The Best Lingerie Essentials For Any Wardrobe

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*Our Virtual Bra Fitting Service has been temporarily suspended. But don’t worry you’ll still be able to find your perfect fit at Pour Moi. Why not try our fit calculator or conversion chart to help you find your perfect size.

We talk about certain wardrobe staples that are considered as essentials. But just like wardrobe essentials, lingerie also has an “essentials” section. Suited to all occasions and easily transitioned from day to night or wherever the moment takes you, lingerie essentials can make or break your outfit. Investing in lingerie essentials means that you not only feel comfortable in your lingerie and outfit but will also bring out your inner confidence. Trust us when we say the right kind of lingerie has the ability to alter your mood for the day.  

But shopping for lingerie essentials doesn’t have to be a chore. That’s why we’ve included 9 lingerie essentials that we all need in our underwear drawer. We’ve featured everything from basic lingerie styles that will give you a good foundation for every outfit in your wardrobe to sexy lingerie styles for a special occasion.

HOW MANY PAIRS OF LINGERIE SHOULD I OWN?

How many bras should you own, do you ask? We’re sorry to disappoint but there isn’t a universally agreed number. However, with the help of our specialist bra fitting team, we suggest owning 11 bras in different styles so that you are supported and left feeling and looking fabulous no matter the occasion. For knickers, we recommend at least doubling this, whilst keeping a few handy for days when you’re menstruating, after all you don’t want to ruin your best knickers. For a more in-depth guide on how many bras should you own, check out our dedicated blog.

AN EVERYDAY T-SHIRT BRA

Models wearing Pour Moi lingerie

No lingerie collection would be complete without a t-shirt bra. Smooth and seamless, t-shirt bras go with everything. Giving you a lovely shape and virtually undetectable under your outfit, t-shirt bras are an everyday must-have. From padded to non-padded, underwired and plunge, t-shirt bras come in lots of different styles to suit your personality and breast size or shape. It’s no wonder they’re one of our bestselling styles. Take the Sofia Embroidered Padded T-Shirt Bra for example. Featuring fully adjustable, wide straps and power mesh wings for extra support and comfort, this every day bra will create smooth lines under your clothes for a more natural look.  

Another classic style is the Flora Plunge Push Up T-Shirt Bra. This push-up style with soft microfibre cups and wings will not only give you a lovely, rounded shape but also feels beautifully soft on the skin. With fully adjustable soft touch straps and back fastening for a perfect fit. For slightly less of a lift, you’ll want to try the Romance Lightly Padded Balconette T-Shirt Bra. Offering the same smooth look and rounded shape, this lightly padded t-shirt bra will look fabulous under all your clothes.

GET BACK TO BASICS WITH A NEUTRAL BRA

Yes, colourful bras with attractive prints are a great addition to your closet, but a neutral bra will have your back through everything. Since these colors are more suited to your skin tone you can always keep these as your go-to bras as they look great with t-shirts and various tops. One of our favourite neutral bras is the Viva Luxe Underwired Bra. This style creates the effect of a plunge neckline while offering the support and coverage of a full cup. The elegant satinesque cups give you a smooth silhouette and in this neutral colour is virtually undetectable under your outfit. Or why not try the Amour Non-Padded Balconette Bra. With non padded, underwired cups, this feminine style features stunning soft floral lace overlay. This style will give you a great lift and support to complement your natural shape. 

Or shop one of our bestselling bras, the Flora Lightly Padded Underwired Bra in a beautiful netural colour. With underwired, lightly padded cups, this apex style is the perfect luxe everyday bra that will help to shape and support your bust. Make every day special in the Aura Side Support Underwired Bra, offering complete comfort and support. The side support shape and adjustable straps will leave you feeling comfortable all day long.

EMBRACE DEEP NECKLINES WITH A PLUNGE BRA

Models wearing Pour Moi lingerie

If you wear outfits that have a deep neckline, it is ideal to have a plunge bra in your lingerie collection. Perfect for parties and special occasions, plunge bras are made for low-cup top and deep V-necklines. In a range of styles, we have a plunge bra to suit all your outfits needs. Take the Gigi Plunge Non-Padded Bra for instance. If you are in need of a bra to support your low neckline but don’t want the added boost that comes with a padded bra, the Gigi Plunge Bra is for you. With its feminine floral embroidery and abundance of lace, it has underwire to give you a fantastic shape to go along with your plunge cleavage. For a lightly padded style try the Luxe Linear Lightly Padded High Apex Bra. With a high apex shape, this gorgeous style with a stylish mix of mesh stripes and lace will leave you feeling sensational and supported.  

There’s a reason why the Rebel Padded Plunge Bra is one of our bestselling styles. Offering glamour and style in equal measure, this plunge bra features super soft textured lace and removable pads to give you an extra boost. For a look to flatter your natural shape, you’ll want to try on the Flora Plunge Push-Up T-Shirt Bra. With soft microfibre cups this push-up style will give you a smooth and seamless look underneath any look.

SUPPORT YOURSELF WITH AN UNDERWIRED BRA

If you need a little bit of extra support, underwired bras are the perfect bra for you. For non-padded styles choose the Sofia Lace Embroidered Side Support Bra. Giving full coverage, support and a seriously glamorous look, the Sofia Side Support Bra includes soft underwired cups for uplift. With fully adjustable straps and a wider back you’ll never have experienced support like this before. Another underwired favourite is the St Tropez Full Cup Bra. This full cup style features firm mesh and floral embroidery with underwiring for support. If you're looking for a super-supportive and understated bra, then this is the one for you.

FEEL CONFIDENT IN EVERYTHING WITH A STRAPLESS OR MULTIWAY BRA

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Multiway bras and strapless bras are one of the most versatile bras in lingerie. Not only do they work under strapless clothing, or clothing with awkward necklines or straps, but many feature straps that can be removed and re-attached in multiple ways. For a super smooth silhouette under your clothing go for the Definitions Push-Up Strapless Bra. Featuring soft, moulded cups with underwiring for support, this must-have bra is the ultimate in versatility with adjustable, multiway straps so you can wear however you like. If push-up bras aren’t your thing, find the same silhouette with the Definitions Strapless Bra without the added lift. If you’re looking for a strapless bra with beautiful details, the Flora Strapless Non-Padded Underwired Bra is for you. Underwired to give you great shape and support, the strapless style makes it a fantastic addition to your lingerie wardrobe and there are removable straps to give you even more options.

GIVE YOURSELF A BOOST WITH A PUSH-UP BRA

Designed to complement your natural shape while giving you gentle lift and support, push-up bras are great for anyone that wants to enhance their natural shape or cleavage. One of our favourite everyday push-up bras is the Reflection Non-Wired Padded Push Up Bra. Adorned with beautiful lace, the triangle shape features fully adjustable straps and padded cups for ultimate comfort and support. For a push-up style that is fit for a special occasion, look no further than the Divine Padded Push-Up Bra. This underwired bra decorated in beautiful lace provides a luxurious look while the padded cups enhance your natural shape.

MATCH YOUR BRA WITH THE PERFECT KNICKERS

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You can’t create a lingerie collection without adding some supportive and comfortable knickers. From deep briefs to Brazilian briefs, high-waist briefs and thongs, there are lots of styles to suit your personality, size and shape. To make shopping for knickers easier for you, we’ve included matching knicker styles below. The Sofia Lace Embroidered Deep Brief, is perfect if you’re looking for knickers with a little extra coverage and support. These briefs offer gentle control and shape to your natural curves and are designed for those looking for a stylish yet supportive feel from their lingerie. Another flattering deep brief style is the St Tropez High Waist Deep Brief. Detailed with floral embroidery, this flattering style is both comfortable and feminine. 

If you prefer a pair of knickers that sit low on the hips, the Brazilian brief style is for you. With an abundance of lace all over, the mid-rise Gigi Brazilian Brief is designed to fit, flatter and celebrate every inch of your curves. A great go-to shape for everyday wear, or for a special occasion. To match our bestselling Rebel bra, pair with the flattering Rebel High Leg Brief. With a higher cut on the leg, this style of brief is not only uber flattering but also comfortable. A must-have for every lingerie drawer. Another of our favourite high leg styles is the Viva Luxe High Leg Brief. The flattering shape gives a clean, smooth shape under clothes which offers a lovely alternative to lace.

COMPLEMENT YOUR NATURAL FIGURE WITH SHAPEWEAR

Shapewear can work magic under clothes, from smoothing your silhouette to complementing your natural figure, shapewear provides a great foundation to your outfit. From bras to briefs, control slips and waist cinchers, there are countless shapewear styles to suit your personality, size, shape and outfit. If you want less coverage around your bottom but want more coverage around the tummy, the Definitions Shaping Control Thong is just the answer. Featuring a lightweight fabric, it feels unobtrusive, and with great zonal control panels to support and smooth your natural figure. Or if you’re looking for coverage both on your bottom and around your waist, you’ll want to try the Definitions High Waist Shaping Brief and Definition Shaping Control Brief. Both made from lightweight material, these brief styles are great for enhancing the natural curves of the body while still feeling comfortable with stretchy fabric.

FIND SOMETHING THAT IS WORN TO BE SEEN

Models wearing Pour Moi lingerie

With so many lingerie styles available, wouldn’t it be a shame to keep them under wraps? We believe that each of us needs at least one worn to be seen item of lingerie in their collection. There’s a reason why the India Embroidery Non-Padded Underwired Bustier is one of our bestselling worn to be seen styles. With decorative mesh panels this bustier features corset inspired satin finishing for a truly sensational look. For a luxurious longline style, try the India Front Fastening Underwired Bralette. This long-line style provides enough coverage, to make sure you don’t feel too exposed, while the built-in underwire keeps you firmly but comfortably in place. 

For a truly romantic look go for the J'Adore Non-Padded Front Fastening Bralette. This longline, underwired, and non-padded bralette looks great styled with matching knickers or with your favourite jeans and jacket for a worn to be seen look. We previously mentioned the India Embroidery Non-Padded Underwired Bustier above, and now we've added the India Embroidery Padded Plunge Push-Up Body to the collection. This tantalising underwired and padded body features a sexy thong shaped back and moulded cups to flatter your figure. Finished beautifully with removable, adjustable straps and press-stud fastening underneath.

Now you’re inspired, it’s time to go lingerie shopping! Also, don’t forget to try our virtual fitting service to find your perfect fit. You could try our fit calculator too!