Shopping for underwear is an overwhelming errand: when looking for sizes, letters from ‘A’ to ‘B’ coupled with an inconspicuous number are thrown at you like a bra-shaped bundle of confusion. It’s less than sexy to buy a boring bra that doesn’t ignite a sense of excitement to wear. However, when underwear shopping becomes lingerie shopping, a different image is evoked. Think the lacy lushness of the Victoria’s Secret runway: a sensual, hyper-feminine power that can only be unlocked by the caress of a matching set. A bra is not just underwear, but a piece of clothing that supports the inherently feminine, and allows us to reach a sense of confidence coming from within - or rather, underneath.
Lingerie is not an external performance... but fashion entirely for yourself...
If we start to perceive buying lingerie as a form of self care, then the act is transformed entirely. Lingerie is not an external performance for the world to see like your favourite t-shirt or pair of jeans, but fashion entirely for yourself - a secret you keep, but can choose to share with another in a display of trust. Tapping into this sexuality in the form of lingerie allows us to get a deeper understanding of our needs and wants, with no one else in mind, as first we buy it for ourselves, and then choose who we share it with. When buying a top, you may be thinking about judgement from others. But with lingerie, it’s completely personal - whether you like colour, adornments, a garter belt and a pair of stockings, the choice is yours. It is an intimate experience that is completely self-centred, and without shame in being so.
Walking into the lingerie shop can be an intimidating experience, as shopping for underwear can feel somewhat taboo. I have often felt embarrassed to go into a lingerie shop to be measured for a new bra size because it feels incredibly vulnerable to lay bare my body in front of a stranger. However, 2026 is the time to be breaking down this shame, starting with altering the lingerie shopping experience. Pour over the different styles, take time and remember that this is you caring for yourself and yourself only.
Newcastle has some great places to do this - Boux Avenue is a beautiful brand that has everything from sexy lingerie to pyjamas, with a shop perfectly situated in the Metro Centre. But, not only this, once a year they offer a pop-up sample sale in Newcastle University Students' Union, where you can find pants from £3! A perfect way to shop for their pieces on a budget. Bravissimo in Eldon Square also offers an array of choices tailored towards D cup and up sizes, alongside a free bra fitting service so you can find that perfect fit. And of course, in both the Metro Centre and Eldon Square are Ann Summers and Victoria’s Secret shops, with Victoria’s Secret offering their classic bombshell bra and iconic monogrammed thongs.