The Capsule Underwear Collection You'll Find in Every Grown-Up Lingerie Drawer

For many of us, underwear mainly serves as an afterthought when it comes to compiling an outfit. However, as any person who takes fashion as seriously as we do will likely tell you, every great ensemble should start with equally impressive lingerie. Now, that's not to say that every bra and briefs you wear should be of the fancy variety. Of course, lacy styles have a time and a place (as do practical pieces), but the key is having items at your disposal that you can employ at a moment's notice to enhance your outfit. We like to call this a lingerie capsule wardrobe. 

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(Image credit: @ali_tate_cutler)

A well-rounded lingerie capsule will serve you well and make your outfits work harder. 

However, with so many options out there, it's difficult to know the underwear you'll get the most use out of as opposed to the styles that can sit for years on end without a single outing. To help, we've rounded up the items everyone needs in their lingerie capsule wardrobe that not only look good but will also make you feel even more confident in your clothes. And who doesn't deserve a little ego boost once in a while?

1. T-Shirt Bra

2. Lace Bra

3. Nude Bra

4. Plunge Bra

5. Strapless Bra

6. Soft-Cup Bra

7. Jersey Thong

8. High-Waisted Knickers

9. Shorts

10. Hipster Briefs

11. Silk Camisole

12. Lace-Trim Slip Skirt

12. Slip Dress

13. Bodysuit

14. Sculpting Pants

15. Streamline Shapewear

16. Tights

17. Posh Socks

18. Luxe Robe

Next Up: These 19 Strapless Bras Have the Best Reviews

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.