Contents
- 1 Products sampled during the Lemonade Dolls review
- 2 How the Lemonade Dolls review was conducted
- 3 The testers
- 4 The testing process
- 5 The verdict
- 6 What sets Lemonade Dolls apart from other lingerie brands?
- 7 Is Lemonade Dolls ethical?
- 8 Overall, would we recommend Lemonade Dolls?
Photo: Lemonade Dolls
In search of comfortable lingerie that feels and looks good?
We all know it’s a task that’s easier said than done.
And that’s why, when our editors spied the Lemonade Dolls ads splashed across social media channels, they were immediately intrigued by the innovative brand.
After all, a brand that’s dedicated to providing accurate sizing, supports female empowerment and is committed to producing sustainable products is worth a second look — right?
So we rounded up three editors of different body shapes, sizes and fit preferences to put the self-proclaimed ‘comfiest underwear ever’ to the test.
Read on for their in-depth Lemonade Dolls review.
Products sampled during the Lemonade Dolls review
Products tested by Anna Items tested by Kat
How the Lemonade Dolls review was conducted
At Best Buys, we take providing an accurate representation of a brand very seriously.
This is why three different editors were chosen to test the Lemonade Dolls products.
The testers
Anna Hecht, Editorial Director
Photo: Best Buys
Body type? Triangle.
‘I have wider set shoulders (thanks to years of competitive swimming) and a slimmer lower half (thanks to genetics!). When buying lingerie as a set, I’m usually most comfortable when I wear a size larger in the top than in the bottoms.’
Regular lingerie sizing? Size UK 8-10 bottoms, size 34C in bras.
What do you usually look for in a bra? Anna prefers to keep things natural, sharing, ‘In a bra, I usually go for very little padding. I like a comfortable, minimalist design that still offers support but doesn’t add bulk. Adjustable straps are also a must!’
What are your usual preferences when shopping for underwear? ‘For my knickers, I usually prefer something lacey and buttery soft that doesn’t pinch or squeeze anywhere. If a pair appears to run small, I will size up for comfort.
Kat Keener, Editorial Team Lead
Photo: Best Buys
Body type? Hourglass.
‘I have full hips and a large bust but my bra band size is smaller. When it comes to pants, I usually size up to avoid any annoying cut-ins from the waistband. That’s my biggest pet peeve! As for bras, it can be difficult to find a cup that suits me with the appropriate band size.’
Regular lingerie sizing? Size UK 14-16 bottoms, size 34DD in bras.
What do you usually look for in a bra? Kat is specific in her bra preferences, stating ‘My go-to is an unlined balconette bra. They work best for me and give me the right amount of coverage without worrying about spillage. And of course, I want to feel supported, whether I’m wearing a structured bra or a bralette.’
What are your usual preferences when shopping for underwear? ‘For day-to-day wear, I almost always opt for thong-style pants’, Kat says.
‘I prefer a wider elastic band that isn’t too tight so that it doesn’t cut into my sides. I can’t stand it when underwear waistbands ruin a smooth line or when you end up with a visible panty line (VPL).
Megan Smith, Editorial Team Lead
Photo: Best Buys
Body type? Hourglass.
‘I’ve got wide hips and a large bust with a smaller ribcage. It makes finding supportive bras challenging as it often means opting for the less pretty, underwired versions, rather than cute and comfy bralettes.’
Regular lingerie sizing? Size UK 8-10 bottoms, size 32DD in bras.
What do you usually look for in a bra? ‘I tend to be on the move a lot of the time and hate feeling unsupported, so I usually look for bras with underwires or a good underbust band,’ Megan says.
‘Thick straps and secure fastening are also a must, otherwise, the weight of my bust means the bra straps dig into my shoulders which, over the course of the day, gets pretty uncomfortable.’
What are your usual preferences when shopping for underwear? Like Kat, Megan usually opts for G-string or Brazilian-style knickers, as she admits she ‘hates' the look and feel of VPL.
‘As a regular at the gym and Pilates, I also find wearing knickers of other styles end up gathering and sticking to my workout wear. So, I was particularly relieved to see Lemonade Dolls offer a wide range of knicker styles and chose an ultra high-waisted Brazilian option.’
The testing process
Each editor browsed the Lemonade Dolls site to choose the products they felt would best suit their body shapes and style preferences.
The size charts were consulted, with each editor selecting the ones they felt were the closest matches.
It’s worth noting here, that Lemonade Dolls has very different sizing standards to most lingerie companies. Instead of using the conventional (and wildly inaccurate) sizing of the fashion industry, Lemonade has considered the true average sizes of UK women and based its charts on this.
For example, as outlined by the UK Fashion Network, the average size of women in the UK is a size 14-16. And, whilst many brands equate this to a size Large, the Lemonade Dolls size guide recognises this is the average size. Therefore, at Lemonade, a size 14-16 is a size Medium, creating the other sizes based on this.
Photo: Lemonade Dolls
We love this adjustment of size expectations, and it is just one of the ways Lemonade Dolls helps to empower women of all shapes and sizes. It’s a small thing but one that has a big impact on how shoppers feel when making a purchase.
Products tested by Anna
Photo: Lemonade Dolls
The Picot Lace Bralette Set
Members pay £30
Bra style: Bralette suitable for busts up to a D-cup.
Knickers style: Brazilian.
Anna tested: Bra in size Small, knickers in Extra Small and Small to try both.
Crafted from Lemonade Dolls’ signature stretch lace fabric, this set is designed with comfort and sensuality in mind.
With no wires, a three-row hook and eye closure, extra thick (completely recycled!) elastic band to ensure no digging in and adjustable shoulder straps, the bralette is as practical as it is sexy.
Meanwhile, the knickers offer an extravagance of their own. Featuring a suggestive yet flattering dipped waistband, scalloped lace edging and Brazilian (aka cheeky, mildly bare-bummed) coverage — they’re capable of making every woman feel like the goddess she is.
Anna’s experience with the products
Photo: Lemonade Dolls
Overall take on sizing?
‘As someone who normally wears a 34C, the size Small bra fits comfortably in both the band and cup size’, Anna states.
‘With adjustable straps, this bra can also be “altered” so that it lays just as it should across your shoulder and in the cup area.
‘For a non-wired bralette, this bra is far more supportive than many other styles I’ve tried. The thick elastic band below the bustline and adjustable straps make for a secure fit that doesn’t move about or slide out of position during the day. ‘The bottoms, on the other hand, have a thick elastic band along the waistline, so I would advise sizing up if you are often between sizes. Mine were a bit snug in the size Small, but I can still wear them and feel comfortable.’
How do the styles make you feel?
Sexy, is Anna’s answer.
‘In my book, very few things offer sex appeal like black lace lingerie.
‘Not only is the fabric of this set alluring but the fit and shape are extra flattering. I personally love how the knickers hit at the waist, creating a hip-hugging look that accentuates your curves.
‘And as for the bra, this design is darn near perfection, especially if you appreciate a non-wired bralette that still delivers support and coverage.’
Items tested by Kat
Photo: Lemonade Dolls
The Everyday Bralette
Members pay £18
Bra style: Bralette suitable for busts up to a D-cup.
Kat tested: Bra in size Medium.
Designed with versatility and daily wear in mind, this bralette is crafted from Lemonade Dolls’ signature super soft jersey-blend fabric, with a thick, branded underbust band.
Void of any wires, whilst still offering adjustable straps and a three-row hook and eye closure, it’s the perfect option for more casual days — or those less inclined to lace and ruffles. And it’s available in a number of colours.
We get serious ‘90s vibes from this style and could easily imagine pairing it with an open-checked shirt, vest, jeans and sneakers for a rebellious — yet, totally on-trend — street style.
Photo: Lemonade Dolls
The Everyday Fuller Cup Bra
Members pay £18
Bra style: Bralette suitable for busts DD-cup and up.
Kat tested: Bra in size Medium.
Like other Lemonade bralettes, the Everyday Fuller Cup Bra is also, wire-free however, being designed for larger busts its overall shape and features differ slightly to the regular fit.
To accommodate fuller busts, Fuller Cup Bralettes offer adjustable straps that are double the thickness, four-row hook and eye closures and double-layer panels for additional support. Plus, the high central seam at the front prevents any spillage.
It’s this extra care taken to ensure the cups provide ample coverage that really sets this bra apart from its counterparts.
Photo: Lemonade Dolls
The Everyday Cheeky Brief
Members pay £10.50
Knickers style: Cheeky cut.
Kat tested: Size Large.
Reminiscent of Calvin Klein’s iconic underwear design, these cheeky cut briefs are the perfect pair of knickers for daily wear, and are crafted from soft yet breathable cotton-jersey blend fabric.
Unlike many of the other styles featured on the Lemonade site, these knickers offer a mid-rise waistband (not ultra-high) that still flatters and accentuates all the right areas, without digging in.
Kat’s experience with the products
Photo: Lemonade Dolls
Overall take on sizing?
‘Everything fits rather well – better than I expected if I’m honest,’ Kat admits.
‘The Cheeky Briefs fit exactly how I like knickers to wear. I really love the way they fit and feel – they’ve ticked all the boxes for me.
‘I did size up in them, but, with how stretchy the material is and how comfortable the waistband feels, I bet a Medium would fit as well.
‘Both bra styles fit comfortably in size Medium, too.’
How do the styles make you feel?
Comfortable, is Kat’s answer.
‘The set I have in black (the Everyday Fuller Cup bra and Everyday Cheeky Brief) are made from stretch cotton-blend jersey.
‘And let me tell you, it’s so soft.
‘I wore this set on a recent long-haul flight and it was even better than wearing a comfy sports bra.
‘In terms of fit, as a gal who likes a good bit of support while out and about, even from a bralette, these bras didn’t give the lifted look I seek out.
‘That said, the Everyday Fuller Cup bra certainly gave me a bit more lift than the Everyday Bralette, but for how it wears and feels, I’d say the Everyday Fuller Cup bra still wears and feels like a bralette.
‘With both bras, I can tighten the straps a good amount, which certainly helps add a bit of lift.
‘I do love that the elastic band is super comfortable. It doesn’t cut in at the back at all and the straps of both bra types stay on my shoulders as I wear them.
‘While these bras won’t be my go-to under a fitted or more structured shirt, I am a big fan of them when lounging around the house or running errands (and catching flights) in my favourite oversized sweatshirt.
‘I also expect I’ll enjoy the Everyday Bralette as a fun holiday item to pack. It’ll pair well with oversized summer jumpers for casual beachside dinners.’
Products Megan tested
Photo: Lemonade Dolls
The Pink Picot Lace Fuller Cup Set
Members pay £30
Bra style: Bralette suitable for busts DD-cup and up
Knickers style: Brazilian
Megan tested: Bra in size Small, knickers in Extra Small
Similar in style to the Picot Lace Bralette set tested by Anna, the difference with this variation is that it’s designed for women with DD+ cup sizes. But how does the style differ?
Well, as with Kat’s Fuller Cup Bralette, this style is wire-free and features extra thick straps, double-layer mesh panels and a four-row hook and eye closure for further support, as well as a high central seam to prevent any spillage.
Photo: Megan Smith
As with the standard bralette set, this one also featured the super sexy V-shaped Brazilian knickers made from a soft polyamide and recycled elastics.
Megan’s experience with the products
Photo: Lemonade Dolls
Overall take on sizing?
‘The Lemonade underwear fits perfectly’, she says, ‘so I would definitely recommend a size Small for anyone a size 8-10. I hate it when waistbands dig in and, thankfully, this one doesn’t.
‘The bra is also really comfortable but I admit it is probably on the larger side for my bust. As someone with a DD-cup, I usually have the opposite problem and experience the dreaded “spilling” out the top and sides, so I was eager to try the larger cup styles from Lemonade Dolls.
‘The cup and straps are actually so generous in the Pink Picot Lace Fuller Cup Set that I should probably have opted for an Extra Small in the top — a novelty, to be sure!
‘While the style is definitely very comfortable, one drawback I found was the inability to tighten the straps further. If I’d been able to do this I think the fit would’ve been perfect — and definitely more supportive.’
How do the styles make you feel?
Sexy and secure, is Megan’s answer.
‘I’m not going to lie, I feel amazing in my set.
‘It might partly be the colours — I’m always a fan of a good pink and red lingerie set, but the quality of the fabric and the cuts are also just really comfortable, which is exactly what I was hoping for.
‘In terms of how flattering they are, I can’t fault the underwear. I feel sexy yet secure in them and love where they sit on my waist (just beneath my belly button).
‘However, I’m a little indifferent to the look of the bra.
‘It may just be that I’m not used to the look of a bralette versus a standard bra with an underwire, but I do prefer a little more lift — especially as someone with a larger bust.
‘While, by nature, bralettes tend to offer less lift, I do wonder if I’d feel differently wearing a smaller size.’
The verdict
So, how did our editors actually find the fit and feel of Lemonade Dolls? Were the bras and knickers as comfortable and sexy as they look online? Read on to find out.
Photo: Lemonade Dolls
Anna’s Lemonade Dolls review
‘If you’re after a supportive, flattering bralette that’s actually practical to wear daily, then you can’t go wrong with the Picot Lace Bralette and matching pants’, Anna states.
‘That said, if you are on the bustier side and don’t think this bra choice will cut it support-wise, Lemonade Dolls also offer Fuller Cup Bras that look just as cute, but do a bit more work.’
Kat’s Lemonade Dolls review
As someone who actually tried the Fuller Cup Bras, Kat’s take was an interesting one.
‘For the bras I tested, I would like them more for day-to-day wear if they either gave me a bit more shape or support. But I appreciate that that’s a tall order for a bralette.
‘But when it comes to the knickers, I wouldn’t change a thing. I love the way they fit and feel – they’re honestly my new favourites.’
Megan’s Lemonade Dolls review
A similar experience to that of Kat, Megan felt the Fuller Cup Bralette in a size Small offered minimal support.
‘If I could shorten the straps it would provide more lift and support, however, it’s not possible in this size. In hindsight, I probably should have downsized and would recommend trialling a few different sizes for first-timers to ensure you get the best fit’, she suggests.
Megan goes on to say, ‘’While more support is always the goal, I do still love this bra for lazy days around the house. They may be days spent in tracksuits or leggings, but at least I feel a little glammed up thanks to the pretty lingerie!’
What sets Lemonade Dolls apart from other lingerie brands?
Aside from its total commitment to creating a comfortable, strong and empowered community of women, Lemonade Dolls is an environmentally friendly brand with two very unique offerings:
1. It offers a Lemonade Dolls membership, whereby subscribers receive 25% off all items, as well as a hand-selected set or pair of knickers each month. And there’re no hidden fees or hooks, either. You only pay for the products you keep and can unsubscribe at any time.
Photo: Lemonade Dolls
2. The Lemonade Dolls returns policy is perfect, in that it offers FREE returns and exchanges. Yep. On lingerie.
What other lingerie brands do you know that offer this kind of stress-free shopping experience?
If you’ve been looking for a great value, sexy knicker subscription set in the UK that offers high quality, comfortable lingerie with an easy returns and cancellation policy — you’ve found it.
Is Lemonade Dolls ethical?
Lemonade Dolls pride itself on being a sustainable, ethically sourced brand. And we admit it’s one of the reasons we were drawn to the brand in the first place.
Not only does it donate a pair of knickers to female refugees every time a £30 purchase is made, but Lemonade Dolls also does its bit for the environment by
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Using recycled materials to create all elastic
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Not sending any returns to the landfill
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Consciously upcycles materials
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Ensuring all packaging is recyclable and environmentally friendly
Impressed? So are we.
Photo: Lemonade Dolls
Overall, would we recommend Lemonade Dolls?
To put it simply – yes, we would.
As Anna puts it, we’re ‘always up for supporting innovative brands that prioritise the needs and interests of women. And Lemonade Dolls does just that.
‘They carry sizes six to 24 with the sole focus on inclusivity for every body. Every bra Lemonade Dolls carries undergoes rigorous testing before it’s sold online, so that you don’t have to chance it when it comes to fit, feel or function.’
Kat agrees, stating ‘I was impressed by how well the band fit and the coverage offered by the cups’, and would recommend the styles if ‘you’re someone who likes an au-natural look but wants the added comfort of a bra.’
While none of the testers could fault the fit and feel of the knickers, both Kat and Megan agree that, as women with larger busts, ‘if you’re someone who needs a good bit of support from their bra, you might not love wearing the styles day-to-day’.
But they’re fabulous for lounging around home or when travelling long distances.
And, at the end of the day, Lemonade Dolls prides itself on being sustainable, using recycled materials, biodegradable packaging and upcycling wherever possible. Its styles, colours and shapes are cute and comfy and as a brand, it also donates underwear to refugees and is focused on promoting and empowering women of all sizes, shapes and skin tones.
What’s not to love about that?