New Year, New Lingerie: How to Know When to Rebuild Your Lingerie Collection
The New Year is the perfect time for fresh starts: new goals, new habits, and, our favourite, new lingerie.
Rebuilding your lingerie collection is an act of self-care. Think about it: your lingerie is the foundation of every outfit you wear. Worn-out bras that don’t support you or knickers that don’t fit can ruin your look and affect how you feel throughout the day.
If you’re wondering when to rebuild your lingerie collection, this is the year to make it happen. Ready to refresh and feel fabulous? Let’s get started!
How to Assess Your Current Lingerie: A Clear-Out Guide
Clearing out your lingerie drawer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a step-by-step approach, you’ll know exactly when to rebuild your lingerie collection and how to do it right.
Start with Your Bras
Check the back bands of your bras: do they still fit snugly, or have they stretched out? A stretched or loose band causes sagging and discomfort, which can lead to back pain (especially for larger busts).
Next, inspect the cups and underwire of your bras. Underwires should sit comfortably against your sternum and under your breasts, and the cups should lie flat against your breasts without gaps. If the top of the bra cup curls outward or you see a gap, the bra may be stretched out or the wrong size.
If the cup is too large, the wire may poke your armpit; if it’s too small, it may press into your breasts. Over time, worn underwires can start to poke through the fabric of your bra, causing irritation and potentially damaging some of the breast tissue.
Evaluate Your Knickers
Next, you should evaluate your knickers. Over time, frequent washing causes the elastic in your knickers to wear out, leading to a poor, too-loose fit. On the flip side, regular washing and drying can cause shrinking, particularly with cotton knickers, making them uncomfortable to wear.
Additionally, look for signs of persistent stains, such as bleach-like discolouration caused by acidic discharge or period stains (we’ve all been there!). While these stains are a normal part of womanhood, they signal that it’s time to refresh your collection.
If your knickers feel too tight, leave marks on your skin, or just don’t make you feel your best, it’s time to let them go and invest in pieces that help you feel fresh and confident.
Organize Into Keep, Replace, Discard Piles
As you sort through your lingerie collection, create three piles: keep, replace, and discard. Keep the pieces in great condition that you still love to wear. Worn-out items go in the replace pile. And put anything that’s faded, torn, or no longer comfortable in the discard pile.
How to Rebuild Your Lingerie Collection
Now that you’ve assessed what items in your lingerie drawer should stay and which ones should go, it’s time to rebuild. Rebuilding your lingerie collection is a chance to start new with practical essentials that fit your style and make you feel fabulous.
Start with Everyday Essentials
Focus on versatile, high-quality essentials that blend comfort, style, and functionality. Comfortable staples you’ll reach for daily should form the foundation of your lingerie wardrobe.
But don’t forget to sprinkle in specialty pieces that make you feel like the goddess you are.
Prioritize Fit and Comfort
When shopping, make sure your bras fit perfectly. As a reminder:
- A snug back band on the loosest hook provides most of the support and ensures longevity as the band stretches over time.
- Underwires should sit snugly against your sternum and frame your breasts without poking or pressing.
- Cups should lie flat against your chest without gaps or curling edges.
Don’t underestimate the value of a professional fitting every 12 months or after any bodily changes like pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or increased exercise.
For knickers, choose breathable fabrics and avoid tight styles that restrict movement or cause irritation.
Consider Hypoallergenic Lingerie
If you have sensitive skin, consider hypoallergenic lingerie. Made from gentle, breathable fabrics like pure silk and organic cotton, hypoallergenic lingerie is designed to keep you comfortable and irritation-free.
Incorporate 2025’s Key Trends
This year’s anticipated trends can help elevate your lingerie wardrobe:
- Underwear as Outerwear: Lacy silk camisoles and bodysuits are stepping into the spotlight as statement pieces. Style them with blazers, high-waisted trousers, or denim for a chic, elevated look.
- Seamless Comfort: Performance-focused pieces like supportive sports bras in soft, breathable fabrics combine practicality with a chic look.
- Playful Colours: Expect more playful hues like raspberry, ocean blue, and vibrant green alongside classic lingerie shades like black, beige, and white. Bold reds also make a statement by adding a striking pop of colour under casual outfits.
- Elevated Basics: Bralettes and supportive briefs complement sheer or body-hugging outfits, perfect for the "naked dress" trend.
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly materials like bamboo, organic cotton, and recycled fabrics are on the rise, offering chic, durable lingerie options that are kind to the planet.
- Everyday Luxury: Beautiful, sexy sets are becoming staples for daily wear. They combine traditional lingerie styling with innovative, soft fabrics for ultimate comfort.
- Bold Embellishments: Maximalist designs featuring embroidery, diamanté, and fringe add opulence and drama to lingerie collections. These statement pieces are perfect for bridal occasions, Valentine's Day, or simply treating yourself.
Knowing when to rebuild your lingerie collection is just as important as choosing the right pieces, so take your time and invest in lingerie that fits your body and lifestyle.
Extending the Lifespan of Your New Lingerie
Once you’ve rebuilt your lingerie collection, properly caring for your new pieces is key to keeping them in excellent condition. Delicate fabrics deserve gentle handling, so opt for handwashing whenever possible. If machine washing is more practical, use a protective mesh bag to prevent snagging and reduce wear.
Air-drying preserves elastic fibres and maintains the shape of your bras and knickers. Avoid tumble drying, especially on high heat, as it can cause fabrics to shrink, stretch, or degrade over time.
Caring for your lingerie keeps it looking beautiful and extends its lifespan, meaning fewer replacements and a longer-lasting lingerie wardrobe.
New Year, New Lingerie
If you’ve been wondering when to rebuild your lingerie collection, there’s no better time than now. By focusing on quality over quantity, ensuring the perfect fit, and incorporating 2025’s trends, you'll create a collection that supports you in every way.
Explore JulieMay Lingerie’s range of hypoallergenic, sustainable, and stylish pieces to find items that prioritize your comfort and style. Start the year with a fresh foundation, and let your lingerie collection inspire your confidence all year long! Because you deserve to feel good in the skin you’re in.
