The top lingerie stores in Toronto go beyond the mass-market offerings at La Senza, Victoria's Secret and La Vie en Rose. True, these are popular lingerie stores for Canadian women but where in Toronto can you find boutiques with famous European brands like La Perla or local Canadian designers?
Here are my top 10 lingerie stores in Toronto.
Secrets from your Sister
Don't let the name fool you, this store is quite different from another famous "secret". The "fit mavens" will happily answer all of your questions, and ensure your selections are THE perfect fit for your body. A bra fitting can take up to 45 minutes, and a wide range of sizes -up to K cup- are available. Look out for fab UK brand Lascivious, the sexy German Fraulein Kink, and Toronto's own Fortnight Lingerie at their two locations.
Tryst Lingerie
A Queen Street favourite with a sister location on Eglinton West, this lingerie store occasionally turns into a party! For your ladies only events like bridal showers, or birthday, private shopping parties are available. Just in case you haven't heard, this is THE place to go for shape wear. Spanx are just the beginning. Slips, thigh control shorts, and padded underwear to um...enhance your behind are all available at Tryst.
Nearly Naked Lingerie
Wondering where to find flirty, vintage looking (not actually used! Ew!), pin-up girl style intimates? Did anyone say Princess Tam-Tam?! For local and eco-friendly underthings, try something from Yes World Boutique. Bra sizes range from in 29-44, and cups A-I, and the nylons rival the selection at American Apparel.
Bra Bar
Perhaps one of the most well decorated shops in Toronto. Stepping into Bra Bar is what I imagine to be like Bridgette Bardot's dressing room. Beautiful wooden drawers and floors, soft pink walls and pops of hot pink where appropriate; it is a hyper feminine atmosphere for selecting classy intimates. Fashion bras are the favourite here, but sports and maternity are also available.
Avec Plaisir
Exclusive, luxurious, and French. Avec Plaisir is a fabulous addition to any Yorkville shopping trip, especially if you are looking for sophisticated and dramatic pieces to add to your boudoir. Here you'll find detail rich corsets, feather topped robes, and statement pieces, boasting big names like Jean Paul Gautier, Eres, and La Perla Black Label.
Change
Another Queen Street West pick, this bright Scandinavian chain offers some fresh looks at great prices. Over 90 bra sizes are available, all in trendy prints and colours with panties to match. Swimwear is available too! Think the H&M of lingerie shops. A 10% off Club Change card is free with purchase, and with regular sales you can't go wrong.
Linea Intima
With 7 locations, Linea Intima is reaching out even beyond the GTA. Linea Intima offers unique services, with a focus on European brands. Services include bridal registry (perfect bachelorette or wedding shower gifts!), wardrobe consultation, and even a breast prostheses fitting service for women following a mastectomy. Their website emphasizes "this is one of the most important services we provide". Owner Liliana has even be featured on talk shows like Steven and Chris.
Sophia's Lingerie
The K cups at Secret's From Your Sister just won't cut it? Head over to Sophia's on the Danforth where the cups go up to L. A long-time favourite in Greektown, don't be fooled by the no frills interior. Sophia's bras range from basic at $30 - to chic designer labels at $300, and have been featured in many newspaper and magazine articles.
Beestung Lingerie de Femme
Sheer, lacy, and just the right amount frou-frou. This North York boutique welcomes you with soft warm light and feminine pieces in soft colours. After all, intimate apparel should be inviting. There is a wonderful selection of sleepwear, such as silk robes and rompers. Just in time for spring, Beestung is offering a wide range of bralettes and demibras for ladies with a smaller set in sheer pastels. Stella McCartney pieces are available here too!
Agent Provocateur
Splurge alert! This boutique situated inside Holt Renfrew is guaranteed to blow the budget with designs from the avant-guard French brand. This exquisite label is not for the faint of heart, and you won't find a sports bra here. Classics like dreamy bridal sets with white ruffles, to clingy black silk cut-out bodysuits, and fashion forward lime green neon knickers warrant a special occasion.
Writing by Natalie Famula. Photo by EyeEdiction Photography in the blogTO Flickr pool.