It's time to spring clean your lingerie drawer

Telegraph

29-03-2025

As delightful as it is, spring for me usually comes with the stark revelation that my foundation is a shade too dark, my upper lip is whiskered and my heels are about a trillion buffs away from looking respectable in a slingback. Bright skies have a way of spotlighting winter sins.
Nevertheless, there's much to get excited about now that spring collections are in stores. The day you swap your turtle-neck for a sweetheart neckline is the day you officially usher in the new season, so when the time comes, don't let a limp, overstretched and washed-out bra let you down.
Pretty, well-made lingerie is your spring wardrobe 's greatest ally, smoothing, lifting and contouring beneath light, breezy fabrics that can be prone to unwanted clinging and creasing if you don't have the right undergarments.
More than this, a bra can create a powerful style statement with almost no effort: Uma Thurman dancing around in a button-down white shirt in Pulp Fiction, a glimpse of bandana-print bustier peeking through the button placket, has to be one of my favourite fashion looks in history.
As if to signal its relevance, a huge bra worn as an asymmetrical top went viral this month when it featured in Vaquera's Paris catwalk show. The label's designers paid tribute to the enduring workhorse that is the brassière with various other avant-garde designs, including a sexy black lace balconette style printed on a white T-shirt, offering a tongue-in-cheek spin on a familiar scenario: finding the perfect bra to go under a tee – it's a pursuit that can take serious dedication, and when you nail it, you almost wish you could wear them the opposite way round.
That's why a sense of accomplishment is attached to lingerie shopping. Finding a bra that performs the way you want it to, with the right push, plump, support and plunge that's comfortable and confidence-boosting, can be a tiresome process. Whether you prefer triangular cups, racerbacks, padding, lace or underwire, your bra should be comfortable for all-day wear and well constructed for a no-gape/no spillage fit. If it leaves red marks and indentations on your skin, fling it across the room and aim for the bin.
Adaptability is important, so look out for detachable straps that allow multiway styling, as well as front-fastening bralettes – ideal for travelling as they can easily be rolled and packed. 'We find our customers are looking for versatile styles that work underneath all of their outfits as we transition into dressing for spring,' says Ria Matthews, Bravissimo's customer experience manager. 'Bras with optional J-hook fastenings like our Niya smoothing bra work as a standard bra, but can also be converted into a racerback style, which is perfect for under different outfit shapes.'
Colour requires careful consideration as well. Amy Belfield, a junior merchandiser at Bravissimo, says: 'Sales in neutral lingerie pick up as we move into spring, as people want bras that disappear under their lighter layers.' A bra that more or less matches your skin tone will disappear under pale clothing provided the garment isn't too transparent. The internet hack of wearing a red bra under pale colours does the same job but again, it's all about harmonising complexion with depth of colour – those with darker skin tones should choose richer reds and maroons to achieve this no-show effect.
I like to use bras to elevate an outfit, making a feature of showy straps – they can look striking, and not everyone can wear a convertible bra. Pretty trims always pay off too. 'Our customers have been loving spring colours, with aqua, pink and leopard print being standout choices,' says Soozie Jenkinson, Marks & Spencer 's head of lingerie design.
Lace should be soft and supple, because anything elaborately embroidered or panelled can look lumpy under clothes. Flat lace is the way to go, plus it's flexible and breathable like pure cotton mesh with moisture-wicking properties.
Marks & Spencer's affordable new Jasmine collection is inspired by the romantic lacework on the spring/summer 2025 catwalks. 'We have taken vintage inspiration for the lace and incorporated delicate details and mesh fabrics to create an inclusive new range of bras and knickers which look light and feminine whilst delivering great fit and comfort,' says Jenkinson. The £10 Jasmine bras go up to an H cup and are machine-washable.
And then there are bras with the boost factor. Georgia Larsen, the founder of Dora Larsen, has developed the padded triangle bra for A to D cups. 'The removable pad is very, very light so it still gives you a natural shape, but just provides a bit more lift and curve if you're wearing a tight top,' she says.
Ready to start shopping? Here are some favourite bras and brands for when the crocuses sprout and the slingbacks finally enjoy their day in the sun.
Best all-rounder
'The Boss' by Nudea is so called for good reason: it's multifunctional, shape-enhancing and built with strong support well suited to fuller busts. Underwired with double-layer moulded cups, it's surprisingly lightweight and ultra smooth, crafted from recycled antibacterial microfibre. Multiway adjustable straps mean that it can be worn as a classic shoulder bra, cross-back and as a halter neck. Nudea is also a British B Corp company, which is always a plus.
The Boss full-cover bra, £48, Nudea
Best for everyday
When it comes to this ubiquitous style, I'm a sucker for Skims' 'Fits Everybody' design. I didn't want to believe the hype because I'm not a fan of the brand's extravagant marketing stunts, but this bra lives up to expectations: its stretchy demi silhouette has lightly lined cups for a subtle lift. It also has a barely there feel that's satisfyingly forgettable. It is available in eight different shades to accommodate different skin tones, so it performs a great disappearing act under a white tee.
Fits Everybody T-shirt bra, £58, Skims
Best T-shirt bra
M&S's newly launched CountourWear bras from the Rosie range are super smooth and sculpting with seamless mid-weight padding and a non-wired plunge silhouette that does the best disappearing act under a T-shirt. It's already a bestseller, and the silhouette comes in glossy black and this beautiful neutral seashell tone.
Rosie for M&S ContourWear non-wired plunge bra, £26, Marks and Spencer
Best for DD+ support
Those who know and love Bravissimo will recognise this bestselling balconette with a soft lace construction that flexes to your shape with soft supportive woven satin undercasing. On the first day this style launched, in November 2024, the label sold one Millie Luxe every 10 minutes, and it's since become a social media sensation. The latest buzz is around a new teal version released as part of the label's 30th anniversary collection. It runs from cup shapes D to K, and back sizes 28-40.
Mille Luxe bra, £42, Bravissimo
Best for joyful colour
British label Dora Larsen doesn't do subtle smalls. Founder Georgia Larsen specialises in coquettish designs in beautiful colour combinations with contrasting straps. Crafted from soft lace and stretch-tulle, the bras are comfortable as well as playful with a second-skin fit. Many styles go up to a DD, with some catering to E and F cups. Didn't think bonbon pink could work with acid green? Think again.
Eden Graphic lace underwire bra, £70, Dora Larsen
Best for variety
Catering to a wide scope of sizes, London-based Bluebella offers feminine designs with scalloped edges galore. The sheer mesh Harlow wired bra with heart embroidery is ever so cute – its pattern distinctive enough to be discernible through a sheer or semi-sheer top. More versatile is the bestselling Naomi design, made from breathable eco-mesh fabric with flat bonded edging and minimal metalwork for a super-smooth feel under clothing.