Panty raid

BROOKLYN  |  LOWER EAST SIDE  |  SOHO/NOLITA  |  EAST VILLAGE/GREENWICH VILLAGE  |  UNION SQUARE  |  MEATPACKING DISTRICT  |  MIDTOWN/HELL'S KITCHEN  |  UPPER EAST SIDE  |  UPPER WEST SIDE

Soho/Nolita

Agent Provocateur
Trick yourself out like a retro pinup at this cheeky English firm’s pink-and-black flagship. Cofounded by Joe Corre, the son of designer Vivienne Westwood and Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren, AP is known for its slightly frisky designs such as beribboned garter belts ($90–$300) and “playsuits,” pasties and matching strappy bondage-esque thongs ($40–$200). Those with tamer tastes can indulge in pure silk stockings ($55), ruffled satin panties ($70) and culty beauty products (starting at $40). 133 Mercer St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-965-0339)

Jean Yu
Minimalists in search of a much-needed alternative to big-box stores can end their quest at this light-filled, pint-size boutique. The Korean-born designer’s handmade adornments (from $328) resemble transparent origami (Comme des Garçons designer Rei Kawakubo is a fan). If you require a bit of support, you might want to look elsewhere as Yu’s chiffon and silk creations lack underwire and structured cups. 37 Crosby St between Broome and Grand Sts (212-226-0067)

Kiki de Montparnasse
Man Ray’s lover serves as the muse for this sleek, high-end emporium, which is part sex shop, part lingerie boutique. The art-filled joint features spacious changing rooms with dimmer switches so you can see how your corset ($345 and up) will look in candlelight. Scads of vibrators ($75–$1,500 for 18-karat goldplated styles), whips ($150–$1,500) and, yes, crotchless panties ($125) are all up for grabs alongside slinky sleepwear ($295–$695) that might be mistaken for Jil Sander when worn outside the bedroom. 79 Greene St between Broome and Spring Sts (212-965-8070)

Mixona
Break out of your granny-panty habit with the medley of everyday designs and fantasy-worthy goods on hand. In the bright-white, inviting space, long racks display colorful styles (starting at $28) from more than 30 brands like comfy bikinis from Cotton Club and posh special-occasion sets from Dolce & Gabbana and Leigh Bantivoglio. 262 Mott St between E Houston and Prince Sts (646-613-0100)

Pull-In
Sure, sporting boxers ($40–$60) with streetwear-inspired prints (think skulls, koi fish and even cows) might seem a bit over-the-top, but the French company’s sleek black flagship serves up more sophisticated, sultry fare. Our pick: lace bralettes ($59–$69) and boy shorts ($32–$50), star-adorned leggings ($59–$69) and vibrantly colored boxer briefs ($35). 252 Elizabeth St between E Houston and Prince Sts (212-966-8914)

NEXT »