Estelle Puleston

I’m still working my way through my gift shopping, so if you are too, here are some of my favourite lingerie or lingerie-themed gift ideas for this winter season. There are options included from an XXS up to a UK 28 (US 24) or 3XL, plus a number of size-free accessories.

Knowing what you like is great. But really boxing yourself into a single aesthetic/style is not, especially if you’re just buying that underwear design over and over because it’s the same one you’ve always shopped for, without investigating the other options out there and whether they might work for you too.

Based in Britain and created by Hungarian designer Linda Miller, Divaurae is a luxuriously-sensual lingerie brand with a retro edge. Miller’s creations show influences of everything from 1950s silhouettes through to the high leg cuts of the 1980s, but it isn’t just fashion history that inspires her work – it’s also the models who wear it.

It’s coming up on a decade since I became a mother, and breastfeeding feels like a distant memory. That said, I do distinctly remember feeling unimpressed with and uninspired by the nursing bra options available at the time, especially those in my size range.

Thinx recently settled a much-publicised class action lawsuit for not disclosing that its products contained PFAS, so you might be wondering if these period swimwear brands also contain toxic chemicals. For each brand, I’ve noted down whether they contain PFAS or what they say about the matter.

Founded in 2021 by Ella Campion, Hermit London is fighting against textile waste by creating stylish sleepwear out of old hotel bed linens. Hotels dispose of their bed linens after an average of just 9 months, and the tiniest stain, tear or pull in the fabric is enough to get them thrown out.

As a late eighties baby, the original Lucy Jones Lingerie was before my time. It was founded by Lucy Jones in Liverpool in 1980 and went on to what I can only describe as phenomenal success for a small, independent brand, being stocked in leading department stores including the likes of Harrods.

I’m slowly coming around to appreciating swimwear in its own right. It’s not just a water-appropriate bodysuit or bra set – it’s a whole other garment type, one that’s designed to be seen so why not have fun with it? Since it doesn’t have to fit sleekly under clothing, it’s the perfect opportunity to opt for big, 3D details.

In case you’re new around here and haven’t seen the numerous times I’ve gushed over this brand before, the ethically-made indie label Love & Swans is truly one of the most exciting lingerie brands to come out of the 2020s so far, and now it’s getting even better with the launch of swimwear.

Pagan Poetry’s aesthetic is, I think, different enough to be interesting. This is a gothically-inspired lingerie brand. However, it doesn’t feel costume-y, which means you can still appreciate these pieces even if you just like black lace underwear.