Embrace body positivity: How lingerie can boost your self- confidence

Body positivity is more than just a buzzword—it’s a journey towards accepting and loving yourself in the face of often unrealistic standards the society sets.

Seemingly innocuous and perhaps understated,  lingerie can help many women in their quest for body positivity.

Often seen as an item meant to accentuate sexuality and attract others, lingerie can be a personal tool for self-love, self-expression, and self-esteem. The right lingerie isn’t about who sees it, but how it makes you feel.

“Lingerie and sexy underwear have been historically viewed as being for the partner’s benefit only,” says psychologist Danielle Forshee. “But we’re in a time when women are empowering themselves [with what they choose to wear].”

Many women struggle with body insecurities, which are often magnified by media and societal pressures to look a certain way.

However, the lingerie industry has begun shifting towards inclusivity, offering pieces that celebrate bodies of all shapes and sizes.

This shift has been transformative for how women view themselves, helping them embrace their unique forms and enhance their self-confidence.

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The perks of choosing the right lingerie for you

Traditionally viewed through the lens of desirability, lingerie is not always about being wanted by others. “Wearing lingerie isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good and celebrating your body,” says Felix Aaron Joshua,

CEO of Feron Lingerie. Dressing for yourself—rather than for others—can potentially empower and elevate your self-esteem.

Choosing lingerie that fits your body well sends a powerful message to your inner self—you are worth the effort and deserve to feel beautiful.

Lingerie can become a daily reminder of your commitment to loving and accepting yourself the way you are.

Whether it’s soft lace or comfortable cotton, the material doesn’t matter as much as the feeling it gives you: confidence, comfort, and self-appreciation.

How we dress can directly affect how we perceive ourselves. When women wear lingerie that they associate with beauty or comfort, it boosts self-esteem and body appreciation and can help reduce negative body image.

As a result, many brands now offer more inclusive sizing and designs, recognising that women of all shapes and sizes deserve to feel confident.

This inclusivity sends a powerful message: you don’t need to change your body to wear beautiful lingerie.

Instead, the lingerie adapts to you, helping you see and appreciate your body for what it is—strong, beautiful, and worthy.

A symbol of self-care

Lingerie can also be a subtle yet impactful form of self-care. Much like how maintaining a skincare routine or setting aside time for relaxation nurtures your mind and body, taking the time to choose lingerie that makes you feel good is another way of showing yourself care and respect.

As Joshua notes, “Your intimate wear reflects how you see and care for yourself.” This sentiment highlights the importance of choosing lingerie that feels good against your skin and suits your personal style. Don’t wait for special occasions—wearing luxurious lingerie can be a daily act of self-love, a reminder to appreciate and honour your body, just as it is.

Moreover, ensuring your lingerie drawer is full of well-fitting, quality pieces is important. Regularly updating your lingerie, rather than holding on to worn-out or ill-fitting items, can greatly impact how you view yourself.

Joshua advises, “Change your panties often; don’t wait until they’re loose or torn. Treat yourself to beautiful, comfortable pieces that reflect the respect you have for your body.”

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Lingerie as an empowerment tool

The way lingerie makes you feel goes beyond just physical comfort. It connects to your mental and emotional well-being. 

“Wearing nice quality underwear or lingerie sets boosts our confidence and self-esteem, even if no one sees it,” says Carolyn Mair, a behavioural psychologist and the author of The Psychology of Fashion. “Feeling confident can make us appear more physically attractive because we tend to stand, walk, speak and gesticulate differently.”

By taking time to adorn your body in something beautiful—whether it’s for you alone or shared with someone you trust—you’re sending a message that you deserve to feel confident, powerful, and beautiful.

The idea of wearing lingerie for yourself is part of the broader narrative of self-love and empowerment.

It allows you to reclaim your body, confront insecurities, and reshape how you feel about your form. Every time you put on a piece of lingerie that makes you feel confident, you reaffirm your right to love and appreciate yourself.