Your Valentine's Day Underwear Can Affect Your Romantic Luck in 2026

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, former 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 number, or a strappy bodysuit, there's sure to be a silhouette that speaks to both your intention and plans this Valentine's Day. Why not embark on some self-gifting to kick off the year on the right foot? In This Post Red Valentine's Day Underwear Meaning Pink Valentine's Day Underwear Meaning Black Valentine's Day Underwear Meaning White Valentine's Day Underwear Meaning Our Favorite Valentine's Day Underwear: A Victoria's Secret thong with an interactive bow: Victoria's Secret Adore Me Gynger Bikini Panty at $13 Boyshorts for the bohemian queen: Intimately Last Dance Lace Boyshorts at $16 Powder-pink lace Brazilian panties: Savage X Fenty Romantic Corded Lace Brazilian Panties at $17-$25, originally $23-$25 An Amazon bestseller at the optimal price: Lilosy Embroidered Mesh Sheer Lingerie Set at $20 The trusty Calvin Klein boyshorts that won't steer you wrong: Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Boyshort Panty at $24 A Sinful Rose Savage X Fenty print we've fallen madly in love with: Savage X Fenty Sinful Rose Lace Briefs at $25 If you like playful polka dots: For Love & Lemons UO Exclusive That's Amore Polka Dot Thong at $29 A sleek black thong with a picot trim: Gooseberry Intimates Mon Cheri Thong Black at $30 An angelic bodysuit: Lulus Next Level Sultry White Sheer Lace Cutout Bodysuit at $45 White panties with a pure, simple message: For Love & Lemons Ella Cheeky Panty at $49 A cherry-print Skims bodysuit — need we say more?: Skims Stretch Lace Scoop Neck Bodysuit at $68 Pink floral embroidery meets cutouts: Lounge Camellia Bodysuit at $110 A ruby-red playsuit with adjustable straps: Thistle and Spire Minna Playsuit at $118 Experts Featured in This Article Dr. Dawnn Karen is a former professor at FIT, founder of the Fashion Psychology Institute, and fashion psychologist.