Underwear upgrades for 2026

Posted by SOCKSHOP

With the year still feeling new and spring around the corner, it’s a great time to refresh your underwear. As the weather warms up and layers come off, it’s nice to know your underwear is new, well-fitting and on trend.

Here are our tips for hitting the right note with your underwear this year:

Make sure your underwear fits and is comfortable

You can’t be at your best if your bra is baggy or your pants are pinching. Self-care also extends to making sure your underwear fits and is comfortable, so give your smalls drawer a spring refresh this year. Try everything on in front of the mirror and be honest with yourself if it’s too tight, too loose, or getting a bit threadbare.

If you’re looking for extreme comfort from your underwear and loungewear, bamboo is a big trend right now, and for good reason. It’s soft, comfortable, anti-bacterial and thermo-regulating. Many people are switching to its softness with bamboo socks, bamboo loungewear and bamboo knickers, boxers or briefs.

And for a luxe upgrade, why not treat yourself to some new designer underwear in the form of Calvin Klein, Sloggi or Pringle.

Get on top of the trends

For 2026, bright colours and bold prints are bang on trend and we have lots of inspiration for you, whether you want to give a subtle nod with Charnos leopard print tights in a sheer black, or go all out with a pair from the Happy Socks collection.

90s nostalgia continues with the retro trend for thongs peeking out above jeans look making a comeback. If you’re keen to join the trend, Sloggi have a great Free Evolve string lace thong in a range of colours and sizes.

Remember to upgrade your sports socks too

A 2026 underwear upgrade extends to your sports activities and hobbies too. You’d have more chance of keeping those fitness goals with high-performing and well-fitting socks and underwear, like Glenmuir's sports performance trunks.

• Football fan? These Totes Gripper Sports Socks are designed to increase stability and speed.
• Horse-rider? These highly breathable bamboo riding boot socks contain insulating merino wool that’s ethically sourced.
• Gym bunny? These Reebok fitness socks help support circulation and muscle recovery.

Consider the switch to period pants

Have you been meaning to try period underwear for a while? Hit your goal this year and feel great about being more eco-friendly. Plus, you’ll save money over time by not buying disposable period products every month.

We have a large range of stylish and affordable period and leakproof underwear to choose from including:

• Sloggi hipster period pants
• Love Luna lady leaks workout briefs
• Love Luna period bikini briefs in mocha, leopard, and black

For the keen swimmers out there, we also have a range of period swimming costumes from Love Luna including:

• one-piece period swimming costume
• period swimming briefs
• period swimming squad one-piece

FAQs

What are the 2026 trends in underwear?

Bold underwear is in fashion this year as bright, neon and clashing colours and prints hit the catwalks. Embrace vibrant neon with Sloggi's Zero Feel seam free bralette in wine, or show your love for the bold prints with Wildfeet men's checkered trunks. 

The no-bra or minimal bra look is another trend that’s continuing for this year, with cute options including the Ambra organic cotton wire free bra and Sloggi's Free Evolve lace push up bra.

What are the most comfortable socks?

Being comfy is always in fashion. If you’re looking for the most comfortable socks, that are still stylish, why not try these women’s wool cashmere blend cosy socks in a range of colours including pink and camel.

Or, if you prefer something with a looser top, try these mohair ribbed knit comfort cuff true socks. Available in red or toffee, they have a softer top are great for both business and leisure.

Is lingerie as outer wear still a big trend?

Yes, sheer and see-through clothing is still popular, so your lingerie is as important as the rest of your outfit. A good choice under any outfit, particularly if it’s strapless, is a Powerlite Bandeau Bodysuit from Ambra in black or rose beige. 

If you prefer to try out the sheer trend on your feet, Wildfeet have a fun collection of pelerine pop socks with hearts, spots and flowers. You could even combine the animal print trend and the sheer trend, with these Charnos leopard print ankle socks featuring an opaque all-over leopard print on a sheer background.