I've Been Married for 6 Years and These Lingerie Sets Made Me Feel More Confident Than Ever

"Lingerie" comes from the French word linge, which actually just translates to "laundry." Though laundry certainly doesn't have much sex appeal, these sultry undergarments go a long way in keeping things steamy after six years of marriage.

My husband thinks I look great in my everyday thongs and bralettes. So while it doesn't necessarily take burlesque-style ensembles to set the mood, pretty lingerie can help keep things interesting and make intimacy more fun.

I'm all about comfort, so I like pieces I feel like I can move in. To me, the sweet spot with lingerie is something I feel sexy in that pushes the boundaries of regular underwear without being so over the top that I can't take myself seriously. But thanks to my easily impressed partner, the parameters are pretty broad.

I feel amazing in one-piece get-ups, like a teddy, bodysuit, romper, or chemise. I can also get behind a matching set, whether I throw it on in the bedroom or wear it all day under my clothes for a surprise reveal.

In any case, lingerie is undoubtedly effective for keeping our sex life and marriage strong. Here are some pieces and sets that speak to me, a 34-year-old writer, wife, and mother of two.

Adore Me Juliana Unlined Plunge Lace Bodysuit

As someone who prefers one-piece swimsuits to bikinis and wears bodysuits with jeans multiple times a week, this lacy leotard is right up my alley. I appreciate that the cups are unlined—I usually remove bra pads because I like my natural bust shape. And I bet my husband would love the exposed back.

Sizes: XS–4X | Colors: Black, orange, blue | Materials: Polyamide, spandex

Buy now: $23+, Adoreme.com, Victoriassecret.com

Fleur du Mal Rose Lace Balconette Bra, Thong, and Garter Belt

Garter belts were traditionally meant to hold up stockings. And while they still technically do this as part of a multi-piece lingerie ensemble, today's iterations of the accessory are undoubtedly more sexy than functional. Although I firmly believe you can be sexy without being impractical, I could see myself having fun playing it up with this matching bra, thong, and garter set.

Sizes: 32B–38D; XS–XL | Color: Black/snake print | Materials: Polyester, silk, elastane, spandex

Buy now: $88+, Fleurdumal.com (bra), Fleurdumal.com (thong), Fleurdumal.com (garter)

Bluebella Goya Bra and Panty Set

I'm also a big fan of this bra and panty set from Bluebella. The sheer mesh fabric provides a tasteful peek of skin and the back is so flattering. What's more, the contrasting black embroidery lends to a modern mermaid vibe while still being versatile enough to wear under clothes.

Sizes: 30A–40G; XXS–3X | Color: Black | Materials: Recycled polyester, polyamide, elastane, viscose

Buy now: $69, Bluebella.com

Journelle Celine Low Back Slip

There's something so effortlessly sexy about a slip. This extra-short one from Journelle is made of 100 percent silk, giving it a smooth feel, a slinky drape, and a subtle sheen. I'd wear it as lingerie or pajamas in the warmer season.

Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: White, black, red, lavender, rose, violet | Material: Silk

Buy now: $210, Journelle.com, Revolve.com

Skims Fits Everybody Lace Scoop Bralette and Tanga

I'm pretty committed to the Skims Fits Everybody Thong as daily underwear and often gift it to the ladies in my life. Knowing how comfy and unbelievably stretchy the fabric is, I wouldn't hesitate to rock lingerie from the collection. Beyond being comfortable to wear, this low-cut bralette and matching cheeky tanga have the perfect cuts to show off my curves.

Sizes: XXS–4X | Colors: Black, brown, taupe, camel, fuchsia, pink | Materials: Polyamide, elastane

Buy now: $20+, Skims.com, Nordstrom.com (bralette), Skims.com, Nordstrom.com (tanga)

Cosabella Ushuaya Chemise

Cosabella's Ushuaya Chemise looks like something a fairy might wear—but not in a cheesy, costumey way. The floral embroidered bodice and sheer skirt offer an air of sweetness and femininity while still allowing me to feel like a self-assured, grown woman.

Sizes: S–XL | Colors: White, blue | Materials: Polyester, polyamide, elastane

Buy now: $250, Cosabella.com

Natori Feathers Catsuit

Who says lingerie can't cover your entire body? Certainly not me. If I'm honest, this catsuit is the type of thing I'm most comfortable in—and comfort is key, even though I've been married for six years. I love the way it moves on my body, and the see-through element makes me feel incredibly sexy without too much work. I wear this while cooking dinner for (and with) my husband and it sets the mood for a romantic meal.

Sizes: S–XL | Color: Black | Materials: Nylon, spandex

Buy now: $86, Natori.com, Saksfifthavenue.com

Cuup Plunge Mesh Bra and Highwaist Mesh Panty

I'm partial to pieces that toe the line between lingerie and regular undergarments, like this sheer mesh set from Cuup. The unlined bra offers subtle lift with an underwire and the sheer fabric keeps things interesting. I also love how the high-cut, leg-elongating panties are reminiscent of bikini bottoms from the '90s.

Sizes: 30A–44H; XS–3XL | Colors: Black, ivory, chartreuse, blue, fuchsia +more | Materials: Nylon, spandex, polyamide, elastane, bamboo

Buy now: $10+, Shopcuup.com (bra), Shopcuup.com (underwear)

Eberjay Mariana Tencel Modal Romper

This flirty romper is one of those things that would definitely catch my husband's eye without making him think I deliberately put on lingerie—though there's nothing wrong with deliberate seduction. And seeing as it's primarily made of modal, it's breathable enough to sleep in.

Sizes: XS–L | Colors: White, periwinkle | Materials: Tencel modal, nylon, rayon, spandex

Buy now: $128, Eberjey.com, Zappos.com, Bloomingdales.com

SavageX Fenty See Thru U Teddy

Historically called camiknickers, teddies were originally popularized in the 1920s flapper era. I'm all about one-piece styles that cover my torso without flattening my behind and tend to choose chic, sophisticated black over most other colors. Needless to say, this teddy from SavageX checks all the boxes.

Sizes: XS–4X | Color: Black | Materials: Nylon, elastane

Buy now: $24, Savagex.com

Agent Provocateur Yuma Plunge Underwired Bra, Full Brief, and Suspender

For holidays, anniversaries, or vacations, I might go for something a little more elaborate, like this three-piece set. The sheer lacy fabric and curve-enhancing cuts are the epitome of classic lingerie. I might even opt for red instead of my go-to black to spice things up.

Sizes: 32A–38F; 1–6 | Colors: Red, black | Materials: Polyester, polyamide, elastane

Buy now: $70, Agentprovocateur.com (bra), Agentprovocateur.com (briefs), Agentprovocateur.com (suspenders)

Eres Merveille Crop Top Bra and Calme High-Waisted Briefs

This set from Eres is at once simple and unique. I prefer bralettes over traditional wire bras and will go for pretty much high-waisted anything, so the cuts of both pieces are just right for my taste. And I'm confident my husband would love the delicate, semi-revealing lace.

Sizes: 32A–40C; 6–12 | Colors: White, navy | Material: Polyamide, spandex, elastane

Buy now: $225, Net-a-porter.com (bra), Net-a-porter.com (briefs)

Elomi Charley Full Figure Underwire Convertible Plunge Bra and High Cut Briefs

Elomi makes excellent plus-size options that can be worn on special occasions or as everyday undergarments. This supportive, lifting bra goes all the way up to size 44DD, and the matching high-cut panties are available in sizes medium through 4X. Both are designed to flatter full-figured bodies while adding a touch of allure.

Sizes: 32GG–44DD; M–4X | Colors: Black, blue, taupe, pink, purple +more | Materials: Nylon, elastane, cotton, spandex

Buy now: $23+, Nordstrom.com, Amazon.com (bra), Nordstrom.com, Amazon.com (briefs)

Hanky Panky Signature Lace Crotchless Teddy

Hanky Panky is one of my tried-and-true underwear brands—their Signature Lace Original Rise Thong will forever be a staple in my panty drawer. This crotchless teddy is made of the same exceptionally stretchy, non-restricting material, which I'm here for.

Sizes: XS–L | Colors: Black, red | Material: Nylon

Buy now: $85, Hankypanky.com, Shopbop.com, Amazon.com

Wolford Sheer Touch Bandeau Bra and Control Panty

Wolford makes high-end shapewear that doubles as luxury lingerie. I'm particularly fond of this bra and high-waisted panty from the brand's Sheer Touch line. The bra provides subtle lift, which is just enough for my B cup size, while the undies smooth the tummy and cinch the midsection without digging into the skin. I also like how the slightly shimmery fabric elevates the otherwise neutral colors.

Sizes: 34A–36D; XS–L | Colors: Blush, black | Materials: Polyamide, elastane

Buy now: $85+, Wolford.com, Saksfifthavenue.com (bra); Wolford.com, Saksfifthavenue.com (panties)

Mucci Aria Lace Bodysuit

This all-over lace bodysuit is striking yet understated. I like how the deep-V neckline and halter-style straps lift the chest and create just enough cleavage without thick padding. The diamond-shaped cutout detail is also unexpectedly flattering.

Sizes: XS–XL | Color: Ivory | Materials: Polyamide, elastane, cotton

Buy now: $84, Bloomingdales.com

Why Trust Brides

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and product tester specializing in apparel, beauty, shopping, and lifestyle. She has worn underwear and lingerie from several brands on this list and continuously tries new pieces and styles. You can find more of her buying guides on Byrdie, Travel + Leisure, and People.