Lingerie for Older Women: Comfortable Pieces Guaranteed to Boost Your Confidence
New technology provides support and coverage while still looking sexy — plus sizes too!
It used to be that hearing the word “lingerie” would make you think of hard-to-reach garter belts, torturous-looking bodysuits, or ultra-exposed teddies. Sure, those pieces still exist today, but the options available now are endless and dare we say comfortable while being no less alluring. That’s because more and more brands are designing with older women in mind and know that comfort and practicality are key. So if you’re in the market for a new lacy pair of panties or a silky night gown, you’ve come to the right place. Keep scrolling for the best lingerie for older women and how wearing it can boost your self-esteem.
Why women over 50 should wear lingerie
While you might think you’re too old for lingerie, think again. A good bra and panties are an essential foundation under any outfit, and lingerie not only looks great, but it can make you feel great too, say lingerie experts Noa Arias and Shaula Yemini, co-founders of women’s lingerie brand Bloomers Intimates. “When women feel comfortable and pretty in their lingerie, they radiate confidence and sexiness,” says Yemini. Plus, there’s even psychological research that reveals how selecting the pair of underwear we wear can affect our mood.
Even if lingerie isn’t showing, wearing it underneath our clothes can be a confidence booster. “It’s like a sexy little secret we keep under our ‘Clark Kent’ uniforms, waiting to break out and be the superwomen we are,” adds Yemini. And there are also plenty of options that can help boost confidence in the bedroom or make you feel good to even wear while snoozing.
Additionally, lingerie can actually provide shape and extra support for your assets, meaning pieces are no longer just for looks. That’s because the latest lingerie styles have built-in cups (without painful underwire!), shapewear, adjustable straps, velcro fastening and more that help older women feel comfortable showing off some skin.
What are the best lingerie for older women?
- best lingerie romper for older women : Maille Plus Pajama Romper
- best lace panties for older women : Spanx Undie-tectable Lace Hi-Hipster Panties
- Best long lingerie nightgown for older women : Flora Nikrooz Stella Gown
- best chemise for older women : Crinkle Satin Lace-Trim Chemise
- Best lingerie briefs for older women : Bloomers Her Highness Briefs
- Best teddy lingerie for older women : Bare Necessities OH LÀ LÀ CHÉRI Aria Teddy
- best lingerie wrap for older women : In Bloom by Jonquil Heartbreaker Wrapper
- best lingerie pajamas for older women : In Bloom Felicity 2-Piece Satin Crop Pajama Set
- best adaptive lingerie bra for older women : Amoena Nancy Multi-Part Cup Lace-Trim Bra
- best plus size lingerie bra for older women : Embroidered Unlined Balconette Bra
- Best plus size lingerie panties for older women : Lace Crotchless Wide-Side Thong
- best camisole lingerie for older women : Bare Necessities The Smoothing Lace Cami
Full coverage lingerie can still be sexy and comfortable
Even though “our bodies change in so many subtle ways as we age,” notes Arias, there’s no need to sacrifice comfort or coverage when wearing or picking out lingerie. As we get older “we often want to hide these changes and start to gravitate towards full-coverage lingerie,” she says. Like trading “thongs for granny panties — but full coverage doesn’t have to mean big cotton granny panties,” she insists.
There are so many different materials to choose from that still give you full coverage, but look and feel a little more alluring than your regular cotton pair of panties. For instance, take silk or lace. Swapping out your old underwear for ones with these details automatically will make you feel more elevated, confident and sexy. And because these fabrics feel like a second skin, you’ll feel extra comfortable to boot.
The best lingerie for older women
Here, a selection of bras, chemises, camisoles, panties and more that are not only flattering on older women but also comfortable and easy to put on (or take off).
Maille Plus Pajama Romper
best lingerie romper for older women
Why we like it:
- Has pretty lacy side panels
- Comes in sizes XS-4X
This self-tie, elastic-waist romper from Adore Me is sexy and romantic. Its lace side panels and sleeves — plus an open back — show off some skin while still keeping you covered. And the tie belt comfortable cinches the middle to carve out feminine curves. Best of all, it comes in both standard and plus sizing options.
Spanx Undie-tectable Lace Hi-Hipster Panties
best lace panties for older women
Why we like it:
- Undetectable underneath clothing
- Comes in 5 neutral shades
These panties from Spanx flatter your rear with a lacy back, while still giving support where you need it in front. Elastic-free edges keep them from binding or bunching up, and they’re invisible under clothes — no visible panty lines here! Available in black, white, beige, nude and rose, you might just want one in every color. Raves one reviewer, “The fit is perfect! Comfortable and stay in place. Very pretty too! Highly recommend.”
Flora Nikrooz Stella Gown
Best long lingerie nightgown for older women
Why we like it:
- Made of cooling satin
- Hits below-the-knee
Shiny satin with delicate lace details gives this nightgown a touch of elegance. And the cool-to-the-touch fabric ensures you won’t overheat at night. Also flattering: The lace-covered plunge neckline draws attention to the bustline, and a below-the-knee hemline keeps any trouble spots concealed. What’s more, if you don’t love light pink, it also comes in black, ivory, beige and wine.
Crinkle Satin Lace-Trim Chemise
best chemise for older women
Why we like it:
- Adjustable straps
- Elastic back
For a simple-yet-sexy addition to your nighttime wardrobe, look to this chemise from Soma Intimates. It has adjustable straps that let you customize the fit and won’t dig into skin, plus an elastic back to keep you comfortable throughout the night.
Bloomers Her Highness Briefs
Best lingerie briefs for older women
Why we like it:
- High-waisted
- Features 4-way stretch lace
A full coverage panty can still be sexy and alluring with these lacy briefs from Bloomers. They feature a high waist cut for extra tummy control and smoothing, and the lace will stay put and not roll down. Plus, the lacy fabric is stretchy and breathable, so you won’t feel constricted while wearing this pretty pair.
Bare Necessities OH LÀ LÀ CHÉRI Aria Teddy
Best teddy lingerie for older women
Buy from Bare Necessities, $97
Why we like it:
- Easy to put on
- Microfiber and lace that stretch
This teddy has wire-free seamed cups and fully adjustable double straps so you’re comfortable no matter what. The sheer, black fabric in front covers breasts but still showcases their shape. And the frilled bottom portion adds a touch of feminine flair.
In Bloom by Jonquil Heartbreaker Wrapper
best lingerie wrap for older women
Why we like it:
- Long, lacy sleeves
- Comes with a satin belt
A sensual cover up, like this stunning, sheer wrap with lace details can be worn alone or with the matching thong it comes with. The wrap’s long-sleeves provide coverage for the arms to hide any jiggles and a satin belt lets you control how much or little skin you want to show off.
In Bloom Felicity 2-Piece Satin Crop Pajama Set
best lingerie pajamas for older women
Buy from Saks Fifth Avenue, $68
Why we like it:
- Pretty lace details
- Satin showcases curves
If you prefer to keep mainly covered up, you can still look and feel sexy in a pair of satin pajamas, like this pink set. The top’s V-neckline with lace trim and adjustable straps flatter the chest. And slinky satin highlights and outlines your natural curves, but won’t feel like it’s tight or clingy.
Amoena Nancy Multi-Part Cup Lace-Trim Bra
best adaptive lingerie bra for older women
Why we like it:
- Wireless
- Feminine lace accents
This Amoena bra, which was designed for post-mastectomy wear, is not only wire-free for comfort, but also features a supportive underband that works well for women that prefer wireless styles. That’s because it still provides some lift and extra-wide straps offer ample support. And although this bra is more covered up than typical lingerie, the lacy details keep it from looking plain. Plus, pockets inside the cups allow you to add padding if you prefer to give the girls an added boost.
Embroidered Unlined Balconette Bra
best plus size lingerie bra for older women
Why we like it:
- Unique design
- Wide size range
We love the uniquely sensual-yet-full-coverage design of this bra from Lane Bryant. The cups comfortably hold in breasts and the red coral lace color is alluring. And with sizing that goes up to a 50K, those with an ample bosom can wear this style confidently.
Lace Crotchless Wide-Side Thong
Best plus size lingerie panties for older women
Why we like it:
- Cheeky yet covered
- Flattering ruching detail
This cheeky thong from Lane Bryant is sexy and feminine, but you won’t feel like everything is exposed thanks to a side lacy back. And the ruching down the center of the back actually creates the illusion of a lifted, firmer backside.
Bare Necessities The Smoothing Lace Cami
best camisole lingerie for older women
Buy from Bare Necessities, $78
Why we like it:
- Has built-in shaping
- Looks great peeking out under a shirt in the daytime
We love this oh-so-sexy camisole from Bare Necessities. It features built-in shaping panels so it smooths out any trouble spots along the torso and has foam cups to support the bust. What’s more, it can be worn either day or night as it’s easy to layer under a blouse or cardigan.
For more on our favorite pieces to shop, click through these stories:
Bra Pro: The 6 Best Shaping Bras To Lift, Smooth and Sculpt Breasts
9 Best Incontinence Underwear for Women That Are Actually Stylish
9 Tummy-Control Shapewear Pieces That Will Smooth and Sculpt Your Middle
