Nubian Skin, a lingerie brand with a goal of offering ‘a different kind of nude’ with their range of four skin tones. The brand is a go-to for elevated lingerie basics (Lizzo is apparently a fan) that, whilst slightly pricier than traditional high street options, are still affordable with an emphasis on quality and design.

The brand’s Naked Bra style is one their most popular items. Designed to give a slight lift and all-day support, it comes in a t-shirt bra version as well as a soft cup style. For £45, it won’t be the cheapest item in your lingerie drawer but it will be one of the hardest working.

Best for a diverse sizing range: We Are We Wear

With an emphasis on body positivity, spending just a few minutes scrolling We Are We Wear’s Instagram is a refreshing break from brands that exclusively use size six models. With sizes ranging from XS to 3XL and an ever-growing emphasis on sustainability, this female-founded brand has the ethos to back up their stylish designs. The brand has some racier designs – like their caged bodysuits but it’s their balconette bra that We Are We Wear struggles to keep in stock. Their recycled polyblend mesh leopard bra is a best seller and it’s easy to see why. With thick straps, no padding and just the right amount of push up, it’s an underwear staple. Pair it with the matching Brazilian briefs for the ultimate everyday set.

We Are We Wear is available at ASOS.

Best for fancy pieces: Bluebella

If you’re looking to spice up your underwear drawer, look no further than Bluebella. This isn’t a brand you come to for your comfy, everyday knickers but for something special (and a bit saucy) – think bandage cut-outs, mesh and velvet trims. All of the brand’s styles are designed in-house in London and Bluebella is increasing their size range, with styles that go up to size 20 and a size 40F cup size.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed looking at their array of beautiful pieces, start with the Marseille range – with mesh and lace detail, it’s one of the brand’s best-sellers. It comes in a variety of colours from bright yellow to periwinkle blue, but their classic black bra with matching knickers are top of my list – just add the matching suspender belt for an extra wow factor.

Bluebella is available at ASOS

Best for basics that aren’t boring: Out From Under

It may be an unexpected place to fill up your knicker drawer, but Urban Outfitters’ own lingerie brand Out From Under, is seriously stylish and great value for money. With knickers starting from £6 and bralettes from £14, it’s definitely one of the most purse-friendly lingerie options out there (not that anyone would know). The brand is colourful and playful, with a youthful aesthetic and although their offering includes everything from underwired bras to corsets and suspender belts, it’s their range of soft bralettes and knickers that are worth buying. Their Millie lace knickers are a great staple and you can get three for £12 – talk about a bargain. Their seamless bralette is another favourite for days when you don’t need a lot of support – it’s wide straps and ribbed finish make it a dream to lounge in.

Out From Under is available at Urban Outfitters

Best for comfortable lingerie: Nudea

If the thought of an in-person bra fitting has put you off buying a new bra that actually fits, let me introduce you to Nudea. A newcomer to the lingerie world, Nudea launched in 2019 and uses technology to help you get your perfect bra fit; either with their Online Fitting Room algorithm, or their Fit Tape, which for £5 allows you to self-measure at home and includes a virtual fitting. And let me assure you, once you know your size lingerie shopping becomes so much easier – and more enjoyable.

I’m a fan of the Easy Does It bralette and the variety of joy-inducing colours it comes in, plus it goes up to a F cup size. And when it comes to comfort, look no further than their seamless briefs – ultra soft, stretchy and flattering. Need I say more?

Available at Nudea