Lingerie as Outerwear for Pride

Shannon in TomboyX bra and boyshorts

A time of celebration, resistance, and community, Pride can also be an incredibly affirming experience for folks whose bodies, genders, and styles aren’t represented in the mainstream. What better time to show off some of the fun, glittery, and glamorous lingerie in your wardrobe?

Even better if you can support queer-owned businesses while you do it! I’ve included a number of queer-owned and explicitly queer-friendly lingerie companies here.

For me, Pride offers an opportunity to amplify my sparkly, colorful femme style – and to show off some skin. Here are four lingerie-as-outerwear looks that will take you from the parade to the parties. Just add glitter (and some sunscreen)!

Rainbow

Shannon in TomboyX soft bra and boyshorts

Let’s be honest. You won’t be out of place at Pride if you’re showing off your underwear! Why not sport some rainbows while you’re at it? I paired the TomboyX Rainbow Pride Boyshorts (XS-4X, $25) with the Plum Rainbow Soft Bra (XS-4X, $32). Top with a cut-out muscle tee to show off that rainbow stripe (similar from Asos, XXS-XXXL, $9.50)!

Knickerocker Bra and Panties, Asos top

Check out Knickerocker for many rainbow and unicorn-themed designs with a slightly more feminine feeling. Pair the Rainbow Frilly Knickers (S-XL, $48) and Bralette (S-XL, $68) with a loose white tank for a playful, textural look (14-24, $19).

Velvet

Shannon in Origami Customs top and cage bra and self-made trousers

Velvet isn’t just for the winter! For a glam look that goes from parade to party, top a pair of wide-legged lounge pants with a velvet bralette. Origami Customs made both my velvet top (XXS-5X or made to measure $52), and elastic cage bra harness (made to measure, $44, also at Bluestockings Boutique). I made my pants myself, but there are lots of ready-to-wear options available, like these from eShakti (0-36 or made to measure, $55). Top off with a broad-brimmed hat for glamour and sun protection, like this one from Target (in stores only).

Dottie's Delights lounge pants, Leda by Night bra and panties, Bawdy Love Clothing harness, and Asos hat

The Dottie’s Delights Hawa Lounge Pants (XS-3X, $133) have big impact on their own. Play with the textural effect by pairing them with the Cinnamon Sugar bralette and high-waisted knicker set (XXS-3X, $83) by Leda By Night. That combo would be glorious on its own, but even more dramatic topped off with the Zenobia Harness from Bawdy Love Clothing (made to measure, $105). Top it off with a floppy black straw hat (Asos, $35).

Neon

Shannon in a self-made binder and Old Navy overalls

This look might be simple, but it carries a big impact. Pick out a binder meant to be seen and let it shine under some cut-off overalls (similar, XS-XXL, $45). I made my binder, but there are some great queer-owned companies making binders in bold colors.

ReBirth Garments holographic binder, Shapeshifters pink binder, Old Navy overalls

Check out ReBirth Garments for many vibrant and graphic cropped binders, like the Holographic Net Sports Binder, in your choice of colors (made to measure, $85). For all-over glitter, try the Sparkle Explosion binder from Shapeshifters, in pink, black, or silver (made to measure, $50).

Sequins

Shannon in a Playful Promises bra and a self-made robe

Pride is the perfect time for sparkles! Top a pair of cut-off shorts with a sequin bra and drapey wrap. My sequin bra is the Playful Promises Tallulah (32-34 A-G, 36-38 B-G, 40-42 C-G, $39), which also comes in a mermaid-inspired green. I made my wrap, but for a similar floaty cut, try the Kaftan Dressing Gown Elizabeth from What Katie Did (one size, $80).

SimplyBe shorts, Bliss Bus Clothing crop top, Playful Promises robe

For a more graphic look, try the Sequin Keyhole Crop Top from Bliss Bus Clothing (XXS-5X or made to measure, $49), in your choice of color. A basic pair of dark-wash shorts keeps attention on the sparkle (6-28, $30). Top it with the Gabi Fresh Betty Sheer Tulle Robe from Playful Promises (12-24, $65) to maximize the impact of the cut-out back.

Happy Pride! What’s your favorite lingerie-as-outerwear look?