Your Valentine's Day Underwear Can Affect Your Romantic Luck in 2025
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While some call it superstition, the color of your underwear on Valentine's Day can at least usher in the type of romantic luck you hope to cultivate in the year ahead. Renowned fashion psychologist Dr. Dawnn Karen, Professor at FIT, conducted a study on the power of red, surveying 115 people who were viewed differently based on their backgrounds and where on their body (or in their outfit) they wore the shade. While Dr. Karen didn't incorporate underwear specifically, she found the effect of red to be astounding, significantly impacting how passersby interpret someone's levels of promiscuity and attractiveness.
When asked about applying her findings to popular Valentine's Day lingerie colors — including red, pink, black, and white — Dr. Karen calls it a twofold street. "Wearing your underwear as an individual can have the same effects generating self-love as it can generating outwards love towards another," she says. Since choosing your bra, briefs, or bodysuit is a personal decision, we asked Dr. Karen to weigh in on the meaning behind all four hues so you can determine your mindset while selecting your underthings on Feb. 14, whether you wish to send a message to yourself or to a partner.
To put it simply, red is the most stimulating and seductive choice, pink is a reflection of kindness, black errs on the side of mystery, and white symbolizes purity in your relationships. But Dr. Karen breaks it down even further, unpacking the rationale behind carefully curating your intimates for the hallmark holiday. Ahead, we've applied her outlook to a shopping roundup of lingerie sets, arranged by color. Whether you're seeking a sporty boy short and bralette combination, a delicate lace teddy, a strappy garter and tights, or a whimsical, floor-length nightgown, there's sure to be a silhouette that speaks to both your intention and plans this Valentine's Day.
Experts Featured in This Article
Dr. Dawnn Karen is a professor at FIT and fashion psychologist.
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Red Valentine's Day Underwear Color Meaning: Red
Lane Bryant Lace Lined Full Coverage Bra ($53) and Lane Bryant No-Show Hipster Panty With Lace ($13)
According to Dr. Karen, red is a stimulant color, particularly in the areas of sexuality and sensuality. Even if you're only wearing red lingerie underneath your clothing, your confidence in these areas will likely shine through, attracting those around you to your passion. Wearing red underwear is said to draw romantic situations toward you, so on Valentine's Day, it's the choice for the least faint of heart.
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Red Valentine's Day Underwear: Fleur Du Mal Bondage Bodysuit
Fleur Du Mal Venus Lace Teddy Bodysuit ($295)
Fleur Du Mal's most high-cut bodysuit boasts luxurious silk straps that create a PJ-like design with a sexy flair.
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Valentine's Day Underwear Color Meaning: Pink
Savage X Fenty See Thru U Unlined Balconette Bra ($50) and Savage X Fenty See Thru U Garter Belt ($45)
Since pink is a slightly lighter shade than red but in the same color family, Dr. Karen associates it with more lightheartedness and playfulness. She calls it a "subdued stimulant" and suggests that you should choose the color if you want to usher in kindness on Valentine's Day.
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Pink Valentine's Day Underwear: Skims Set
Skims Picot Skimpy Scoop Bralette ($38) and Skims Fits Everybody Picot String Thong ($18)
The name says it all. This bralette and thong duo is designed to fit every body type while also accentuating curves in the best way.
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Pink Valentine's Day Underwear: Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Set
Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Shine Strap Lace Push-Up Bra ($50) Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Smooth Lace Shine Strap Thong Panty ($25)
We can always count on Victoria's Secret to deliver supremely comfortable intimates, and this push-up bra and panty pairing is no exception. The underwear staples are made all the more sultry with rhinestone chain straps and a lacy composition.
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Valentine's Day Underwear Color Meaning: Black
Agent Provocateur Pomona Nightdress ($260, originally $1,295)
Black suggests a more mysterious sort of love, so if you desire to have a deep effect on someone, this is the shade for you on Valentine's Day. Perhaps you're choosing not to expose how deeply you love or care for someone. Or maybe you're just in the mood to harbor your own dark secrets while you spend the night alone.
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Black Valentine's Day Underwear: Bombas Bralette and Brief Set
Bombas Ribbed Seamless Bralette and Bikini ($52, originally $58)
Looking for a set that's equally comfortable and cute? Look no further than this duo from Bombas. Made from a buttery soft modal, nylon, and elastane blend, you'll want to live in these intimates 24/7.
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Black Valentine's Day Underwear: Bluebella Seraphim Set
Bluebella Seraphim Wired Bra Black ($69) and Bluebella High-waist Thong Black ($38)
Treat yourself (or your partner) to a Valentine's Day look that they'll never forget with this sheer bra and thong combo. Unlike other styles, the bra is available to shop in a variety of back and cup sizes, so you'll have no problem finding your perfect fit.
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Valentine's Day Underwear Color Meaning: White
Mapale Lace Bralette & High Waist Panties Set ($39)
White is associated with purity and is the shade of untainted love on Valentine's Day. Since it's angelic and innocent in nature, it may also bode well with delicate embroidery or sensual materials such as satin or lace. Whether you're just protecting your heart this season or feeling fresh in your journey toward love, these white pieces will fare best.
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White Valentine's Day Underwear: Aerie Lace Set
Aerie Show-Off Rosey Lace Scoop Bralette ($40) and Aerie Show Off Rosey Lace Boyshort Underwear ($15)
Made from a delicate lace material, these pieces ooze an ethereal charm which makes them perfect to wear on your wedding night or while celebrating an anniversary.
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White Valentine's Day Underwear: Lace Bodysuit
Gooseberry Intimates Mon Cheri Long-Sleeve Bodysuit ($125)
We have major heart eyes for this long-sleeve bodysuit, which (despite its full coverage design) shows just enough skin to create a playful and utterly unforgettable look.
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— Additional reporting by Kyley Warren
Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the associate director of Shopping at PS. With plenty of experience in the commerce market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.
Kyley Warren (she/her) is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.