Here’s my overview of all the key pieces of lingerie you need.

From comfortable basics to shapewear; must-have maternity pieces and some racy, lace numbers. Best of all, you can shop all these pieces of lingerie online.

COMFORT IS KEY

When it comes to underwear, I’m all about basics. Give me simple, skin coloured undies and a good padded bra – I need the padding, being an A cup – over a racy, lacy number any day. For me, especially as I get older, it’s all about comfort.

I believe the bulk of one’s lingerie wardrobe should consist of super-comfy, smooth bras in neutral colours that mold to the body and can be worn under everything.

Choose a silhouette that compliments your natural shape.

Cotton On Wire free Everyday T-Shirt Bra R299BUY

For a natural-looking boost, choose a push-up bra, or a molded bra for light coverage and a smooth look under t-shirts and clingy tops.

Koton  2- Pack Push Up T-Shirt Bra Black & Neutral R384BUY

KEEP IT BRIEF

Coordinate panties & bras in nude and neutral shades that compliment your unique skintone. For everyday wear, choose styles that are clean-cut and unfussy to eliminate unsightly VPL (visible panty lines). Ensure that gussets are lined with cotton – this is more hygienic as cotton breathes.

Under Armour 3 Pack Thongs R499BUY

Cotton On The invisible Bikini Brief 3 Pack R249BUY

Cotton On The Invisible Brasilliano Brief 3 Pack R249BUY

TAKE CONTROL

If you’re looking for a smooth silhouette that’s free of lumps and bumps, shapewear is the way to go. But be sure to purchase the correct size, because ill-fitting shapewear will only accentuate what you’re trying to cover up. Squeezing into a size too small will make your wobbly bits spill over – not a good look!

Key shapewear pieces for every lingerie collection include:

A pair of support briefs to support and shape tummies and bums.

Cotton On Power mesh Shapewear High waisted Bikini R226 – BUY

A long leg brief to eliminate saddlebags.

Cotton On Power Mesh Shapewear High Waist Short R226BUY

An under bra slip to streamline the silhouette

Cotton On Power Mesh Shapewear Under Bra Slip R291 – BUY

GET SPORTY

You really should invest in a sports bra (or three) for exercise.

Match the type of bra to the level of activity you’re undertaking. Depending on your bust size and shape, and the type of exercise you do, you’ll either opt for a sports crop top that holds the whole bust area tightly against the body and prevents bounce; or a sports bra that lifts and separates each breast, offering extra support for larger-busted women.

Under Armour Seamless Low Impact bra R539 – BUY

Puma Mid Impact Strong Bra R384 – BUY

Under Armour Infinity High Impact Sports Bra R1199 – BUY

BRINGING SEXY BACK

Once you’ve got your basics sorted, you can look for pieces that reflect your personality, creativity and sensuality. Everyone needs a sexy lace number!

Hunkemollar Tuppence Bra R584 – BUY

Hunkemoller Jasmine Bralette R419 – BUY

H&M 2-Pack Lace Brazilian Briefs R179 – BUY

Dorina Alessia Brazilian briefs in Fuschia R149 – BUY 

MATERNALLY YOURS

When selecting a maternity bra, it’s important to choose one with the following features:

Drop down feeding cups.

Extended hook & eyes.

A wire free under bust and wide elastic around the diaphragm for support.

A frame surrounding the rise of the breast for support when the cup is dropped for feeding.

Maternity Mommy Hands Free Breast Pump Bra R589 – BUY

I was impressed to see this maternity belly support piece. Gosh, how I wish these were around when I was pregnant!

Maternity Mommy Belly Support R359 – BUY 

DON’T

Wear one bra for work, play, gym and everything else in between! There is NO ‘one size fits all’ solution and it’s likely to cost you in the long run.

DO

Take care of your undergarments. The really special pieces are best hand washed with a mild detergent like Woolite. Invest in a mesh bra bag so you can machine wash your bras without them loosing shape.