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For dreaming in colour: Dora Larsen

Somewhere along the line, black, blush and a moody crimson hue became the sanctioned shades of sexy. But it’s a rule that goes unfollowed at Dora Larsen, a label founded in London, U.K., by a former lingerie buyer who prefers uplifting—and unexpected—colour combos for her designs. Our favourite? A divine lacy bodysuit on which cornflower blue mingles with sea green and lilac.

Nylon, elastane and cotton bodysuit, Dora Larsen $145, doralarsen.com

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For underwear as outerwear: LaSette

Ponder this: Why do we spend so much on lingerie for it to quite literally never see the light of day? Not anymore—NYC-based brand LaSette is shaking things up, making transitional lingerie meant for real life. Expect princess-darted slips and strappy bralettes from designer Shiara Robinson, who encourages wearers to layer her pieces for daytime activities and, yes, sexy nights in.

Lace bra and full comfort panties, LaSette $222 for the set, lasette.shop

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For free-form designs: Mary Young

As a pioneer on the Canadian lingerie scene, Mary Young was designing for curves and comfort long before “body positivity” became a buzz phrase. She crafts her pieces in her Toronto studio without underwire, padding or other “shaping” materials and has recently taken an even more focused approach to ever-needed ease with pullover bras and tanks that can be worn for any occasion.

Dia bra and low-rise Logan bikini panties, Mary Young ($88 and $52, maryyoung.com).

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For unconventionally sexy undergarments: Fruity Booty

Also hailing from the U.K., Fruity Booty swaps traditional notions of sensuality for the kind of nostalgia-tinged designs that really make you feel something. Tangy picnic-blanket checks are splashed across stretchy under- wire bras, while ruffled thongs get the vintage treatment with a quirky fruit print. The feel-good story doesn’t end there: Every piece is ethically made in small runs at a handful of ateliers across Europe.

Stretch-fabric bra and briefs, Fruity Booty ($62 and $31, fruitybooty.co.uk).

 

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For maternity minimalism: Juem

This Aussie brand is on a mission to make maternity underthings less, well, mumsy. Take its ultra-contemporary and comfy Ray bra, for example: Made with certified-organic ribbed cotton and featuring tortoiseshell buttons for easy feeding, it’s a piece that can transition well into the fourth trimester and beyond. (Hello, perfect sports bra.)

Certified-organic-ribbed-cotton Ray bra, Juem ($81, juem.com.au).

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