I Consulted with Experts—Here Are the 5 Most Impactful Lingerie Trends for 2026

      While ready-to-wear trends tend to come and go, the same cannot be said for lingerie. Underwear has been gradually evolving for quite some time, moving beyond mere functionality; we're now giving more attention to the layers beneath our outfits than ever before. Lingerie has become more thoughtful and mirrors the changing tone of fashion. Georgia Larsen, founder of the lingerie brand Dora Larsen, states, "As lingerie increasingly blurs the line between underwear and self-expression, 2026 is shaping up to be the year when intimacy becomes even more intentional—from expressive color palettes to reimagined silhouettes that celebrate both comfort and confidence." Lingerie has become more elegant and sophisticated, enhancing our bodies with a mindful approach that recognizes the varying needs of different women. Although comfort remains a crucial factor, it does not have to compromise the style and practicality of the set.

      However, similar to searching for the ideal pair of jeans, shopping for lingerie can be daunting. Discovering a style, color, and shape that genuinely flatters you—and makes you feel at ease—is often an exercise in trial and error. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean you can’t embrace current trends. Keeping that in mind, I’ve compiled five lingerie trends anticipated for 2026 and consulted a panel of experts to share their insights on each one.

      ### The 5 Most Significant Lingerie Trends for 2026

      1. **Soft Structures**

       - **Style Notes:** Over recent years, bras have undergone significant changes and continue to evolve. Underwired bras are losing their popularity as women favor seamless, non-wired styles and less structured shapes, prioritizing comfort. "Support doesn’t need to feel constrictive. Underwires and shaping are back, but redefined with lighter constructions, flexible materials, and thoughtful engineering. It's all about wearing items that boost confidence without reminding you you're wearing them," explains Larsen.

       - **Shop the Trend:**

       - Uniqlo - Wireless Bra (Ultra Stretch Triangle)

       - Intimissimi - Full Coverage Cotton Knickers

       - Dora Larsen - Polly Clean Tulle Underwire Bra

       - CDLP - Set of Three Stretch-Tencel Lyocell Briefs

       - Weekday - 3-Pack Seamless Thongs

      

      2. **Whimsical Details**

       - **Style Notes:** For 2026, Zoe Price-Smith, chief design and product officer at Boux Avenue, remarks, "Plain is out. Boux Avenue predicts a revival of whimsy and decadence, with lots of decorative details in delicious color palettes." Envision pastel shades in soft pinks, muted blues, and lavenders, enhanced by intricate detailing and silky fabrics to perfect this trend.

       - **Shop the Trend:**

       - H&M - 2-Pack Lace Hipster Briefs

       - Bluebella - Peyton Thong Pearl Pink

       - Boux Avenue - Heidi Sheer Lace Plunge Bra

       - KIKI DE MONTPARNASSE - Mathilde Silk-Blend Satin-Trimmed Embroidered Tulle Underwired Bra

       - Rosie - Silk & Lace Wired Balcony Bra

      

      3. **Underwear as Outerwear**

       - **Style Notes:** This trend has been gradually making its way into fashion over the past few seasons, particularly towards the end of 2025, with lace-trimmed satin fabrics finding their way into everyday wardrobes. Alexandra Cracknell, senior designer at Dorina, notes, "Lingerie is transitioning from being hidden to being worn as an accessory. Lace bodies and bras combine lace and sheer elements designed to be paired with a blazer or shirt."

       - **Shop the Trend:**

       - Dolce & Gabbana - Lace-Trimmed Satin Bralette

       - Skims - Fits Everybody Lace-Trim Stretch-Woven Body

       - Weekday - Sheer Lace Underwire Bra

       - NORMA KAMALI - Mio Lace Underwired Bodysuit

      

      4. **Go Big or Go Home**

       - **Style Notes:** There’s nothing quite like a matching lingerie set to instantly elevate your mood, regardless of whether anyone else sees it. The base layer doesn’t have to be understated; often, a bolder choice can provide a boost of confidence. "It’s about infusing dramatic, theatrical elegance into lingerie, turning it into a work of art. Expect a classic mix of rich reds, timeless blacks, and soft pinks, along with increasingly popular berry purples since Autumn/Winter 25," Price-Smith highlights. "[It's about] intricate designs where detail and texture are paramount. At Boux Avenue, we focus on craftsmanship with 3D embroideries, floral lace, and broderie anglaise."

       - **Shop the Trend:**

       - Intimissimi - La Vie En Rose Elena Balconette Bra

       - H&M - Non-Padded Embroidered Bal