Whether you're planning a big Valentine's Day date [1], staying at home for a loved-up evening, or simply planning on giving yourself some self-love [2], 14 Feb. means all things heart-shaped and lingerie-focused. But as we browse the high street's underwear offerings, we couldn't help but get a little superstitious. Does the colour of our underwear affect our romantic prospects?
Karen Haller, Colour Psychology Expert and author of The Little Book of Colour [3], tells POPSUGAR: "Colour is emotion. We are having an emotional response to colour all of the time whether we're conscious of it or not." So it turns out that no matter how adventurous your plans may be, it could be worth sparing an extra thought before choosing that red set or the black two-piece.
Haller explains that colours like red, black, and soft pink have long been associated with feelings of "passion, compassion, and a sense of allure" – emotions that we hope you feel in abundance this Valentine's Day. But of course, underwear and lingerie isn't all about sex [4] or your partner. Choosing a set that makes you feel confident and empowered is just as important, if not moreso.
Haller says that your self-confidence can be boosted by something as simple as wearing your favourite colour. "Expressing your confident self is having the courage to wear the colours you love. So this Valentine's Day, pick the colours that you love, just make sure they don't overwhelm you, otherwise you could start to feel adverse traits of the colour."
Ahead, we've used Haller's psychological advice to find some sultry lingerie suggestions in a range of colours, from cheeky baby doll sets in red to inviting lace bras and thongs in white, that speak to both your confidence and your romantic plans.
Pink Valentine’s Day Underwear
Bluebella Valentina Wired Bra Fuchsia Pink [5] (£39), Bluebella Valentina Thong Fuchsia Pink [6] (£18), Bluebella Valentina Suspender Fuchsia Pink [7] (£26)
"Pink expresses compassion and the caring side of the wearer," Haller shares. "It can convey a tender, gentle romance." So if you want to get in tune with your emotions this Valentine's Day, then it's worth leaning into a pink set. Feminine and sexy, it's a great choice for a true romantic evening.
Pink Valentine’s Day Underwear
Boux Avenue's Gracey balconette bra in Hot Pink [8] (£34), Boux Avenue Gracey Tanga Briefs in Hot Pink [9] (£16), Boux Avenue Gracey tanga thong in Hot Pink [10] (£16)
Boux Avenue's lace balconette bra set has customisable bottoms, allowing you to choose matching briefs or a thong for ultimate comfort tailored to your preferences.
Pink Valentine’s Day Underwear
Victoria's Secret Pink Baby Doll Set [11] (£28)
Go all out with your pink theme this Valentine's Day with Victoria's Secret's Baby Doll set including a matching G-String thong. This cute design leans into "the sensual and playful side of romance," says Haller.
White Valentine’s Day Lingerie
Pour Moi India Eyelash Lace Underwired Balconette Bra [12] (£36), Pour Moi India Eyelash Lace V-Shape Brief [13] (£18)
Haller says white can symbolise "purity, simplicity, and elegance." While we're sure you're perfect just the way you are (shout-out Bruno Mars), opting for a white lingerie set this Valentine's could subconsciously cement the idea into your partner's mind. It can also act as a juxtaposition if you want to up the sex factor, looking pure on the outside, but kinkier when taken off . . .
White Valentine’s Day Lingerie
Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Bra [14] (£39), Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Cheeky Knickers [15] (£14), Victoria's Secret Dream Angels G String [16] (£14), Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Hipster Thong [17] (£14) and Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Hipster Thong [18] (£14)
We love a customisable lingerie set and Victoria's Secret has us sorted with this luxurious white lace Dream Angels set, loved by fans of the brand for "feeling great on."
White Valentine’s Day Lingerie
Bravissimo Scantilly Fascinate Basque [19] (£50)
This sheer number by Bravissimo is ideal for those with larger cups (from D and above) and ultilises mesh fabric and rose gold embroidery to create super sleek look.
Black Lingerie For Valentine’s Day
Savage X Fenty Savage Not Sorry Underwire Teddy [20] (£75)
Black is a lowkey favourite during Valentine's and, according to Haller, elegance and sophistication is best shown through the dominating shade, so why not add this mysterious yet sultry teddy to your basket? It commands attention, and has connotations to the little black dress. So if you want to feel powerful, black is a good choice.
Black Lingerie For Valentine’s Day: Sexy T-Shirt Bra Set
Lounge Soft Satin T-shirt Bra [21] (£30), Lounge Soft Satin Thong [22] (£15), Lounge Soft Satin Briefs [23] (£15)
If you're planning on letting your mysterious side dominate your steamy session, we love this simple but sultry black lingerie set by Lounge [24], super comfortable but still has an air of mystery and a sense of allure.
Black Lingerie For Valentine’s Day: Black Baby Doll Set
Ann Summers Iris Babydoll Set in Black [25] (£32)
Channel the power of the little black dress with this Ann Summers Baby Doll Set to create a sense of mystery, as your Valentine's evening progresses.
Red Valentine’s Day Underwear: Intimate Lingerie Set
Lounge Katya Intimates Set [26] (£85)
Although red already gets so much credit, we think it's truly deserved. Haller confirms that red is the colour if you're planning to fit any action in this Valentine's Day.
"When it comes to colour psychology, the colour that oozes sex appeal is red," she tells us. "Red conveys passion, desire, and excitement. It can create a heightened sense of attraction."
Red Valentine’s Day Underwear: Playful Baby Doll Set
Ann Summers Bonbon lace and dobby mesh underwired babydoll and thong set in red [27] (£32)
It's passion, it's lust, it's desire. So lean into the red connotations with a sheer babydoll set that is just meant to be seen.
Red Valentine’s Day Underwear: Elegant Mesh Set
Cherish Balcony Bra in Maroon [28] (£35), Cherish Thong in Maroon [29] (£15)
Lounge [30]'s Cherish set exudes timeless elegance and comfort, complete with sexy cutouts and love heart mesh panelling, enough to make you feel confident while capturing attention and owning your power.